Top three vehicles from New York International Auto Show 2017
It doesn’t have the biggest number of new model debuts à la Detroit, nor is it set in Hollywood’s backyard like LA, but the New York International Auto Show is among the oldest and most well attended in North America. The 2017 edition will have nearly 1,000 cars and trucks on display, and we look at three particularly noteworthy ones below.
Toyota FT-4X Concept
Behold the “Future Toyota” four-wheel drive concept vehicle, created by the manufacturer’s Calty Design Research firm out of Newport Beach, California. The funky aesthetic styling is coined Rugged Charm, focused around an X-shaped theme clearly seen in the front fascia where the bumper cover is angled out at the sides.
The crossover is aimed squarely at the millennial crowd, built equally for urban adventuring as well as the great outdoors. For example, the Multi-Hatch rear tailgate can split in half and open horizontally for easy cargo loading in the city, or operate in a more traditional upward manner that also acts as a barrier to the elements while camping.
Genesis GV80 Fuel Cell Concept
There aren’t any SUVs in the Genesis lineup yet, but we know they’re coming. Although a concept, the GV80 gives a hint as to what a future utility vehicle from the luxury brand may look like. Influenced by the Athletic Elegance design language, the bodylines are clean and smooth, complemented by features like a diamond mesh front grille, quad headlights, laser fibre optic taillights and hidden electronic door handles.
A stunning 22-inch curved display sits atop the dash inside, and is partially controlled by interacting with a a series of metal “strings” integrated into the lower wood console. Not much was revealed about the vehicle’s powertrain except that it makes use of the latest hydrogen fuel cell electric technology, of which sister company Hyundai knows a thing or two about.
Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
Specifications for the next highly anticipated hybrid from Honda were officially released at NYIAS. The Clarity plug-in is launching in the winter, and utilizes both a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and 181-horsepower electric motor. The 17-kilowatt-hour battery is capable of providing an electric-only range of up to 68 kilometres, and more than 530 km when combined with the gasoline mill. Anticipated fuel consumption is 2.24 Le/100 km.
