NEW YORK: New York's International Auto Show opened to the public on Friday. Some stunning new cars have been presented at this year's event, including a rechargeable Toyota Prius and the Mercedes GLC Coupé, as well as the spectacular Audi R8 Spyder and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Audi R8 Spyder
Loaded with a 540hp V10 engine promising 0 to 100kph acceleration in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 318kph, the new-generation Audi R8 Spyder caused a sensation at the New York show. It's expected to land in Europe from September 2016.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which comes with a 640hp V8 engine and a choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearboxes. Surprisingly, the American car maker hasn't yet announced performances for this car, which is due to land before the end of 2016. A convertible version, also presented at the New York event, should be available in early 2017.
Subaru Impreza
The new version of this Japanese hatchback debuts the Subaru Global Platform architecture, increasing rigidity throughout the body and chassis by 70%, according to the manufacturer. The first models are expected to land in the USA by the end of the year.
Mazda MX-5 RF
In a worldwide premiere, the Mazda MX-5 RF showed off an automatically retracting roof and rear window, and a new colour finish called "Machine Gray." It should be available in autumn in Europe, in a gasoline version with manual or automatic transmission. Note that the MX-5 is the 2016 World Car of the Year and has also won the World Design Award in a historic win.
Mercedes GLC Coupé
Daimler presented the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé at the New York event, billed as a cross between a functional SUV and a sports coupé, with a sleek, sporty, off-roader design and a stylish interior. The GLC Coupé is set to land in eight different versions, including gas and diesel options. A rechargeable hybrid version is expected towards the end of 2016.
MINI Clubman All 4
The MINI Clubman All 4 has a lighter build and gets all-wheel drive, promising improved handling, a more comfortable ride in the larger cockpit, and a special mode for boosted efficiency. It's expected to land in dealerships in the springtime.
Nissan GT-R
The 2017 version of the Nissan GT-R supercar gets a 570hp V6 biturbo engine. It also has a new chrome-finished V-shaped front grille and a redesigned trunk promising increased stability and holding at high speeds, particularly at the front of the car. It'll be available from summer 2016, with trims including a "Gentleman Edition" with a leather interior.
Toyota Prius Prime
A rechargeable version of the Toyota Prius was presented in a worldwide premiere at the New York show. This doubles battery life in fully electric mode (over 50km or 31 miles), for average fuel consumption of just 1.4l/100km and CO2 emissions at 32g/km. It also has an original solar charging system on the roof. The rechargeable Prius is scheduled to launch towards the end of 2016.
The New York International Auto Show runs March 25 to April 3, 2016.
