Cars are a staple of Americana. Going all the way back to Henry Ford with his model T and the assembly line that helped define the Industrial Revolution, cars are sewn into the fabric of the American way of thinking. You don't have to re-invent the wheel to sell cars in America but you can certainly tweak and update the models you place them on! That's what several car companies have done with their 2014 models. They are bringing back a classic and really put their best wheel forward in the coming year.
The biggest news is probably the return of the Corvette Stingray. This is one of the vintage designs of Corvette, which isn't exactly known for changing styles. In its storied 60 years of automobile making, only seven generations of Corvette have come about. The Stingray looks all the part of "America's Sports Car" but won't run up the bill on those who enjoy exotic cars. It's price starts at 51,000 and goes 0-60 in a hair under four seconds.
Another design making its return in 2014 is the Jeep Cherokee. This isn't the Cherokees of old, as Jeep has shied away from its normal boxy look and has gone a bit sleeker this time around. It comes with the option of 4 cylinders or V6 and has various versions of four wheel drive.
Some companies are trying to really stretch and redefine the public's perception of their vehicles such as KIA. They will be rolling out a new luxury KIA Cadenza that will be the most expensive KIA yet. The price starts at 35,000. To put that in perspective, the Kia Optima starts at around 21,000 and word around the campfire is that the Cadenza isn't much better in terms of luxury. Time will tell but you can't blame a company for trying!
Also trying to change minds and open more wallets is Toyota with their new Corolla design. They were tired of people thinking their cars are dull or mundane and have given this new model a more streamlined and elegant design. The Corolla is already one of the top selling cars and the model hasn't changed in roughly 4 years but perhaps this new twist will bring an additional demographic to the table.
Finally, one of the big stories in 2014 is the Mercedes S-Class. The car of the future is here and it is comfortable and opulent. It's a car that could practically drive itself. Most people have seen the rear installed cameras that assist in backing out both SUVs and regular sedans but this car has a front camera. The car can react to whatever obstacles lie in your path. It can control suspension and the cruise control can adjust to traffic conditions. You'll still have to pilot the car, but it will assist you more than any care that's not in a science fiction movie. If that's not enough the car also boasts heated seats and armrests as well as perfuming the interior for a truly individual experience.
These are only a few of the new models that are coming out. There are a few other surprises planned in the year yet to be revealed. It will be very exciting to see what lay in store for the auto industry going forward!
