5 Hottest New Cars For 2014.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

1. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Arguably the most significant new-car introduction for 2014 (at least from an enthusiast’s standpoint) brings a hallowed name back to an iconic American sports car. Coming in coupe and convertible versions, the Corvette Stingray is completely redesigned with an all-new chassis and mechanicals residing beneath seductively sleek bodywork. A technologically advanced 6.2-liter V8 engine channels an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque through the rear wheels that enables a launch from 0 to 60 mph in a sizzling 3.8 seconds. Lighter in weight, though more structurally rigid than before, an ideal 50/50 front-to-rear weight ratio, reengineered steering and suspension systems and an array of sophisticated chassis-control hardware promise tenacious handling. A new Drive Mode Selector allows the driver to tune 12 separate performance attributes according to five different driving situations, including one for use on wet roads and another that enables the engine to run on only four cylinders to garner maximum fuel economy. Addressing one of the past model’s nagging weaknesses, the Stingray’s two-seat interior features a new driver-focused dashboard and extensive use of high-quality materials.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2. Mercedes-Benz S-Class It’s become tough to define “luxury” in the new-car business when even mainstream models offer amenities like heated/ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Mercedes solves the quandary with a decidedly outrageous approach in the elegantly redesigned version of its flagship S Class sedan. Featuring bold and elegant new styling, it comes powered in the S550 version by a 455-horsepower twin-turbo V8 or a 5.5-liter twin-turbo 577-horsepower V8 in the higher-performance S63 AMG 4MATIC model. The 2014 S-Class redefines state-of-the-art with an extreme list of high-tech chassis control options including a low-speed autonomous driving mode, steering that automatically keeps the car centered between lane markers on the highway and the ability to anticipate road imperfections in its path and adjust the suspension accordingly to maintain a butter-smooth ride. Over-the-top-shelf options include rear seats that simulate a hot stone massage, heated armrests and an ionizing and perfuming feature for the climate control system. 

Jaguar F-Type

 3. Jaguar F-Type

Coming wrapped in comely curvaceous styling, this new two-seat rear-drive convertible is positioned in size and price below Jaguar’s XK sports car line. It packs a lively 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that generates either 340 or 380 horsepower, depending on the version. A 5.0-liter 495-horsepower supercharged V8 is also available and should be the ride of choice among well-heeled enthusiasts; it’s estimated to enable the F-Type to hit the 60 mph mark in just over four seconds. All engines come mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that includes a manual gear-select mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Its lightweight, yet-rigid aluminum structure, rear-drive configuration and sophisticated suspension promise sporty handling abilities in the British sports car tradition. A closed-roof coupe version will follow within a year.

Jeep Cherokee

 4. Jeep Cherokee

Replacing the former Liberty model in Jeep’s lineup, the new midsize Cherokee SUV features a dramatically sculpted exterior that’s capped by a swept-back treatment of Jeep’s signature seven-slot front grille that might be too extreme for some brand loyalists. It packs either a Fiat-supplied 184 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a new 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6, with an advanced nine-speed automatic transmission standard. The Cherokee rides on a four-wheel independent suspension that should deliver excellent ride and handling manners around town, with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction control system and no less than three separate four-wheel-drive systems optional that promise exceptional off-road abilities. The Cherokee offers many high-tech safety features, along with niceties like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and a wireless charging pad for portable devices.

Mercedes Benz CLA-Class

5. Mercedes Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the German automaker’s first-ever front-drive compact luxury sedan. The vehicle borrows its so-called “four-door coupe” styling from the larger CLS-Class, and is likewise distinguished by a swoopy roofline. Mercedes says it will be among the most-aerodynamic car designs among production cars, with a coefficient of drag at just 0.23. A 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes with the base CLA250, while the high-performance CLA45 AMG variant packs a specially tweaked hand-built 355-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four. The only available transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive optional on the CLA250 and standard with the CLA45 AMG. Myriad available high-tech amenities include Mercedes’ Parktronic system with Advance Parking Assist that enables autonomous parking in both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

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