New York International Auto Show

Jaguar XKR-S GT

Jaguar’s R performance brand completes 25 years and what better way to celebrate it than launch the most focused road-going version of its supercar, the XK. The XKR-S GT joins the new XJR at the New York motor show.

Inclusions like a carbon fiber front splitter, extended wheel arch spats, a large fixed rear wing and a rear diffuser make it aerodynamically perfect. And it needs to be perfect, because at its heart is a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine producing 542bhp. With the six-speed auto box, the GT is capable of doing 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds. Its 0.3 seconds quicker than the standard XKR and is capable of doing 320 km/h.

The XKR-S GT is the first Jaguar to get carbon ceramic brake discs. Besides that, adjustable front and rear suspension systems have been added to the package. Only 30 of these will be made and most of them for the US market, but Jaguar don’t deny that UK and other markets can be considered if there’s a demand for the car there.

Audi A3 Sedan

Audi of America officially unveiled the all-new 2015 Audi A3 sedan at New York. The new sedan, expected in the US in early 2014, will bring new innovative technologies never before seen in the entry-level sedan segment. There will be various engine specifications available that include diesel and petrol engines, and a high performance S3 with a high-output 2.0 TFSI. In terms of technology, the all new A3 sedan will come with features that are usually seen on larger luxury sedans, such as the MMI interface, Audi drive select, 4G LTE technology and an optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. Even on the base variants of the A3 you will find equipment such as rain sensing wipers, Audi pre sense basic and a panoramic glass sunroof. No doubt then, that if the A3 is equipped with all these features, the competition needs to seriously step up its game. All the engines are expected to feature the standard 6-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission, which provides the driver immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure.

Range Rover Sport

It is a known fact that Land Rover sells more Range Rover Sports in New York than any other metropolitan area in the world, and it didn’t require a second guess when the company unveiled its all-new Range Rover Sports there. To start with, the new model has had to undergo a massive diet programme and is now 420kgs lighter than the current car, and to add to all of that, this will be the first time that a seven-seat option will be offered in the RR Sport.

The outgoing model was based on the Discovery, but the new Sport is closely related to the latest version of the Range Rover. Land Rover claims that about 75% parts in this new car are unique, which influences the way it looks and feels. Available with a 503bhp 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine, and a 288bhp 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine, the Range Rover Sport will have air suspension and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system as standard.

Also on offer will be two four-wheel-drive systems; one with a low-range option, 50:50 default torque split, and, locking capability more suited to those who like driving it more off-road than on-road. On the inside, the cabin is wider and now offers more legroom than its predecessor. All in all, it will be a treat for those who like to live king size, just inches off the ground.

Subaru WRX Concept

There have been WRX’s and there will always be, at least till Japanese automaker Subaru runs the show. But if you are betting on this one to make it into production, then I must say you will be a little hasty in doing so. Subaru’s WRX concept merely hints at the future design direction of its World Rally Championship-inspired cars. Having quit WRC in 2008, Subaru’s WRX line of cars has always been more capable than what one bargained for.

For those who could not afford the Lamborghini’s and Ferrari’s, WRX offered them a path to become one with what drivers enjoy best – speed and performance. This WRX concept will continue in the same vein - horsepower, four-wheel drive, turbochargers, independent suspension and incredible handling. Subaru hasn’t revealed anything about this car but with the WRX already having a huge cult following around the world, will this concept be forced into production is something that will be interesting to see.

CLA 45 AMG

Mercedes Benz is known to be a segment creator. They have done so in the past with the G55 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG, and now they have done it again with the CLA 45 AMG. The CLA 45 AMG made its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show and it looks pretty awesome. Not only does the car look good but it is also the most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder production car on the planet. It comes with an all-new 2.0 litre turbo engine that can produce 360bhp and almost 450Nm of torque. The car can race from 0-100kmph in just 4.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 250kmph, which is electronically limited.  As is the case with all eight and twelve-cylinder engines, the new AMG four cylinder turbo engine is hand-built in Affalterbach according to the traditional AMG philosophy of “one man, one engine”. The car also borrows some characteristics from the SLS AMG such as the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports dual clutch transmission.

Jaguar XJR

Jaguar expands its R performance line-up with the global debut of the XJR at the 2013 New York International Automobile Show. With a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering 542bhp, and bespoke chassis and aerodynamic developments, Jaguar says that the XJR is the most focused, agile, and responsive XJ ever made.

This super saloon will combine the two worlds of luxury and performance and as Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar puts it, “The new XJR epitomises the three pillars of technology, performance and contemporary design.”

Jeep Cherokee

With Jeep all set to enter the Indian market we take a look at the all-new Jeep Cherokee that was recently launched at the New York Auto Show. Although this car won’t make it to India just yet, we can be rest assured that its time will come soon after the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler make their way to our shores. The overall design of the Cherokee has been drastically changed and it hardly looks like an American SUV anymore, in fact it looks more like a European offering. The car uses the Dodge Dart platform, allowing it to shed close to 180 kilograms over its predecessor. There will be two engine options available. The first is a 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol while the second option is a 3.2 litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine that can pump out 267bhp and 316Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The suspension setup features an independent front and rear suspension setup and there will also be 3 different 4-wheel drive systems (read more about it in our Jeep preview on page 84). The interiors get a fresh twist as well, and feature a Full-colour 7-inch reconfigurable LED instrument cluster and a Uconnect 8.4-inch colour touchscreen media centre that can accessed via mobile phone.

Shelby 1000

An American muscle car on steroids, that’s exactly what the Shelby 1000 is. Caroll Shelby must be turning in his grave knowing that he will never get to drive one of these outrageous machines. The Shelby 1000 is the most powerful Shelby ever built and it is based on the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500, only, this car has been custom built with the finest high performance components available today.  Only a limited number of this car will be manufactured and the street legal version will pump out a massive 950bhp from the re-engineered 5.4 litre V8 engine. There will also be a track version available that will create almost 1,100bhp for the truly maniacal enthusiast. Existing owners of the Shelby GT500 can send their cars to the company, and they will rebuild them into Shelby 1000s. Some of the parts that get replaced or added on include a supercharger with inlet pipe, twin plate throttle body, pistons, rings, twin clutch and flywheel kit, brake upgrade, suspension upgrade, high performance tyres, and carbon fibre overlay kit, just to name a few. The upgrade will cost $150,000 dollars, and if you don’t already own a GT500, then you can buy a brand new Shelby 1000 for a price tag of $200,000.