For the 2014 model year, Nissan has added a hybrid model to their Pathfinder lineup and are showing it off at this year’s New York Auto Show. When Nissan redesigned the Pathfinder, which was just released last year, they likely already had this model in mind. No modifications were necessary to the chassis, floor, or body of the Pathfinder to fit the new lithium-ion battery used to power the 15kW electrical motor which sits between the engine and the transmission. Even the sliding second row is intact maintaining easy access to the third row, under which the battery sits.

The electrical motor produces about 20 horsepower and coupled with a supercharged 2.5L engine the hybrid powertrain produces about 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. All this is accomplished while delivering some impressive fuel economy of 9.4, 8.7 and 9.1L/100km for city, highway and combined respectively.

Visually, there is no difference separating the standard Pathfinder and this new hybrid models other than the LED taillights which are exclusive (for now) to the hybrid model. Nissan has not announced any pricing details but expect the sticker price to be about $3500 (US pricing) more than the standard V6 model when it arrives at dealerships this summer.

One more shot of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder After The Break

You’d be forgiven if you didn’t know whether any given Optima was a ‘13 or ‘14. The changes brought for the new model are minor but, like the Golf, not much needed changing. The front fascia got a bit of a facelift with repositioned LEDs, new foglights and updated diffuser. The interior boasts a new instrument cluster, better seats and optional blind spot detection.

We like the existing Optima and the seats were one of our only complaints, so the new updates, while minor, are welcome. Check out the gallery and let us know what you think.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Kia Optima at New York Auto Show

The 2014 Kia Forte Koup was revealed at the New York International Auto Show and, like its cousin the Optima which was also updated for 2014, it didn’t change a whole lot. Thinner nose, bigger mouth and LEDs front and back are the exterior highlights, while the interior gets some new carbon fiber bits to make it look sporty. Engines and options remains similar to last year with the EX getting a 2.0L I4 and the SX getting the Turbo 1.6L from the Veloster Turbo, with more oomph across the rev range.

With the sporty looks and modern comforts of the SX coming in around $3,000 less than the Civic Si, the Kia Forte Koup is still a serious contender in the economy sport coupe segment and the newest changes can only make it stronger. It’s got some new competition from the 2014 Scion tC which was also revealed today.

Which would you have?

More: 2014 Kia Forte Koup Photo Gallery

Just after introducing the Scion 10 Series limited production version of each vehicle in its lineup during Scion’s press conference at the New York Auto Show, Doug Murtha, VP of Scion, introduced to us the all-new 2014 Scion tC. Before we get into the details of the 2014 Scion tC, we’ll explain what the 10 Series is.

To celebrate Scion’s 10th anniversary, a limited-production version called the 10 Series will be made of each car in their lineup. The 10 Series vehicles will all be painted in the same premium color they call Silver Ignition. While we don’t know how many of each vehicle will be built as a 10 Series, Scion says they will only be building a total of 10,000 10 Series cars. They’ll begin to arrive at dealerships this summer.

More: 2014 Scion tC Details and Photo Gallery

Dodge has just rolled out their refreshed 2014 Dodge Durango here at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centervfor the New York Auto Show and not too much has changed other than the new standard 8-speed automatic transmission and new projector headlamps with “hockey stick” LEDs up front and “race track” LED taillights around the back. Apparently there are also over 50 different seating configurations on the Durango, but I’m not curious enough to go find out how (or why).

Click here for more details and extensive gallery of the 2014 Dodge Durango

Well, that’s what my Editor thinks. I’m on the fence. I haven’t decided whether it’s as ugly as the Aztek or not. Chances are good that you’ve already seen pictures and made your own decisions about the design. What did seeing it up close in New York change about my opinion? The most significant feature for me was the front end. It sticks out. Not sticks out like “It’s visible”, sticks out like “It’s far away from the center of the vehicle and comes to a point”. Sure, it looks aerodynamic, but it also looks terrible, especially when coupled with the very visible front tow hooks. This thing can’t figure out if it’s a grocery getter or an off-roader and I’m honestly worried that all of the efforts towards the latter will have gone to waste.

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It may have been overshadowed by the announcement of the new Camaro Z28 at the New York International Auto Show, but the new C7 Chevy Corvette Convertible certainly deserves your attention. Being a car that was built from the start to be a convertible, it’s got none of the boxy look, poor weight distribution or chassis flex that an afterthought convertible does. This makes the C7 vert almost identically potent to the coupe version, and that means it’s even more desirable to people like me.

Take a look at the gallery and let us know which one you’d have.

In a surprise to most people, the first Subaru hybrid will be the 2014 Subaru SV Crosstrek Hybrid rather than the Forester. While the Crosstrek was shown off yesterday at Subaru’s booth at the New York International Auto Show, no details were made available until today so we decided to hold off on posting anything. Appearance wise, it looks just like the standard SV Crosstrek save for the taillights. Subaru has given the hybrid model some clear taillights with red accent.

You may be asking yourself what has taken Subaru so long to introduce hybrid drivetrains into their vehicles and even Subaru admits they have taken awhile to jump on the hybrid wagon but they explained that they didn’t want to just jump aboard the hybrid train. They wanted to do hybrid properly, and the SV Crosstrek Hybrid is the result. The Crosstrek combines a 2.0L Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4 horsepower electric motor that is integrated right into the CVT transmission. The 13.5kw battery is located under the redesigned rear floor area. The entire hybrid system weighs just over 200 pounds and with the integration of all the new features like the new starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature the XV Crosstrek Hybrid weighs about 300 pounds more than the gasoline model.

More Details and Photo Gallery of the Subaru SV Crosstrek Hybrid

We already talked about the new Chevrolet SS and were pretty disappointed to learn that it wasn’t coming to Canada. A big and mean sedan that doesn’t break the bank is a thin segment right now and we’ll always welcome more choice in the car world. That said, a portion of our disappointment vanished when today, in New York, we got to see the new SS in person. Whatever growls underneath is masked by an exterior that looks as plain and rental car as the Malibus and Impalas you’re used to. The contrast between GM’s media pictures and an in-person look at the car is significant. I know our photo editor is going to do a wonderful job of making the car look good, but I’m hoping he can squeeze in a few shots that can accurately portray it.

Check out the gallery and let us know what you think.

The Camaro Z28 wasn’t the only car revealed at the New York Auto Show with the track in mind. Dodge brought us the new Viper SRT TA and it’s got one job, throw down the lowest lap times possible. The TA stands for Time Attack and the Viper’s offensive is bolstered by a re-tuned engine, new suspension, carbon fiber X-brace and a handful of aerodynamic bits. If it’s as fast as it looks, Dodge will have accomplished what they set out to achieve.

Check out the flood of orange and carbon fiber in the gallery.