Nutson Reports: 2016 New York International Auto Show Press Preview Day 1

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

The first day of media previews had fourteen press conferences on the schedule. Before day one even came around there were twelve different introductions to the automotive media at various by-invitation private events around New York City over the two preceding days.

Ford, Lincoln, Buick, Honda, Mazda, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, BMW and Subaru all had private showings. You can’t get to them all and attending them also depends on your travel schedule.

The big surprise was Mazda’s reveal of the Mazda MX-5 RF (“retractable fastback”) on the eve of the New York International Auto Show. Mazda will reach new buyers with the RF and its targa-style roof (Kindda like the Mazda RX-7 Convertible (1988-1991). MORE

At the first day breakfast kick-off of the 116th New York Auto show we saw Dodge’s “Wisdom” Ad win Top Honors at Nielsen’s Automotive Advertising Awards. Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota were also among the winners. And, keynote speaker Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan worldwide shared his thoughts on the future of car sharing and driver-assistance semi-autonomous vehicle features.

Subaru, which has experienced eight consecutive years of sales growth, introduced the all-new 2017 Impreza, joining the Impreza Sedan that had been unveiled at an event the night before.MORE

Lincoln revealed the all-new Navigator Concept, introducing quiet luxury to full-size SUVs and offering a glimpse at what comes next for the brand’s best-known nameplate. Matthew McConaughey was there in person to help out. The large gull-wing doors were something to look at but I wouldn’t try opening them in my garage.MORE

Acura unveiled the restyled and refreshed 2017 MDX luxury SUV featuring new styling, added luxury features and available Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive powertrain technology. MORE

Acura also took the wraps off a NSX GT3 racecar, announcing its intention to campaign the twin-turbocharged NSX supercar in North America starting in 2017.MORE

Audi presented the new Audi R8 Spyder for fast open-air driving. MORE

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We saw the refreshed 2017 Nissan GT-R supercar. MORE

And the 2017 Toyota 86 that is rebranded from the soon-to-be-discontinued brand Scion FR-S. MORE

Mercedes-Benz showed its 2017 GLC-Class coupe, the 469-hp C63 AMG Cabrio, and the E-Class AMG E43, powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 396 horsepower. MORE

Italian brand Maserati showed the all-new Levante SUV. Priced to start at $70,000 this beauty aims to redefine luxury-performance SUVs. MORE

Hyundai unveiled the Ioniq trio of Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Electric models for the U.S. market. Now claiming the best-in-class hybrid fuel economy, Toyota Prius better watch out. MORE

But keeping up with the competition, we saw the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime, the new plug-in-hybrid version with twice as much electric-only range and fuel economy that’s 25 percent better. MORE

Unveiled at January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Volkswagen van-like BUDD-e made its U.S. auto show debut. MORE

We saw the world debut of the all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza. The second-generation Cadenza is set to go on-sale in late 2016, and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date. MORE

The Jeep brand expanded its Grand Cherokee lineup with the introduction of a new Trailhawk model, claiming to be the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever. The brand also introduced the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit, bringing a new exterior appearance, a plush new interior and even more standard premium features to consumers looking for the ultimate premium full-size SUV. MORE

Wrapping up the day, Hyundai’s new luxury brand Genesis unveiled its “New York Concept” 4-door. Aimed at bringing more modern luxury and being one step ahead of the competition, Genesis plans to introduce six new products in the next few years. MORE

From the night-before previews there’s the new 2017 MINI John Cooper Works convertible. MORE

And the return of the Hertz Mustang GT. MORE

A Freshened 2017 Buick Encore

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© 2016 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy