It’s that time of year again. Time for us to make our annual pilgrimage to the Javits Center in NYC so that we may salivate over the latest automotive pornography. Here are our favorites from the New York International Auto Show.
Acura NSX Production Model
Acura, or more correctly Honda, has been teasing us with the new NSX since Jerry Seinfeld ziplined over Manhattan in a 2012 Super Bowl commercial. But the wait is now over … sort of. With a little luck, we should see the new NSX summertime 2015. While remaining tight-lipped on power, Honda engineers claim north of 550hp from this mid-engine beast. Estimated $150,000.
Aston Martin Vulcan
We are pretty sure you’ll never see this making its way up the FDR as the Aston Martin Vulcan is deemed track-only. Not that this will matter much to the lucky 24 owners with the bankroll for the $2.3 million price tag. Infinitely customizable to owner specification, the Vulcan experience begins with an 800+hp V-12 and ends with Michelin race specific rubber. It will even spit fire out of the side exit exhaust.
Mercedes AMG GT
Heralding a new era for Mercedes, the AMG GT is their vision of the next-generation of sports car. The lightweight chassis, comprised of mostly aluminum, is the perfect vessel for the twin-turbo V-8 paired to a dual clutch 7 speed and limited slip rear. Performance is enhanced by the low center of gravity with near optimal weight distribution. Step inside and, apart from feeling like you are sitting on the ground, the AMG GT has one of the most luxuriously appointed interiors. Expect it to be expensive.
Toyota FT-1
For the second year in a row, the Toyota FT-1 is dropping jaws. Sharing similar lines with the early 90s Supra, the FT-1 Concept is amazing. Designed by Calty, Toyota’s North American design division and collaborator on Toyota’s NASCAR Camry, the FT-1 is a drool-inducing example of what could possibly be expected from a new Supra.
Ford GT
With its LeMans racing heritage, we had high expectations from the Ford GT during its limited production run in the mid-2000s and we have high expectations for it now. Coming in 2017, the new Ford hypercar will share similar design aspects to previous models. But under the hood, or trunk or wherever it is, sits a twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 putting out over 600hp. Combine this with dual clutch automatic and carbon fiber brakes, and the GT has set its sights on much more expensive European and Japanese exotics. Sadly, production will be limited to just 250 per year.
Ford Focus RS
After spending all of its time in Europe, the Focus RS is making its way to our shores for 2016. This Focus on steroids features a high revving, turbocharged EcoBoost 4 cylinder mated to Ford’s all-new Performance AWD. Power estimates are 315 hp plus and is put to the asphalt via sticky Michelin track tires. Price should be close to $40,000.
Range Rover SV Autobiography
Making its grand entrance in New York, the SV Autobiography is more geared to the well-heeled adventurer with a chauffeur. Stepping into the rear seating area is where the Autobiography really shines. With reclining seats, center console, and monitors, this flagship Rover is clearly crossing into executive transport. There’s even foldout Event Seats for tailgating in style. Power is ample and comes courtesy of a supercharged V8. $200,000+.
McLaren 675 LT
If the McLaren 570S just isn’t enough for you, then maybe consider the 675 LT. With only 500 units available, the 675 LT is the lightest and most powerful among the McLaren Super Series. Paying homage to the McLaren F1 GTR “Longtail” from 20 years ago, the 675 features the longtail design that generates up to 40% more downforce. Zero to sixty is 2.9 seconds with 205 mph top speed thanks to the 666 hp powerplant. $349,500.
Cadillac CTS-V
Introduced in 2004, the CTS-V clearly stated that luxury and power can be in the same sentence. But after several years, it was clear that Cadillac needed to up its game. What to do? How about take the 640 hp V8 from the Corvette Z06 and wedge it in-between the front wheels of a Cadillac? That’s exactly what GM engineers did and mated it to a 8 speed automatic to create an American knockout punch to German and Japanese luxury performance sedans. $70,000+.
Lexus RC F GT3 Racing Concept
Loosely based on the Lexus RC F, this concept is destined for Group GT3 international racing circuits. In preparation for GT racing, Lexus has removed just about everything that would make this a suitable daily driver. After all, to be competitive at the 24 hours of Nurburgring does not require iPhone Bluetooth integration—although it would be awesome. Tipping the scales at about 2,700 lbs, the RC F GT3 gets its mojo from a modified RC F V-8 that yields over 540 horsepower.
