It’s Spring and the 2019 New York International Auto show was in full bloom. The fourth generation Toyota Highlander 3-row crossover arrived with more dynamic styling. It rides on a new platform with V6 and revamped hybrid powertrains. New too, the Toyota Yaris becomes a more useful 5-door.

New York is the first public showing for the redesigned Ford Escape. Looking more civilized, power includes the first I3 with cylinder deactivation, and a hybrid.

Much more dynamic is its stable mate the new Lincoln Corsair. Replacing the MKC, while compact, it includes most of the interior refinement of the full-size Navigator.

Speaking of big SUV’s, Volkswagen’s Atlas Base Camp Concept looks ready for any wilderness walkabout.

They’ll only be 1,948 “production” Porsche 911 Speedsters. This latest open top icon sports 502-horsepower from a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six.

The all-new Subaru Outback combines ruggedness, a more premium interior, and a new global platform. A turbo flat-4 returns, replacing last year’s optional six.

The all-new Hyundai Venue will be the brand’s smallest crossover. It’s upright shape and simple interior deliver a little “Bronco-style” vibe.

New York’s best-looking new car was the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata. Its “Sensuous Sportiness” design could breathe new life into mid-size sedans.

Meanwhile, Dodge paid tribute to U.S. armed forces with Stars & Stripes Editions of the Challenger and Charger.

New York City has a Lux factor all its own, and auto makers exhibited plenty of prestige.

Alfa Romeo displayed Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING limited editions, recognizing the brand’s performance at the world-renowned Nürburgring.

Cadillac brought the new CT5 luxury-sport sedan, replacing both the ATS and CTS.

An updated Jaguar XE sedan made its New York debut as well.

Just like the NSX supercar, the very limited run Acura TLX and MDX PMC Editions will be hand assembled at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio.

Mercedes-Benz made multiple global debuts at New York. The all-new GLS three-row utility arrives with top drawer luxury, the latest MBUX personal assistant, and new mirror folding “car wash” mode. 

Other world debuts included an updated Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe…

Along with the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ in both SUV and Coupe forms…its 302 AMG horsepower for the CLA…and A-class four-doors. 

And the limited edition Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886 to mark the EV sub-brand’s first SUV.

A new EV contender is the Qiantu K50 by Mullen. This electric sports car looks production ready with 402-horsepower and 230-mile range.

The all-electric two-passenger Genesis Mint Concept is specifically designed for cities just like New York.

Kia spiced things up with the HabaNiro concept, an all-electric, autonomous, 4-seater with butterfly-wing doors. 

While the Korean brand hopes to entice more driving enthusiasts with the Stinger GTS. 

Audi celebrated ten years of its R8 V-10 supercar with a host of 20-20 updates.

The 2020 Nissan 370Z, and GT-R 50th Anniversary Editions celebrate a half a century since the Datsun 240Z made its U.S. debut in New York.

While the 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO will be their most powerful production GT-R ever.

For tame drivers it’s the longer, lower, and wider third-gen Nissan Versa.

The Mazda CX-5 will finally be available here with a Skyactiv-D diesel option.

While GMC’s three-row Acadia arrived with added high tech and a new turbo engine.

And that’s it from the Big Apple and this week’s Motor News.