11 New Cars We Are Excited About This Fall

MSRP: $21,700 to $32,200
Invoice: $20,235 to $29,705
Fuel economy: Not available

It’s been nearly a year since we first gazed upon the totally redesigned midsize car from Ford Motor Co. And the 2013 Ford Fusion is as beautiful now as it was then. It arrives later this year with a full compliment of fuel-efficient power trains.

Stylish, full of technology under the hood and in the cockpit, the new Fusion promises a midsize sedan for nearly every kind of person. There will be a hybrid model, a plug-in hybrid version, a 37 mpg highway fuel sipping EcoBoost model and a sporty 2-liter turbocharged version.

Ford has set the bar high but every time it does, it seems to reach it.

MSRP: $73,300 to $80,300
Invoice: $67,635 to $74,075
Fuel economy: Not available

At first glance, it may not look like there’s a lot new with the 2013 BMW 7 Series. But look closely. There’s a lot of changes for this flagship sedan.

BMW adds 45 horses to its 4.4-liter V8, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There will also be a more eco-friendly model arriving with a 3-liter six-cylinder engine that BMW promises will be 14 percent more efficient. The 7 Series will also roll out the next generation gas-electric hybrid drivetrain.

Better mileage is important, but for serious 7 Series owners, it’s not the only thing, and the new 7 Series will come loaded with luxury appointments throughout the cabin.

Inside the cabin there will also be a number of improvements such as a new rear entertainment system that will feature BMW’s iDrive controller and two 9.2-inch screens.

MSRP: $33,095 to $47,795
Invoice: $31,275 to $45,166
Fuel economy: 22 city/33 highway

A true small Cadillac, the ATS shows that compact luxury can be in Cadillac’s lineup.

All new models come with one of three four-cylinder engine choices (which top out at 320 horsepower), lots of luxury features and a family resemblance to the current Cadillac family.

It’s fun to drive and would make a great car to commute in class or cruise the country.

MSRP: $20,200
Invoice: $19,190
Fuel economy: 29 city/40 highway

It’s the racy subcompact.
The new Sonic RS arrives with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The engine creates 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque to give the Sonic RS some punch. The short wheelbase should give it true go-kart like fun.

The Sonic RS will also stand out in the tiny subcompact field with a special unique grille, revised front fascia and exhaust tip.

MSRP: $15,995 to $19,995
Invoice: $15,974 to $19,550
Fuel economy: 25 city/36highway

The first offspring of the Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat merger, the 2013 Dodge Dart combines European sensibilities with Dodge flair. It also introduces a smartly designed compact car ready to take on all of the high volume contenders such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Hyunadi Elantra.

Capitalizing on Fiat’s MultiAir engines, the Dart is powered by one of three different Tigershark engines ranging in size from 1.4-liters to 2.4-liters. The Dart can reach hit 41 mpg with a special aero package and comes loaded up with some driver-friendly technologies.

Moderately priced, high performing and arriving with just enough Dodge attitude, the Dart is the kind of car that can change the course of a company.

MSRP: N/A
Invoice: N/A
Fuel economy: N/A

Just look at this supercar. Now pick up your jaw and look at it again.

The 2013 Dodge Viper is the car that Chrysler almost didn’t make. But when it gave this vehicle the green light, designers and engineers gave it everything they had. Long, elegant and teeming with power, the new Viper adds a level of sophistication and elegance the previous model lacked. (It also adds federally mandated electronic stability control.)

But don’t be lulled into thinking this is anything but a beast with 640 horsepower under its sculpted hood. It will manhandle even the most experienced driver. We can’t wait.

MSRP: $25,200 to $28,200
Invoice: $23,499 to $26,297
Fuel economy: 47 city/47 highway

The first hybrid only model to arrive from Ford, the C-Max Hybrid will hit dealerships in the early fall with a base price of $25,995, making it one of the most affordable hybrid utilities on the road.

Later, a plug-in version of the C-Max hits U.S. shores, promising to deliver 20 miles of electric only drive before converting to a traditional gas-electric hybrid.

Ford’s plan to create a hybrid only vehicle bodes well for the brand, as it hopes to simulate the success of the Toyota Prius. Will the plan work? It took Toyota nearly 10 years to establish an eco foothold with the Prius, can it hold onto its lead? The real fight begins this fall.

MSRP: $21,480 to $30,030
Invoice: $19,667 to $27,465
Fuel economy: 23 city/34 highway

The Honda Accord has long been one of the best selling cars in America. But Honda hit a snag recently with poorly designed vehicles and lackluster performance. Its luxury brand, Acura, remains an enigma and Honda hasn’t impressed many with its recently redesigned Civic.

The Accord is Honda’s next big shot to bring back some of the mojo its lost in the past decade. From its first showing as a concept version in January at the Detroit Auto Show, the Accord promises a much more sleek design and elegant curves. Add to that improved four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as, a hybrid version, and the Accord could mark Honda’s beginning of a comeback.

MSRP: $21,950
Invoice: $20,898
Fuel economy: 26 city/38 highway

The more powerful brother to the three-door hatchback, the Veloster Turbo provides the power we found the regular Veloster lacking.

This car comes with lots of tuner potential, undercutting key competitors such as the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S with its starting price tag of $22, 725.  Add to that Hyundai’s 1.6-liter turbocharger four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and you’ve got a legitimate contender.

MSRP: $145,800
Invoice: 135,594
Fuel economy: 16 city/25 highway

This is not a car, it’s an automotive obscenity in the most beautiful sense of the word.

It has a 5.5-liter twin turbo V8 produces 557 horsepower, which is so much power, it’ll have you uttering a few obscenities of your own.

From any angle, this machine is simply beautiful, ostentatious and tells the world that you’re somebody who can afford the very finest things. There’s nothing subtle about it. 

MSRP: $25,495 to $27,495
Invoice: $24,327 to $26,112
Fuel economy: 22 city/30 highway

Few cars have created as much anticipation as the Subaru BRZ – the more expensive sibling to the Scion FR-S. This 2+2 sports coupe offers a spirited ride, lots of luxury features and that rear-wheel drive thrill other cars just to compare.

The 2-liter boxer four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower for lots of power for canyon carving. It also comes with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. We recommend the manual.