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| While crossovers were present, sedans had a large showing as well at this year's New York Auto Show. From top left to right: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Altima, Maserati Levante Trofeo, Audi RS5 Sportback, Cadillac XT4, Lincoln Aviator Concept, Genesis G70, and Honda Insight |
It's been a busy, busy week at the New York Auto Show, with several reveals that hold major implications for each respective brand. What's perhaps most different from the past two recent auto shows (Detroit and Chicago), is that booth displays weren't dominated by crossovers, SUVs and trucks. We actually got to see some new four-door cars that will be available soon, even in the middle of the "sedan apocalypse".
Journey to Sedan Land
Audi's RS5 Sportback was possibly my favorite sedan shown (SHHH!.... Don't you DARE call them a hatchback...), with its unique yet practical liftback design, twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with 444 HP, and quirky yet eye-catching green paint. A5 in general will be an interesting competitor to other entry-level luxury liftbacks, i.e. the Kia Stinger, Buick Regal, and Volkswagen Arteon. Genesis also unveiled its highly anticipated G70 sports sedan that will be a 3-Series fighter. Annnnd, what's more... It will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission (2.0T models only)! We also saw a new Honda Insight appear, production ready and heavily Accord/Civic inspired, and we'd be remiss to forget the 2019 Nissan Altima, which will now offer AWD (base engine only) and a new variable compression 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, borrowed from the new Infiniti QX50. So yes, sedans are still putting up a solid fight.
SUVs Are Still the Wheels of Choice
While sedans showed up and showed out in the city that never sleeps, SUVs are what really have people wide awake right now. With good reasons that I can understand. Fuel economy is higher than ever in most models, and in the case of some crossover models, you can get more practicality for similar or possibly even less money. If you're not one who cares about having a "cool image" or carving corners everyday going to and from work, what's the disadvantage, right?
Given this argument, it makes sense that Toyota would introduce an all-new RAV4 then, with many styling cues taking from its recent FT-AC concept crossover. For 2019, RAV4 moves to Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, and comes with more advanced technology than ever, such as standard Toyota Safety Sense with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control that works up to 110 MPH. Will you EVER need to go that fast in a compact crossover? Not sure, but the design appears to remain functional and is improved in my eyes. To give you more perspective - Toyota sold 400,000 of these last year, pre-redesign and technology enhancements... It's likely only up from here. Other manufacturers I believe should start taking notes.
Other SUV/crossover reveals include a more performance-oriented Maserati Levante Trofeo with a Ferrari-assembled 3.8 twin-turbo V6 pumping out 590 HP and 538-lb.-ft. of torque, and the Cadillac XT4, which is a new model the brand desperately needed. XT5 might be seen as too big for those interested in the rapidly expanding compact luxury crossover segment, so XT4 comes in with an improved CUE infotainment system, a Cadillac specific 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 237 HP, and enough leather and technology to make even the pickiest of millennials feel right at home. I've already seen two XT4s on the highway, likely undergoing final testing, in Michigan. If Cadillac feels their sedans aren't doing numbers, the XT4 should be a good start in turning that around.
The most interesting SUV reveal award has to go to Lincoln this year, however, with their new Aviator concept. Just like the Navigator and Continental before it (SN: the later may be getting classic rear suicide doors soon, rumor has it), this Aviator appears to be very near production-ready, which is how I predicted it'd appear in a prior posting. It also hold true to its "mini Navigator" styling theme, just as the original Aviator did back from 2003-2005. Three rows of seats and rear-wheel drive (RWD) will be offered, and it's safe to assume that this platform it rides on will underpin the upcoming redesigned Explorer. I really like that Lincoln is using REAL NAMES again for some models, and this is a handsome design, inside and out. Ford's got some interesting things planned if you're in the market for an SUV or truck.
Other News
In other news and recent reveals, Cadillac announced a long-rumored, brand-exclusive twin-turbo V8 version of its CT6 sedan with 550 HP, Hyundai announced official EV range for the Kona Electric (~250 miles) and showed off the 2019 Santa Fe, Ford updated the Fusion again and will now include it's Co-Pilot360 driver assistance features as standard (expect it to trickle into other new products as well), Toyota officially cut all ties with their Scion past by introducing a restyled Corolla hatchback and Yaris sedan (I like both, especially the hatch), VW showed off its Atlas Tanoak pickup and Atlas Cross Sport five-passenger concepts to be possibly built in Tennessee, Kia updated several of its models for 2019 (Sedona, Optima, all-new K900), and Lexus' compact UX crossover made a debut. WHEW! Yes, a lot of big news for a big show.
What was your favorite reveal, and what new cars are you looking forward to? Are you headed to New York this year for the show? For more of what you can see at the 2018 New York Auto Show, check out the official website vehicle gallery: https://www.autoshowny.com/gallery/
Leave a comment, and be sure to check back and subscribe for more news and reviews to come! Until later, ROLL ON!
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