New York International Auto Show
MotorWeek is on the floor of the New York International Auto Show. First up is the World Car of the Year 2018 award. The winner: Volvo XC60. While the midsize SUV has won other awards, this is the first in this competition for Volvo Cars.
The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is making it easier to fulfill our need for speed. The four-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine unleashes 520 horsepower. The optional Weissach package makes it even lighter using carbon fiber and magnesium wheels.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 debuted in the Big Apple. The fifth-generation small utility is underpinned by the TNGA K Platform that’s lower, wider and has a longer wheelbase. Power options are Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine or a hybrid.
The all-new 2019 Corolla Hatchback is also making its debut. Underneath is the new TNGA Platform with Sport-Tuned Suspension. Power comes from the new TNGA 2.0-liter Four-Cylinder. No word on horsepower or torque yet. It’s matched with either a Dynamic-Shift CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. Sales begin this summer.
Nissan brought the sixth generation Altima to New York. Their best selling sedan has two new powerplants. The new 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine is standard. Nissan’s new variable compression turbo inline 4-cylinder will replace the previous-generation 3.5-liter V6. For the first time in the U.S., Intelligent All-Wheel Drive will be available on a Nissan sedan.
The new Volkswagen Atlas is getting a new stable mate. Volkswagen unveiled the Atlas Cross Sport concept. It has the same wheelbase, but is 7.5 inches shorter and has seating for 5 people. The concept will be powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system, featuring two electric motors, and a V6 gasoline engine to produce 355 horsepower. There will also be a conventional mild hybrid drive system producing 310 horsepower. Volkswagen refers to this as a “near-production concept”. They’ll be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee and launched in the U.S. market starting in 2019.
Volkswagen is giving the upcoming 2019 Arteon the R-Line treatment. The performance-inspired R-line appearance package will be available when the Arteon goes on sale in the fall.
Lincoln is adding electric power to the luxury SUV segment. Three-row, rear-wheel-drive Aviator marks a first for the company. They’ll offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain mated to a twin-turbocharged engine. As for technology, owners will be able to use their smartphone as a key.
Cadillac is adding a dose of luxury to the compact SUV market. They unveiled the all-new 2019 Cadillac XT4. It features an exclusive compact SUV architecture. The force will come from an all-new 237 hp Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission with next-generation Electronic Precision Shift.
Mercedes C-Class is big on style and power. The latest facelift makes no mistake of the performance potential of the Mercedes-AMG C 63. The Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine is available in two output variants: 469 hp or 503 hp. They work with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission. All this power and luxury is offered in whatever body style pleases you: Sedan, Coupe or Cabriolet.
Designers extended their new vision to the Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe and Cabriolet. Engineers enhanced the 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine now giving it 385 horsepower.
The redesign continues to flow through the C-Class. We’ve already seen the sedan and wagon. Now the C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet get their turns.
Hyundai brought a trio of utilities to New York. The all-new 2019 Santa Fe SUV got a lot of the attention. The front fascia light design includes LED Daytime Running Lights positioned on top of the LED headlights. the fourth-generation Santa Fe gets new technology like Rear Seat Occupant Alert. Hyundai’s first Safe Exit Assist lets you know when someone is approaching from behind before you get out. We’re also seeing the refreshed Tucson and all-new Kona Electric.
The second-generation Kia K900 has updates inside and out. Their flagship sedan is a little longer and wider than the outgoing model. The front fascia gets a new ‘Quadric pattern’ signature grille. Inside, designers crafted a cabin that wraps around the driver. Under the hood is a 365 horsepower 3.3-liter twin turbo V6. It’s the same engine in the Stinger fastback sport sedan. The engine is paired with a second-generation in-house built 8-speed automatic transmission.
The production version of the 2019 Acura RDX is not only the most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade, it’s also the first to feature the brand’s new design language. Under the skin, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive returns to the third-generation RDX. The power comes from a new 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine that works with a 10-speed transmission and NSX-inspired Integrated Dynamics System. They’re also offering an RDX A-Spec. It’s the first time the sport appearance variant is being offered on an Acura SUV.
The 2019 Subaru Forester debuted with more power and room. The fifth generation gets a new version of the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine… increasing horsepower from 170 to 182. Subaru’s Global Platform increases wheelbase more than an inch creating more second row legroom and cargo space. New DriverFocus technology helps spot signs of driver fatigue or distraction.
Jaguar is thinking fast and SUVs. They’re bringing the F-PACE SVR to New York for a global debut. Engineers at Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations have created the fastest and most powerful version of the SUV giving it a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that produces 550hp. That’s 170 more horsepower than the current range-topping F-PACE S.
We’re also seeing the production version of the all-electric I-PACE for the first time in the U.S.
And after its global debut in Geneva, the limited-edition Range Rover SV Coupe arrives on North American shores for the first time.
