2014 Chevrolet Impala

The redesigned from the ground up 2014 Impala will be offered with two 4-cylinder units, a new 2.5-liter delivering 195hp and 187 lb-ft (253 Nm) of torque and a 182hp 2.4-liter unit with GM's eAssist “mini hybrid” system, plus a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 305hp and 264 lb-ft (358Nm) of torque.

All engines are linked to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

GM said that the 3.6L version will be the first to hit showrooms next spring, with a starting price of $30,760 for the LT and $36,580 for the LTZ, including destination charges.

Soon after, Chevy will launch the base 2.5-liter engine with prices set at $27,535 for the LS; $29,785 for the mid-trim LT; $34,555 for the top grade LTZ, again with all prices including a destination and delivery fee.

Pricing for the 2.4L engine with eAssist will be announced at a later date.

By comparison, the current 2013 Impala starts at $26,685 (including delivery charges) for the base LT model that's powered by a 300hp 3.6-liter V6 engine.

The tenth generation Impala rides on an enlarged version of GM’s Epsilon II platform that also underpins the new Cadillac XTS

Among other new features, the 2014 Impala will debut Chevrolet’s MyLink in-vehicle entertainment system with an eight-inch color display screen that is customizable and also adopts a natural voice recognition, 10 air-bags, Adaptive Cruise Control and a number of crash-avoidance technologies like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert.

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Audi Q8

 Audi has given the green light for a new crossover possibly named Q8 that will be based on the next-generation Touareg/Q7/Cayenne platform with a launch date in 2017.

The powers-that-be at Ingolstadt have decided that the “regular” Q SUVs will have odd numbers, i.e. Q3, Q5 and Q7 while their sportier offspring will get even-numbers (Q4, Q6 and Q8).

Thus, the Q8 won’t be your normal luxo-barge on stilts but a more stylish, coupe-like crossover. The project is in a relatively advanced state; it has already gone through the (mandatory) customer clinic surveys, which gave it the thumbs-up, and the British publication's sources claim that Audi already has set an annual production target of 25,000 units.

The same insiders have revealed that using the group’s next-gen platform, which employs quite a lot of aluminum in its construction, allows for a saving of nearly 300 kg (660 pounds) compared to today’s Q7. Given that the Q7 weighs, depending on engine and equipment, more than 2.3 tons, this will bring the Q8 close to, or even bellow, the two-ton mark.

Last, but not least, the Q8 will be powered by a variety of V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engines, including hybrids for the “green” brigade and a range-topping 550bhp RS version.

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2013 Honda CR-Z

 The CR-Z gains an all-new Lithium-Ion battery that improves performance, and at the same time, mpg ratings, along with styling upgrades to the exterior and interior.

Thanks to the new battery, assist from the electric motor has increased from 10 kW to 15 kW. As a result, the combined output from the 1.5-liter gasoline unit and the electric motor is 130hp at 6,000rpm and 140 lb-ft. of torque (127 lb-ft. on CVT-equipped models), a gain of 8hp and 12 lb-ft of torque (4 lb-ft for the CVT versions).

Other mechanical improvements include a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio for the manual transmission models.

Furthermore, Honda has introduced a new Plus Sport System on all 2013 CR-Zs, which can be used when the battery is charged more than 50 percent and the car is travelling over 19mph (31km/h). According to Honda, once the driver activates the "S+" button on the steering wheel, electric boost begins, delivering increased acceleration for up to five seconds.

Honda says the 2013 CR-Z offers a 1mpg improvement in city driving with a CVT (36mpg city, 39mpg highway and 37mpg combined), and 1mpg on the highway for the manual version (31/38/34 mpg).

Exterior revisions include a new front fascia with a mesh grille and a "floating" lower spoiler lip, chrome plating and a blue tint for the headlamp assemblies, a redesigned rear diffuser, a blue clearcoat treatment for the taillights, a darker finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels and two new colors named Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

The interior of the hybrid model gains new metallic trim on the door pulls and latches, center console, speaker grilles and lower steering wheel spokes, along with redesigned inner door panels and pads, while the the horizontal bar on the speaker housing has been eliminated.

Finally, Honda has improved the standard equipment of the base model with Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and rearview camera while also adding LED daytime running lights and Pandora Interface with SMS text message function to the options list.

The 2013 CR-Z is available in two trim levels, the base and the EX, with prices starting at $19,975, excluding a $790 destination charge.

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