New York International Auto Show: Sedans in the spotlight 2015

There's no question that the auto industry is mad for crossover SUVs as the compact-sized variety is one of the fastest growing segments currently. But that's not to say that the traditional 4-door sedan has been consigned to the ash pile of history. At least that's the conclusion to take away from the New York International Auto Show, which played host to a bevy of new 4-door models

The most anticipated new sedan at the show was the all-new Cadillac CT6, a full-size sedan offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive positioned to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The CT6 not only ushers in new nomenclature for the car side of GM's luxury division, but also debuts a new lightweight architecture and a new family of twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines. It is a make or break product in Cadillac's bid for global parity among the top luxury cars. Cadillac's longtime rival Lincoln showed off an early look at its own new flagship sedan, the Continental Concept

No less important to Jaguar/Land Rover Group is the remake of the mid-size Jaguar XF, which will share the aluminum-intensive approach introduced in the compact XE. In addition to hitting the show floor in New York, the car also bowed in London as part of a high wire act

In the mainstream market, the Nissan Maxima has also been redesigned and will again stress its performance-oriented suspension and drivetrain under the 4-door sports car positioning, Chevrolet's much needed remake of the Malibu midsize sedan showed off completely new skin and a package that promises more rear legroom, while Kia took the covers off the next installment of its popular Optima midsize family car. At a more entry-level price point, Scion gave us a two-fer: The iA is that division's first 4-door sedan, and it bowed alongside the all-new iM hatchback

Other non-SUV offerings include a new Chevrolet Spark hatchback, Smart hosted the American debut of its new Fortwo city car and McLaren flaunted the high-performance 570S Sport two-seater

And even though sedans dominated the New York Auto Show headlines, there were some significant SUV introductions, too. Making their world debuts were the Mercedes-Benz GLE — a replacement for the current ML — a redone Mitsubishi Outlander and perhaps most important of all, the all-new Lexus RX, a remake of the iconic crossover SUV that created the segment

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Toyota Prius C adds Persona Series 2016

The 2016 Toyota Prius C bolsters its four-trim-grade lineup with a new Persona Series Special Edition and also introduces a new Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C) option for the Prius C Three and C Four models. This addition bolsters the Toyota Star Safety features standard on all Prius C variants with a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Assist and Automatic High Beam headlights

Spun from the volume-leading Prius C Two, the Persona Series Special Edition will match its Black exterior color with Electric Lime or Cherry Pearl accents on the grille, headlight and side-window trims as well as on the exterior mirror housings and inside rear-view mirror shell. To be built in a limited run of 1,500 units, it also includes unique 15-inch 8-spoke black alloy wheels and a "Persona Series" badge

Unlike the all-new 2016 Prius, the entry-level Prius C is basically a carryover. All family members will continue to be fitted with the same gas/electric powertrain as in 2015, again backed by an electronically controlled CVT automatic and earning EPA marks of 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. The most affordable Prius C One variant opens at $20,395 with the C Two starting at $21,195. The Prius C Three commences at $22,620 and the C Four at $25,330 - each reflecting a $20 bump over 2015. The new 2016 Prius Persona Series Special Edition lists at $22,190

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Porsche 911 Carrera 4 goes turbo 2017

 the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S Coupe, receive the same minor visual and infotainment enhancements to their chassis and a new AWD system

Although smaller than the current 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, the new turbocharged 3.0-liter engine is more potent and efficient. The standard version will make 370 horses and 331 lb-ft of peak torque versus the current 350/287 figures while the S-spec engine ups output to 420 and 368 compared to the 400/325 numbers of the 2016 S models. Despite the extra muscle, the new engines offer better low/mid-range response and are roughly 12 percent less thirsty on the European driving cycle, a factor that bodes well for their still-pending EPA ratings. All versions of the 911 Carrera/Targa 4/4S are marginally quicker than the existing models and can be fitted with a standard 7-speed manual transmission or optional 7-speed PDK twin-clutch transmission

