Day 2 of the NYIAS has drawn to a close. Tomorrow, after dealer previews and some rearranging, the Javits Center will open to the public. Before you attend, here’s more noteworthy debuts straight from the floor. We’re on our way home to rest up for Easter weekend. Stay tuned for more coverage.
Maserati Levante
Maserati has firmly asserted itself into the luxury SUV market with the new Levante. Out to claim a piece of Cayenne, X6, and GLE Coupe markets, the Levante is based on the Ghibli sedan platform. A 3.0L twin-turbo V6 will produce wither 345 or 424 hp depending on trim level. All-wheel-drive and adaptive air suspension are standard, as is an 8.4-inch touchscreen that uses Chrysler’s UConnect software. The fastest Levante to hit 60 mph in around 5 seconds and the least expensive version will set you back $72,000. The looks are polarizing, with all three of us falling firmly on the “love it” side of the argument. If only we could get the lovely lady to get out of the way of our camera. Expect to see them at ferrying well-to-do children to school come September.
Mazda Miata RF
Mazda put the lid on their latest Miata this week. Rather than a simple power folding retractable hardtop like the previous generation, this new RF model is now a targa. The central roof section retracts under the rear decklid, leaving the C pillar and rear glass in place. This adds roughly 110 pounds and a whole lot of new visual cues to the Miata. While it bucks the lighweight ethos, it does make for one damn good looking targa. Expect a late summer arrival.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit & Trailhawk
Jeep has stepped up the level of luxury in the well known Grand Cherokee Summit. It’s available with all-new laguna leather interior. It envelopes practically everything the driver and front passengers touch (doors, glove box, console and seats). The exterior has been updated slightly with a new front fascia and LED fog lights. Jeep has also differentiated the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit with newly designed satin 20 inch wheels. Following in Ford’s footsteps, they’ve now incorporated parallel and perpendicular park assist to this luxury 5-passenger SUV. For 2017, Jeep has also introduced a new trim level to the Grand Cherokee – the Trailhawk. It’s equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-drive II all wheel drive system, new air suspension, black wheels, skid plates, a black hood decal, and red tow hooks. The front fascia is slightly different taken from a 2012 concept, but the overall look fits right in with other Trailhawk model variants. You’ll also have the choice of 18 or 20 inch wheels.
Subaru Impreza Sport
The new Impreza debuted in New York this week and it looks almost the same as the old one from a distance. Upon closer inspection, a new profile, headlights, grille, and taillights make up the changes to the exterior. Also noticeable is a small increase in size. Inside bigger changes headline the new generation; an upscale interior and multiple trim lines allow you to have a new Impreza your way. We’re going to opt for the Sport model with it’s rear spoiler, sport tuned suspension, and red stitching. The 2.0L 4 cylinder is up to 152 horsepower, which is four more than before. Subaru’s great CVT is sticking around to handle getting that power to all four wheels. No pricing as been announced, but don’t expect a huge increase.
Honda Civic Hatchback Concept
Honda’s reboot of the Civic line wouldn’t be complete without a hatchback. Unlike previous generations, however, Honda has every intention of selling this hatch in the US. Expect the hatchback to receive the very same engine and transmission pairings as the Civic Coupe and Sedan on sale now. Unlike the other two, however, this hatchback is the basis for Honda’s Civic Type R. That hotted-up hatchback is also expected to land Stateside pushing north of 300 hp to the front wheels. All hail the hot hatch!
Mercedes GLC Coupe
The Mercedes GLC Coupe is based on the new-for-2016 GLC SUV, what old-timers might remember as the GLK. Built to compete directly with the X4 from BMW, the small SUV coupe segment has grown by double in the past year. Although not as good looking as it’s “normal” GLC brother, the GLC Coupe is mechanically identical. The two trim lines are the GLC300 Coupe with a 2.0L 4 cylinder and the GLC43 with the 3.0L 6 cylinder. It’s a niche market, but that market just got a little more competitive. They’re not quite the best looking or most practical, but they serve a market somewhere. Probably.
-Danielle Assenheimer, Christopher Little, Scott Villeneuve
Categories: Car Shows, Christopher Little, Danielle Villeneuve, Scott Villeneuve
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