Even though this year's Detroit and Geneva auto shows provided us with a number of big concept releases and production debuts, the New York Auto Show still remains one of North America’s premier events. Gizmag was on the ground last week to investigate some of the show’s more interesting debuts and North American reveals. Here’s our first-hand look at some of the highlights and the key designs from the 2014 show.
Koenigsegg Agera R
The North American debut of the 1200 hp Swedish supercar was Koenigsegg’s first foray back into the US since the recession. The US$1.6 million Agera R supercar was one of the more extreme and more impressive vehicles at the show. The carbon fiber-saturated car is powered by a handmade Koenigsegg 5 liter V8 bi-turbo that weighs only 197kg complete with flywheel, clutch, dry sump system and Inconel exhaust manifold. The car features superlight Aircore hollow carbon fiber wheels and a top speed of approximately 440 km/h (273mph). Koenigsegg reports the Agera R can throw down performance figures to the tune of 0-300 km/h (186 mph) in 14.53 seconds or brake from 300-0 km/h in only 6.66 sec.
Corvette Z06 Coupe and Convertible
One of the most anticipated of the North American releases was the Corvette Z06 coupe and convertible. Figures for the newer, faster ‘Vette come in at 625 hp and 635 lb.ft of torque thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 that sends power to the wheels via driver’s choice of either a 7-speed manual gearbox or 8 speed autobox. Stylistically the car is even more aggressive thanks to a plethora of functional and aesthetic revisions that make it even more attractive than the standard Corvette in person.
BMW i8
One of the most anticipated and visually outstanding vehicles of the New York Auto Show has to be BMW’s i8. The i8 is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from BMW Group and is considered one of its most revolutionary vehicles, regardless of power delivery systems. On display next to its less attractive sibling, the i3, the Protonic Blue i8 features dihedral doors, floating wings that flow off the roofline, a streamlined cabin, sleek hood and flank treatments, and an overall styling presence that frankly makes the rest of the BMW line up look a little dated.The i8 runs a tiny 1.5 liter 3-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine that develops 231 hp and 236 lb.ft of torque. That power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox, whereas a synchronous electric motor, combined with a 2-stage automatic transmission, provides power to the front wheels to the tune of 131 hp and 184 lb.ft of torque. Overall, the i8 is a welcome view into the future of what large scale manufacturers can do with hybrid technology when the design guys and engineers get along.
Nissan Murano
Not quite in the same league as the Koenigsegg or the Corvette, Nissan’s newly unveiled Murano is nonetheless an important new product for the manufacturer. Making its world debut at the NYC Auto Show the new Murano’s styling is more dynamic than its predecessor, showing sculpting treatments similar to that of its stage mate – the Sport Sedan Concept. Under the hood the Murano receives power from Nissan’s established 3.5 liter V-6 that’s good for 260 horsepower and 240 lb.ft of torque. The now lighter Murano gets power to wheels via an Xtronic CVT transmission, while inside the crossover Nissan has done a decent job of tricking out the Murano with what it calls a “social lounge” interior treatment which delivers backseat occupants more leg room, USB ports and heated seats. The new Murano features a new instrument panel with 7 inch high-res Drive-Assist Display, plus the number of audio and navigation switches has been reduced from 25 to 10 for a more user-friendly experience. These were just a few of the highlights from the show. Check out the full photo gallery for more of the highlights.
The 2014 New York Auto Show runs until April 27 at the Javits Center in Manhattan.
