While the next generation Impreza didn't quite make our New York Auto Show top five list, Subaru nevertheless will be debuting the next Impreza in New York. When the previous generation Impreza was unveiled at the 2007 New York Auto Show the initial reaction was far from positive with the majority of the complaints centering around the sedan version. This time around Subaru has decided to give the Impreza a miniaturized Legacy design featuring more prominent wheel arches and a Hofmeister kink style C-pillar. From the teaser image it also appears that the Impreza will use Legacy inspired tail and headlights. Overall the new Impreza features a much better design than the squished look of the outgoing model. Though better overall it does gain an awkward A-pillar window reminiscent, but not nearly as bad, as the one on the Suzuki SX4. Subaru is promising that the Impreza will be the most fuel efficient all wheel drive car in America and will deliver 36 mpg on the highway. Subaru will likely introduce its new 2 liter boxer four to achieve that figure. Stay tuned for the New York Auto Show in two weeks to see the next Impreza from all sides and angles and a final verdict on its new styling.
With the LA Autoshow behind us it's time to take a look at the best production and concept cars from the show. The list of production models making their debut was significant. Chrysler and Dodge unveiled significantly updated versions of their mid-size sedans and minivans along with the new Durango and Charger. Nissan unveiled its new Quest minivan along with the first convertible crossover in the Murano CrossCabriolet. The Buick LaCrosse with E Assists is interesting as well as it promises high fuel economy from a mild hybrid system. Nevertheless, the CLS 63 AMG takes the best production debut category with its matte paint, huge power, and bold styling. The original CLS is widely known as a styling icon, and it appears that the second generation CLS, at least in the AMG form, does not disappoint.
Mercedes Benz CLS63, click to enlarge
On the concept side, he Subaru Impreza Concept and the Nissan Ellure take the honors as best concepts. Both concepts aim to give the public a preview of how their future production sedans will look like. The Impreza concept gives a good preview of how the next Impreza sedan should look like minus the typical show car elements. While Nissan says that the Ellure concept is not a preview of any specific model in its lineup, don't be surprised to see some of its styling elements in the next Sentra and Altima.