Decadence redefined
  BMW M6 Gran Coupé & 2014 Audi RS 7. Click image to enlarge |
BMW M6 Gran Coupé
BMW is showcasing the M6 Gran Coupé, a sleek fastback sedan with the monster twin-turbo V8 making 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. If you like the sound of launching to 100 km/h in less time than it takes for your jaw to drop at the gorgeous lines of this wannabe ‘coupé’, take a seat and start saving up for this pricey and prestigious luxury four-seater. With a space-age seven-speed M-Double-Clutch Transmission and the innovative Active M Differential, BMW claims that the “M6 Gran Coupé is equipped with one of the most advanced drivetrains BMW has ever developed.” Also look for a couple of interesting concepts at the BMW booth.
2014 Audi RS 7
Another German super-sedan making an appearance at CIAS 2013 is the sultry 2014 Audi RS 7. It will arrive packing the same 560-hp, 516 lb-ft twin-turbo V8 in the RS6 Avant available in Europe. Like the RS 5, the RS 7 will feature Audi’s trick Quattro all-wheel drive, tuned for racier models with an active sport differential that will vary torque side to side in addition to the front/rear split. And while performance will be stratospheric, the ride and comfort will be typical Audi thanks to adaptive suspension and adding touches like quilted leather and a profusion of carbon fibre trim to the A7’s already class-leading interior.
2014 Jaguar XFR-S
While some might find this dropped and boosted Jaguar garish in its French Racing Blue and boy-racer carbon-fibre spoiler, we think the XFR-S is obscenely hot. Jaguar’s XF is a pretty exclusive vehicle (it is practically royalty, after all) to begin with, and the R-S treatment pumps power up to 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque by dialing the Roots twin-vortex supercharger boost up to 11 (figuratively, not 11 psi), and rocking suspension, aerodynamic modifications to help it creep up to a 300 km/h top speed after breaking 96 km/h (60 mph) in 4.4 seconds. However, 2013 CIAS is one of the few places you will get a chance to see this rare beast—only 100 are destined for North America.
  2014 Jaguar XFR-S & Jaguar F-Type. Click image to enlarge |
Jaguar F-Type
The new F-Type marks a return to one branch of Jaguar’s legacy: a two-seat, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. As per Jaguar: “The F- Type is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable sports cars ever built.” Check, check, and oh yeah. As a modern-day reinterpretation of the famed XK-E it incorporates lightweight aluminum architecture and rear-wheel drive, powered by the new supercharged 3.0L V6 engine in 340-hp and 380-hp outputs plus a big-cat 495-hp 5.0L supercharged V8.
Green Choices
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid
While not exactly a Canadian debut at CIAS, Volkswagen is launching its Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid this winter to further bolster their extensive Jetta lineup. Combining a 1.4L turbocharged, direct-injection engine with a powerful and lightweight electric motor and seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission results in outstanding performance and amazing fuel efficiency.
 2014 Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel. Click image to enlarge |
2014 Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel
The 2014 Mazda6 was already a winning combination with its good looks, sporty dynamics and roomy interior, but add its acclaimed an all-new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine and it will have efficiency to match many hybrids without sacrificing anything. It will also represent the first Japanese modern clean-diesel engine on sale in Canada in a non-commercial vehicle. Available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the high-output turbodiesel will provide powerful and responsive acceleration, incredible fuel economy, and meet all North American emissions standards without the need of expensive exhaust treatments.
