Kick the tires and get behind the wheel of more than 1,000 cars and tucks at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, now open daily through Sunday, April 3, including first looks at several World and North American premieres. There’s plenty to drool over. Here are some top choices for family sedans, performance sedans, SUVs and top-down roadsters.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $7 for kids. Get tickets online and skip the line.
You won’t be able to skip the line for the popular Camp Jeep off-roading experience. Get to the show early, and get on line early to avoid waiting one hour, more or less.
NOTE that there is additional security since last year for admission, so allow additional time for airport-like screening.
Some must-see new vehicles, alphabetically –
Acura NSX GT3
Acura takes the wraps off an NSX GT3 racecar, announcing its intention to campaign the twin-turbocharged NSX supercar in North America starting in 2017. The NSX is currently undergoing testing and slated for homologation as an FIA GT3 class racecar this fall. It’s on display both in its racecar dress and as a street-legal supercar. That one is in what I call Copcatcher Red.
Acura MDX
The third generation of Acura’s best-selling MDX gets a facelift for the 2017 model, and an all-new Sport Hybrid version – an AWD hybrid.
Buick Cascada
This is the first North American convertible for the newly-hot Buick brand, in a 2+2 configuration.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sports the 6.2-litre LT4 V8 Small Block supercharged engine that produces 640 hp and 640 lb.-ft. (868 Nm) of torque. It is the first Chevrolet to feature the revolutionary new quick-shift 10-speed automatic transmission. It goes on sale late in 2016, and pricing will be announced closer to then.
Chevrolet Sonic
Just a few years old, and already it gets a facelift, with new LED signature lighting and MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration compatibility.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
This is the 75th Anniversary of the iconic Jeep brand, and all models are getting special anniversary editions, plus several are getting the top off-roading Trailhawk designation, including the Grand Cherokee. It was introduced to media at the NY Auto Show earlier this week by climbing up and down stairs.
Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
This is the hardtop convertible model of the popular roadster, which most of us still call Miata. It’s a winner – seriously – the MX-5 Roadster was named World Design Car of the Year at the media previews.
Mercedes- GLC Coupe
The Mercedes GLC Coupe makes its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show.
Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC
The Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC is the first AMG variant of the fifth generation Mercedes E-Class. It’s market launch is scheduled in September 2016.
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
The third generation MINI Convertible’s John Cooper Works variant is powered by the most powerful engine in the MINI range, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine powerful enough to kick out 231hp.
Nissan GT-R
Vroom. Drool. What else do you need to know.
Subaru Impreza
The fifth generation 2017 Subaru Impreza gets its world premiere at NYIAS, and it’s a stunner with the company’s new design language.
Toyota 86
Toyota is shutting down the Scion brand, but keeping several popular Scion models with new Toyota names. The Scion FR-S becomes the ‘Toyota 86’.
Toyota Highlander
The third generation Toyota Highlander gets a facelift with a refreshed exterior, new V6 engine, new 8-speed automatic transmission and Toyota Safety Sense package. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid also gets new upgraded trim movels, the LE and XLE versions, also with a V6 engine.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.