2013 New York Auto Show Preview

This years New York Auto Show marks the end of car show season – we won’t be treated to another one until the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Like the Geneva show that preceded it, this one will be crossover and hybrid heavy, with a sprinkling of American muscle thrown in for good measure.

Acura MDX – Acura’s venerable Japanese alternative to the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 gets a new look, a slightly revamped V6 engine and the same SH-AWD system as the previous generation. An FWD only model will be added as a concession to Sunbelt states, but it’s hard to think of a real reason to buy one over the rest of the competition. Perhaps our own CJinSD can help us out.

Audi A3 Sedan – A massively important product for Audi, the A3 sedan will replace the beloved but slow selling hatchback, and provide Audi with a rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLA and BMW 320i. Ironically, it will be about the same size as the B5 A4 that captured the hearts of Americans over a decade ago.

Buick LaCrosse/Regal – Buick’s two core sedans get cosmetic refreshes and some minor changes under the skin. Not much else is known.

Cadillac CTS – They ATS may have been ready to take on the world according to Cadillac’s ad campaign, but the CTS is going to be an important car for Cadillac in China. The toned-down styling, which doesn’t sit well with Chinese consumers, is the best example of how the car was tailored to local tastes. The big news over here is the twin-turbo V6, making 420 horsepower.

Chevrolet Camaro – A refresh for Chevrolet’s muscle car is due, while rumors of some performance upgrades continue to swirl.

Dodge Durango – Dodge’s big SUV gets an 8-speed automatic and some styling tweaks, to match its sibling, the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Honda Odyssey – A refresh for Honda’s minivan, including a long awaited 6-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti QX60 Hybrid – The JX35 is no more. Instead, we have the QX60, along with a new hybrid model using a 2.5L 4-cylinder supercharged engine to eeke out a few more miles per gallon from Infiniti’s three-row crossover.

Jeep Cherokee – The most controversial debut of the show will be the all-new, car-based Jeep Cherokee. A 3.2L V6, a 9-speed automatic and some new variants will be shown in the flesh.

Kia Soul – Kia’s popular compact hatchback will get its first redesign, and the new car will be a tough act to follow, given the success of the current Soul. No word on powertrains or styling, but this one is expected to continue using the Rio platform.

Range Rover Sport – The 3/4 size Range Rover makes its debut, with styling and powertrains cribbed from its big brother – expect the 3.0L supercharged V6 and 5.0L V8 to be offered.

Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG – Remember that sweet Mercedes A45 AMG hatchback that debuted in Geneva? Our hostility to hatchbacks means that we’re getting a sedan version of that same car. Essentially it is the A45’s running gear with a CLA body on top.

Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid – The QX60 Hybrid, in some dressed-down duds.

Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid – Subaru hasn’t released any details on their first hybrid, save for a photo of a green XV Crosstrek.

Toyota Highlander – ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz