Welcome to New York City and the annual auto show held in Hell’s Kitchen. While there were some beautifully fast cars like the Audi TT RS along with sexy concepts — notably the Genesis Mint EV — the thrust remained, as it has at the past few auto shows, the all-conquering crossover and its brutish SUV sibling that ruled the floor space. It is not a particularly well-kept secret that crossovers and SUVs are what makes the auto business go round at this moment in time — Ford and GM are basically getting out of the car business while Mercedes-Benz proclaimed 2020 the Year of the SUV and proceeded to launch more crossovers than a couple of manufacturers combined. Here, in no particular order, are four of the key introductions: Lincoln finally got around to replacing the MKC with the Corsair, based on the all-new Escape, and also brings its new naming strategy more into line; Subaru presented its take on a crossover alternative, the extremely popular Outback; Hyundai added yet another small crossover to its growing arsenal, this one named Venue and slated to be Hyundai’s most affordable crossover; and Toyota launched a redesigned eight-seat Highlander with an average fuel economy of 6.9 L/100 km in hybrid trim – that’s better than many compact
Origin: 4 Key crossover introductions from the New York Auto Show
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Four key crossover introductions from the New York Auto Show
Welcome to New York City and the annual auto show held in Hell’s Kitchen. While there were some beautifully fast cars like the Audi TT RS along sexy concepts — notably the Genesis Mint EV — the thrust remained, as it has at the past few auto shows, the all-conquering crossover and its brutish SUV sibling that ruled the floor space. It is not a particularly well-kept secret that crossovers and SUVs are what makes the auto business go round at this moment in time — Ford and GM are basically getting out of the car business while Mercedes-Benz proclaimed 2020 the Year of the SUV and proceeded to launch more crossovers than a couple of manufacturers combined. Here, in no particular order, are four of the key introductions: Lincoln finally got around to replacing the MKC with the Corsair, based on the all-new Escape, and also brings its new naming strategy more into line; Subaru presented its take on a crossover alternative, the extremely popular Outback; Hyundai added yet another small crossover to its growing arsenal, this one named Venue and slated to be Hyundai’s most affordable crossover; and Toyota launched a redesigned eight-seat Highlander with an average fuel economy of 6.9 L/100 km in hybrid trim – that’s better than many compact
Origin: Four key crossover introductions from the New York Auto Show
Our hits and misses from the 2019 New York auto show
There were, admittedly, not too many blow-me-away supercar reveals, flashy performance models or boutique sports cars being shown off. Sure, Porsche showed us a 911 Speedster; and Nissan a 600-horsepower GT-R. But all in all, the 2019 New York International Auto Show may have seen the most practical range of new-car debuts in recent memory, with a large part of the schedule dedicated to crossover unveilings. Nevertheless, our team on the floor of the Javits Center have picked apart the lot of close to two dozen new-car reveals and concepts, and come up with a list of the ones that we thought deserve the biggest thumbs up, and the fattest thumbs down, too. Our chief editor Jonathan Yarkony is understandably getting excited for a new Volkswagen truck that may or may not come to the Canadian market, the Tarok; however, the Hyundai fan in him can’t see anything but redundancy in the brand’s new Venue. Speaking of redundancy, Nick Tragianis admits to falling for the new Toyota Yaris, basically because it’s a clone of the Mazda2 with a different automaker’s badge on it. His miss of the show is the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition for being an ancient sports car with little more than a retro throwback sticker package. If you ask our classic-car-loving videographer Clayton Seams, it’s hard to top the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition, a wonderfully ancient sports car that needs little more than a retro throwback sticker package to set it apart. If only Cadillac would similarly consider taking a step back to its styling from two or three years ago, away from the frumpy direction the new CT5 seems to be pointing the marque, he says. The ever-practical Graeme Fletcher has high praise for Toyotas High-lander and its low, low fuel consumption rating; the car was a hit not only among the Driving editors, but among readers, too. His least favourite was also an SUV, the Atlas Basecamp Concept from Volkswagen, an off-road utility that he can’t quite see many owners taking off-pavement at all. Call him biased – he does own a classic Datsun roadster – but Alex Reid is giving his props to Nissan’s entire heritage-inspired New York display, and specifically it’s GT-R. On the other hand, he’s shaking his head at the Mazda CX-5 diesel—apparently the Japanese brand hasn’t heard diesel is out. Last but not least, Derek McNaughton has a love-hate relationship with the Porsche 911 Speedster. We think he’d be all over it, though, if the German automaker would just leave one in his driveway with a bow on
Origin: Our hits and misses from the 2019 New York auto show
New York Auto Show: Little buzz in Big Apple
Genesis Mint Concept.Andrew McCredie NEW YORK—Well, this might be the Big Apple but it certainly isn’t a green one. Tasked with covering what’s new and whiz-bang with electric vehicle reveals at the 2019 New York Auto Show on Wednesday of this week, I found myself wandering around the Jacob K. Javits Center as lost as a vegetarian in the Meat Packing District. Given that most every automaker on the planet has some sort of electrification program going—some in with both feet, some in earnest—I was expecting at least a handful of new EVs, or at least some second-generation unveilings. Mercedes-Benz alone has pledged 10 all-new EVs by 2022 and with just one launched to date, but nothing but internal combustion engines at their display. But being the pro I am, if not only to justify this assignment, I did find a handful (sans thumb) of EVs on the show floor, but none that will be on your shopping list anytime soon. If ever. Here’s a look, in order of likelihood they’ll ever see the light of day: Rivian R1S SUV This Illinois-based EV maker was founded in 2009 by an M.I.T. grad with the original goal of making a high-performance electric coupe. A running prototype was built but with an eye to actually finding a market, Rivian pivoted to first a pickup truck, and now a seven-passenger SUV. Dubbed the R1S, the all-wheel drive SUV comes with a choice of three battery packs—the largest a 180 kWh unit with a near-650 kilometre range and a power output reported to be flirting with 750 horsepower. According to the company the 2,670-kilogram utility will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in three seconds. It also comes with some serious off-road bona fides, such as a maximum clearance of 360mm, an approach angle of 34-degrees and a departure angle of 30-degrees. The company says the first deliveries of the R1S will be in late-2020, and with a starting price of US$72,500. Genesis Mint Underscoring the thin EV pickings at the show, this concept is number two on my list. By definition, concepts are just that; a concept, a designer’s ‘what-if?’ molded in clay, spray painted up and gingerly transported to an auto show. True, in the past decade or so concepts often make it into production looking a lot like their origin story, so let’s assume—again, for thin pickings sake—that the Genesis Mint will go on sale one day. Described as an ‘all-electric luxury car for the city,’ the Mint is a two-door, two-passenger vehicle. One interesting design feature is the scissor-style side openings that provide access to the rear compartment. The cabin is made to feel expansive through the use of lightweight textiles, cognac leather, and mullion-free windows. Power comes from a high-density, battery-electric powertrain with an estimated range of 320 kilometre and 350kW fast recharging. Mullen Qiantu K50 Making its North American debut at the show, this all-electric supercar is the latest in an every lengthening line of exotic EVs that look fantastic, promise the world and cost a small fortune. (I’d add ‘will never see the light of day, or at least a Canadian roadway’ but I’ve already come across as too cynical). Positioned as the ‘flagship’ of the U.S. manufacturer Mullen Technologies, the model features a 296kW/402 horsepower engine mounted on an all-aluminum frame with a carbon fiber body. No word on when you’ll see one available for sale in Canada, but I can say with some confidence that if you wait a decade or two, you’ll find the Qiantu K50 on a Barrett-Jackson auction block under an ‘EV exotics that never were’ banner. Joining it on the dais will be the NIO EP9, Aspark’s The Owl, the Vanda Dendrobium and the Rimac Concept (One and Two). Rimac C Two. Andrew McCredie Rimac C Two Turning up the voltage on the Qiantu K50, this GT hypercar is powered by four independent permanent-magnet electric motors (meaning four-wheel drive), and according to Rimac has software-controlled torque vectoring that gives it a 0-97 km/h time of 1.85 seconds. And a top speed of 415 km/h. The company also reports a 643-kilometre full-charge range, it is technologically capable of Level 4 of autonomous driving and is unlocked using facial recognition technology. (In fairness and in the spirit of full disclosure, there was another EV debut, Kia’s HabaNiro Concept, covered here by Graeme
