The New York International Auto Show opened to the press today and we were on the floor, fighting the masses to get a glimpse of what automakers have up their sleeves – from awesome production models to outrageous concepts, even an all-electric DeLorean and a flying car! Does it get any better?
We wondered if Lexus could produce a true supercar. Though the video was convincing, seeing the new LFA live and in person was another thing entirely. The styled 4.8-liter V10 boasts 552 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and is drop-dead gorgeous.
Land Rover unveiled two new models to celebrate their twenty-five years in the American market. While the Range Rover Evoque Convertible didn’t grab us, the Land Rover Defender DC100 caught our attention. Meant to recall the days of the original Series 1, the DC100 – named for its 100 inch wheelbase – shows the heritage the brand has in the off-road market. While still a concept, the fact that it’s been shown consistently through the auto show circuit thankfully hints that this fun little romper may be production-bound.
The SL was already an imposing car, but a 12-cylinder version is downright mean. This 621-horsepower roadster is thrust forward by its turbo V12 and hits 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. While there seems to be mixed reactions over its aesthetics, they have a fan in me – especially with the limited edition Designo Magno Graphite paint available on a run of only 45, marking it as a “45th Anniversary Edition”.
I don’t know how else to say it. I love the Dodge Challenger. Of all the classic cars reborn in a modern package, none have resonated so deeply. To make a good thing even better, Dodge is bringing back the STR8 392 again this year with more advanced tech to compliment the monstrous 470hp, 6.4-liter HEMI V8. This muscle car pulsates mean, raw power as it squats down on its haunches, ready to pounce down the asphalt.
What could be better than a Shelby Mustang that produces 1,000 horsepower? The Shelby 1000 will produce an estimated 950 horsepower in street trim and using pump gas, but opt for the track-only S/C version and you’ll get a Mustang rated at “over” 1,100 horsepower. Starting with your donor 2012 Shelby GT500, they strip out all the factory parts and beef up the engine from head to tail until it’s a nearly undrivable, road-eating monster. Don’t worry; it will only cost you $149,995 to get your tires smoking, after your spring for the original GT500 and a life insurance policy.