Experienced by LEEANN BRZOZOWSKI
After an eventful season of auto shows across the country and abroad, the New York International Auto Show wraps up with one of the most notable presentations on the schedule. For two weeks the Jacob Javits Center is transformed into an epicenter of automotive excellence, and whether you are into domestic, imports, luxury, aftermarket or even antique vehicles this is definitely the auto show that will meet your every desire. In addition, spread throughout the halls, are a great number of concept vehicles that showcase the inventive and design direction of where the automotive industry is heading.
View the Automotive Rhythms Gallery
[fshow photosetid=72157665942851950]
My first stop at NYIAS was Supercar Alley. Though these exotic and luxurious rides aren’t debuts per say, but are so mystic and come with such a high price tag that most people never see them on the road or live in person. The lineup included the Koenigsegg One:1 that darts 0-248 mph in 20 seconds; the Lotus Evora that tops out with a max speed of 186 mph; a Bugatti Veyron Chiron also known as the fastest car in the world with a V16 engine topping 260 mph; the Audi-powered Spyker C8 Preliator which wowed the crowd with its classic look inspired by vintage fighter jets; and the rare 1,500 horsepower Koenigsegg Regera capable of 249 mph and hitting 60 mph in a mere 2.8-seconds.
The NY Auto show was exciting all around but it would be a disservice to not highlight the historical exhibit that Nissan showcased for the release of the 2017 GT-R aka Godzilla. The Governor of New York State, Andrew Cuomo, addressed the crowd at the opening ceremony expressing that the show is a beautiful platform of what this country is capable of. There was also a surprise appearance by Usain Bolt in the 2017 Nissan GT-R during the opening ceremony car parade.
Nissan displayed the various body styles of the Skyline/GT-R dating back to the 1969 model, debuting as the PGC10 first-generation Skyline GT-R. Four years after the PGC10 Skyline, the KPGC110 Skyline 2000 GT-R hit the scene in January of 1973 and was nicknamed “Kenmeri.” Then in 1989 the R32-generation GT-R came to the market. The R33-generation Skyline GT-R came out in 1995. It wasn’t a drastic difference from the 1989 model but it did have some slight variations. In 1999 the R34 Skyline blessed the market and stunned the world with an official 276 horsepower. Also on display at the Nissan pavilion was the 2008 model and of course the all-new 2017 GT-R.
The new GT-R was set center stage with revised rear bodywork and a new aerodynamic front fascia including the “V-motion” grille which has churned up a good amount of styling debate both positive and critical from Godzilla fanatics. The enhancements to the new GT-R focus on five key areas – exterior design, interior refinement, driving performance, ride comfort and advanced technology – all with the intent to create new levels of refinement and excitement. This newfangled model pumps out 20 horsepower more than last year’s version to top out at 565 horsepower. A titanium exhaust system (standard on the GT-R Premium) commingles with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement to clear out unnecessary noise.
Along with Sushi and Lo Mein noodles for patrons to munch on during and after the press conference, Nissan provided its master craftsmen or Takumi for engine demonstrations and autograph signing. Trust me, this was a GT-R’s fan dream come true. I was truly in awe with this being one of, if not my favorite vehicle on the market.
“This new GT-R is the most advanced, most refined and most progressive sports car that Nissan has ever built. And that is saying a lot,” stated Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president, Global Marketing & Sales, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Other new releases included Mazda who held the world premiere of their 2017 MX-5 RF hardtop convertible after winning two 2016 World Car Awards. Volvo proudly displayed its new S90 luxury, touring sedan and presented a $1,000,000 donation to Alex’s Lemonade. This charity is extremely important in the fight against childhood cancer.
Maserati unveiled its first ever SUV dubbed the Levante and Acura made a grand appearance of the refined and restyled 2017 MDX. Immediately after the MDX was shown the good people over at Acura allowed media a first look at the NSX GT3 racecar. Mercedes-Benz joined in the excitement by showcasing the Mercedes-AMG E43 as well as the newest member of the Mercedes-AMG family, the Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet. Audi also made a grand entrance debuting the new R8 Spyder V10 while our friends at BMW decided to give us the first look of the M7, and boy was it a sight to see!
There is so much that the 2016 New York International Auto Show has to offer that I just can’t seem to fit into this article. If you aren’t New York based, please find a way to the Big Apple to experience this magnificent show, or simply enjoy the Automotive Rhythms photo gallery.
