New York Auto Show 2018 What to See

The annual New York International Auto Show, opens to the public today, with 1,000 cars and trucks, including the first look at 2019 models and concepts that hint at what will be driving before too long.

I’ve spent the last three days at media previews of dozens of new models, from affordable hatchbacks under $20,000 to $2 Million supercars. All are filled with technology that makes driving safer, and many have turbocharged engines that make driving more fun.

Here’s a look at some of the standout all-new vehicles at the 2018 New York Auto Show, at the Javits Convention Center.

NY Auto Show 2018 Preview

NY Auto Show Preview: BMW

NY Auto Show Preview: Supercars

Tip – Buy tickets online. You won’t save any money, but you will save time because you won’t be waiting on line to buy them.

As always, there are family-friendly events, and the chance to test your driving skills on an obstacle course.

Toyota RAV4

This is the vehicle that created the small sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment and is one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles, with more than 400,000 sold in 2017.

The 2019 model has been redesigned, with a new 2.5L inline 4-cyl engine that kicks out 15% more horsepower than its prededessor.

There’s also a RAV4 hybrid with class-leading MPG.

Lincoln Aviator

The popularity of SUVs, including the brand’s best-selling Navigator, has prompted Lincoln to bring back the Aviator.

This one is a distinctive three-row plug-in hybrid production preview. Good looking, versatile, powerful, and a glimpse into the brand’s future.

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak

This would be the first pick-up truck from the company that the Beetle and the Microbus icons. The Tanaok is named after a species of tree native to the US Pacific Coast, and grows up to 135 feet high in height.

The Atlas Tanoak concept is also a giant – powered by a 276-hp V6 FSI® gasoline engine, with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it’s also an all-wheel drive powerhouse.

It’s built on an extended version of the Atlas SUV platform, but it’s only a concept. VW will build it only if there’s a good reaction from journalists and prospective buyers.

Would you buy a pick-up truck named VW? Would it help convince you if you knew it would be built in the USA, at VW’s Chatannooga factory, which also builds the Atlas and the popular Jetta sedan?

Cadillac XT4

This is Cadillac’s first-ever XT4 compact SUV, tailored for the next generation of luxury customers.

All model versions are powered by an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine with a a nine-speed automatic transmission.

It goes on sale this fall. Cadillac also is showing its new top-of-the-line CT6 luxury sedan with a ten-speed transmission and an all-new 550hp 4.2L twin-turbo V8 engine.

Nissan Altima

This is a redesign of Nissan’s popular sedan, bringing expressive new styling, an uplifting interior and two new engines to the mid-size sedan segment.

Altima is the first Nissan sedan to have available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in the U.S. and advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility features, including ProPILOT Assist.

Land Rover F-PACE SVR

Engineered by Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 produces 550hp and 502lb. ft. of torque; a 44% uplift in power, enabling it to reach 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 176mph.

Acura RDX

The ground-up redesign of the 2019 Acura RDX delivers a more spacious and luxurious cabin, and a host of premium technology and features.

Also new is an A-Spec sport appearance variant, with larger wheels, gloss black accents and unique interior treatments.

The new RDX takes power from a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter, 16-valve powerplant with DOHC VTEC® valvetrain and Dual Variable Timing Cam (Dual VTC).

Hyundai Kona Electric

Kona Electric rides on an all-new CUV platform and is Hyundai’s first compact electric crossover for the U.S. market, appealing to consumers with active, eco-focused lifestyles of all kinds.

The new model gets a 250-mile estimated range from its high-efficiency 201 hp (150 kW) electric motor powertrain.

Audi RS 5 Sportback

Making its world debut, the RS 5 Sportback is powered by a 2.9 liter TFSI V6 biturbo engine that delivers power, efficiency and a distinct RS sound.

The new biturbo engine generates 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque up to 5,000 rpm, sprints 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds, and a top track speed of 155 mph.

