ON THE TABLE - MARCH 27, 2013

(GM)
Chevrolet introduced a freshened 2014 Camaro lineup at the New York Auto Show, but the big news? The return of the Z/28, the most legendary model - at least in its Penske-Donohue guise back in '68 & '69 - in Camaro history. The 2014 Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds, but the new Camaro Z/28 features a full aerodynamics package that creates downforce at speed, which helps make it "the most track-capable offering in Camaro’s history," according to GM. That aero package includes a large splitter connected to an under body panel that further reduces lift, fender flares over the front and rear wheels as well as extended rocker panels that contribute to aerodynamic stability. An aggressive rear spoiler and functional diffuser complete the package. “As the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the best-selling brand of performance cars,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight, high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the Z/28.” In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1, according to GM. That extra speed comes from three areas: 1. Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions. 2. Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap. 3. Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass. Like the original, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is offered only with a manual transmission. In a nod to modern convenience, air-conditioning is available, but only as a stand alone option. "We set out to make the fastest road-racing Camaro possible that was still street-legal,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “While the Camaro ZL1 offers exceptional performance on the street, the drag strip, and the track, the Z/28 is entirely focused on the track performance. The Z/28 will be too track-focused for most drivers, but offers road-racers one of the most capable track cars ever offered from an automaker.” The new 2014 Camaro line will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013. The Camaro Z/28 is expected to be appearing at track events across the United States in spring 2014. Editor-in-Chief's Note: So in other words, memo to all you guys who bought or ordered a 1LE Camaro - altogether now - "never mind." That said, I love the return of a real Z/28, not some decal-laden option package but a seriously thought out high-performance machine like the original, which was an unapologetically raucous machine that kicked-ass. Kudos to GM's True Believers led by Mark Reuss, if it weren't for them this business would be pretty damn dull. And this just in, all you enthusiasts out there should also tip your hats to the guys at Ford while you're at it, because if it wasn't for the modern day Boss Mustang, do you think there would be a modern day Z/28? - PMD

(Images courtesy of GM/Cadillac)
Longer (by 5 inches), lower (by 1 inch) and lighter (200 pounds less than the current BMW 528i) the new all-new 2014 CTS sedan's mission is to attack the heart of the midsize luxury market with "expanded performance, elevated luxury and sophisticated technology," according to the manufacturer. The third-generation CTS sedan is based on the rear-drive architecture of the ATS sport sedan. The top powertrain - the 420HP Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission - comes in the new CTS Vsport, which also includes 18-inch aluminum wheels with Pirelli summer-only performance tires (19-inch wheels with all-season tires are available), a quicker steering ratio, Brembo disc brakes with aluminum calipers and high-performance brake pads, heavy-duty track cooling package, driver-selectable track mode with specific steering rate and Magnetic Ride Control calibrations for greater track performance and an electronic limited-slip differential. Production of the 2014 CTS begins this fall in Lansing, Mich. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Is it The Answer in a long line of "Answers" for Cadillac's stagnant fate in the U.S. market? Or "The Answer" for Cadillac's global expansion? Doubtful. Is the car good? On paper, absolutely. But Cadillac's image and marketing problems run deep, and it's becoming readily apparent that just making "good cars" isn't enough. More next week. - PMD

(Lexus)
Thanks in large part to substantially increased overall body rigidity, "the 2014 Lexus IS provides a more dynamic driving experience with enhanced stability and body control while delivering improved ride comfort," according to Toyota. Highlights? An all-new multilink rear suspension, revised front suspension and steering derived from the GS sedan are now adopted in the smaller IS package. Two IS models are available for 2014. The IS 250 is powered by a 2.5- liter V6 providing 204 hp @ 6,400rpm and 185 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,800rpm, and the IS 350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 with D4-S direct and port fuel injection producing 306 hp @ 6,400rpm, 277 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,800rpm. The IS 350 inherits the eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission from the IS F high-performance model. An electronically controlled all-weather drive system is available for both IS models. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Question of the Week: Do enthusiasts really care about the IS? Will it ever be more than a Sideshow Bob in the Lexus lineup? Altering lingering impressions and attitudes that Lexus is "the car for people who don't care about cars" is a very tall order. And no matter how good the IS may be, Lexus can't get there from here. - PMD

