The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder enters its second year as a seven-seat family crossover with a new model added: the first-ever Pathfinder Hybrid, a direct shot across the bows of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Launched last year as a complete reinvention of the traditionally tough Pathfinder sport-utility vehicle, the current model comes with front-wheel drive as standard and sacrifices some towing and rock-crawling abilities for comfort and family-friendly features.

 Powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine and a 15 kW electric motor paired to a Lithium-Ion battery fitted under the third row of seats, the Pathfinder Hybrid is equipped with Nissan's Intelligent Dual Clutch System that allows the vehicle to provide "performance equivalent to the Pathfinder 3.5-liter gasoline V6 model. 

The Pathfinder’s new Hybrid powertrain option will be available in three fully equipped trim levels SV, SL and Platinum Premium– when it joins the lineup in late summer 2013. It is expected to be priced at around just $3,000 more than Pathfinder 3.5-litre 4WD V6 models.

In a departure from the naturally-aspirated hybrid norm, Nissan’s new setup utilizes a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder for gasoline-powered motivation. A CVT handles shifting duties, and a 15-kw electric motor sits between the engine and transmission with a pair of clutches to disconnect it from the system and conserve energy as situations allow. Nissan says the goal of the powertrain is to produce V6-like output without a commensurate appetite for fossil fuel.

READ MORE - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid Review

Externally, the 2014 MiTo features a new chrome front grille, titanium grey headlamp/taillight surrounds, tinted rear window and a sports rear bumper, while a new Matte Magnesio Grey paint has been added to the palette. 

The car was driven by journalist and expert on the German track Horst von Saurma and was equipped with special Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres, the most sporty version in the Pirelli P Zero line. 

if the MiTo is to be a true MINI challenger it has to appeal to the emotions of onlookers in a big way, and at the very least it also has to have exceptional driving characteristics. You can decide for yourself if the first part of that sentence rings true; in driving terms the MiTo does not have quite the sharpness of a MINI, but it's certainly a lot of fun. 

The MiTo’s handling gets slightly mixed reviews. Some praise the way it drives, describing it as fun yet comfortable, while others suggest a distinct lack of steering and ride precision for a car of this class. Comfort also comes under fire from some critics, suggesting that the ride can be a little on the crashy side. 

For the 2014MY, the MiTo gains revised interior and exterior colors, a chromed front grille, titanium grey headlamp and tail lamps surrounds, plus upgraded dashboard plastics and a new five-inch infotainment system with voice recognition.

READ MORE - 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito Review

Meet the Equus Bass770, born from a passion for genuine 1960s and ‘70s muscle cars. It brings the best of both worlds with luxury and performance and ties it into one perfect 21st-century package. This is a brand-new muscle car complete with old-school styling. 

The interior cabin is entirely leather wrapped by hand with tastefully chosen pelts, and delicately highlighted by bright metal accents. A living collection of elegant colors, materials and finishing are developed by our designers in order to fulfill your wildest dreams for your EQUUS BASS770.

 Featuring many of the styling elements of iconic cars from the sixties, the 2014 Equus Bass 770 is a completely new take on classic American muscle packed with a lot of today’s automobile technology. The car’s most noticeable design influence is clearly the sloping lines of the Fastback Mustang, but there are some hints of past Camaros and Challengers as well. 

The body is also dressed to impress, covered with innovative aluminum sheet metal entirely lined with carbon fiber. This helps keep the body solid, but still keeps it lightweight and lively. Stopping power is provided by carbon ceramic Brembo brakes. When it comes to handling, the Bass770 features Magnetic Selective Ride Control, Performance Traction Management, Active Handling System, Traction Control and variable-ratio power steering.

READ MORE - 2014 Equus Bass770 Review

As the above image showcases, this particular prototype seems to be sporting a convertible roof. However, the photographer believes this could just be a ploy from Chevrolet to fool keen-eyed carparazzi from mistaking it as nothing more than the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible. 

Little is known about the next-gen Z06, but rumor has it the range-topping Vette is scheduled to arrive for the 2016 model year wearing a Z07 badge. Updates will include a sportier suspension, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin tires, while the tweaked V8 engine is expected to deliver 600 HP via a Tremec TR-6070 seven-speed manual.

 Motivation for the Z07 will be provided by a small block V8, but look for displacement to shrink compared to the standard car's 6.2L LT1. But power freaks need not worry the Z07's smaller V8 will be paired with a couple of turbos, resulting in a final output of about 600 horsepower.

 A model closer in specs figures with the upcoming Corvette Stingray Z07 is the recently launched 458 Speciale. The Italian supercar features the same 4.5-liter V-8 powerplant from the base 458 Italia, but tricked to deliver a total of 596 horsepower. With the extra power, the 458 Special will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only three seconds and up to a top speed of 202 mph.

READ MORE - 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z07 Review

The sporty Acura TSX and TSX Sport Wagon return for 2014 with minor changes. The base TSX with a 201-hp I4 comes with a five-speed automatic transmission for $31,530, including destination. That’s a $125 bump from last year. 

Speaking of the Technology Package, the option features an LED backlit full VGA navigation screen, rearview camera, Song By Voice (SBV) user interface, and the ability to download 15-gigabytes of personal music to the TSX’s hard disk drive. The TSX remains based on the European-market Honda Accord, but its style is nowhere near as pedestrian as the U.S. model of the same name. 

The TSX is aesthetically very appealing inside and out particularly in wagon form though it does have its low points. A "bionic beaver" snout still feels like an odd introduction from the front to what's otherwise a crisply styled yet understated form. 

The dashboard is well laid out with independent controls in the center cluster for the audio and navigation system. Acura's control knob system was definitely superior to BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI when it debuted several years ago. However, the user interface is starting to get long in the tooth both visually and functionally. Newer designs from Ford, BMW and Audi have higher resolution screens and easier to navigate menu structures, but it still serves the purpose and serves it well.

READ MORE - 2014 Acura TSX Design