It’s that time of year, the 2018 New York International Auto Show – NYIAS – has landed. From March 30th to April 8th thousands will walk the halls of the Jacob Javits Center. The NYIAS is a wonderland for gearheads and the casual fan alike and this year is no exception. Every year the NYIAS has some overriding themes. The 2018 show saw virtual reality, self-driving cars and fuel cell technology take center stage. We’ve curated the floor; here are the top rides you need to see at this year’s NYIAS.
Genesis Essentia Concept
The Essentia made its debut at the show and was turning heads the moment it was unveiled. Although a concept car, Genesis President has gone on record to say that it is using the show to “test the waters” for actual production. So what does this whip have to offer? Up front, a transparent hood displays the pushrod suspension bits, with large intakes on either side, laser-optical Quad Lights, butterfly-style doors that use biometric recognition technology. A sensor on the B-pillar houses both fingerprint and facial recognition software that both opens and closes the doors. Yes, you can fully expect James Bond to pop out of this bad boy at some point.
Nissan ProPILOT Assist
As close to a self driving car as we have to date. The ProPILOT Assist is tuned specifically for U.S. roads.
ProPILOT Assist uses a forward-facing camera, forward-facing radar, sensors and electronic control module to help the driver stay in the center of the driving lane and to maintain vehicle speed (set by the driver) or help maintain a gap to the preceding vehicle if the vehicle speed drops below the driver-set speed. It also can slow the vehicle to a complete stop and holds the vehicle during traffic jam conditions. Like we said, as close to self driving as there is on the road.
Custom Motorcycle
Okay, okay, so technically not an automobile. Certainly not self-driving or high-tech, but still a beauty to behold. This year the show had an exhibit of custom bikes. Chief among them the three wheel motorcycle below. Not just a bike, but an ode to New York City, with with tributes to lady liberty, the NYPD & NYFD, 9/11 and local sports teams. It deserves inclusion into this years list.
Porsche
Porsche always makes a statement at any auto show it participates in and NYIAS is no exception. This year it decided to kick it old and new school. It had it’s classic 356 Speedster on display and trust many a spectator gravitated to it more than some of the tricked out concept cars on display.
Yet, don’t let a love for the classics fool you. Porsche also put on display its latest offering in the form of it’s latest 911 GT3RS. Will let the video below do the talking.
Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln previewed a production midsize SUV that will wear the Aviator name. Heavily influenced by the all-new Navigator, the Aviator looks ready to step up to the plate against elite luxury SUVs.
The Aviator will be offered with a gas engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain based around a twin-turbocharged gasoline engine. For a up close look, peep the visuals below.
Lexus
Lexus brought a tricked out version of its LC model to the show. In what has become their trademark spindle grille, the LC represents the most passionate expression of the brand’s design direction. The grille itself features a unique mesh texture that changes visual tension as it spreads across the front of the car. We just think it looks pretty cool.
