Experience This Year's New Car Standouts at the 2013 New York Auto Show

NEW YORK--March 13, 2013: As New York becomes the center of the automotive universe for the 10-day run of the New York International Automobile Show, it is time to celebrate the love of cars. For starters, there are the press conferences where thousands of journalists from all over the world come to see the latest vehicle unveilings from the automakers. Then, just two days later, the Show opens to the public for its annual automobile extravaganza where in addition to dozens of vehicles that have never been seen before, we have the largest number of scorching-hot new 2013/14 models ever assembled under one roof.

"2013 is quite simply the best year for new cars and trucks that we have ever seen. There have never been more vehicles for people to choose. Automakers are now offering more body styles, engine types, technology variants, and convenience options than ever before. And each one features quality and technology enhancements unmatched by any previous generation of vehicles," said Show Chairman John LaSorsa.

"So, whether you're in the mood for a new car, or just fantasizing about your dream ride of the future, the New York Auto Show has got just what you're looking for," concluded LaSorsa.

Here's a look at the some of the stand-out cars of 2013:

Cadillac ELR: The 2014 Cadillac ELR luxury coupe cuts a dramatic, forward-leaning profile that remains faithful in its execution to the Art & Science design philosophy and the Converj show car that inspired it. The ELR is the industry's only electric vehicle offered by a full-line luxury automaker. Production starts in late 2013.

Kia Cadenza: The all-new 2014 Cadenza premium sedan is the most technologically-advanced vehicle Kia has ever introduced in North America. The Cadenza expands Kia's lineup of vehicles with an impressive list of premium standard and optional equipment, including Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Lane-Departure Warning System (LDWS).

Nissan Note: With a starting price of $13,990, the Nissan Versa Note is offered in a range of well-equipped grade levels: S, S Plus and SV, along with top-of-the-line SL Packages. Each is equipped with an advanced 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control).

Bentley Flying Spur: Already one of the world's finest luxury sedans, the new Flying Spur is the fastest and most powerful four-door Bentley model ever made. Powered by Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission, the new Flying Spur brings with it an amazing blend of effortless drivability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology.

Lexus IS Sport Sedan: The new IS from Lexus offers completely redesigned exterior styling and an LFA-inspired driver-focused cockpit. Its longer wheelbase helps give the new sedan significant increases in rear seat space and trunk capacity. The IS will be available in rear- and all-weather drive versions of the IS 250 and IS 350, a further evolution of F SPORT available across the entire model range.

MINI John Cooper Works Paceman: The new MINI transfers the power developed by its 208 horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged engine to the road courtesy of its standard ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. Lowered sports suspension and an aerodynamic kit also play their part in bringing an irresistible feeling of race competition to the driver and passengers in their four individual seats. It goes from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Kia Forte : Sitting on an all-new chassis that is longer, wider and lower than the previous-generation Forte, the all-new model will offer more room, more performance and more premium amenities. It is available in LX and EX variants with a choice of an efficient 148 horsepower 1.8-liter engine or a more powerful 173-horsepower 2.0-liter engine.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Mercedes is expanding its line up with the all-new 2014 CLA-Class. The new four-door coupe takes its design cues from the CLS and will feature world-leading aerodynamics, avant-garde coupe design and is available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The all-new CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships in the fall.

VW Golf GTI: The iconic Golf GTI is the sporty sibling of the all-new new Golf line-up that will be in showrooms later this year. The new model has larger interior, new pioneering safety systems such as multi-collision braking fitted as standard and a proactive passenger protection system, plus completely redesigned information and entertainment system.

JEEP Grand Cherokee: The new Grand Cherokee deliverers an impressive combination of best-in-class fuel economy and driving range, available clean-diesel technology, a choice of leading powertrain options, world-class craftsmanship, and premium on-road driving dynamics. A new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine is also available that delivers best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg), driving range of more than 730 miles and best-in-class towing capability of 7,400 pounds. A new eight-speed transmission drives the new EcoDiesel, as well as Grand Cherokee's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: The E-Class family (sedan, wagon, cabriolet and coupe) has been extensively updated with new efficient engines, new assistance systems and a new design direction. The new E-Class family also takes a significant step forward with regard to efficiency and the environment. Among the contributing factors are engines with direct-injection and ECO start/stop technology. A broad range of powerful gasoline and diesel engines with four, six or eight cylinders is available for customers of the E-Class family to choose from.