Or, you could trade up to the Dynamic Plus package to get a top speed of 174 mph.

VW Atlas Cross Sport concept

The new Atlas Cross Sport is near-production concept car that features a coupe-like profile, an even sportier stance, and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 355 horsepower and an anticipated 26 miles of all-electric range. A conventional mild hybrid version of the same powertrain would make 310 hp.

Both versions will be built in VW’s Chatanooga factory, a $2 Billion-plus investment for the German brand, to make cars closer to the customers who buy them.

Mercedes-AMG

Powerful V8 engines, thrilling driving dynamics and distinctive, motorsport-inspired equipment have turned the top-of-the-range models of the C-Class from Mercedes-AMG into best-sellers.

The C 63 is now available in sedan, coupe and cabriolet with even better dynamics and a more modern interior and extended individualization options.

The handcrafted AMG 4.0- liter V8 biturbo engine is available in two output variants rated at 469 hp or 503 hp for all three body styles.

Lexus UX

Making its North American debut, the UX introduces a bold new design, ultra-efficient new powertrains and innovative luxury features.

It will be available in two powertrains: the front-wheel drive UX 200 with a new 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine coupled with a new Direct-Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a UX 250h that pairs an Atikinson Cycle version of the same 2.0-liter gas engine with a new fourth generation hybrid drive system and eAWD.

Subaru Forester

The all-new 2019 Forester is the fifth generation of Subaru’s the best-selling SUV. It is the roomiest and most capable and versatile Forester ever, with groundbreaking new safety technology.

All models are powered by an enhanced direct-injection, 182 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine featuring Auto Stop/Start and paired with a standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Also standard on all trim levels is Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Honda Insight

The all-new, production version of the 2019 Insight made its global production debut, providing a first look at the latest entry in Honda’s expanding lineup of electrified vehicles.

Powered by the third generation of Honda’s innovative and efficient two-motor hybrid system, Insight’s 151 net system horsepower combines with a lightweight structure to deliver the best power-to-weight ratio in its class as well as up to 55-mpg in the city.

Volvo V60 Wagon

The new Volvo V60 wagon is the latest torchbearer in a long line of Volvo wagons. In the United States, the 2019 V60 will be available with a T5 Front-Wheel-Drive Drive-E powertrain with 250HP, and a T6 All-Wheel-Drive Drive-E powertrain with 316 horsepower.

Both will have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Alfa Romeo

Expanding the 2.0L turbocharged, 280-horsepower Giulia and Stelvio lineup, Alfa Romeo’s new Nero Edizione package wraps the Italian brand’s sedan and SUV with seductive and striking dark exterior accents.

Volvo XC40 Inscription

The 2019 XC40 Inscription is a luxurious trim on Volvo’s new compact SUV with unique styling details. The arrival of the new XC40 means that for the first time in its history, Volvo Cars has three new SUVs in what is the fastest growing segment of the automotive market.

Maserati Levante Trofeo

Maserati revealed the first Levante built around a V8 engine. The Levante Trofeo is equipped with one of the most powerful engines ever fitted in a Maserati. A 3.8-litre Twin Turbo V8 engine capable of accelerating in style from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of over 185 mph, and costs around $190,000.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The all-new 2019 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Diesel are the third and fourth of eight new or re-engineered crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) Hyundai is debuting by 2020. Both models are bold SUVs that build on previous generations with outstanding driving dynamics and features aimed at technology and comfort.

Acura MDX A-Spec

The new 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec completes the introduction of A-Spec variants to Acura’s core model lineup that includes the ILX A-Spec, TLX A-Spec and the all-new 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec, also on display.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS Weissach Edition

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS sports a 520-hp, four-liter, high-speed naturally aspirated engine. The Weissach Edition high performance package – or, we should say higher performance – is expected to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in under 3 seconds.

Go kick the tires. Go drool.

The New York International Auto Show is open daily through Sunday, April 9.