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?
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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.
I never thought I’d fall in love with a range-extended electric car and then came the Fisker Karma ES. This car isn’t just beautiful, it has supermodel curves. And this girl isn’t all looks; it has the power to match, producing 959 lb/ft of torque, instantly available and goes 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. All this and it’s easy on your conscience, featuring a variety of environmentally-friendly features from its low emissions and non-hazardous paint to recycled wood trim and signature solar roof.
One of the most hotly anticipated reveals at this year’s Auto Show was the 2013 Dodge SRT Viper, back in production for the first time since 2010. They’ve been teasing us for months with cryptic photos and trickles of information. It seems the arduous wait was worth it. What Dodge brought to the table wasn’t a castrated incarnation of the classic American supercar, it was a rubber-burning, track-destroying V10 monster and wer’re into it.
Scion is attempting to pry their way into the affordable sports car market with the FR-S. The new Scion derives its name from the 200hp front-mounted Boxer engine and rear-wheel drive. While not overly eye-catching, the FR-S is a well-styled addition to the Scion stable and great for someone looking to for real pep without breaking the bank.
Leave it to Mercedes-Benz to make the ultimate limousines. With a tagline like “the ultimate in executive transportation”, there’s a certain level of posh you tend to expect, and Mercedes and Becker nailed it. Sporting electric doors, touch screen controls, leather recliners, a full home theater system, integrated 4G connectivity, and even a body option that allows you to fully stand up, the pair left no luxury uncovered.
Used for the last few years as a launch platform for their sporty sub-compact, the 2EVIL is a racier, modified version of the tradition Mazda2. While once again only existing in concept form, we’d love to see this offered as a package option. The 2Evil has a low, mean stance that tells of a nimble racer ripping lanes on the highway or drifting the track.
Do you have 200 grand burning a hole in your pocket? We can’t think of a better way to spend it than on the newest Audi R8 GT. This was the first car we saw that was sexier than the women posing around it. This powerhouse supercar was showcased in an attractive flat Spherion Blue and was a real head-turner. Audi packed a 560hp, 5.2-liter V10 under the hood to make sure that whereever you’re going, you’re going to get there fast.
Yesterday we showcased the teaser for BMW’s newest plug-in hybrid supercar, the i8 Spyder – successor to the Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol featured i8. Equipped with a front-axle 96 kilowatt electric motor and a back-axle turbo-charged, three-cylinder, 233 horsepower motor, this sexy, futuristic concept can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in five seconds. While not yet a production vehicle, it’s been hinted that it could be just around the corner – hopefully with those exact, insane, all-glass doors.
As we stalked through the dark recesses of the Auto Show’s lower levels, we stumbled upon the greatest hidden gem.. a new DeLorean. That’s right, the iconic, 88 mph, “where we’re going we don’t need gas,” masterpiece is back and a version is now all electric. I immediately and understandably assumed it ran on some new flux capacitor technology, but the all-electric motor is based in reality. Boasting 260hp, a top speed of 125 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, the DMC Electric has some get-up-and-go to it – at least for its 100 mile battery range.
The dream is finally becoming a reality. Flying cars – or as Terrafugia prefers to call them, ”roadable aircraft” – are popping up in the news and one was debuted at the Auto Show this year after completing its first flight a few days prior. The Massachusetts-based company Terrafugia’s booth was one of the major hot spots on the floor with people crowding around to catch a glimpse of the flying car’s wings unfolding, changing from land-bound to soaring personal aircraft in minutes. Now, where are our jet packs? We were promised jet packs.
The New York International Auto Show runs from April 6-15 at the Javits Center in Manhattan. For more information visit their site and check out more upcoming Car and Motorcycle events.