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Top three debuts at New York International Auto Show

Benjamin Yong on March 28, 2016

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
Mazda unveiled the hardtop version of the MX-5, called the RF, at the start of the 2016 New York International Auto Show.

Of the many things the Big Apple is famous for, cars are also among them. One of the year’s biggest automotive spectacles — the New York International Auto Show  (NYIAS) — is going on right now until April 3, and there has been some seriously interesting news coming out of the east coast event.

2016 Mazda MX-5 RF roof up

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

The fourth generation of everyone’s favourite modern roadster, the Miata, was released last year in soft-top form, and it was only a matter of time before a hardtop version would be announced. And now it has: introducing the MX-5 RF. Sporting fastback looks, it features a retractable rear window and the roof can be fully stowed. Surprisingly, the storage capacity in the trunk remains the same for both models.

2016 Miata MX-5 roof down

In North America, the RF will utilize the familiar SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime

2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Toyota is touting the latest plug-in variant of the new Prius as the being the “best-equipped, most technologically-advanced model to date.” Greater battery capacity and an improved hybrid system give the Prime a 22 per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor, resulting in a projected 1.96 Le/100 km (litres equivalent) and a total range of over 965 kilometres.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime interior

Design highlights include very cool quad-LED headlights, lightweight aluminum used for the hood and carbon fibre for the hatch, and an available 11.6-inch interior multimedia screen.

Genesis New York Concept front

Genesis New York Concept

Following closely behind the debut of the production G90 sedan, Hyundai’s recently separated luxury division now turns its attention to something sportier. The New York Concept is a hint towards the brand’s future styling direction, represented here by a long hood, unique fender vents, tapered rear deck and copper-coloured accents. Inside, a massive 21-inch LG 4K display dominates the dash connected to an interface combining touchpads and 3-D gesture control.

Genesis New York Concept side

A hybrid powertrain generates 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission

Toyota teases future mobility with three new concept cars

Benjamin Yong on November 30, 2015

Toyota FCV Plus interior
The interior of the Toyota FCV Plus hydrogen fuel cell concept car, which can generate its own electricity to power infrastucture.

It’s always fun when automobile manufacturers bring out concepts that provide a preview of future styling and engineering direction, predictions for the evolution of mobility, or simply what they’re capable of. Toyota recently debuted three such vehicles, one of which harks back to their roots of building small, lightweight sports cars.

Toyota S-FR

Toyota S-FR

The S-FR concept was created to “reaffirm the fundamental relationship between car and driver,” says Toyota. This entry-level four-seater features a front engine, rear-wheel drive format with independent suspension providing optimal weight distribution and handling. Shifting duties are taken care of by a six-speed manual transmission.

Toyota S-FR interior

The elongated front end and wide footprint gives the S-FR a classic sports coupe appearance. The model is aimed at the enthusiast demographic that enjoy customizing their vehicles.

Toyota FCV Plus front

Toyota FCV Plus

Toyota has long been envisioning a sustainable society based around hydrogen energy, a power source containing a higher energy density than electricity, can be generated from many different types of raw materials, and is relatively easy to store. The FCV fits into this plan nicely because aside from running off of electricity generated from hydrogen, it can also produce electricity to be used in the home and shared with the community power grid.

Toyota FCV Plus rear

The FCV’s fuel stack is mounted in the centre at the front, and the hydrogen tank is installed behind the rear seat. Each wheel also has a dedicated motor. Together, the unique design allows for a spacious interior despite its compact vehicle dimensions of 3,800 millimetres (length) by 1,750 mm (width).

Toyota Kikai

Toyota Kikai

While the Kikai likely won’t be found in stores anytime soon, the purpose of its conception was to “explore and emphasize the fundamental appeal of machines.” Parts normally hidden away underneath body panels and bumpers, like suspension components and headlamps, are exposed to show off their inner workings.

Toyota Kikai interior

The driver sits front and center to connect him or her more closely with the car, and there is room for two more passengers behind. Through a small window near the pedals, occupants are treated to a view of the tires and suspension working as the Kikai moves along the road.

OpenRoad's Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 top picks

Benjamin Yong on September 21, 2015

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frankfurt_motor_show_2015
Visitors inspect automobile manufacturers’ latest wares at IAA 2015, which runs now until Sept. 27 in Frankfurt, Germany.

The 66th annual Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA), or Frankfurt Motor Show, is in full swing right now in Germany. There have been dozens of new vehicles and concept debuts since the show opened a few days ago, but we picked out a handful that are particularly intriguing. Here are OpenRoad’s top three cars from this year’s IAA.

Porsche Mission E

Porsche has been very interested lately in the field of hybrid technology, evidenced by their release of several partially electric models last year. The Mission E concept car, however, is the brand’s first four-seater that is completely powered by electricity. With a range of over 500 kilometres on one charge, it only takes approximately 15 minutes to replenish 80 per cent of the battery thanks to Porsche’s unique 800-volt turbo charging system.

Porsche Mission E rear

Key stats

Horsepower: 600

Powertrain: two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM)

Transmission: all-wheel drive

Seats: four

Fun fact: A camera mounted to the rear-view mirror detects the driver’s mood.

Mazda KOERU concept

Mazda KOERU

Before you ask — KOERU means “exceed” or “go beyond” in Japanese, which is what the company is trying to do with their latest crossover concept. It has Mazda’s current KODO styling written all over it, but also includes a few twists like the rings around the LED headlights that are supposed to resemble an untamed animal. As usual, engine specifics aren’t being disclosed but expect some form of SKYACTIV.

Mazda KOERU concept rear

Key stats

Horsepower: ?

Powertrain: ?

Transmission: ?

Seats: five

Fun fact:  The KOERU is rumoured to lead to a three-door CX-4 model, or a new CX-7 or CX-9.

Toyota C-HR Concept

Toyota C-HR

Consumers’ appetites for compact, fuel-efficient crossovers the world over continue to grow, and Toyota is hoping to capitalize on that with the C-HR Concept hybrid. The automaker has stated plainly they are looking to bring a new model to market, and hope to have a production-ready model to announce in a matter of months. Few specifics are known at this point besides the dimensions: 4,350 millimetres (length); 1,850 mm (width); 1,500 mm (height); 2,640 mm (wheelbase).

Toyota C-HR side

Key stats

Horsepower: ?

Powertrain: ?

Transmission: ?

Seats: five

Fun fact: The original concept featured a three-door design with a blue and black roof.