Every year since 1967, the International CES, or more commonly known as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), is an electronics and technology trade show that has now been taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada since 2004. The event, not open to the public, attracts worldwide interest, with major companies, industry professionals, and members of the media in attendance.
This year in January 2014, Marques Brownlee of the hit MKBHD YouTube Channel went to CES 2014 to do his usual coverage of tech-based products that were making a splash, such as the Samsung Galaxy NotePRO and TabPRO, Sony Xperia Z1S and Z1, and several new 4K cameras. Uncharacteristic of Brownlee though, he featured a short video highlighting the Tesla Model S, and the views garnered by that video resulted in a more lengthy montage of the best luxury sports cars on display at CES 2014.
In no particular order, here were the 12 best luxury sports cars on display at CES 2014:
With 60 years of sports-car heritage, the sixth generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class two-seat roadster was re-imagined in a modern, technology-laden luxury automobile. The SL550 is powered by a 429-hp 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and paddle shifters. Premium package options for the SL550 include heated/active ventilated multicontour front seats, KEYLESS-GO, AIRSCARF neck-level heating, PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist, a rearview camera, and an electronic trunk closer.
Automobile Overview
Name
Mercedes-Benz SL550 Roadster
Also Called
Mercedes SL550
Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz
Production
2013
Model Year
2014
Body and Chassis
Class
Sports Car
Body Style
2-door coupe
Powertrain
Engine
4.6L biturbo V-8
Power
429 hp @ 5,250 rpm
Transmission
7-speed automatic transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase
101.8 in (2,585.72 mm)
Length
181.6 in (4,612.64 mm)
Width
82.6 in (2,098.04 mm w/ mirrors)
Height
51.8 in (1315.72 mm)
Curb Weight
3,935 lbs (1784.89 kg)
Redefining urban mobility means thinking far beyond environmentally-conscious and agile driving. The result is this concept design where the BMW uses an emission-free electric powertrain, which is a first for BMW on their quest to build the mobile automobile of tomorrow.
Automobile Overview
Name
BMW i3
Also Called
BMW Mega City Vehicle
Manufacturer
BMW AG
Production
2013
Model Year
2014
Assembly
Leipzig, Germany
Designer
Richard Kim
Body and Chassis
Class
City Car
Body Style
5-door hatchback
Layout
Rear-engine, Rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
25 kW 647 cc, two-cylinder generator, with a 9-liter fuel tank (optional)
Electric Motor
130 kW (170 hp)
Transmission
Automatic, single speed with fixed ratio
Battery
22 kWh lithium-ion battery
Range
130 to 160 km (80 to 100 mi) with range extender
240 to 300 km (150 to 190 mi) (BMW)
Plug-in Charging
7.4 kW on-board charger on IEC Combo AC, optional Combo DC
Dimensions
Wheelbase
101 in (2,570 mm)
Length
157.4 in (3,999 mm)
Width
69.9 in (1,775 mm)
Height
62.1 in (1,578 mm)
Curb Weight
2,630 lb (1,195 kg) (DIN)
with range extender
2,900 lb (1,315 kg) (DIN)
The Infiniti Q50S manufactured by Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand is a compact sedan that replaced the Infiniti G sedan. It was at the 2013 North American International Auto Show when newest model debuted and went on sale in North America during the third quarter 2013 and in Europe during the fourth quarter 2013. A hybrid version is available.
Automobile Overview
Name
Infiniti Q50S
Also Called
Nissan Skyline
Manufacturer
Infiniti
Production
2013
Model Year
2014
Designer
Shiro Nakamura (2011)
Body and Chassis
Body Style
4-door sedan
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine
3.7 L VQ37VHR V6
3.5 L VQ35HR V6 hybrid
2.0 L R4 M 274 DE 20 AL
2.1 L R4 diesel OM 651 DE 22 LA
Transmission
7-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase
112.2 in (2,850 mm)
Length
188.3 in (4,783 mm)
Width
71.8 in (1,824 mm)
Height
56.8 in (1,443 mm)
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a fresh take on a classic automotive legend, reinvented to offer brutal supercar performance in a refined fashion that will allow you to actually drive it everyday. Offering incredible specifications, a modern aggressive design, polished high-tech interior, excellent fuel economy for its class, and a new level of overall value with a starting price of $51,000, this luxury sports car was designed for all classes of luxury customers where the need for speed is paramount.
