What are the happening new rides for young gays? We’ve got the scoop
SEX ON WHEELS
From sassy pickups like the Ford Atlas to dashing energy of a little red Corvette (above) or the sporty versatility of the BMW X1, there’s a stunning, young ride for all tastes — and pocketbooks. You might even prefer a Dodge Dart or Honda’s lean Urban SUV.
CASEY WILLIAMS | Auto Reviewer
crwauto@aol.com
During the Chicago Auto Show, I was invited to help host a group of young, hot, LGBT trendsetters. As they were bubbling about, I listened to the cars about which they were most excited to see at the show. For the hot, young and slightly moneyed gay, these are some sexy rides to covet.
2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray. Take one look and you’ll have hot flashes. Again adorned with the Stingray monicker, sexy styling takes historic cues into the next decade. A 450 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and 7-speed manual transmission zap from 0-60mph in under 4 seconds! Carbon fiber hood and roof are fab. Five driving modes and interior with gesture recognition will make you wet.
2014 Mercedes CLA. This car is flame hot, evoking the Benz CLS and 300SL Gullwing. Interiors flash ash, walnut or aluminum trim plus a panorama roof, harman/kardon audio, cloud-based infotainment and autonomous parallel parking control. Expect over 30-MPG from the 208 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four. Prices should start around $30K this fall.
2014 Cadillac ELR. As with the Chevy Volt (on which it is based), the ELR can go 35 miles after being plugged in, then continue on gasoline another 250 miles. Futuristic styling accessorizes an interior loaded with Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system, leather and crash avoidance systems. Production begins this year in Detroit. Prices should start around $65K.
Ford Atlas Concept
Ford Atlas Concept. Atlas is a good preview of the 2015 F-150 — a staple of Texas byways. Bolder and more stylish, the design is instantly familiar to Ford truck fans. Efficiency is improved through a next-generation EcoBoost engine, active grille shutters, active wheel shutters and a drop-down airdam. It is also expected to shed 700 pounds with aluminum.
2014 VW Beetle GSR. Inspired by a ‘70s Beetle with the same name, the GSR will echo its predecessor with yellow paint, black accents and large rear spoiler. Interiors boast Fender audio, sunroof and alloy pedals. The 210 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four and 19-inch alloys should deliver peppy performance. An exclusive 3,500 units arrive this fall, pricing TBD.
2015 Honda Urban SUV Concept
2015 Honda Urban SUV Concept. A thinly veiled preview of the upcoming Fit-based crossover, the vehicle combines SUV utility with smooth coupe styling. Nine inches shorter than the CR-V, and presumably more affordable, the Urban SUV should be exactly what younger buyers want. It will be manufactured in a new plant near Celaya, Mexico, beginning next spring.
2013 BMW X1
2013 BMW X1. Slap on your shorts, grab a bike and head for the trail with this not-old-yet crossover. Available with AWD, and powered by a 240 horsepower turbo-four or 300 horsepower turbo-six, it is all driver’s machine. NQR40s will appreciate 24/33-MPG city/hwy. Inside, it’s a full load of BMW style and technology — all starting under $32,000.
2013 Dodge Mopar Dart
2013 Dodge Mopar Dart. Outfitted with Mopar accessories, this sharp Dart wears black paint with blue stripes, 18-inch gloss black alloys, spoilers, blue leather driver’s seat, and industry-first wireless smartphone charging. A lowered suspension, premium brakes and Fiat-sourced 1.4-liter turbo engine enhance performance. Production is an exclusive 500 cars.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition May 31, 2013.
