NYIAS 2013: New and Notable

Well this is one is a bit late, about two weeks or so over due.  Nevertheless, I have to post some impressions of the NYIAS 2013 (even though I didn't make it to the show this year) as it is a major show and there were some very interesting cars shown.  Well onto my impressions:

Audi A3 Sedan

Like Mercedes with the CLA, Audi has stepped into the growing compact luxury sedan market.  With three initial engine choices (two gas and one diesel), available Quattro AWD and a hotter 300hp S3 showing up later I think Audi likely has a winner here.  Sadly a manual transmission will not be offered on any model and the versatile A3 Hatchback will return later as a plugin hybrid.  With the ILX, CLA, and now the A3 sedan, the compact luxury segment is becoming very interesting.

WRX Concept

Subaru showed a preview of the upcoming WRX sedan and it looks utterly fantastic.  Subaru stated a while back that the Impreza and WRX would become separate lines and this concept seems to confirm that. I suspect that there is no way the massive brakes, stylized mirrors, and aggressive body work will make past the concept.  I expect that the FA20 DIT will be powering the production version and that a 6-speed manual will be the transmission offered.

Cadillac CTS

With the new ATS matched up against the 3-Series, Cadillac is now able to focus the once middling CTS squarely on the 5-series.  With the 2014 CTS that is exactly what Cadillac will be doing.  I think the new CTS looks great, well at least from the front and side, I prefer the rear styling of the current model.  Styling aside, the real excitement will be coming from the available engines, specifically the new 420hp twin turbo charged 3.6L V6 in the Vsport trim.  With the ATS, XTS, and now the CTS it is really nice to see Cadillac step things up.

Jaguar XJR

Those in the market for rapid executive transport will have a new option.  The 2014 XJR adds serious performance to what in my opinion is already a very nice luxury sedan.  With a supercharged 5.0L V8, this big cat should be seriously quick while still providing outstanding levels of luxury.  Certainly an excellent alternative to the S63 AMG, S8, or Alpina B7.

 VW GTI

The MKVII GTI made its North American debut at the NYIAS this year.  Odds are good that the next gen GTI will build on its existing strengths and continue to be a very good mix of performance, refinement, handling, and versatility.  I'm hoping that VW will offer a GTD variant this time.