03-28-2013, 01:09 PM
Just got back from the autoshow last night, went to help cover the MDX unveil (and Odyssey minor model change). There wasn't a whole lot of exciting stuff there this time (usually NY doesn't have a lot of big unveils) but there were a few enthusiast cars on tap.
Mercedes showed the new CLA45 AMG. I kinda wish I had talked with one of the engineers when I had chance but it's not really a car I would buy anyway. Chatted with one of the other Benz guys about who their target customers are and why they brought out the AMG version right away. Mostly so I could tell the Acura people what they're doing wrong later.
![[Image: Mercedes-CLA45-AMG-Front-Side-View.jpg]](http://speedmagz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Mercedes-CLA45-AMG-Front-Side-View.jpg)
The version they had at the show had some extra carbon fiber trim pieces that made it look a little nicer but the CLA45 doesn't really look different than the regular CLA. Kind of disappointing for something that costs $47k.
I was been more interested in the Audi S3 but they weren't showing that until today. It'll be $39k and 300 hp but don't know how much it'll weigh. Personally I would've preferred the 5 door but maybe Audi didn't sell enough 5-door A3's in the last generation.
![[Image: 2014-audi-s3-sedan.jpg]](http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2014-audi-s3-sedan.jpg)
Either way, the S3 is a cool idea, although I'd probably never get one.
Annnddd the new WRX:
![[Image: subaru-wrx-concept-ny.jpg]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/subaru-wrx-concept-ny.jpg)
I think it's the first WRX concept that I've totally liked from the start. Only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have gold wheels. I must admit I didn't really believe the WRX was gonna get its own platform (and maybe it didn't really) but if this is the direction they're going, sign me up.
Mercedes showed the new CLA45 AMG. I kinda wish I had talked with one of the engineers when I had chance but it's not really a car I would buy anyway. Chatted with one of the other Benz guys about who their target customers are and why they brought out the AMG version right away. Mostly so I could tell the Acura people what they're doing wrong later.
The version they had at the show had some extra carbon fiber trim pieces that made it look a little nicer but the CLA45 doesn't really look different than the regular CLA. Kind of disappointing for something that costs $47k.
I was been more interested in the Audi S3 but they weren't showing that until today. It'll be $39k and 300 hp but don't know how much it'll weigh. Personally I would've preferred the 5 door but maybe Audi didn't sell enough 5-door A3's in the last generation.
Either way, the S3 is a cool idea, although I'd probably never get one.
Annnddd the new WRX:
I think it's the first WRX concept that I've totally liked from the start. Only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have gold wheels. I must admit I didn't really believe the WRX was gonna get its own platform (and maybe it didn't really) but if this is the direction they're going, sign me up.
2018 Ducati Panigale V4
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com