Origin: New York Auto Show: Little buzz in Big Apple
2020 Karma Revero GT is a rare second chance in the auto industry
2020 Karma ReveroHandout / Karma Automotive What is it? The hybrid luxury sedan, once known as the Fisker Karma, has been rebranded as the Karma Revero GT. It’s as beautiful as ever, now powered — at least partly — by a BMW engine, and has an even healthier electric powertrain than before. Why does it matter? It’s produced in California, the brand is owned by the Chinese, and it’s styled in Italy. It’s as sexy as a Tesla, almost as emissions-free and has a nicer interior. Who says you don’t get a second chance in the automotive industry? The Revero GT is a true plug-in hybrid, in that its onboard gasoline engine is but a range-extender serving to charge the battery. Think Chevrolet Volt — only this PHEV has power, panache and presence that The General’s barely lamented four-door could only dream about. Besides being sexy — you could slap a Maserati badge on its hind end and no one would be the wiser — the totally revised Revero is now more powerful and more emissions-free. Powered by twin electric motors, the 2020 GT is 133 horsepower more powerful than the original, the all-electric powertrain now good for 536 HP. That’s enough to spring the 2,290-kilogram sedan from rest to 96 km/h (60 mph) in just 4.5 seconds, almost a full second quicker than its predecessor. On the other side of the equation, the 2020’s larger 28 kWh battery is good for 128 kilometres of all-electric driving before the gasoline range-extender kicks in to start recharging the battery. Said range-extending motor has been upgraded as well, the previous model’s GM four-banger traded in for the high-spec turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-three that powers the BMW i8. Details are a little vague regarding the GT’s interior, but it’s noticeably more luxurious and up-to-date compared to the previous model. It’s also chock-a-block with safety gear, with no less than eight air bags and the active safety technology you’d expect, such as blind-spot monitoring, a parking distance monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision warning. When is it coming? The second half of this year. Should you buy it? Having driven the 2017 Revero, it was an enjoyable experience despite its almost decade-old technology and dated interior. I quite enjoyed the experience, if not for its outright performance then for the potential, obviously once Karma got around to updating its powertrain and accouterments. That day appears to be now, the new one having everything the original boasted — power, panache, and presence — but with more sophistication and safety. For those looking for luxury electric alternative to a Tesla Model S, the Revero more than deserves a test
Origin: 2020 Karma Revero GT is a rare second chance in the auto industry
Mercedes-Benz unveils its smallest seven-seater at Shanghai Auto Show
Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB 2019Mercedes-Benz Automakers are hitting every possible slot in the SUV market, which might explain Mercedes-Benz’s latest unveiling, the Concept GLB. Thought built on the company’s compact-car platform, it’s designed to hold up to seven people. It’s being called a concept, but the model that rolled out onstage at the Shanghai Auto Show looks closer-than-close to production. It’s essentially a boxier, more rugged-looking version of the current GLA. “We asked ourselves whether there is still space between the GLA and GLC in our successful SUV range,” said Britta Seeger, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Car Sales. “The Concept GLB is the answer to this question. With it, we are demonstrating the creative ideas we have for this segment too.” No wonder it’s being demonstrated: SUVs are currently the top-selling bracket for the company, with more than 820,000 sold globally in 2018. The concept’s interior is tricked out more than a production model would be, with leather-wrapped dash and specially-stitched seats, but it’s unmistakably the CLA/GLA under all the bling. Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB 2019 Mercedes-Benz The third-row seats, a first for a Mercedes-Benz compact model, fold flat for extra cargo space, and offer “comfortable seating for two medium-sized occupants,” the company said. The second row can be slid ahead or back to maximize legroom as needed. The concept uses a 224-horsepower gasoline engine with eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and has 4Matic all-wheel drive. It’s not the first time Mercedes-Benz has sent out a concept for its world debut in China. In April of 2013, it introduced the Concept GLA at the Shanghai show, and started delivering the production model to customers by the following
Origin: Mercedes-Benz unveils its smallest seven-seater at Shanghai Auto Show
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