NYIAS: Debuts, updates and electric buzz

WHILE numbers aren’t reported to be back to pre-COVID-19 levels, the 2023 New York International Auto Show offered some hot reveals, unexpected updates and the welcome juxtaposition of electric and combustion cars side by side.

A range of new and old cars were on display, from a stunning BMW E30-series M3 to Group B inspired Lancia Stratos, and fresh new metal like the Lamborghini Urus Performant and Ford Mustang Dark Horse flying the performance flag.

The slew of new EVs stole the show, though, with electric examples from the likes of Kia, Hyundai, VW, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ram and Ford.

Here are some of our favourite new models, either unveiled for the first time or simply flaunted in the flesh…in no particular order.

Hot, hot, hot

Our favourite has to be the Genesis GV80 Coupe – a sleek, sporty SUV from Hyundai’s luxury brand unveiled in ‘Magma’ orange.

Specification details were thin on the ground, due to this technically being a concept model, but the brand has hinted at production calling it a “statement of intent for the future” and a “preview of Genesis’ future programs”.

Based on the GV80 SUV, the Coupe offers an edgier aesthetic and hopefully more power to match.

Elements like a carbon fibre spoiler, rear strut brace, diffuser and sloping roof line hint at performance, as does the loud orange colour.

The cabin features the same sporty treatment, with a three-spoke steering wheel, bucket seats and lashings of carbon-fibre.

This is, in our not-so-humble opinion, one of the best-looking performance SUV designs out.

Big hype, even bigger SUV

The hype is oh-so-real for the (very) large Kia EV9, the brands top dog three-row electric SUV that captured the car world’s attention when it debuted recently in South Korea.

This was the first time the EV9 has been displayed for the North American market, wowing crowds ahead of production in the second half of 2023.

Towering over other Kia models, the EV9 measures up at 5010mm (L), 1980mm (W), and 1755mm (H). Despite its squarish looks and clear heft, the EV9 glides through the air with an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28.

The six- or seven-seat SUV is as green as they come inside, with biomaterials like corn husk and recycled PET bottles used throughout and no animal-sourced leather whatsoever. 

Available in rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive and with standard- and long-range battery options, the EV9 has broad appeal and Kia President and CEO, Ho Sun Song, even confirmed a high-performance model to be built in 2024.

The EV9 will go on sale later this year in selected global markets, but pricing is yet to be confirmed.

New Hyundais, with a Disney cherry on top

Hyundai revealed its renewed Palisade, Kona N Line and Electric models, plus a collaborative Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Concept.

Starting with the Walt Disney x Hyundai collab, it’s the first of its kind but a rather unusual way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the multi-media giant.

The concept model features Disney-inspired visual elements, and of course lighting and music to go with it. We aren’t quite sure who this one is aimed at, if not the children that will one day call it a ‘classic’.

The South Korean manufacturer also debuted an updated flagship Palisade SUV for 2023, with fresh design elements and more tech.

The incoming Palisade is “significantly enhanced”, according to Hyundai, with updated exterior and interior styling, new infotainment and safety features, and advanced driver assistance tech like Highway Driving Assist.

New front and rear bumper fascia, grille and headlights refresh the exterior, while inside the changes are plentiful with new instrument panel, steering wheel design, seat materials, and improvements to the second and third row.

Tech updates consist of a 12.0-inch infotainment display, improved device charging (wireless and wired), and for the first time on a Hyundai the new Palisade gets Wi-Fi hotspot and a full-display digital rearview mirror.

Hyundai unveiled its all-new 2024 Kona, too, across N Line, Electric and Limited model variants, taking the fight to the small SUV segment.

The second-generation Kona will arrive Down Under later this year, in both N Line and flagship Electric guise, but pricing is not yet confirmed.

The Kona Electric will be offered in standard- and long-range configurations, with a driving range of 317km and 418km respectively.

Hyundai says it designed the Kona to be an EV, adopting an EV-to-ICE development process, in line with the company’s accelerated electrification strategy.

"The new Kona Electric represents the next step forward in eco-friendly mobility solutions, a key model in Hyundai's rapid transition to clean mobility and progress for humanity,” said Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO, José Muñoz.

The Kona N Line will roll on 19-inch N Line wheels and additions like rear spoiler, dual-outlet exhaust tips, premium audio and sports seats contribute to an overall sportier appearance. 

The current Kona N is offered for just under $50k and the Electric for $54,500 in Australia, but we can safely assume the next generation models might cost more with their additional features and tech.

Ram ups electric ante 

The production-ready Ram 1500 REV was rolled out for punters at the show, boasting impressive numbers across range, towing capacity, payload and charge time.

Ram says its first electric light-duty pickup will redefine the segment, but it must contend with the Chevrolet Silverado EV and hotly anticipated Ford F-150 Lightning when it goes on sale in 2024.

Right off the bat, the 1500 REV impresses with its big number specs. For starters, its 168kWh battery gets the hefty ute 500+km of range and adding an optional 229kWh long-range battery will stretch range to 804km.

