The 2015 New York Auto Show is just beginning for the general public. For the flock of media that swarmed the Big Apple this week, though, the event has begun to fade into memory.
As we pack our bags, recycle our press badges, and head for home, we decided to recap what the star-studded affair, full of high-profile reveals, extravagant press conferences, and even a few stray pigeons. Yes, pigeons — they’re everywhere.
In no particular order, these are our favorite debuts from the show.
The most popular — and surprising — unveiling in New York was not a McLaren, Porsche, or Cadillac. This 10th-generation Civic Concept wowed fans both in person and abroad, punctuated by the car’s highlighter green paint called “High Energy Green.”
Unlike many concepts, though, this Civic isn’t just a display of Honda’s design prowess. The aggressive Concept will closely preview the upcoming production models, which will include sedan, coupe, five-door hatch, Si, and Type R variants. Better yet, each version will eventually see American shores, starting with the sedan this fall.
Subaru STI Performance Concept
When Subaru pulled the sheet off the Subaru STI Performance Concept in New York, you could almost feel the blood pressure of BRZ owners rising. Finally, more power!
Subie told us that the concept equips a turbocharged engine from its Super GT series racecar making more than 345 horsepower, with bolstered suspension and an epic rear wing to match. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that the model will see production, but the automaker said that the STI brand will expand its presence in North America soon. Perhaps it’s a sign of good things to come.
The Lexus RX arguably put the compact luxury SUV segment on the map when it debuted back in ’97, and for 2016, the five-door isn’t resting on its laurels.
The new model is sharper, more aggressive, and meaner than ever, featuring a spindle grill that wouldn’t look out of place on a black widow’s belly. And with its 300-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6, it has the bite to match.
Ah, the attainable, practical supercar.
McLaren’s new 570S may not be the ultimate grocery-getter, but the 562-horsepower Brit is the most affordable model in the McLaren range. Don’t expect it to drive like a minivan though, because with a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds ad a top speed of 204 mph, this $185,000 bombshell has its sights set on the Porsche 911 Turbo S.
Simply put, the 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder is the fastest Boxster ever built. With straight-line performance rivaling that of the Cayman GT4, this topless sports car doesn’t exactly scream ‘entry-level.’
Its 3.8-liter flat six churns out 375 hp, which is good for a 4.5-second sprint to 60 mph, a 180-mph top speed, and a whole lot of open-top hair ruffling. The featherweight Boxster will set you back a cool $82,100.
The new Lincoln Continental was another big star of the New York Auto Show … and I mean that literally. The elephantine concept displayed both its hulking proportions and ‘LED matrix’ headlights as it rotated slowly on its platform, flashing Lincoln’s renewed ambition with every turn.
Despite being a concept, the American brand claims the Continental is a preview of what’s to come for Lincoln, which is great news for hired drivers and bongo-jamming actors alike. Alright alright alright.
Who doesn’t love a big Caddy? Well, for 2016, the CT6 isn’t just big; it’s light to boot.
Despite being as long as a BMW 7 Series, Cadillac was quick to point out that the CT6 weighs less than a 5 Series, equips a twin-turbo, 400-hp V6, and is “bank vault” quiet. The luxury vehicle is quite tech-y as well, featuring a 10.2-inch CUE infotainment screen, 360-degree camera, and Enhanced Night Vision.
The 2016 Jaguar XF isn’t just better looking, roomier, and more advanced than its predecessor, this mid-sized jungle cat is a high-riding daredevil.
To reveal the car ahead of its public debut in New York, Jag drove the XF across two 34 mm wires suspended almost 60 feet over water. That might sound a little silly at first, but the British brand used the stunt to showcase the car’s aluminum intensive architecture, which shaves off up to 265 pounds for the 2016 model year.
Last but most certainly not least, the SVAutobiography is a specially-tuned Range Rover crafted by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.
Trumpeted as “the most luxurious and powerful series-production Range Rover in the model’s successful 45-year history,” the flagship Range Rover houses a 550-hp supercharged V8 under its ‘Duo-tone’ hood, as well as a sliding load floor. If you’re a fan of classy drive-ins, the SVAutobiography also offers an ‘Event Seating’ package that includes two Windsor leather seats that fold out over the tailgate.
Nissan Maxima
When the 2016 Maxima first appeared at the end of Nissan’s “With Dad” Super Bowl XLIX commercial, we were pleased with the sedan’s brawny, muscular look.
Nissan continues to bill the Maxima as a “four-door sports car,” which is slightly questionable given the car’s continuously variable transmission/front-wheel drive combo. We dig the look (and the 300 hp) though, and the Murano-inspired floating roofline is a slick addition.