The Maserati Levante Trofeo raised the bar for SUVs. Its heartbeat comes from a 590 hp 3.8-litre Twin Turbo V8 engine mated to the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It’s the first Levante to get a V8 and one of the most powerful engines ever fitted in a Maserati. Engineers tuned the chassis to handle all that extra power.
Volvo is giving their smallest SUV more luxury. The XC40 now comes with a new trim level called Inscription. It’s a more luxurious version than the Momentum and sporty R-Design with an expanded list of standard equipment like several wheel sizes, chrome side window trim and grill, and a crystal gear shifter.
A North American audience is seeing the 2019 V60 Wagon for the first time after its European debut.
An updated 2019 Mazda CX-3 bowed in New York. Engineers added refinement and efficiency to the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gas engine. Inside a new electronic parking brake frees up space, and the seats have been redesigned to be more comfortable.
Gensis is adding another option to their line-up. They unveiled the G70. The luxury performance sedan will have two engine options: a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder or a 365-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6. They’ll work with an 8-speed sport-tuned automatic that will send power to the rear-wheels or all-4 wheels as an option. A 6-speed manual is an option. If you choose the automatic, Genesis is including a launch control system.
Genesis is looking further into the future. They unveiled their Essentia Concept. They envision an all-electric, high-performance, two-door Gran Turismo. Genesis is still a relatively new brand. They plan on multiple electric motors propelling their first battery electric vehicle.
The Raddest, Baddest Builds of SEMA 2024
November 7, 2024 We’re on the floor at SEMA 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, covering some of the coolest customs and biggest builds by OEMs and aftermarket companies. If you’re an automotive enthusiast, this annual event is the place to be right now; but if you couldn’t quite make it out their this year, our coverage is the next best thing. We’ll call ‘em as we seem ‘em, so let’s hit the ground running!
Toyota
Toyota’s lineup of vehicles covers just about all the major segments, from trucks and utilities, to off- and on-road performance. It’s not surprising to see such a spread at SEMA, but some of the concepts are rather unexpected.
The 4Runner TRD Surf Concept takes the upcoming 2025 next-gen model and supplies it with a removable roof and a weatherproofed interior. The removable top is an in-house design, the result of real-world testing done on a fifth-gen 4Runner. Various styling cues pay homage to the 4Runner’s beach days of the 80s, while certain upgrades to the suspension provide some real off-road advantages.
The Land Cruiser “ROX” concept follows a similar open-air idea, paying homage to Land Cruiser history. The “Recreation Open eXperience” features a sliding top and custom “skeleton” doors, joined by a functioning mid-gate providing a bed-to-cab passthrough. As expected, a number of off-road appointments, including a 4-inch lift and 8-inch wider track, make this Land Cruiser even more overlanding ready.
But how about some high-speed off-roading? Rally comes to mind, as does the GR Corolla and U.S. absent GR Yaris; but look farther back and you’ll find a rally legend, the Celica GT-Four. Paying tribute to this is the GR86 Rally Concept. Yes, the livery and quad-light setup aesthetically play into the vibe, but under the body is a real shakeup. The naturally-aspirated, rear-wheel-drive powertrain from the eight-six has been converted into a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive layout firing in an inline-three config instead of a flat-four. Sound familiar? Yep, it’s the same system found in the GR Corolla, and various other components borrowed from that hot hatch have been implanted here to make a real-deal rally racer.
When you hear “Superbird,” you probably think back to the days of NASCAR, Richard “The King” Petty, and the Plymouth Superbird. Well, it may seem weird that Toyota is celebrating that all-American heritage with their Supra sports coupe, but the name “Suprabird” is a perfect fit. Cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, coilovers, three-piece wheels, and a bright blue paint job are all parts of this impressive throwback.
Honda Racing Corporation
The Acura Integra Type S DE5 Race Car is the model sold directly to racers, featuring enhanced aero, a six-speed sequential transmission, and a modified version of the Integra’s 2.0-liter turbo-four. At 360 horsepower, it’s seen a number of successful deployments, including six wins in the top class of SRO TC America racing and a fifth place in-class finish at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Another Integra, the Type S HRC Prototype, strutted its own stuff, to include advanced aerodynamics, weight reduction and various suspension components. Also seen is the HRC Honda Civic Type R Pace Car. On top of the competent Type R, it receives an HRC brake package, racing harness and a lighting system fit for a pace car.
But a lot of efforts were put on souping up their lineup of SUVs, including the Pilot HRC concept and CR-V Hybrid Racer. The former incorporates a number of performance parts, some for the trail and others for the street, which HRC intends on producing. The latter demonstrates how far Honda’s engineers are able to take hybrid tech and renewable fuels. The Hybrid Racer is a rolling lab of sorts, powered by Honda’s IndyCar 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6.
Ford
The big draw to Ford’s SEMA booth this year is the new “Ford Custom Garage,” a new way for owners to trick out their ride. The FCG will feature limited-edition appearance and performance parts, said to change over time to keep things fresh. In Vegas are two Bronco packs, the Matte Black and Sinister Bronze options, which appoint their steeds with appropriately-colored components. Deeper than that, these kits come with an off-road 2-inch leveling kit for the suspension, custom wheels covered by extended fender flares, a calibration tool, and various other bits of hardware. MSRP, minus tires for the 35-inch Goodyear tires, is “above $5,200.”
More packages for Ford’s other vehicles will arrive later; the list can be seen online now. Packages can be installed by Ford dealership techs or ASE-certified shops.
Ford also brought out a number of custom builds for the public to enjoy. Sticking with the Bronco, the Wild Fund, original a Big Bend four-door unit with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four, features custom wheels finished in green, matched by various components and a Katzkin Leather interior. A Ford Performance Parts power soft-top provides some open-air freedom for this wild horse.
The Bronco Sport received a similar Wild Fund project platform, starting as the recently refreshed 2025 Badlands grade. It now rides on unique wheels finished in the same green color, and a Ford Performance suspension leveling kit. The Katzkin interior is also present, staying in-line with the Wild Fund theme.
The F-150 FP700s is a supercharged step in the other direction. Yes, a Whipple Supercharger was bolted up to the 150’s 5.0-liter V8 engine, and with various upgrades this truck is rated at 700 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. A Ford Performance lowering kit changes the stance, while a cat-back exhaust changes the sound. This 3.0-liter supercharged kit can be purchased by Ford Performance and can be installed by authorized dealers or an ASE-certified tech.
Kia
That’s right: Kia has returned to SEMA, and they’ve brought with them two concept vehicles that look straight out of sci-fi– and spelled like it, too. The EV9 “ADVNTR” and PV5 “WKNDR” drop the vowels and adorn the all-caps for a futuristic look in name alone. That continues in person; the EV9 ADVNTR takes their all-electric three-row bolts up custom bodywork and reinforced rocker panels, better for off-roading, along with a 3-inch suspension lift. More serious rubber mounted onto custom wheels help take the “advntr” off-road.
The PV5 “WKNDR” is a self-described escape pod, built off the mindset of Kia’s recently debuted “Purpose Beyond Vehicles,” PBVs. Solar panels and hydro turbine wheels can recharge the vehicle’s batteries, powering accessories like the onboard compressor for setting up, say, an inflatable mattress. The van also has a “Gear Head” storage space, which can provide a sheltered space for equipment when stationary.
Nissan
At this point, you may be noticing a theme– automakers are finding unique ways to stylize and overhaul vehicles spread across as many segments as they can. A souped up SUV? No problem. A massive overlander built upon a midsize truck? 10-4.
Nissan isn’t sitting out, and they’re very much showing off what can be done with their array of vehicles.
First up is Project Trailgater, an off-road rig built upon Nissan’s Frontier pickup. It started as a 2025 PRO-4X grade, revealed last month and making its public debut at SEMA. As one can imagine, it’s loaded up with a bunch of NISMO-official off-road parts and accessories: a lift kit, 17-inch beadlock-ready wheels, a bed rack and so on. Kicking things up to “Tailgater” status are two 43-inch TVs (don’t worry, they’re weatherproof), powered coolers, a grille and a sink.
And now it’s time for something completely different. Another Frontier build, the TARMAC concept keeps to the streets. This collab between Nissan Motorsports, Nissan Design America and Forsberg Racing is outfitted with a carbon fiber widebody kit, a vented hood, special wheels and various aerodynamic appendages. And under that vented hood is a 3.6-liter V6 engine, now supercharged and bolted to a NISMO exhaust for over 400 horsepower. Brake calipers borrowed from the Z sports coupe, hidden behind NISMO 20-inch wheels and Yokohama Advan tires, round out this street machine.
The Nissan Kicks had a big glow-up recently thanks to a next-gen redesign, and they’re strutting their stuff with two SEMA concepts. The Beach Patrol unit is built with a suspension lift, 18-inch NISMO off-road wheels with Yokohama GEOLANDR tires, and various bits off off-road equipment (like the lights mounted onto the front brush bar). The Urban Shadow instead lowers the Kicks on custom coilovers and 18-inch NISMO wheels. A cat-back exhaust hums underneath the tuner-inspired compact.
And did you really think Nissan wouldn’t bring out a custom Z? This coupe wears a conceptual Legend accessory package, which bears some resemblance to the 2024 Z Heritage Edition. This package includes throwback-ish wheels, decals and a C-pillar emblem highlighting seven generations of Nissan’s Z car. A carbon rear spoiler and special over-fenders take the bodywork a step farther than stock, joining the Heritage front fascia.