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Payne: Touting NYC Auto Show’s 10 Best
Posted by Talbot Payne on April 16, 2023
New York — The New York International Auto Show is a shadow of its former self with reduced exhibitors and fewer new car reveals. But it is still a fun candy store.
The technology and raw power in new vehicles is amazing today as an electronics and battery revolution is reshaping the industry. From the most affordable Subaru to the most exotic Corvette, interiors are littered with big screens and driver assist technologies that would have wowed sci-fi movie audiences a generation ago.
While showgoers in Javits Center’s reduced footprint (like Detroit, Chicago, and LA) have fewer brands to ogle, they have more opportunities than ever to actually ride in vehicles as multiple companies have set up test tracks on — and outside — the exhibition floor.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 new vehicles at NYIAS. . . .
Ram 1500 REV. The EV truck wars are on. Based on an all-new battery skateboard and electronics “Atlantis” architecture, the REV joins the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV as the first electric pickups from Motown. And in true warrior tradition, Ram wasted no time advertising its superiority to competitors. Best-in-class frunk (front trunk), best-in-class towing (14,00 pounds).
Like Lightning, however, REV is not a radical design departure from the existing Ram model lineup in order to send a revolutionary message like, say, the sci-fi Tesla Cybertruck. Ram sees its market in local construction bosses (batteries won’t go far towing 14k lbs) and they don’t want to show up at the worksite in a steed that shames their workers’ trucks.
Kia EV9. Kia doesn’t make pickups, but they electrified the next biggest thing: a three-row SUV. The EV9 joins three-row e-SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, and Tesla but at likely (when we see the price later this year) half the sticker. The Kia’s just as distinctive as those all-wheel-drivers with its moon rover wheels, chunky styling, front light show, and high-tech cabin.
Even with a fast-charging, 800-volt architecture, family trips will take longer in the EV9. But Kia figures you’re stopping every two hours for 20 minutes to change-diapers/go-to-the-loo/get-food anyway.
Chevy Corvette E-Ray. Shown for the first time at an auto show, E-Ray fits the e-trend. But it uses its battery for raw, 655-horsepower performance. With an electric motor turning the front wheels, Chevy’s iconic sportscar gets AWD for the first time so you can drive your sportscar in all seasons.
The battery fills in low-end torque on acceleration — as if the 6.2-liter V8 didn’t have enough twist to begin with.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Since 2015, the GT supercar has been the Ford stand’s Simba. This year there’s a new lion king and it’s called Dark Horse. With its brooding front grille, black hood, and muscular haunches, Mustang’s latest performance model looks every bit the 500-horspower track slayer that its spec sheet advertises.
Be sure and duck inside, though, where the Mustang sports a hi-tech, horizontal, integrated instrument-and-infotainment display to match the Kia EV9.
Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee. Mustang is the last Detroit muscle car standing as government’s climate crusade has made it harder to build V8-powered hellions. Camaro is bowing out of the market as is Dodge’s best-selling Challenger and Charger. In their place (and racking up electric credits so the V8s can return one day) is the gorgeous Daytona SRT Banshee shown for the first time in the Big Apple.
For all its 21st-century battery-powered wizardry, the Banshee goes back to the 1960s well for its design cues. Its R-wing front end uses aero technology inspired by the 1960s, NASCAR-winning Daytona.
VW ID.Buzz. Another ‘60s throwback, ID.Buzz updates the microbus reborn for the EV age. Its design is nicely evolved — as are its safety features as the ol’ microbus was a front-end collision disaster waiting to happen. Check out the table trays behind the seats just like an airliner.
ID.Buzz lacks the OG’s affordability, however — it’ll likely cost about twice as much in today’s dollars — another example of the soaring costs of new cars.
Dodge Hornet. Cue the more affordable $31k Hornet making its auto show debut. It’s Dodge’s first compact SUV since the 2012 Caliber. Unlike Caliber, the 268-horse Hornet is a hoot to drive and comes loaded with standard features, best-in-class horsepower, and a terrific ad campaign called “The Swarm.”
Lamborghini Huracan Stellato. There’s the electrification trend and then there’s the off-road craze. How nuts are customers for off-roading? The V10-powered Lambo Sterrato — found in NYIAS’s signature exotics cars pen — follows the Porsche 911 Dakar as an off-road capable production supercar. With all-wheel-drive, all-terrain tires, 1.7-inch suspension lift, underbody protection, Subaru-like fender cladding, and nose-mounted rally lights, the 610-horsepower Sterrato is ready for Baja.
Hyundai Kona. If Hyundai Motor Group’s Kia brand is determined to bring EVs to three-row SUVs, then the Kona offers an electric in the subcompact SUV segment. Though its drivetrains are largely unchanged from the last gen, the EV gains range (to 260 miles) and the N performance model offers a frisky, 1.6-liter turbo. The real new here is the upgraded, digital interior and the styling: the wee ute looks like the Kona EV and Hyundai Elantra sedan had a love child with its spare face and carved sides.
Jeep Wrangler. Wrangler is refreshed for 2024 with new style and tech. All our trim favorites are back from the go-anywhere-Rubicon to the pedal-to-the-metal 392. The interior gains a big, 12-inch screen (natch) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The signature, seven-slot grille is back — but this time it’s back in black.
Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.