The 2016 New York auto show saw some debuts that stood out in the best way possible. Nearly every category was represented this year, from green movement icons and SUVs to luxury SUVs and concepts showing off gigantic gullwing doors. Here are Motor Trend editors’ top picks for the 2016 New York auto show.
2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: The Targa Miata Creating Plenty of Buzz
One of the most stunning debuts at the 2016 New York auto show is the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, the Miata with a power retractable targa top that replaces the outgoing power retractable hardtop. Like the soft top, the MX-5 RF is as sexy as ever thanks to its curvaceous silhouette. And with that Machine Gray paint showing off Mazda’s Kodo design language, it commands more attention than ever.
2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: All-Weather Practicality
“The clever retractable roof gives the MX-5 a sophisticated new look and real all-weather practicality.” – Angus MacKenzie
2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: Looks That Will Steal Your Heart
“I’ve been lukewarm on Miata styling since the NB version was put out to pasture, and while the ND roadster is fetching, it didn’t make my knees go wobbly until they put this absolutely stunning fastback on it.” –Frank Markus
2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: Commands Attention
“A pretty car becomes even better. I found myself sitting and watching it spin on its display stand, knowing it is affordable enough to imagine in your driveway. Lines are even better. The hardtop should outsell the soft top with the new RF.” –Alisa Priddle
Genesis New York Concept: Polarizing Yet Pretty
Nothing else looks like the Genesis New York Concept, and despite its polarizing exterior, the car looks unique and has an identity of its own. Genesis says that the New York Concept’s design blends cultural heritage with modern art and technology, and it’s inspired by the early success of the Genesis brand.
Genesis New York Concept: A Preview of Genesis’ 3 Series Fighter
“Look past the concept car eye candy, and what you have is the basic form and styling of Genesis’ forthcoming BMW 3 Series fighter.” – Angus MacKenzie
Genesis New York Concept: A Glimpse of the Future
“Genesis sheds the Hyundai name and steps out in a big way with the New York. This thing is gorgeous, looking more French than Korean. Here’s hoping the brand can retain the New York’s looks when the car eventually goes into production.” –Christian Seabaugh
Genesis New York Concept: All Stops Have Been Pulled
“When you’re trying to launch a luxury brand, it’s best to pull out all the stops on your concept cars, and this one does that with innovative touches like copper-tone exterior and interior trim, peculiar but striking mesh fender vents that supposedly improve aerodynamics, pillarless-look glass, and an equally innovative interior that even picks up on the crazy vents.” –Frank Markus
Lincoln Navigator Concept: A Glimpse of Lincoln’s Next-Generation Flagship SUV
Look closely and ignore all the excessive drama of the gullwing doors and the retractable stairs, and what you are looking at is the next-generation Lincoln Navigator. Judging from its looks, the next Navigator will have a family resemblance to the Continental full-size sedan and feature Lincoln’s new corporate face.
Lincoln Navigator Concept: Miss Universe Worthy
“It is sheer audacity to put giant gullwing doors and Miss Universe cascading teak stairs on a vehicle most people forgot was still on the market. Love it or hate it, everyone found their way to the Lincoln booth. That’s a feat unto itself.” –Alisa Priddle
Lincoln Navigator Concept: Outrageously Excessive from Every Angle
“Lincoln’s got a problem here because the ’Gator’s doors and Miss Universe stairs are so ridiculous that they’ve crossed the line from concept car frivolity to must-have feature. That said, look past the doors and steps, and you’ve got the makings of a very handsome luxury SUV that might be the first Navigator to have what it takes to fight the Escalade since Ja Rule was singing with Jenny from the Block.” –Christian Seabaugh
Lincoln Navigator Concept: Grandeur in SUV Form
“Forget the concept-only falcon doors. It’s the trim and detailing of this jumbo ute that earn it a spot on my top-lux list, and I really love the grand staircase idea, but I wonder if they missed an opportunity to fit escalators there instead? Too Cadillacy?” –Frank Markus
2017 Toyota Prius Prime: The Prime Plug-In Hybrid
The successor to the plug-in variant of the outgoing Toyota Prius is now called Prius Prime, signifying its position as the most advanced member of the new-generation Prius family. This eco-friendly car even features new front and rear fascias to distinguish it from the standard Prius.
2017 Toyota Prius: A New Infotainment System
An 11.6-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the Toyota Prius Prime’s Entune infotainment system, and it even comes with exclusive apps that help you manage your car’s charging schedules, locate charging stations, and monitor your eco driving score.
2017 Toyota Prius Prime: A Bigger Battery
The same 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 paired to an electric motor is used in the Prius Prime, but this time it comes with a larger 8.8-kW-hr lithium-ion battery and is able to travel up to 22 miles in EV mode. In addition, you’ll be able to travel at speeds of up to 84 mph just on the electric motor.
2017 Toyota Prius Prime: Fast Chargers Need Not Apply
No, you don’t need to charge the Prius Prime at a fast charger because it can be juiced up to full with a regular household outlet in 5.5 hours. Need to get your battery back to 100 percent quickly, use a 240-volt charger instead to cut charging time in half.
2017 Kia Cadenza: The Old Kia is No More
Want more proof that the new Kia is not the old Kia? Look no further than the 2017 Cadenza. The second generation of the Korean automaker’s large sedan raises the ante by turning it into bona fide premium car packed with the latest multimedia and safety technology.
2017 Kia Cadenza: Familiar Engine, New Transmission
The same 3.3-liter V-6 comes standard on the 2017 Cadenza, and it’s expected to produce around 290 hp. However, a new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the old six-speed unit and is the first front-drive application for the new gearbox.
2017 Kia Cadenza: Class Above
What makes the 2017 Kia Cadenza stand out even more is that it comes with class-above features such as “contouring” front seats (which actually twist left to right—trust us), a head-up display, LED headlights, and Nappa leather upholstery. This should help keep the Cadenza a great value, offering plenty of gadgets that you’d otherwise find in more expensive cars.
2017 Kia Cadenza: Semi-Autonomous Driving Tech
Kia will launch its semi-autonomous driving tech in the 2017 Cadenza. Called Drive Wise, the suite includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic.
–Story compiled by Stefan Ogbac
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