See more: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray – Reinventing the Iconic American Luxury Sports Car
Automobile Overview
Name
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Also Called
Chevrolet Corvette C7
Manufacturer
Chevrolet Division of General Motors
Production
2013
Model Year
2014
Assembly
Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
Designers
Ed Welburn, Kirk Bennion, Tom Peters
Body and Chassis
Class
Sports Car
Body Style
2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Layout
FMR layout
Platform
Y-body
Powertrain
Engine
6.2 L GM LT1 engine
Transmission
7-speed Tremec TR-6070 manual
6-speed auto
Dimensions
Wheelbase
106.7 in (2,710 mm)
Length
176.9 in (4,493 mm)
Width
73.9 in (1,877 mm)
Height
48.6 in (1,234 mm)
Curb Weight
3,303 lbs (1,498 kg)
The Audi A3 is an all-new category-defining automobile, featuring a dynamic exterior with chiseled character lines and a modern interior made of high quality materials. The automobile features standard leather seating surfaces, optional full LED headlights, quattro all-wheel drive, Audi connect, MMI touch, and a Bang & Olufsen Sound System.
Automobile Overview
Name
Audi A3
Also Called
Audi A3 Sedan
Manufacturer
Audi
Model Year
2015
Body and Chassis
Class
Small Family Car
Body Style
4-door sedan
Powertrain
Engine
1.8-liter TFSI engine
2.0 liter TFSI engine
The Pontiac G8 is a rear-wheel drive sedan that was produced by Holden, the Australian General Motors (GM) subsidiary. The G8, a repackaged Holden Commodore, was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the United States, and in 2008 for the 2009 model year in Canada. Unfortunately, production stopped on June 19, 2009, following GM’s decision to suspend the Pontiac brand, as a result of GM’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Between March and December 2008, total sales reached 15,002 and for the entire 2009 calendar year, a total of 23,157 Pontiac G8 vehicles were sold.
Base models of the G8 came standard with six airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, dual tailpipes, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports body kit, fog lights, power windows and locks, cruise control, black cloth seats and a seven-speaker audio system, including front center speaker, single-disc CD player, and an auxiliary input jack.
Automobile Overview
Name
Pontiac G8
Also Called
Chevrolet Lumina
Chevrolet Omega
Holden VE Commodore
Manufacturer
Holden
Production
December 18, 2007 – June 2009
Model Year
2009
Assembly
Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Body and Chassis
Class
Full-size car
Body Style
2-door Coupe Utility (cancelled)
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon (cancelled)
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Platform
GM Zeta platform
Powertrain
Engine
3.6 L LY7 V6 (256 hp)
6.0 L L76 V8 (361 hp)
6.2 L LS3 V8 (415 hp)
Transmission
5-speed 5L40-E automatic
6-speed 6L80-E automatic
6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase
114.7 in (2,913 mm)
Length
196.1 in (4,981 mm)
Width
74.8 in (1,900 mm)
Height
57.7 in (1,466 mm)
Curb Weight
3946 lb (1,790 kg)
The Tesla Model S is an advanced automobile that sets a new standard for premium performance as an electric five-door hatchback produced by Tesla Motors. It was first shown to the public at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show as a prototype with US retail sales beginning in June 2012. The Model S was released in Europe in early August 2013, and the first deliveries took place in Norway, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Automobile Overview
Name
Tesla Model S
Also Called
WhiteStar (code name)
Manufacturer
Tesla Motors
Production
2012-present
Model Year
2014
Assembly
United States: Fremont, California (Tesla Factory)
Europe: Tilburg, Netherlands (knock-down kits only)
Designer
Franz von Holzhausen
Body and Chassis
Class
Full-size car
Body Style
5-door liftback
Layout
Rear-motor, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Electric Motor
310 kW (416 bhp), 600 N·m (443 ft·lb), Three-phase AC induction motor
Transmission
1-speed fixed gear (9.73:1)
Battery
60 or 85 kW·h lithium ion
Electric Range
85 kW·h
265 mi (426 km) (EPA)
300 mi (480 km) (Tesla Motors)
310 mi (500 km) (NEDC)
60 kW·h
208 mi (335 km) (EPA)
230 mi (370 km) (Tesla Motors)
233 mi (375 km) (NEDC)
Plug-in charging
11 kW 85-265 V onboard charger for 1ϕ 40A or 3ϕ 16Aon IEC Type 2 inlet.
