Hop into the coolest car on the lot with our guide to red hot rides. | by Rachel Jones
——— All right, everyone. You’ve seen enough roses and paper hearts this month to know red is the color for February. Where’s the best place for you to show off the hue this month? Parked in front of your house, of course! Get behind the wheel of the hottest rides, just in time for the 2013 Pittsburgh International Auto Show, February 15-18. We asked Pittsburgh’s top auto dealers for their favorite crimson cars of the year. From the sporty to the smart, find the car that meets all of your heart’s desires.
#1 Cochran Fiat: 2013 Fiat 500 Sport
Photograph from Fiat USA / #1 Cochran.
The sporty and sleek 2013 Fiat 500 Sport has a sound system that could win any music lover’s heart. Equipped with the Alpine Premium Audio System, the Italian Stallion’s cockpit-style cabin is lined with top-notch speakers. For a high definition music experience, go for the optional Beats by Dr. Dre Audio Premium Sound System. BLUE&ME hands-free technology helps you easily select a song from the steering wheel. Now you can just sit back in the bucket seat, push the Sport Mode button, and cruise to concert quality tunes.
Starting price | $ 17,500
31 mpg/city | 40 mpg/hwy
101 hp | 98 lb-ft. | FWD
#1 Cochran Fiat, 4515 Penn Highway, Monroeville. 866.979.3862. fiatusaofmonroeville.com.
Auto Palace: 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS
Photograph from Porsche Cars North America
Powered by a lightweight 4.8-liter V8 engine, the 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS provides maximum sports performance. The naturally aspirated engine features aluminum pistons, monobloc aluminum cylinder heads, and integrated dry-slump lubrication to maintain a reliable supply of oil. For even more engine power, the flaps on the air filter modules open so the engine can draw in air more easily. The specially modified engine management system also helps the engine develop torque more quickly and reduces the shift time. This leads to a maximum torque of 383 lb-ft.
Starting price | $ 110,000
16 mpg/city | 24 mpg/hwy
430 hp | 383 lb-ft. | AWD
Auto Palace, 4627 Baum Blvd., Shadyside. 412.687.4000. auto-palace.com.
Lexus of North Hills: 2013 Lexus ES 350
Photograph from Lexus of North Hills
We like to think of the 2013 Lexus ES 350 as the “little brother” of one of the most luxurious cars in the world — the Lexus LS 460. The main difference between the two is the ES 350’s six cylinders and front wheel drive capabilities. The Drive Mode Select also lets drivers choose either ECO, Normal, or Sport mode, changing the performance style to fit their moods. Thanks to a six-speed, automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), each mode provides enhanced performance, fuel efficiency, and exceptionally smooth shifts.
Starting price | $ 39,782
21 mpg/city | 31 mpg/hwy
268 hp | 248 lb-ft. | FWD
Lexus of North Hills, 15025 Perry Highway, Wexford. 724.940.1400. lexusofnorthhills.com.
C. Harper Auto Group: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Photograph from C. Harper Auto Group
Instantly recognized as a member of the Corvette family, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray utilizes race-proven aerodynamics for improved high-speed stability. Like the stingray emblem it bears, this Corvette is the ideal combination of being sleek yet strong. The new LT1 small block, 6.2 liter V8 engine makes it the most powerful standard Corvette to date. The technological advances appear in the driver-focused interior as well, with the tablet-inspired Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, displayed on two, eight-inch screens. Two new seating options, featuring magnesium frames, offer exceptional support for an even smoother ride.
Starting price | $ 49,600
450 hp | 450 lb-ft. | RWD
C. Harper Auto Group, 4435 PA 51, Belle Vernon. 724.929.8000. charper.com.
Bobby Rahal Automotive Group: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
Photograph from Bobby Rahal Automotive Group
Combine the spirit of a Mercedes-Benz sport sedan with the compact capabilities of an SUV, and you get the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class SUV. Several innovative features and options assist the driver, making this the ultimate vehicle for the busy family. PARKTRONIC® with Active Parking Assist uses sensors for easy parallel parking, and ATTENTION ASSIST® sends visual and audible warnings if it detects drowsy driving behaviors. Plus, KEYLESS-GO® lets you unlock, start, and drive away while the SmartKey remains in your pocket or purse.
Starting price | $ 39,090
21 mpg/city | 31 mpg/hwy
302 hp | 273 lb-ft. | RWD
Bobby Rahal Automotive Group, 10701 Perry Hwy., Wexford. 724.935.9300. bobbyrahalmotorcars.com. Mercedes-Benz of Pittsburgh, 4709 Baum Blvd., Shadyside. 412.683.5000. mercedsbenzofpittsburgh.com.
Day Toyota: 2013 Toyota Avalon XLE
Photograph from Day Toyota
While the 2013 Toyota Avalon XLE features a reduction in overall height, a lower beltline, and shorter front and rear overhangs than previous generations, the spacious cabin still offers a comfortable experience for passengers. Not to mention quiet! Engine, road, and wind noise are all reduced thanks to sound deadening materials, including an acoustic glass windshield and front side glass. The highly detailed interior features the Multi-Information Display, audio/navigation interface, with a 6.1-inch touch screen, and a dual-zone automatic climate control panel with Intellitouch® controls.
Starting price | $ 30,990
21 mpg/city | 31 mpg/hwy
268 hp | 248 lb-ft. | FWD
Day Toyota, 1110 Clairton Blvd., Pleasant Hills. 877.468.3022. daytoyota.com.
2013 Pittsburgh International Auto Show
See more of the auto world’s coolest cars up close and personal at the 2013 Pittsburgh International Auto Show, sponsored by Erie Insurance and The Rivers Casino. More than 500 vehicles representing 33 brands will pack the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on February 15-18. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for 60 and older/military ID, and children 12 and younger get in free. Celebrate President’s Day with half-priced admission on February 18!
Friday-Saturday | 10am-10pm
Sunday-Monday | 10am-6pm
Motorcycles and ATV’s • U.S. Airforce and U.S. Army combat vehicles • Classic car display by the Western Pennsylvania Region of the Classic Car Clubs of America • Custom car area • Vintage Grand Prix exhibit • Pittsburgh Steelers live radio show • Country music performances by The Stoney River Boys and Vanessa Campagna • Face painting and caricatures • WSHH Radio’s “Relax the Back” and prize wheel • WPXI’s Samsung TV giveaway • WTAE’s “Club 4 Life” massage salon • Froggy Radio’s Toby Keith autographed guitar giveaway • Dozens of giveaways and contests • Free parking and shuttle service from The Rivers Casino for those 21 and older
Pittsburgh International Auto Show, pittautoshow.com. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. 412.565.6000. pittsburghcc.com/cc.
Red CARpet Charity Preview Gala
Catch a sneak peek of the 2013 Pittsburgh International Auto Show February 14 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Spend the “All You Need is Love” themed evening — hosted by The Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation — checking out the collection of cars, enjoying a strolling dinner, and dancing. Proceeds benefit Austin’s Playroom Project, an initiative of the Mario Lemieux Foundation that establishes comfortable playrooms for children visiting the hospital. There’s a Romance Ticket Package for two available, which includes an overnight stay at the Westin Convention Center Hotel, Champagne, chocolates, and breakfast in bed or at the Penn City Grille. VIP Celebrity Cocktail Reception with Mario and Nathalie Lemieux: 6-7:30 p.m. The Red CARpet Charity Preview Gala: 7:30-11 p.m.
Red CARpet Charity Preview Gala, theredcarpetgala.org.
This article is featured in the February 2013 issue of WHIRL Magazine.
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