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Highlights from the 2013 New York Auto Show

This year we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at all the latest model debuts during press week at the 113th annual New York Auto Show. The show featured over 1,000 vehicles in a 900,000 square foot arena. From the unveiling of the Subaru WRX concept, to the roll out of 3 new Kia models, none of the brands left us disappointed. We are very excited to share this exclusive coverage with you and give you a little bit of insight into what goes on at one of the Nation’s largest auto shows.

We started the first morning off with breakfast and industry award presentations before making our way to Kia’s press conference. During the industry award presentations, various brands and their ad agencies were recognized for their creative television spots and we had the opportunity to watch an array of different ads.

We made sure to get live coverage of all the brands Morrie’s offers and below we have provided a detailed overview of all the latest model updates.

Kia’s press conference was vibrant and exciting, just like their brand. Journalists, correspondents and other members of the press crowded around for what seemed to be one of the most anticipated reveals at the auto show. A team of New York style break-dancers and the Kia Hamstars introduced three exciting new models, the 2014 Kia Soul, the 2014 Kia Forte Koup, and the 2014 Kia Optima. Each vehicle receiving quite the upgrade.

2014 Kia Soul:

The all-new 2014 Soul was a highly anticipated reveal.  This model has received a refresh inside and out. The exterior sports an angled body and wider wheelbase with updates to the front fascia and head and tail lamps. The interior features a new steering wheel, center stack, and updated stitched leather seats.  This redesigned 2014 Soul is one to keep your eye on the next few months when it becomes available on show floors.

2014 Kia Forte Koup:

The 2014 Forte Koup was another one of Kia’s three debuts at the New York Auto Show. The exterior of the Forte Koup received integrated LED headlamps and wrap around tail lamps to give the vehicle a dramatic stylized look. The interior updates include an updated UVO infotainment system and a more driver-focused cockpit. This new model is available in two trim levels, the EX equipped with a 173 horsepower, 2-liter, four-cylinder six speed automatic transmission. And the SX gets a turbocharged 1.6 liter with either a standard six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission. Keep your eye out for pricing and a release date on this hot new vehicle.

2014 Kia Optima:

Kia’s third and final debut at this year’s New York Auto Show was the updated 2014 Kia Optima. The refresh included a revised front fascia, repositioned LED lighting above the headlights and upgraded LED taillights. The interior has been upgraded with more comfortable seating and two additional displays. The displays include a 4.3 inch TFT display in the gauge cluster and the 8-inch high res infotainment screen where navigation features reside. The 2.4 liter GDI four-cylinder and turbocharged 2.0 four cylinder engines carry over from the 2013 model, the SX Optima features a Drive Mode Select system that adjusts transmissions points and steering weight to create a more dynamic driving experience. Expect to see the 2014 Optima on show floors during the third quarter of this year.

Porsche 911 GT3:

Next, we made our way over to Porsche to check out the all-new 2014 911 GT3 and we weren’t the only ones looking to get coverage of this newly redesigned high performance sports car. The 911 celebrated 50 years in the U.S. by debuting here at the New York Auto Show. The GT3 is equipped with a 3.8-litre flat-six cylinder engine that generates 475 horsepower. The new 911 is quicker than its predecessor with an estimated 0-60 sprint of just 3.3 seconds. A new front splitter and fully functional rear wing elements provide significant aerodynamic down force. Keep your eye out for the GT3 in the US this fall with an expected base price around $130,000.

2014 Pathfinder Hybrid:

Nissan also had an exciting presence at the Auto Show with the release of their 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid crossover and the appearance the the NV200 Taxi of tomorrow. The Hybrid crossover model that we saw will be offered in two or four-wheel drive models that are supercharged with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and electric motor that is paired with a compact lithium-ion battery. This vehicle achieves 250 horsepower and performs almost the same as the gas-only model. The Dual Clutch System integrated into this vehicle helps to efficiently manage power from both the electric motor and the gas engine. The combined fuel economy of this attractive new hybrid is 26 mpg which is a 26% increase over the standard pathfinder. Keep your eye out for the arrival of this model in dealers later this summer.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur:

Another very exciting moment during the 2013 New York Auto Show was the North American debut of the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur. The completely refreshed vehicle was designed with comfort and luxury in mind and embraces styling cues from the Mulsanne as well as the Continental GT. Exterior updates include a lower roof profile, sharper lines, and rounded surfaces, which make this vehicle, appear lower and wider than its predecessor.  Under the hood, the Flying Spur features a twin-turbocharged 6.0 w-12 liter engine that allows the vehicle to achieve 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds. This vehicle can reach top speeds of 200-mph. The interior is updated with over 600-new components including the latest in entertainment features.

2014 Hyundai Equus:

Hyundai also made an appearance at this year’s Auto Show with their 2014 Hyundai Equus. The 2014 model received updated styling, new interior features, and additional safety features. A new addition to the Equus is the card-type smart key that allows keyless entry into the vehicle as well as a shift-by-wire gear change inside the vehicle. Keep your eye out for this premium sedan in the coming months.

2014 Cadillac CTS:

Cadillac also brought something new to the table with their 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan. The new CTS has a classier, more avante-garde design in comparison to the older model. LED front accent lights help to give the model a more aggressive look. The interior of the new CTS applies wood and leather and the CUE infotainment system, similar to the XTS. The 2014 is expected to arrive this fall and will be available with three engines, a naturally aspirated 3.6 liter v6 rated at 321 horsepower, a turbocharges 2.0 liter four cylinder rated at 272 horsepower and a range topping 3.6 liter twin-turbo v6 packing 420 horsepower which will be the highest output v6 engine in GM history.

Subaru was also one to be talked about amongst those at the Auto Show this year. With the release of the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid and the WRX sports car concept, many people were anticipating the Subaru Press conference, which wasn’t held until Thursday afternoon.

2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid:

Many were thrilled that Subaru was finally releasing a hybrid version of their year-old XV Crosstrek crossover vehicle. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is visually comparable to the gasoline-powered model and has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.  With a combined fuel efficiency rating of 28-mpg, drivers receive astounding fuel efficiency. If you’re in the market for an eco-friendly-crossover alternative, look for the release of the XV Crossover Hybrid in Fall of 2013.

2014 Subaru WRX Concept:

Last but certainly not least came the reveal of the highly anticipated Subaru WRX concept. This hot new concept car drew quite the crowd. The high performance sports car brings added styling and design to the Subaru brand. The coupe-like vehicle adds two extra doors in the rear, an aggressive front grille and menacing headlights making this concept one to remember.


Morrie’s is proud to bring you live coverage from this exciting event. To check out our photo library click here.

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