If there's one thing more tantalizing than a car that comes out this year, it's one that comes out next year. The current model may provide the most cutting-edge technology the industry has to offer, but next year's model dangles just out of reach, making it the most succulent forbidden fruit in the automotive marketplace.

Automakers have begun rolling out their 2014 models, and drivers across the country are in the process of salivating over them accordingly. But which ones are the most desirable?

Karl Brauer, a senior director at the car valuation and analysis company Kelley Blue Book, provided CNBC.com with his list of the eight most anticipated cars of 2014. He also talked about what gives them their allure and what consumers might expect to pay for some of them.

Read ahead to see CNBC.com's list of the most anticipated cars of 2014.

By Daniel Bukszpan
Posted 17 Oct. 2013

Tune in to the new season of "The Car Chasers" on CNBC Prime, all new episodes Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

In 2009, Fiat and Chrysler formed a strategic alliance. According to Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book, one of the things that means is American motorists now have access to cars they never had before, such as the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C.

"The 4C will be a tightly focused thrill ride in the spirit of classic Italian lightweight sports cars," he said. "A curb weight of 2,500 pounds means the four-cylinder, 237 horsepower turboengine provides more than enough thrust to keep things interesting when strafing a corner."

And anyone interested in buying this car should do so sooner rather than later.

"Only 1,200 will be allotted to the U.S. market, at a starting price around $55,000," Brauer said. "So if you want one of these sleek Italian beauties, get your orders in now."

The British car manufacturer Aston Martin is known the world over for luxury performance vehicles that are nothing less than top of the line. The 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante keeps this tradition alive.

"The drop-top version of the brand's top performance car shares many of the coupe's features, including a carbon fiber body, a 565 horsepower V12 engine and 180-plus miles per hour top speed," Brauer said. "The three-layer top keeps things placid at high speeds, but it can be lowered in 14 seconds when traveling at 30 miles per hour or less."

The Vanquish Volante will have a starting price of $300,000 when it arrives in showrooms next year.

BMW's 3 Series is commonly thought of as a sports sedan line, but it's been available in convertible, coupe and wagon configurations as well. For 2014, the convertible and the coupe will become part of the 4 Series, which makes its triumphant showroom entrance in November.

"The coupe is more than just a two-door version of the 3 Series," Brauer said. "It offers unique styling inside and out, a powerful yet fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine and superb handling, for around $40,000."

In 2009, Cadillac introduced a concept car, "Converj." It never reached the production stage, but many of its elements were retained for the 2014 Cadillac ELR.

Brauer expects the car, which debuts in January, to start at $75,000.

"An electric motor moves the ELR, but a gasoline engine can power the motor for a 300-plus-mile driving range," he said. "It will feature a plush interior, 20-inch wheels and a concierge service to help owners with everything from charging questions to dinner reservations."

No nameplate is as associated with the muscle car era as the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Next spring, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 will go on sale for about $55,000, according to Brauer.

"Its capability comes from a dry-sump LS7 V8 engine making over 500 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque," he said. "It features carbon ceramic brakes, extra cooling ducts and unique bodywork with high-speed downforce, plus a significant reduction in overall weight."

It has a top speed of 217 miles per hour and 949 horsepower, and can go from zero to 60 in a tidy three seconds. So who cares what they call it?

"The Ferrari-squared has a low profile and a curvaceous cockpit constructed of carbon fiber to help offset the increased weight of the hybrid drivetrain," Brauer said. "Unique features include a fixed driver's seat with an adjustable steering wheel and pedals to meet the needs of various driver sizes."

The car will be made in a limited run of 499 units. Before you call the dealership to reserve one, be aware that its price tag will exceed $1 million, according to Brauer.

The 2014 McLaren P1 is a supercar that will sell for $1.2 million, Brauer said, so it may not be the ideal conveyance for a run to 7-11 for beer and toilet paper. If you're one of those people for whom money is no object, though, you could do a lot worse.

"The P1's hybrid drivetrain uses a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 and electric motor to produce 903 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque," he said. "That kind of force lets it get to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds, and if you stay on the throttle it will hit 124 miles per hour in seven seconds."

The 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder is not just a highly anticipated car but a meisterwerk of performance and fuel efficiency, said Bauer, who expects a low production run. He also sees it selling out quickly, despite a starting price of $850,000.

"Composed of a 4.6-liter, 608 horsepower V8 engine—working with three electric motors good for an additional 286 horsepower—the 918 Spyder can hit 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds while lapping the Nurburgring in less than seven minutes," he said.

Jeff Allen and Perry Barndt are gamblers, and their game is classic and exotic cars. They travel the country looking to buy and sell them. Whether it's a rare Shelby Mustang or a vintage hot rod, the key is buy low and sell high—something that doesn't always happen.

Selling cars is a dangerous business, but perhaps there's no greater risk than negotiating with your own father. Tom Souter, Jeff's dad, runs a classic car dealership around the corner from Jeff's shop in Lubbock, Texas. They are not just regular trading partners but hell-bent on one-upmanship.

Tom said doing a deal with his son is like being locked in a closet with a porcupine: "It's gonna hurt, but you know it won't kill you."

Tune in to the new season of "The Car Chasers" on CNBC Prime, all new episodes Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT.