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.
Trump Sets 25% Tariff on Imported Autos
March 27, 2025 President Donald Trump has enacted a 25 percent tariff on autos built outside of the U.S., to go into effect on April 3, through an executive order signed on March 26.
Along with this move, part of the president’s ongoing economic and trade reforms, a 25 percent tariff will also be placed on auto parts, like engines and transmissions, that originate from outside the U.S., to go into effect no later than May 3, according to the official statement published by the White House.
The executive order states that parts complying with the current tariff-free trade under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will not be affected by the additional tariff until the Commerce Department develops a method to identify and appropriately administer the tariff to components made outside of the U.S.. Furthermore, the tariffs will apply solely to the value of non-U.S.-made components in vehicles imported from Canada and Mexico that comply with the agreement.
“What we’re going to be doing is a 25 percent tariff for all cars that are not made in the United States,” Trump said during a news conference at the White House. “We start off with a 2.5 percent base, which is what we’re at, and go to 25 percent.”
These tariffs are designed to boost manufacturing in the U.S. by giving automakers more of a reason to move production to domestic shores; however, a more immediate impact may be increased prices. For example, a vehicle entirely produced and assembled outside of the U.S. may see a 25 percent price increase. That said, vehicles assembled in Mexico or Canada may only see a price increase based on the components not included by the agreement, or excluding components originating from the U.S..
At this time, it’s unclear how other countries will, if at all, react to these new tariffs. The obvious short-term impact may be increased prices. Looking farther ahead, tariffs may spur stateside production, providing more jobs and opportunities for U.S. workers; however, it will take time for those factories to be ready.