Infiniti Q50: The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is available at launch with a 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid. It also offers new technologies designed to enhance the driving experience, including Direct Adaptive Steering„¢ and Active Lane Control„¢. Inside, the Q50 has a fully customizable digital environment including Infiniti's InTouch„¢ next-gen smart connectivity that features dual touch-screens and an array of advanced functions, features and custom apps.

Audi SQ5: The new Audi SQ5 is powered by a supercharged, 354 horsepower, 3.0 liter V6 engine that helps it sprint from zero to 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph. An eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer the power to keep the SQ5 firmly to the road.

Fiat 500 L: Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment, the all-new Fiat 500L offers more than 42 percent more interior space with spacious seating for five, engaging driving dynamics, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with a best-in-class 160 horsepower and two six-speed transmission offerings all wrapped in contemporary Italian design.

Mitsubishi Outlander: The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover, powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, is one of the most fuel-efficient CUVs with standard 7-passenger seating available. The most prominent new feature of the exterior sheet metal is the new streamlined front fascia, which greatly aids fuel efficiency.

Toyota RAV4: Toyota's fourth-generation RAV4 offers a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, new six-speed transmission, class-leading cargo capacity, and eight standard airbags. Available in three grades: LE, XLE and Limited, it is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which will produce 176 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 172 ft. lbs. of torque at 4,100 rpm. Replacing the previous four-speed automatic will be a six-speed transmission with Sequential Shift.

Mazda6 Diesel: The redesigned mid-size sedan is the first Mazda to offer a diesel engine in North America. Expected to offer a high amount of torque as well as cleaner combustion, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2L is 10 percent lighter than the current MZR 2.2-liter diesel engine sold in other global markets. Other improvements include internal engine friction reduced by 20 percent and improved fuel economy. The 2014 Mazda6 is also the first production vehicle to feature Mazda's capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system called i-ELOOP.

Jaguar F-TYPE: The F-TYPE is an all-new two-seat convertible engineered to be a true high-performance sports car. Sitting on lightweight aluminum architecture, the front-engine, rear-wheel drive Jaguar is available in three models -- F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE V8 S, powered respectively by the new Jaguar supercharged 3-liter V6 engine in 340hp and 380hp outputs and a 495hp 5-liter supercharged V8. All engines drive through an eight-speed 'Quickshift' transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Porsche Cayman: The third generation of the Cayman has been re-engineered from the ground up and as a result is lower and longer, lighter and faster, more efficient and more powerful than ever. Available in Cayman and Cayman S trim, they deliver more power with even better fuel economy than before. The Cayman is powered by a 2.7-liter engine with 275 horsepower. The 3.4-liter engine in the Cayman S produces 325 horsepower.

Volkswagen Convertible: The iconic four-seat convertible takes the classic convertible silhouette, but reinterprets the design in a sportier, more dynamic fashion. It will also be the most fuel-efficient convertible on the highway with an estimated highway fuel economy of 41 mpg from the TDI Clean Diesel model with a manual transmission. The new Beetle also has a fast-acting soft-top that opens in 9.5 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph.

Acura RLX: The all-new Acura flagship sedan is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced Acura sedan, ever. Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected SOHC 24-Valve i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management, the new RLX features an all-new direct-injection engine, lightweight body structure, and the first-ever application of Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer.

Land Rover Range Rover: The world's first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminum body, the new Range Rover takes the capabilities of the marque's flagship to a new level, with greater luxury and refinement, enhanced performance and handling. In this new model, its V8 5.0 liter engine has been paired with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and is engineered to suit individual driver requirements by balancing the delivery of power with fuel economy.

Ford Fiesta ST: Proof positive that small cars are anything but boring, the new Fiesta ST is a performance model that is powered by a high-output 197 horsepower variant of Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This compact performance machine sports a unique grille and chin spoiler with new rear diffuser and fascia extensions. Bright tipped dual-exhaust pipes and high-mount spoiler along with unique 17-inch wheels complete the visual package.

Volvo XC60: The new Volvo XC60 has a redesigned front end that features a new hood shape and headlights. Black trim has been removed so that the car is now all one body color and horizontal lines on the grille with its chrome bars emphasize the car's width. In addition, The XC60 also benefits from an interior upgrade that includes new wood inlays, textile B-pillars and silk-metal frames around the air vents and light controls.

Public Information/Events:
Auto Show Dates: Friday, March 29 - Sunday, April 7
Public Show Hours: Monday -- Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. & Sundays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center - 11th Avenue between 34th & 39th Streets
Tickets: $15 adults, $5 children under 12. $2 off for groups of 20 or more
(Tickets available at the door or online: Auto Show NY . Credit cards are also accepted at credit card kiosks.)