The towing capacity is a massive 6350kg and payload is a work-ready 1224kg, while dual 250kW electric motors produce a total of 487kW/840Nm good for a 0-60mph (0-98km/h) time of just 4.4 seconds.

While the tray is an obvious storage option, so is the 424-litre ‘frunk’, making use of the compartment that otherwise would have housed an ICE engine.

Also handy are two on-board power boards, front and back, for use on the job site, camping, or even to charge another vehicle if needed.

This is an impressive work- and play-ready ute we hope to see Down Under soon.

VW Atlas reaches Peak

Volkswagen’s large SUV scored a major refresh for 2024, and the brand unveiled the Peak Edition variant at this year’s New York Auto Show.

Largely a visual boost to give the Atlas an overlander-esque appearance, the Peak Edition is a toned-down production version of the wilder Atlas Basecamp concept from 2019.

While that’s a shame, because the Atlas Basecamp was a tough looking off-roader with functional upgrades, the Atlas isn’t likely to reach Australian shores anytime soon anyway.

This Atlas Peak Edition scores black 18-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tyres, and various other blacked out details around the body. 

Wrangler gets fancy

Jeep showed off a facelifted Wrangler at the show, confirmed for Australia, featuring a slightly modernised exterior and loads more tech.

A new Sport S 4xe hybrid model joins the lineup adding additional features over the existing 4xe, and a Rubicon X hardcore off-road model keeps the dream alive for rock-crawling tragics.

Jeep claims the new Wrangler has more than 85 advanced active and passive safety and security features with inclusions like forward collision warning and advanced cruise control.

Bringing the model up to par in terms of safety are first- and second-row curtain airbags, seat-mounted driver and passenger side airbags, as well as structural improvements across the lineup.

Inside the cabin a 12.3-inch screen with Uconnect 5 takes care of infotainment, while Jeep has also added Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, and seven USB ports across both rows.

The new Wrangler looks and appears to be, on paper at least, a sensible refresh of a popular and capable off-road platform.

Swedish hyper-hybrid

On the more extreme end of hybrid performance car options, or perhaps the most radical of all, is the Koenigsegg Gemera. This four-seater, three-cylinder plug-in hybrid may sound like the tamest offering yet from the Swedish brand – but don’t be fooled.

Somehow, in true Koenigsegg fashion, the three-cylinder engine and three electric motors put out a combined 1700hp. The name translates to ‘give’ (ge) ‘more’ (mera), which nearly 2000hp and a 0-100km/h time of just 1.9 seconds will surely do.

Wild Suby Oz can only hope for

Subaru has garnered a reputation as the car of choice for adventure-hungry outdoorsy types and, while its Forester and Outback models do fit the bill, the Crosstrek (formerly XV) is the ideal candidate for a more hardcore variant.

The new Crosstrek Wilderness, unveiled at the show, is a butch reminder for all who see that you like to hit the trails, but the updates aren’t just cosmetic.

Ground clearance is up, with 236mm to rival most dual-cab utes, and long-travel shocks coupled with all-terrain tyres provide big grip on rough terrain. 

The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Boxer engine makes the same 136kW/239Nm and is still backed by a CVT, but a shorter 4.11 final drive provides better off-road pep.

A transmission oil cooler has been added to keep temps down when thrashing about off-road, and to help the car tow up to 1588kg without cooking the CVT. 

Visuals include a black plastic body kit that wraps around the entire car and is no doubt functional, with a rugged look that emulates the beefed-up kits we see on top-spec ute options.

Other adventure-ready inclusions like a ladder-style roof rack, water-proof StarTex seats, new tougher bumper and fog lights, and Wilderness badges complete the off-road ‘I like to adventure’ brief.

While the Wilderness is only built in Subaru’s US factory, in left-hand-drive form, we can still hope and pray it makes its way Down Under. We really, really hope it does…

Pony power

Brutish V8 grunt ain’t dead, according to Ford, with its Dark Horse pony car on show for all to drool over.

The Mustang Dark Horse range topper is clearly aimed at taking the fight to German heavyweights from AMG and BMW’s M division, with dead on 500hp and an enticing $US57,970 ($AU85,780) price tag.

The bump in power over the standard V8 Mustang comes courtesy of stronger conrods and twin throttle bodies for the 5.0-litre Coyote engine, with the option of a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.

The Dark Horse scores lairy looks and track-focused parts like brake cooling ducts, auxiliary oil cooler, rear axle cooler, larger sway rear sway bar, tweaked suspension, and a range of even more radical optional extras on offer - things like carbon-fibre wheels.

And that’s a wrap

While plenty of manufacturers used the international event as an opportunity to unveil what they’ve been working on, others chose to skip the show.

Tesla were one such example, choosing to forego the show despite many models that will be, or already are, competing with its Model S, 3, X and Y vehicles.

The mix of electric, performance and flat-out wild (see Koenigsegg) cars on offer meant the New York International Auto Show had something for everyone.