Optional “Twin Charger” for 22 kW for 1ϕ 80A or 3ϕ 32A.
Optional Supercharger for 100 kW DC offboard charging, adapters for domestic AC sockets (110-240V).
Dimensions
Wheelbase
116.5 in (2,959 mm)
Length
195.9 in (4,976 mm)
Width
77.3 in (1,963 mm)
Height
56.5 in (1,435 mm)
Curb Weight
4,647.3 lb (2,108 kg)
The sixth generation Mustang was unveiled on December 5, 2013 in Dearborn, Michigan; New York, New York; Los Angeles, California; Barcelona, Spain, Shanghai, China; and Sydney, Australia. The 2015 model year Mustang is scheduled to be in showrooms by November 2014.
Automobile Overview
Name
Ford Mustang (sixth generation)
Also Called
Ford Mustang 2015
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Release Date
TBA
Model Year
2015
The Ferrari F430 is a sports car that was produced by the Italian automaker Ferrari from 2004 to 2009, as a successor to the 360. It debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. Its replacement, the Ferrari 458 Italia, was unveiled on 28 July 2009. The model shown in the image above is the Ferrari 430 GT3, developed by Kessel Racing and is the successor of the previous F430 GT3.
Automobile Overview
Name
Ferrari F430
Also Called
Ferrari 430, Ferrari F430 GTC, Ferrari F430 GTC3, Ferrari 430 GT3 Scuderia
Manufacturer
Ferrari
Production
2004-2009
Model Year
2009
Assembly
Maranello, Italy
Designer
Frank Stephenson at Pininfarina
Body and Chassis
Class
Grand tourer
Body Style
2-seat Berlinetta
2-seat Spider
Layout
Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine
4.3 L V8
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed ‘F1′ electrohydraulic manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase
102.4 in (2,601 mm)
Length
177.6 in (4,511 mm)
Width
75.7 in (1,923 mm)
Height
Coupe: 47.8 in (1,214 mm)
Spider: 48.6 in (1,234 mm)
Curb Weight
3,197 lb (1,450 kg)
The Pagani Huayra is an Italian mid-engined sports car produced by Pagani. It is named after Huayra-tata, which means “God of the winds” in Quechua, the official language of the Inca Empire. Top Gear magazine named the Huayra as “The Hypercar of the Year 2012″ and gave positive reviews when testing the vehicle. The Huayra is currently the fastest car to go around the Top Gear Test Track, setting a time of 1:13.8, beating the previous record of 1:15.1 set by the Ariel Atom V8 in January 2011.
Automobile Overview
Name
Pagani Huayra
Manufacturer
Pagani
Production
2012-present
Assembly
Modena, Italy
Designer
Horacio Pagani
Body and Chassis
Class
Sports car
Body Style
2-door berlinetta
Layout
Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine
Mercedes-AMG bi-turbo M158 5980 cc V12
Transmission
7-speed sequential
Dimensions
Wheelbase
110.0 in (2,795 mm)
Length
181.3 in (4,605 mm)
Width
80.2 in (2,036 mm)
Height
46.0 in (1,169 mm)
Curb Weight
2,980 lb (1,350 kg) (dr)
Created as a true collectors item in celebration of the automotive icon’s 50th anniversary, the remarkable 2014 Lamborghini Veneno, which was introduced at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, is an extreme evolution of the company’s styling language exemplifying a racing prototype for the road.
