The 10 Most Fascinating Cars Of 2015

10 MOST FASCINATING CARS OF 2015 Are today's cars so seemingly identical, so reliable, and so regulated that they're boring? Many cars coming in 2015 offer expressive designs that scream; pack futuristic materials and sophisticated chassis systems; run with complex powertrains; and give you interfaces that we might have only dreamed of just a decade ago. In the spirit of looking forward, we've prepared a list of ten of the most fascinating new cars for 2015. Tesla Model X Why: Tesla is the most fascinating automaker of the year, whether you judge that by buzz, controversy, or innovation-or by the sheer crowd-gathering potential of the so-called "falcon wing" doors of its upcoming second mass-market, all-electric vehicle, the Model X crossover. Land Rover Defender There's nothing as charming as the iconic Defender, which embodied the tough, down-to-basics side of the brand. And the Defender's coming back-based on the eye-catching DC100 concept from 2011. However, there's no guarantee it'll arrive in 2015 -- or if it will be sold in the U.S. Acura NSX ACURANS We know the upcoming NSX will be powered by an innovative all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain, including a mid-mounted V-6 engine and dual-clutch gearbox, and that it will incorporate a lot of lightweight advanced materials. We're expecting performance that chases-and maybe beats-the Nissan GT-R, as well as some exotics. Lincoln MKC We see this compact crossover as being a platform-for Lincoln's big chance to recast and refocus the brand toward younger, affluent shoppers on the coasts. Will this smaller alternative to the MKX, as well as the new 'Lincoln Motor Company, be enough to pull off some marketing innovation...and a new kind of buyer? Mercedes-Benz GLA Mercedes-Benz made an about-face in terms of offering smaller vehicles and emerges with a fully conceived and beautifully executed compact luxury crossover. When it arrives next fall, as the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA, it'll be a hit-perhaps even more so than the CLA-Class that's already gone on sale this year. Ford Mustang How could we not choose the Mustang? Americans are enamored of this pony-car icon. Highlights for this all-new sixth-generation Mustang include a new independent rear suspension and a turbo four-cylinder version, plus styling that verges away from the overtly retro look of the current Mustang. Toyota Prius Toyota's green-car icon is due for a major redesign next year. Toyota's aiming for the 55-mpg mark, is cutting weight, and is developing the plug-in version alongside the hybrid version this time. Factor in more interior space and "advanced safety technologies" as well, when the Prius arrives sometimes in 2015. BMW i8 Is it one of the greenest sports cars, or a particularly sporty electric commuter? What makes the upcoming 2015 BMW 18 so fascinating is that it's both. That's due to clean-slate engineering that allows this lightweight four-seater to run on electric power alone for up to 22 miles, then switch to gasoline--or to favor a gas-electric blend for the higher performance of a serious sports car. Ford F-150 Ford is planning to incorporate aluminum and other lightweight materials in the 2015 F-150O to save potentially hundreds of pounds versus the 2014 model. Factor in a few other radical new features borrowed from last year's Atlas Concept truck, and we could see some serious innovation -- and gas savings. Chevrolet Code 130 Mating the idea of a simple, upright four-seat coupe-think of what the BMW 3-Series was in the 1980s, for instance-and today's expectations for in-cabin tech, the Chevy 130R concept coupe could be on track for production soon. We see the 130R as a future car that's compelling for its straightforward performance and lack of extravagance. The Car Connection Car sarch ma ean