(GM)
Longer, lower, wider and... Nah, but the refreshed Buick LaCrosse, which makes its debut at the New York Auto Show, has new interior and exterior design cues, advanced safety technologies, and enhanced in-vehicle connectivity, according to the manufacturer. New "signature" wing-shape LED daytime running lamps and LED wraparound tail lamps are visually new and the interior is more contemporary, according to Buick PR-meisters, with new seats, enhanced materials, redesigned central instrument panel and console – and an all-new, available - and spiffy - Ultra Luxury Interior Package. The cabin also incorporates Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, with intuitive controls and natural voice recognition. New radar- and camera-based safety features help the new LaCrosse become a veritable electronic playground. They include Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Stupid Driver Ahead Warning and Automatic Collision Preparation. GM’s patented Safety Alert Seat works with these features, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat and whether your personal polar moment of inertia is out of whack, or not. Adaptive Cruise Control is also offered, because everybody else has it. The 2014 LaCrosse is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models and offers two powertrains: a 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology or a 3.6L direct-injected V-6. Each is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All models feature Buick’s QuietTuning engineering process that reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from the LaCrosse’s cabin, making it quieter than your local high school's library at Spring Break.

(GM)
Th Ultra Luxury Interior Package features Sangria seating color and Ebony accents, along with Shadow Tamo Ash wood décor. The package features premium semi-aniline leather covering the seats, console armrest and door armrests and is complemented by synthetic suede on the headliner and door pillars. The Sangria contrast color with the Ultra Luxury interior is exclusive to LaCrosse.

(BMW)
For those who just can't get enough of BMW's freshened 6 Series, there's always the new 2014 BMW 6 Series Convertible Frozen Brilliant White Edition. Limited to only 100 copies, the new limited edition will be produced in April and early May 2013. Available as a rear-wheel drive 650i, or 650i xDrive model featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Frozen Brilliant White Edition will have a starting MSRP of $106,695 and 110,095, respectively (prices include $895 Destination & Handling), and will arrive at Authorized BMW Centers this May. Signature contents of the Edition include BMW Individual Frozen Brilliant White Metallic exterior matte paint, Frozen Black wing mirror caps, black BMW kidney grilles, and 20-inch bi-color Ferric Gray/gloss-turned BMW M Performance light-alloy wheels, etc., etc., etc. Editor-in-Chief's Note: When manufacturers do "special editions" they're either trying to extract more money from a current model before the next model arrives (see Porsche Panamera "Platinum" Edition - WG) or they're just being greedy bastards taking advantage of people who have more money than brains. Which category do you think this particular BMW falls under? - PMD

(Porsche)
In case you forgot, the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 makes its official U.S. debut at the New York show this week (it made its world debut in Geneva a few weeks ago). The completely-redeveloped fifth generation of the 911 GT3 "occupies the top position among Porsche sports cars with naturally-aspirated engines," according to Porsche. The rear-wheel-drive 911 GT3 has a 3.8-liter engine with 475 hp and a seven-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK). It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, reaching 124 mph in less than twelve seconds. Top track speed? 195 mph. The 2014 911 GT3 has lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 7:30 minutes.  Editor-in-Chief's Note: Despite that, the new 911 GT3 will mostly see duty as a statement car for impressive arrivals at valet stands in front of high-end nightclubs and restaurants across the country. And that's a damn shame. - PMD

(GM)
The high hard ones about the 2014 Buick Regal? The exterior design is revised with signature wing-shape LED lighting; the interior is designed around next-gen IntelliLink infotainment, it has new advanced safety features, a more efficient and more refined 2.0L turbo engine delivers 18 percent more power (259HP) in Regal Turbo and a new all-wheel-drive system incorporates a electronic limited-slip differential to help optimize traction in all driving conditions. Editor-in-Chief's Note: And will it matter? Does Buick need Verano, Regal and LaCrosse? Spare me the argument about different buyer demographics and the other associated bullshit. The Regal is the odd man out in the Buick lineup, except for the (half-dozen) enthusiasts who just gotta have one. - PMD

(Fiat-Chrysler)
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee makes its official debut today in New York. A Jeep aimed at the midsize sport utility segment, we think it should do extremely well in the market. The design has already offended Jeep purists, but it's fine with us.

