The Votes Are In: The Winners Of The 2012 New York Auto Show Are...
The 113th-annual New York International Auto Show runs through Sunday, April 15. If you're planning to go, here are our picks of what not to miss.
Spread across three cavernous halls at the Jacob Javits Center is virtually every car you can buy in the United States today, and quite a few that you can't. The 2012 New York Auto Show, which opened to the general public Saturday and runs through Sunday, April 15, boasts some two dozen concept and production cars that are on display for the first time or for the first time in the United States, along with hundreds of other vehicles from ordinary to exotic. Trying to see everything can be a daunting experience, but here's what you want to be sure you don't miss.
SRT Viper
If you've paid any attention to the New York Auto Show so far, you've probably heard that there's a new Chrysler performance flagship. The 2013 Viper, now badged as an SRT instead of as a Dodge, captivated crowds with its low-slung body and 640-horsepower engine. Two Viper coupes are on display at the show: a race-ready silver model decked out with competition trimmings and a stock model wearing dark red paint. Push your way through the inevitable crowds. Seeing the latest Viper is worth it.
Taxi of Tomorrow
New Yorkers will have plenty of opportunities to experience the Nissan NV200 when it becomes the city's official taxi next year. But if you're impatient, you can check out the "taxi of tomorrow" at the auto show and see what to expect. The NV200's somewhat anonymous minivan body gives way to reveal a roomy, rugged and amenity-laden interior. Passengers get a glass roof, audio and climate controls, two USB ports and a 12-volt outlet. Drivers get a "low annoyance horn," an in-dash navigation system and 25-mpg four-cylinder engine. Nissan also debuted its 2013 Altima midsize family sedan at the New York Auto Show, which may not be as exciting to look at, but which promises an outstanding 38 miles per gallon on the highway.
Lincoln MKZ
Ford's luxury brand is striving for younger buyers, and the new 2013 MKZ midsize entry-luxury sedan is its first big push. Featuring a mix of retro and modern styling cues, the MKZ competes with such cars as the Acura TL and Lexus ES. (The latter is also on display. Its 2013-model redesign debuted within minutes of the MKZ.) Stop by Lincoln's display to see whether the new turbocharged four-cylinder, powerful V6 and fuel-efficient hybrid models are enough to change your opinion of the brand.
Terrafugia flying car
Who needs to rent hangar space when you can fold up your airplane's wings, drive it home on the street and park it in your garage? Terrafugia expects to charge you only $279,000 for this convenience.
Exotic Cars Together
One little section of the Javits Center's Level 3 includes what may be the highest density of high-priced exotic cars outside Jay Leno's garage. Aston Martin, Bentley Bugatti, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren and Spyker share a small rectangle of floor space. Other six-figure cars from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz can be found nearby.
The Classics
The LeMay Automotive Museum has its display tucked away from the main action, in Hall 1E, but classic car buffs will find the trek to be worth it. Also, several carmakers are displaying models from their own histories alongside their newer cars on the main show floor, such as the 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster.
Other Favorites & Highlights
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
This Mercedes convertible will be easier to overlook than the Viper, but if you don't see it here, you may never get another chance. It looks very much like other SL models, but the special Anniversary Edition SL65 at the auto show is one of just 45 that will be built. If you want your exclusive Benz to stand out more, the company's SLS coupe is also on display bearing its signature gull-wing doors.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Korea's Hyundai has been winning awards -- and reveling in record-high sales -- for its continuous stream of stylish, fuel-efficient redesigns. The redesigned 2013 Santa Fe crossover SUV follows the example of other new Hyundais, and will offer a new, extra-long version with seating for seven passengers.
Chevrolet Impala
Today's Impala is a throwback to the 1990s, with bland styling, outdated technology and even a front bench seat. The new 2014 model unveiled is at last a modern full-size sedan. The redesign moves the Impala upscale to better challenge the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus.
Electric Cars Everywhere
An "EV Pavilion" event includes short indoor rides in such electric cars as the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i MiEV and Toyota Prius plug-in, but additional electric cars -- concept and production -- are on display throughout the auto show. Notable electrics include the newly unveiled Infiniti LE sedan, the sleek Fisker Karma sports sedan and the BMW i3 and i8 concept cars.
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Tickets for the New York International Auto Show cost $15 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at autoshowny.com.
For more great, firsthand coverage of the 2012 New York International Auto Show, visit CBSNewYork.com/Autos.
Brady Holt, a Washington D.C. newspaper reporter, has had a lifelong interest in cars in the automotive world, and he'll share his thoughts at every available opportunity. Brady has written for Examiner.com since 2008, and covered the '08 New York International Auto Show with Edmunds.com's Inside Line team as a student journalist. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
