All eyes in the auto world will be on the Javits Center in NYC for the 2016 New York International Auto Show March 25 – April 3. Guests will gawk at nearly 1,000 cutting-edge vehicles and check out the newest offerings from the world's leading automakers at an event that's as glitzy and glamorous as the auto industry can get.
The belles of the ball this year? SUVs and CUVs, according to Forbes. Sports cars will also have some time in the spotlight, though it's sport- and crossover- utility vehicles that will be named Prom King and Queen.
The Popular Kids: Utility vehicles
Automakers are expected to dramatically pull the white sheets off some exciting new models. Porsche is going to wow with its display of a four-cylinder Macan, Forbes reported, while the U.S. will get its first look at the impressive Maserati Levante. Also on the lineup is the electric Mitsubishi Outlander and a reworked Acura MDX.
Mercedes-Benz will be flaunting its crossover option, the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, though some industry experts think the model is more about looks than utility. The AMG carries the "coupe" name, with its fluid lines, but is indeed a spacious vehicle that boasts Ride Control Sport suspension setup, noted Digital Trends. Although the model may be more focused on being a good-looking, luxury crossover, it is able to exceed 60 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds. Maybe Mercedes shouldn't take all the blame for its looks, though – the site did mention that the "swoopy silhouette" has recently become incredibly popular with SUVs that straddle the line between the coupe life and pure utility.
The hatch is back
Also in the spotlight? The hatchback. Honda Civic will be showing its first hatchback since 1995, reported the Miami Herald. It will have a feisty 174-horsepower engine and will be marketed toward those Millennials, who Honda's Senior VP believes are looking for vehicles that combine "hatchback utility and sporty performance," the newspaper noted. Hey, if Millennials can bring Star Wars, typewriters and vinyl back, why can't they do the same for the good ol' hatch?
Not Godzilla, but close??? Perhaps a distant relative. "Godzilla: The Sequel" hits theaters
It's loud, it's brash and it's unapologetic – the Nissan 2017 GT-R is a creature to be reckoned with. The manufacturer flaunts a brand spankin' new rendition of the vehicle, nicknamed "Godzilla," at the show this year. And well, it's better. Wrote Chris Ziegler in an article for The Verge:
"Basically, Godzilla is more terrifying – but also somehow friendlier, than ever."
The GT-R is a true supercar, capable of going from 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, and has 20 additional horsepower – though the engine is allegedly quieter. The aesthetic changes are subtle, with a slightly different vent design and hood. Ziegler explains that the updated GT-R is intended to convince people that you don't have to be Dom Toretto in "Fast & Furious" to have a reason to use this car – you can also drive it around the country on a road trip. Heck, if you owned this $100,000 vehicle, you'd probably drive it to the grocery store.
Middle-road, but definitely not mediocre
It's not all just cutting-edge crossovers and intimidating supercars at the NY International Auto Show. Traditional cars will have some time to shine, too, according to Forbes. Leading the pack will be the brand-new Subaru Impreza, a compact sedan with state-of-the-art powertrain technology that Subaru just can't wait to show off. Also look out for a revamped Kia Cadenza and Chevrolet Sonic, which boasts an updated tech interface that's compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
Can't afford the Nissan GT-R of the other supercars on display at the New York International Auto Show? Don't worry, just head to NJ State Auto and we can fix you up with the perfect vehicle, even if you have poor credit.