2014 Chevrolet SS Video

There, there, performance fans. We know it's been tough for you in recent years as dinky four-cylinder fuel sippers seem to shun you into seclusion like a smoker at a restaurant. GM senses your pain and hopes its first full-fledged performance sedan in nearly two decades — the 2014 Chevrolet SS, debuting this week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show — brings solace to your solitude.

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Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays says the new SS' 6.2-liter "proper V-8," good for 415 horsepower and as many pounds-feet of torque, will help neglected enthusiasts get their groove back. Cool new features include a pounds-shedding aluminum trunk and hood, 50/50 weight distribution and Chevy's first auto-parking system. Watch the video below for more on the SS.

Most-Watched Videos of the Week

The 2014 Toyota Tundra felt the heat this week as our video of the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE burning up the racetrack broke the pickup's icy grip on the top spot after three weeks. The video features a surprisingly favorable critique of the track-tuned-yet-livable Camaro by Cars.com reviewer (and Ford Mustang Boss 302 admirer) Joe Wiesenfelder, who got behind the wheel of the 1LE at Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, Ga. Holdovers from the recent Chicago, Detroit and Los Angeles auto shows round out the top five. Check out what was popular this week:

1. 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE
2. 2014 Toyota Tundra
3. Ford Atlas Concept
4. 2013 Toyota RAV4
5. 2014 Ram ProMaster

2014 Kia Sorento Video

At first glance, the 2014 Kia Sorento doesn’t appear very different than the outgoing 2013, but Kia says 80% of the parts are new or significantly redesigned. Inside, there’s a newly redesigned center console with a larger display for Kia’s multimedia system as well as other updates.

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We first saw the new Sorento late last year at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays checks out the redesigned Sorento on the floor of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  Mays finds a lot to like with the new interior, but also notes there’s still room for improvement.

Check out the video below. 

2014 Jaguar F-Type Video

Jaguar’s 2014 F-Type convertible may be the smallest car in the luxury automaker’s 2014 lineup, but the F-Type is certainly not the least expensive with a starting price just under $70,000, including a destination charge. Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays takes an up-close look at the sleek F-Type at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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The F-Type features V-6 or V-8 engines with power ranging from a mild 340 horsepower standard to an extreme 495 hp with a supercharged V-8 in S models. F-Types with the supercharged V-8 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Expect the F-Type to go on sale this summer.

Check out the video below.

Is the 2013 Toyota RAV4 the Most Affordable Compact Crossover?

Back in April, we asked the question: what is the most affordable compact crossover on the market? That was when a new Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape were hitting the scene. We’re looking at it again so soon because a redesigned Toyota RAV4, one of the best-sellers in the segment, has been priced and goes on sale this month.

Last go round we compared 13 models, finding the least expensive trim level of each one that featured some common equipment: an automatic transmission, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a USB/audio jack port, tilt and telescoping steering and roof rails.

We’ve dropped the roof rails requirement, which has changed the possibilities somewhat—the Ford Escape can now be had in S trim instead of SE, making it more affordable. Other models have revised their pricing and one contender was quietly revised for the 2013 model year. That means we have a new affordability champ.

Kia Connects With Google for Destination, Directions Service

Kia announced today it has teamed up with Google to enhance the second generation of the automaker's voice-activated multimedia system. The new version of Kia's UVO ("Your Voice") will help motorists more easily determine where they want to go and how to get there, according to the automaker.

The feature, integrated into UVO's eServices system, will use Google Maps and Google Places to allow motorists to search for driving directions and points of interest. The new smartphone-app-based services will debut during the first quarter of this year in the 2014 Kia Sorento crossover. Other models will follow, including the 2014 Forte sedan.

Kia drivers will be able to access the feature whether they are in or away from their vehicles by sending a destination directly from Google Maps on their smartphones via the UVO app. While in their vehicle, drivers can use Google Places to find points of interest or resources such as dealership locations. At the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia announced that UVO would also incorporate "geo-fencing," or the ability to draw zones on a map and receive alerts when your car goes there. This would allow parents, for example, to receive a text-message alert if their teen were to drive somewhere they weren’t supposed to.

Most-Watched Videos of the Week

Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays' introduction to the 2013 Toyota RAV4 at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show is the most-watched video of the week for a second time in a row. Mays likes the upgrades to the crossover and looks forward to seeing if the improvement extends to the driving experience. Check out that video above and see what other videos were popular this week:

• 1. 2013 Toyota RAV4
• 2. 2013 Subaru BRZ
• 3. 2014 Honda Civic Sedan
• 4. 2014 Mazda6
• 5. 2014 Porsche Cayman

Most-Watched Videos of the Week

Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays attended the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show and got a look at the updated-for-2013 Toyota RAV4. In this week's most-watched video, Mays says upgrades to the crossover are a good start, but that the true test in this competitive class will be on the road. Check out that video above and see what other videos were popular this week:

• 1. 2013 Toyota RAV4
• 2. 2013 Honda Civic sedan
• 3. 2014 Kia Forte
• 4. 2014 Mazda6
• 5. 2014 Porsche Cayman

BMW i8 Spyder Concept: Photo Gallery

It may look like something out of near-future sci-fi, but the BMW i8 Spyder concept's future as a production car is nearer than it seems. The automaker has said it will build the high-performance hybrid plug-in by 2014. BMW has even brought some of its space-age features a bit more down to earth in preparation.

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Interior features, from tech to color schemes, now more closely resemble their production counterparts. While the convertible Spyder lacks a backseat, it's unlikely drivers will think long about that as they accelerate from zero to 62 mph while enjoying a 94 mpg combined rating. Check out the gallery below.

Nissan Hi-Cross Concept: Photo Gallery

Today's Nissan Hi-Cross Concept may very well be tomorrow's Rogue — and not a moment too soon. The automaker's compact crossover hasn't received a substantial update in five years, and with the implied potential for both a hybrid model and a third-row option, Nissan could fill an existing void in the class.

More 2012 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

The seven-passenger Hi-Cross, making its North American debut at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show, uses Nissan's first in-house engineered front-wheel-drive hybrid system. The crossover's high-waisted design features slanted, vertical headlights and trapezoidal taillights. Exaggerated fenders help define the front end, with prominent styling lines along the hood and grille. Check out more photos below.