Easter standouts!

2013 Dodge SRT Viper

The 2013 Dodge SRT Viper is without question one of the most anticipated cars of the year, and you can see it simply by going to the New York International Auto Show.

Hardcore Dodge fans will be thrilled to see the Viper again, especially since it was thought that the previous version would be the last one.  To make the fans even happier, it keeps its gigantic 8.4-litre V10 engine, and has even more grunt at 640hp and 600 lb.-ft of torque – still from a naturally aspirated engine.

In terms of layout, we still get the classic long nose, short rear look, accompanied by an all new aggressive looking body with side-exiting exhausts.  The driver will make use of a six-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels, while being cocooned by a modern-looking cabin.

Two versions of the Viper will be available for sale, namely the SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS – with the latter having a two-mode active suspension system, as well making use of higher quality materials for the interior.

The Viper’s body is made up of both aluminium and carbon fibre, and the structure is 50 per cent stiffer than the previous model.  Weight has been reduced as well – with a fully dressed engine weighing 25lbs lighter than before, while the chassis weighs 100lbs less.

Performance figures have yet to be released, but with the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 being the obvious rival at the moment, we should expect it to accelerate from 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of around 205mph. An on-sale date should be announced within the next few months.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai have joined their sister-company, Kia, in producing yet another very-well-designed but affordable family car – the Santa Fe.

A total of five engines will be made for the Santa Fe, however, engine availability depends on the market. European market cars will get three engines; a 2.0-litre or 2.2-litre diesel producing 150hp and 200hp respectively, or a 2.4-litre petrol engine producing 193hp.  The US market also gets the 2.4-litre petrol engine, but adds a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 264hp, and a 3.3-litre V6 with 290hp for the long wheelbase version.

Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available, and the Santa Fe will be available with either front-wheel drive only, or four-wheel drive.

The Santa Fe goes on sale in the summer.

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet have finally unveiled their new Impala at the New York International Auto Show.

After the underwhelming design and quality of the previous Impala, this 2014 model year version looks like it’s off to a great start.  With an aggressive, angular front end that almost gives it a Camaro-like appearance, it definitely stands out as a major improvement. 

Engine choices include 2.4 or 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines, and a 3.6-litre V6 – all of which are equipped with direct fuel injection.  The 2.4-litre engine has a system called eAssist (electrical assistance), meaning it produces 182hp, the 2.5-litre produces 195hp, and the 3.6-litre V6 produces 303hp.

All cars are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels only, and make use of variable electric power steering. 

2013 Range Rover

We have also managed to get a glimpse of what next year’s new Range Rover will look like thanks to the good people of Autocar magazine. 

From their image we can conclude that it will take on some of the design elements of the hot-selling Evoque, but at the same time keep some elements from the current Range Rover – like the black C-pillar, and overall boxy shape.

Other changes include shedding up to 400kg in excess weight, as well making use of V6 petrol-electric hybrid system.  V8 diesel and V8 petrol engines will also be available, and prices are expected to start at around £65,000 – roughly the same as today’s car.

The car will go on sale early next year.