The Lamborghini Veneno is a limited production sports car, first exhibited during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. It is a show piece based on the Lamborghini Aventador and was built to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary.
Automobile Overview
Name
Lamborghini Veneno
Manufacturer
Lamborghini
Production
2013
Model
2013
Assembly
Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy
Body and Chassis
Class
Sports car
Body Style
2-door coupé
2-door roadster
Layout
Mid-engine, all wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine
6.5 L V12
Transmission
7-speed semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
106.30 in (2,700 mm) (Roadster)
Length
197.64 in (5,020 mm) (Roadster)
Width
81.69 in (2,075 mm) (Roadster)
Height
45.87 in (1,165 mm) (Roadster)
Curb Weight
3,280 lb (1,490 kg) (Roadster; dry)
The Dodge Viper, now known as the SRT Viper after the 2013 model, is a two-seat sports car designed by Scott Krugger. The version shown in the image above is of the SRT Viper GTS-R, an LM GTE class race car designed and built by SRT Motorsports and Riley Technologies. It includes Michelin GT tires.
Automobile Overview
Name
SRT Viper
Also Known As
Dodge Viper, SRT Viper GTS-R, SRT Viper TA
Manufacturer
Chrysler LLC/Chrysler Group LLC (2013)
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (2014)
Production
2013-present
Model
2013
Assembly
Detroit, Michigan
Designer
Scott Krugger
Body and Chassis
Class
Sports car
Body Style
2-door coupé
Layout
Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine
512 cu in (8.4 L) V10
640 bhp (480 kW) @ 6150 rpm
600 lb·ft (810 N·m) @ 4950 rpm
Transmission
6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase
98.8 in (2,510 mm)
Length
175.7 in (4,460 mm)
Width
76.4 in (1,940 mm)
Height
49.1 in (1,250 mm)
Curb Weight
3,354 lb (1,521 kg) (Viper model)
3,297 lb (1,495 kg) (Viper model with SRT Track Package)
3,431 lb (1,556 kg) (Viper GTS model)
3,374 lb (1,530 kg) (Viper GTS model with SRT Track Package)
That concludes this list of the 12 best sports luxury cars that were on display at CES 2014 this year, but what can a list of unique cars be without a little vintage touch? We go retro with “one more thing,” as the late Steve Jobs used to put it.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car manufactured by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company for the American market in 1981–82. It was the only model ever produced by the DeLorean Motor Company and it features gull-wing doors with a fiberglass “underbody,” to which non-structural brushed stainless steel panels are affixed. The car became iconic for its appearance as a modified time machine in the Back to the Future film trilogy and it was on display at CES 2014 because in 2013 an all-electric model was re-released for an estimated $90,000 USD with a 200 hp (149 kW) motor, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 8 seconds, and a range of 100 miles (160 km) between charges.
Automobile Overview
Name
DeLorean DMC-12
Also Known As
The DeLorean
Manufacturer
DeLorean Motor Company
Production
1981-1983
2008-present (new rebuilts)
Model
2008
Assembly
Dunmurry, Northern Ireland
Houston, Texas, United States
Designer
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Body and Chassis
Class
Sports car
Body Style
2-door coupé
Layout
RR layout
Powertrain
Engine
2,849 cc PRV ZMJ-159 V6
150 hp (EUR)
130 hp (US)
Transmission
5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
95.0 in (2,413 mm)
Length
166.0 in (4,216 mm)
Width
73.1 in (1,857 mm)
Height
44.9 in (1,140 mm) doors closed
77.2 in (1,961 mm) doors open
Curb Weight
2,712 lb (1,230 kg)
With that extra thirteenth automobile on the list, this montage of some of the best luxury sports cars that were on display at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show is officially concluded. To read more blogs at The Pinnacle List about luxury automobiles, click here.