New Cars from NYIAS

[G.Irish]

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.



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.

[CaptainHenreh]

WRX looks way better than the "render" and might work pretty well as a wagon. Pending confirmation of the idiotic "e-charger", I'm willing to give it a tentative thumbs up.

[G.Irish]

I've been reading rumors about at least 3 manufacturers trying some sore of electric-driven turbo. From using stored hybrid battery power to spool up the turbos to using wastegate pressure to drive an electric generator. On one hand it could lead to groundbreaking performance, but I just feel like too much complexity is only going to end in tears.

[SlimKlim]

That WRX concept has hips. Something tells me dat ass won't make it to the production version though.

I really like the S3, I have a feeling the CLA and A3 will sell well in urbanish, financially-oriented areas like NOVA. It seems like a majority of consumers around here want 1.) A pretentious badge 2.) a payment they can almost afford 3.) not a hatchback because they look like a wagon which is lame. People will gobble up a small sedan with the right badge and price tag.

I hope they do well, maybe it will motivate BMW to design a 4-door 1-series and we'll get the original BMW sports sedan back.

[G.Irish]

I don't think BMW is going to make a 4-door 1-series but if they did it probably would sell a decent amount. I would just hope they don't base the front end off the hideous 1 series hatchback that's in other markets. Saw a few in Panama and :vomit:

I do think the forthcoming 2 series will kick both the CLA and A3 in the teeth. Only thing that sucks is that BMW most likely won't release the M2 at the same time. When I asked the Benz guy about the CLA45 he said that they felt it was important to have the halo vehicle right away to really sell the regular model. I wholeheartedly agree with him. Seems like Audi agrees too, since the S3 will be out next year.

[D_Eclipse9916]

S3 is BAD ASS. Although knowing me, I would never buy it. Prefer a used C63. Anyways.. Whats with the WRX's double-hip belt. Looks hideous. I like everything else about it.

[HAULN-SS]

new wrx looks like doodoo to me. It kind of reminds me of an angular version of the outgoing eclipse

[CaptainHenreh]

That WRX concept has hips. Something tells me dat ass won't make it to the production version though.

Honestly, the car doesn't look very "concept-y". The XV "concept" made it to production pretty much right as it was shown. Maybe this will be the same.

[G.Irish]

If I had to guess, the headlights will probably be toned down significantly, some of the curves may be muted, smaller wheels, and no carbon fiber roof (at least for the regular WRX).

The thing I wonder is, are they going to be able to keep the WRX in the same price range if they go to a unique platform? Although I guess if it gets a big enough bump in performance people won't care.

[Apoc]

Weren't all euro S3's three door? IMO, it would work much better as a 3, than a 4 or 5. If you can fit 5 doors, it's too damn big to be called an S3.

[CaptainHenreh]

The thing I wonder is, are they going to be able to keep the WRX in the same price range if they go to a unique platform? Although I guess if it gets a big enough bump in performance people won't care.

I....doubt the platform is all that "unique". I'm thinking Forester vs Impreza, for example. FHI certainly made a fortune doing that.

[G.Irish]

So apparently it's a variant of the Impreza platform. So instead of the WRX being an Impreza with better suspension and a hot engine, it's a car that starts with the same platform but is a different car. Kind of like how the RSX was built off the Civic.

Interview with WRX concept lead engineer:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/2013-new-york-auto-show/nyias-subaru-wrx-concept-masuda-interview">http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/2 ... -interview</a><!-- m -->

[FlaakCM]

If they make the WRX STi (I say STi because I wish I wouldve gone with it from the start instead of the WRX) concept as it is shown here, ill buy one and turn the GV 2012 WRX into a track box.

[Jake]

That WRX looks massive. Maybe it's just the angle of the photo.

I dig it though.

[Evan]

I like it, very sleek and sporty, but I have to ask why? The WRX has always been an upright rally car that is equal parts fun and utility. This car gives up much of the utility of the wrx, and on top of that subaru already has a sleek sports car in the BRZ.

really though, its just a WRX-ified version of the 2010 impreza concept
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/subaru-impreza-concept-la-2010/">http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/suba ... t-la-2010/</a><!-- m -->


and the 2012 impreza didnt turn out like that concept, so I wouldnt expect the next WRX to turn out like this concept either.

[Evan]

If they make the WRX STi (I say STi because I wish I wouldve gone with it from the start instead of the WRX) concept as it is shown here, ill buy one and turn the GV 2012 WRX into a track box.

after your girlfriends approval right?
better put in your application now hock: :wink:

[BLINGMW]

That WRX looks massive. Maybe it's just the angle of the photo.

'06 STI 14.5' long, 5.5' wide, 3165 lbs
'12 STI 15' long, almost 6' wide, 3400 lbs
'15 I'm going to guess 15.5' long, 6.5' wide, 3600 lbs
Hey, it's almost as big as a Camaro!
I know another boosted AWD vehicle with about the same specs, it's called a Toyota Previa. Ok to be fair it was 3800 lbs and maybe a little less horsepower. I always knew the sport compact car world would finally come around to that sweet sweet package. Maybe the 2020 STI will be there.
That's how cars work.

FWIW I think it looks pretty awesome.

That S3 looks like a boring pod.

[FlaakCM]

If they make the WRX STi (I say STi because I wish I wouldve gone with it from the start instead of the WRX) concept as it is shown here, ill buy one and turn the GV 2012 WRX into a track box.

after your girlfriends approval right?
better put in your application now hock: :wink:

Ouch town.

[davej]

diggin the wrx and s3, but my first impression was hey cool, they brought back the b5 s4

[G.Irish]

Yeah you're right, it is kind of a throw back. I don't know why the hell Audi didn't bring it out on the auto show floor. On one hand I thought maybe they were just being cheap but they built a fucking two story booth with free catering. I'd like to think they have the money. Maybe they're just trying to build buzz :roll: