Freshman Class of 2015

From family-minded crossovers to racy sports cars, say hello to eight brand new auto nameplates debuting for the 2015 model year.

By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

Like parents sending their kids off to college for the first time, automakers ship an array of all-new models to dealers’ showrooms each fall they hope will become successful down the road. Here’s a quick look at eight never-before-seen models premiering for 2015 that are sure to garner attention among those eager to be the “first on the block” to own them.

 Acura TLX. Essentially a sportier and more luxurious version of the Honda Accord, the midsize TLX sedan is handsomely styled and treats occupants to a roomy and quiet interior. A 2.4-liter 206-horsepower four-cylinder engine and an eightspeed automated manual transmission come standard, with a livelier 3.5-liter V6 available that puts 290-horsepower to the pavement via a nine-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive is available with the V6, while front-drive models include a novel allwheel steering system to quicken the car’s handling.

 Alfa Romeo 4C. Alfa Romeo returns to the U.S. for 2015 with this curvaceous lowslung mid-engine sports coupe. A 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates a modest 237 horsepower, yet it enables the car to reach 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds, thanks in large part to an ultra-low curb weight. A so-called “DNA Selector” allows a driver to adjust the vehicle’s performance according to four settings, including an aggressive “race” mode.

 Chevrolet Trax. This new subcompact crossover SUV shares platforms and components with the Buick Encore, and like that model it’s powered by a 1.4-liter 138 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Aimed at young tech-savvy buyers, the Trax offers built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi service that enables passengers to connect phones and other portable devices to the Internet.

 Jeep Renegade. The compact Renegade is the smallest Jeep to date, though it upholds the brand’s “Trail Rated” reputation when configured with either of two off-road ready 4X4 systems. Buyers can choose either of two Fiat-supplied turbocharged fourcylinder engines, a 1.4 version with 160 horsepower or a 2.4- liter mode with a somewhat peppier 184 horses; a six-speed manual transmission comes standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission optional. Removable roof panels afford an openair effect.

 Kia K900. The unfortunately named “Canine Hundred” is Kia’s most luxurious sedan to date, with conservatively cast styling and a spacious cabin. Engine choices include a 5.0-liter 420-horsepower V8 and a 3.8- liter 311-horsepower V6, both of which drive the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. An executive coach-oriented V8 VIP option package treats rear occupants to amenities like reclining power seats with lumbar and headrest adjustments.

 Lexus NX. Lexus enters the red-hot compact luxury crossover SUV market for 2015 with the dramatically carved and curvaceous NX. The base model packs a 2.0- liter 235 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, while the 300h hybrid version teams a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to generate the equivalent of 194 horsepower with frugal fuel economy. An F-SPORT variant includes a sport-tuned suspension that delivers livelier driving dynamics.

 Lincoln MKC. Another entry in the small SUV segment, this is essentially Lincoln’s more stylish and luxurious version of the Ford Escape. Its standard 2.0-liter 240- horsepower turbocharged “EcoBoost” fourcylinder engine comes from the Escape, while an exclusively available 2.3-liter turbo-four nets a V6-like 285 horsepower. Myriad gadget features include a secondgeneration self-parking system that can both guide the vehicle into a parallel parking space and steer it out of one automatically.

 Porsche Macan. Not to be outdone, Porsche chimes in with its own small upscale crossover for 2015, and it’s a barnburner. A 3.0-liter 340-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine comes standard, while the top Turbo version includes a 3.6-liter 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 that makes it a far more comfortable and practical alternative to a Porsche 911 Carrera sports coupe.

CTW Features