(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz debuted five models at the New York Auto Show. The two world debuts are the 2014 CLA45 AMG and the 2014 B-Class Electric Drive. The CLA45 AMG features the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine built in series production, with 355 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive is powered by a 134-hp electric motor and has a range of 115 miles. The three U.S. debuts are the 2014 E63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC Wagon and 2014 CLS63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC, as well as the 2014 C63 AMG sedan and coupe, which feature a new optional performance package called Edition 507 (the coupe version was shown at the show). These debuts represent five of thirty models that will launch in the U.S. within the next seven years, or an average of once a quarter.

(Toyota)

Okay, so about its freshened tC Toyota says, "The 2014 Scion tC is defined by more assertive styling, starting from the front with distinctive new headlamps and an all-new hood that extends lower toward a more open, muscular grille with an embedded tC logo. The new upper- and lower-grille treatments are bordered by LED accent lighting." Editor-in-Chief's Note: And I say that our dreaded SamenessinAutomotiveDesign (SAD) meter just pegged. We continue to be in awe of how designers across the globe can alight on similar front ends, right down to the size of the grille opening and the number of horizontal bars, without (allegedly) talking to each other. A giant bowl of Not Good in my book. - PMD

Editor's Note: Check out the video for the new Audi A3 here. - WG

(Jaguar)
Jaguar unveiled the 2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT at the New York Auto Show. Developed by Jaguar's in-house specialty vehicle group, Jaguar ETO, the XKR-S GT features an all-aluminum body, and is assembled using aerospace-derived aluminum bonding and riveting techniques. Powered by a 550hp, 502 lb/ft supercharged 5-liter V8 engine, the XKR-S GT has a zero to 60 time of 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 186mph. There will be a limited production run of just 30 cars for North America - 25 for the US and 5 for Canada. Arriving in August, the XKR-S GT has an MSRP of $174,000. Editor-in-Chief's Note: $174,000 for a frickin' Jaguar? Really? I'm sorry, but Jaguar just doesn't have the cachet to justify the price. They're still living off of D-Type victories at Le Mans 60 years ago and their more recent notable victories count for exactly zero in this market. Besides, it can't hold a candle to the Lyonheart (see below). But then again I'm sure there are 30 people out there in ConsumerVille who think that if they buy one they'll "... get hand jobs from beautiful women" because of it (a reference to the hilarious movie "Crazy People" with Dudley Moore). And so it goes. - PMD

(Images courtesy of Lyonheart Cars)
Lyonheart Cars Ltd has just announced the prices for its all-aluminium luxury sports cars: the Lyonheart K Coupé and Convertible. Both versions can be ordered immediately and the prices are the following: Lyonheart K Coupé: EUR 360'000 Lyonheart K Convertible: EUR 375'000. VAT and other local taxes are not included. Delivery is included in Europe and Switzerland. For other parts of the world: prices upon request.

The Lyonheart K was presented to the public in February 2012 and immediately achieved worldwide acclaim. Created by Robert Palm, founder of Swiss design firm Classic Factory, the Lyonheart K has been engineered and will be built by the Envisage Group in Coventry, well known for their expertise in building low volume series for renowned car makers.

The Cosworth 5.0 Litre Supercharged V8 delivers 575PS and 700Nm of torque. The state-of- the-art all-aluminium chassis and a finely-tuned multilink chassis offers superb dynamics and agility, according to Lyonheart. The Lyonheart K reaches 100kph in under 4 seconds and tops 300kph (electronically limited).

The planned production of 250 cars, including Coupé and Convertible versions, will be built between December 2013 and the summer of 2015. Due to demand, the delivery time for the Lyonheart K is currently 18 to 24 months, depending on specifications and body type. Fifty percent of Lyonheart production will be sold in Europe, 20 percent in the Middle East and 30 percent in China. The production will be strictly limited to 250 cars, including coupé and convertible.

Editor's Note: In case you missed Peter hosting "Autoline After Hours" last Thursday, Gary Vasilash of Automotive Design and Production and AutoFiledGuide.com (and one of the guests on the show along with Jim Hall) sums up the show nicely and provides a link to it here. - WG