Itching for a James Bond-like sports car of your own? Whether you’re in the market for a shiny new toy or just like gazing longingly at these glistening feats of engineering, you’ll be sure to see some of the most hotly anticipated 2014 models at this winter’s crop of auto shows.
We gazed into our crystal ball for some clues about which hyped new models will be on display at 2013’s biggest motor shows. From luxurious supercars only the super rich can afford to futuristic green vehicles that are easier on Mother Nature, we can’t wait to see what the shows have in store.
Our Most Anticipated Cars Of 2014
Auto Show Crystal Ball
1. Ferrari’s next Enzo. There has been much speculation about the Italian luxury carmaker’s latest incarnation, set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. Observers are most excited about the F1-derived KERS hybrid system paired with a V12 engine, which Ferrari has never done before. Renderings and spy video of the mystery car circulating in the blogosphere depict a sleek, remarkably low-to-the-ground body that was undoubtedly designed with aerodynamics in mind.
2. 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette. Industry pundits are predicting the latest Corvette will be a sleeker version of the 2013 model, with a double-bubble roof. Despite rampant rumours that the new Corvette would sport a mid-engine layout, purists will be relieved to hear that Chevy is likely going to keep the traditional front engine and rear transaxle setup.
3. 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish. It’s the new Aston Martin flagship, so you just know it’s going to be good. The iconic British automaker is calling the Vanquish “the ultimate expression of art and technology.” It boasts a new version of Aston Martin’s 6-litre V12 engine, Carbon-fibre bodywork and an adaptive dampening system.
4. Porsche 918 Spyder. Auto aficionados will finally be able to behold Porsche’s first plug-in hybrid car. Eco-conscious adrenaline junkies are in luck: the Spyder may be green, but it doesn’t skimp on performance. It marries electric motors with a high-performance combustion engine to deliver over 770 hp of horsepower. No wonder Porsche is calling it “the super sports car of tomorrow.”
5. 2014 Cadillac ELR. We first got a peek at Cadillac’s much anticipated hybrid model when it was featured as a concept car at the Detroit auto show way back in 2009. The Converj, as it was known then, actually scooped up the ‘Best Concept Vehicle of 2009’ title as part of the show’s Eyes on Design Awards. Many are speculating that next year will be the year Cadillac finally unveils the eco-friendly future car. It purportedly borrows the Chevy Volt’s propulsion system while maintaining signature Cadillac features such as the trapezoid grille.
6. 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLC. This hot little number is expected to give the Porsche 911 a run for its money. It probably won’t have gull-wing doors, but it will likely sport a light Carbon fibre frame and a V8 engine.
7. 2014 Smart ForTwo. Smart manufacturer Daimler has teamed up with French automaker Renault to build the follow-up to its Smart ForTwo model. The next generation is expected to debut at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt next fall, with features like full-electric variant and three-cylinder gas and diesel engines.
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