Sharper handling

Culled from the 911 Turbo, the revised electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive system reacts more quickly and precisely to driver inputs. Paired with the lower-riding PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system standard on all versions of the car, these new all-wheel drive 911s promise to be the most capable ever produced. And significantly enhanced shocks improve both ride compliance and roll control in corners. Like the rear-drive models, the S-spec cars can be upfitted with rear-axle steering, also borrowed from the 911 Turbo and GT3. Cars fitted with the available Sport Chrono Package boast a new 918 Spyder-like rotary control on the steering wheel to quickly dial up one of four driving modes  as well as a Sport Response Button that allows for 20 seconds of sustained full-throttle operation. All versions will offer a splitter-saving front lift system to raise the nose by about 1.5 inches when encountering a steep drive entry or speed bump

On the creature-feature front, these new AWD 911s will come with an all-new and more capable Porsche Communication Management system that features a 7.0-inch multi-touch center display and an integrated navigation system that recognizes typical smartphone-style inputs and better integrates various devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable. The one-year subscription brings real-time traffic alerts as well as things like Google StreetView and Internet radio

Pricing for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 will start at $97,295 with the Carrera 4S commencing at $111,295. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and Targa 4 are set to open at $109,595 while the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet and Targa 4S kick off at $123,595

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Toyota S-FR Concept: Back-to-basics

Making its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Toyota S-FR Concept reflects a potential entry-level sports car that "aims to make a whole new generation fall in love with driving." Slightly longer than a Mazda MX-5, the rear-drive S-FR leverages lightweight construction, a fully independent suspension and balance afforded by its front-mid engine placement into smooth, responsive and direct handling that gives a real sense of communication between car and driver

While full details have yet to be released, we know the S-FR Concept matches its 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Like its exterior, the cabin of the S-FR's 2+2 cabin reflects a tidy, neo-classic look. It remains to be seen whether the car will make the transition to production and if future market plans would include the U.S. But the S-FR certainly appears ready to go should Toyota decide to green light the program

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BMW M2 revealed 2016

 the 2016 BMW M2 succeeds the now-departed BMW 1M Coupe, but boasts more power, enhanced technology and more attitude

Motivation for the new BMW M2 comes from a new M-spec 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 that borrows components and design tech from the current M3/M4 engines. Tuned to make 365 horses, it also develops 343 lb-ft of peak torque between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm -- that's 70+ more twist units than the previous-generation M3 -- while an overboost function allows that figure to hit 369 lb ft for short time periods. Backed by the standard 6-speed manual with automatic rev matching, the M2 can streak to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Pairing it with the latest paddle-shift 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with multi-mode Drivelogic and Launch Control slices the time to 4.2 ticks. Top speed with either gearbox is limited to 155 mph and all versions of the rear-drive M2 feature Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and intelligent management of accessories to bolster fuel economy

Lightweight aluminum suspension

To ensure superb handing, BMW engineers patterned the M2's chassis after the M3/M4, using lightweight, forged aluminum in its front and rear suspension while adding bespoke stiffening elements, revising the geometry and widening the track dimensions to deliver more precise control. This works in concert with an M-spec electric power steering unit and 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires -- 245/35s up front and 265/35s at the rear -- mounted on lightweight forged alloy wheels. A fully-adjustable, torque-vectoring Active M Differential and lightweight M compound high-performance brakes are also including in the M2 package. In addition to its custom-tuned stability control system, the new M2 also boasts an M Dynamic Mode with a track-focused Sport+ setting that allows a greater degree of slip before intervening

In keeping with its high performance character, the new BMW M2 makes a bold visual statement inspired by iconic models like the BMW 2002 and 3.0 CSL racer. Here too, form follows function as the more aggressive front and rear fascias incorporate wind-cheating/channeling elements that collectively reduce drag by five percent and lower lift by 35 percent in addition to improving the car's high-speed aero balance

The M2's cabin also has deeply bolstered sport buckets covered in black Dakota leather with blue stitching and M logos in the backrests. These are set off with Alcantara trim and open-pore carbon fiber dash accents along with M-spec gauge graphics, door sill plates and footrest. More familiar touches include a standard navigation and iDrive touch controller while optional ConncetedDrive Services can be augmented by a GoPro app and M Laptimer app allowing the driver to record, analyze and share information from any circuit session. The 2016 BMW M2 will make its public debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show in January. Pricing will be released closer to its actual on-sale date

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