The recent New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is not the biggest of the internationally sanctioned auto shows, but arguably it’s the most important, says attending petrol head Marty Bernstein.
Thousands of autophiles pack Jacob Javits Center every April to review the hundreds of new vehicles on display from every important auto manufacturer in the world. It’s almost impossible to see every car at the show but auto journalists like myself cherry-pick what to see from the leaked info and pix we receive prior to the show or from updates and rumours whispered over cocktails in nearby watering holes. There are no secrets anymore but occasionally there are wonderful surprises, with exciting new vehicles launched and hints of the future showcased in concept cars.
Mercedes-Benz – Best of the Best in Show
The Tri-Star brand retained its position as the number one selling luxury automotive brand in the U.S. and is gaining on BMW in worldwide sales with brilliant new designs packed with sophisticated technology, state-of-the-art engineering, and an enviable reputation.
Three U.S. premieres and two debuts, first revealed at the Geneva Show in March, include a trio of AMG high-performance models based on the GLC compact crossover, all handcrafted and powered by 4.0 litre, twin turbo V8s that give any self-respecting auto lover shivers. To move you rapidly over the concrete or tarmac for that daily drive, Mercedes also has the GLC 63 and the GLC 63 coupe that offer 469 horsepower, and the GLC 63 S Coupe with 503 raging stallions under the hood.
Among AMG’s new concepts, the AMG GT is eye poppingly gorgeous. It’s a hybrid that can run on gasoline only or all electric. It’s also a hybrid that can sprint to 100km/hr in under three seconds.
Completing the Mercedes-Benz onslaught was a special sneak-peek of the new S Model Wagen, a high-performance 4-litre 8-cylinder SUV that will launch later in the year.
Dodge Demon – Best & Hottest in New York
Simply the most powerful production muscle car in the world with a 6.2-litre V8 engine commanding 840 horsepower and 770 pounds of torque, the new Dodge Demon does zero to 100 in a staggering 2.3 seconds, leading to calls for it to be banned from public roads. Limited to a production run of just 330 worldwide, this is the ultimate ride for those that can handle it.
Jaguar – Surprise Show Winner
The legendary British brand was down for the count when India’s Tata Motors bought the marque at an industrial tag sale. Millions were invested to resuscitate the company that created the famous E Type and their investment is reaping big dividends with three stunning new models setting sales records internationally: the 2017 F-Pace SUV, the brand’s first SUV; the F-Type coupe (convertible soon), and agile new sports car powered by a 3.0 liter V6; and the 2018 XF sports sedan, which combined urbane good looks with plenty of punch. Jag is hungry and on the prowl.
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