At the same time the curtain is rising on a tech-savvy and unpredictable 2013 new-car market, automakers are continuing to leak some sneak peeks into what we can expect when the 2014 turf war begins a year from now.
The popular design trends for the 2014 models won't be drastically different from what manufacturers rolled into showrooms for 2013, but with dozens of all-new 2014 entries on the way from Acura, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and others - along with some edgy redesigns and updates coming from many other top automakers - 2014 should again be a competitive year in an improving North American market.
Not unlike the 2013 battle plan for most manufacturers, fuel efficiency, technology and sleek styling will highlight the race for 2014 sales supremacy.
Volatile gas prices, eco-consciousness and looming minimum fuel-economy standards from the U.S. government will keep efficiency technology as the top priority for buyers and builders in 2014. Legislation was signed in the United Statess in August that requires automakers to meet a fuel efficiency standard of 35.5 mpg (6.6 l/100 km) by 2016 for its cars and light trucks. Of course, the effect will be felt here in Canada.
A growing emphasis on the gas/electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid markets will be worth watching, as competition grows with every model year. Even Porsche is introducing the 918 Spyder plug-in, trying to invade this market with its pricey - as in $850,000 - high-performance entry.
Other popular models such as the Nissan Sentra and Ford Mustang will offer a smaller engine option as another choice for better fuel efficiency. Vehicles equipped with the popular turbochargers and gasoline direct injection fuel systems (the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, for one) will also be prominent on showroom floors.
While going farther on less gas will continue to be the primary battle focus, there will be other focuses.
"No doubt, technology is really where the action is," Woodyard said. "With the rise of the 'Gen X' generation and the 'Gen Y' generation, they don't care that much about cars, but they care a lot about cellphones and cellphone technology, so automakers are forced to try and emulate that, try to pick up on that theme."
And the manufacturers are sparing no means to that end, installing all the gadgetry a vehicle can offer, while keeping an eye on safety improvements through fewer distractions and less fidgeting with hands-on display screens.
Cadillac offered its CUE navigation and entertainment system on select 2012 and 2013 models, but expect wider access to this groundbreaking technology option in 2014.
Similar to the Kinect gaming system from XBox, CUE recognizes and responds to hand gestures and body movements to help drivers keep their eyes on the road when performing certain requests. Voice-activated systems will also be prevalent in the 2014 models, as in-car technology follows the lead of the interactive systems used in smartphones.
In addition to efficiency and technology improvements, manufacturers are also putting a heavy emphasis on interior and exterior styling when the 2014 models take centre stage at the Los Angeles, Calif., and Detroit, Mich., auto shows in the coming months.
Woodyard said the most recognizable styling trend for the 2014 models is a return to the sloped-back look, not unlike the new Ford Fusion that stretches the roof back to the trunk.
The sloped-back design was resurrected, at least in part, by a series of cars such as the Audi A7 and Volkswagen CC. The 2014 Impala is creating much buzz after a fresh full redesign that includes this sophisticated styling as General Motors tries to reestablish relevance in the full-size sedan market.
An improving automotive market in North America, fresh designs, hip technology and new entries in the most competitive market segments should make 2014 a trend-setting model year.
Wheelbasemedia.com
