INDIANAPOLIS — Autumn may be you favorite time of the year because of cooler weather, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, and family gatherings, but for me, it’s all about new vehicle introductions. From an all-new Mustang to a Corvette-powered SUV and American-branded Italian crossover, these are 10 of my favorites for 2023.
Ford Mustang
Heritage styling is reimagined with triple LED headlamps, wider haunches and tri-bar rear lighting. Interiors adopt curved flatscreen displays, customizable with Unreal Engine 3D gaming tech. Old school engines range from a 310 horsepower turbo-four to 500 horsepower V8. Drive modes, magnetic ride control and drift brake enhance the fun.
Base price: $30,000
Cadillac Escalade-V
Already large and luxurious, the ultimate SUV gets Corvette’s hand-built supercharged V8 delivering 682 horsepower and 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Recognize it by a black grille, quad exhausts and 22” wheels. An air suspension, 38” infotainment display and hands-free Super Cruise add allure to the most expensive Cadillac.
Base price: $149,695
Dodge Hornet
An Alfa Romeo Tonale in Dodge trim, this crossover breaks out in sporty R/T trim as a plug-in hybrid that delivers 285 horsepower, 30 miles electric range and ability to burst an additional 25 horsepower to click 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Grey wheels, dual exhausts, Harman Kardon audio and wireless device connectivity dress it out.
Base price: $29,995
Kia Niro
Available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV, the more expressive exterior covers powertrains capable of 53-MPG in base trim. EVs achieve 253 miles range and can recharge 10-80% in 45 minutes. A capacious interior is highlighted by a swoopy dash, twin infotainment screens, sustainable materials and available Harman Kardon audio.
Base price: $26,490
Honda HR-V
More sophisticated, the little crossover grows up with styling cribbed from the latest Civic and a considerably larger interior featuring digital instrumentation, 7” touchscreen and wireless Apple/Android connectivity. A larger four-cylinder engine puts down 158 horsepower through front- or all-wheel-drive. Expect 26/32-MPG city/highway.
Base price: $23,650
Acura Integra
Everything '80s is cool again, including this cult favorite. Returning as a five-door hatchback for a sporty stance and compact crossover utility, the car comes with a 200 horsepower turbo-four matched to a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. Interiors encourage swift driving. Automatic emergency braking is standard.
Base price: $30,800
Toyota Crown
A new take on the full-size sedan, replacing the Avalon with a name from the car that debuted in Japan during 1955. This elevated sedan is crossover-capable with AWD and available 2.4-liter turbo-four and twin motors. Expect up to 340 horsepower and 41-MPG. Voice-controlled infotainment, automatic parking and adaptive cruise are available.
Base price: $41,000
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
There will be electrified Corvettes, but America’s sports car makes magic with gasoline. Behind the seats is a 5.5-liter V8 delivering 670 horsepower and 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds! Magnetic Ride Control adjusts the chassis continuously for a comfortable ride or track handling. It looks sinister with the carbon fiber aero package.
Base price: $105,300
Lexus RX Hybrid
Lexus’ updated crossover features a sleeker grille, 21” wheels and wrap-around taillamps. Interiors adopt a large touchscreen, head-up display and Mark Levinson audio. The 350h achieves 246 horsepower and 37/34-MPG city/highway while the 500h F Sport delivers 366hp, adaptive suspension, rear steering and 27/28-MPG.
Base price: $50,150
GMC Canyon AT4X
Get the adventurer of GMC’s muscular compact pickup, capable of tumbling over hill and dale with a 3” factory lift, skid plates, underbody cameras, winch plug and 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine stomping out 310 horsepower. Interiors are refined with a wide infotainment screen, premium materials and the entire safety suite.
Base price: $63,350
Storm Forward!
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