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2016 New York Auto Show Part I
  
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Parallax1

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Even this guy hates the skit!

It all starts on Wednesday morning with breakfast and a bad skit by The Nielsen Company (Big Brother who sees what you're watching on TV and now the internet) giving out awards for Auto Ads. Mad Men stereotype? Check. Bad puns? Check. Dodge ended up beating out the others, including Mercedes, Toyota and Volkswagen with its ad from Super Bowl 2015, Wisdom.

 

ambience shot1

After that, it's almost non-stop (every 45 minutes) press conferences, premiers and reveals. So... here's what was revealed:

Acura MDX

2017 Acura MDX

I can tell you exactly how long ago the last all-new MDX was: one assistant ago. The 2014 MDX was new, and now a refreshed 2017 model is coming with a new Sport Hybrid optional powertrain. Said to increase fuel mileage 7 MPG, the new powertrain will also add 35-horsepower and only be available as All-Wheel-Drive. A non-hybrid MDX with AWD will still be offered, unlike in the RLX, where non-hybrids are front-wheel-drive, only. Safety equipment increases. Automatic switching high beam headlights,  lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and autonomous emergency braking will be standard across the board. These technologies, called collectively "AcuraWatch" (not available in "Sport" or "Edition"), depend use radar and cameras in tandem to take the next step towards a self-driving car. A surround view camera is a new feature available on higher models. MDX Sport Hybrid will also get an exclusive Active Sport Suspension, Acura's first use of adjustable shocks outside of the NSX. Most notably, the refreshed MDX gets rid of the Acura Beak altogether, going for a shield-shaped grille with no ability to crack open nuts or eat crackers. Like gold packages, wire-wheels, huge fins and body cladding, it will not be missed. Other tidbits: a 6-passenger Advance model with 2nd-row bucket seats will be offered. An electronic parking brake replaces the foot pedal.

NSX GT3

acura nsx gt3

Not allowing the excitement with their new super car to die down, Acura also unveiled a GT3 version set to start racing in 2017.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

As the oft-delayed new Alfa Romeo Giulia gets closer to stateside, they unveiled the non-Quadrifolgio version. With a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 276 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic, this model represents the real threat to BMW (or at least Jaguar). The 505-horsepower, 6-speed manual Quadrifoglio will be a niche piece for a select few hard-core enthusiasts. The standard model will come in base and Ti trims, with rear or all-wheel-drive. The model is not standard equipment–she's extra.

Audi R8 Spyder

2017 Audi R8 Spyder unveiled at New York Auto Show 2016

2017 Audi R8 Spyder (yes, it's spelled this way!) Audi unveiled their R8 Spyder V10. The Coupe has been out for a while, having been introduced at the 2015 New York Auto Show and in dealerships right about now. With 540 horsepower (15 more than 2015 from this engine shared with the Lamborghini Huracán) this car will move! But, unfortunately, the V10 Plus will remain a Coupe-only option with its 610 horsepower. The R8 will remain a cloth-topped convertible due to weight concerns: no metal folding roof. Other tidbits: the base V8 will not be offered anymore and neither will a manual transmission.

Buick Encore

2017 Buick Encore

The 2017 Buick Encore gets a refresh, greater availability of of the direct injection 1.4 turbo 153-horsepower engine (138-horsepower port-injected 1.4 is still standard), more standard features, and a new IntelliLink system with an 8-inch color display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The ZL1 is a storied name in Camaro history. The ZL1 isn't quite as well-known (or overused) as Z28. In the Z28's case, the "Z" prefix is simply part of Chevrolet's system for designating an option package, as opposed to a free-flowing option. With the original ZL1, though, it designated the engine: an all-aluminum 427 cubic inch race engine. These engines could make over 500 horsepower once tweaked properly. The new ZL1 is not a misuse of the original designation. The 6.2 supercharged V8 with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing produces 640 horsepower, only 10 less than the in the Corvette Z06 and 60 more than in the 2015 Camaro ZL1. The new ZL1, built on the Alpha platform, promises to be much lighter as well, with a stiffer more poised chassis. As before, the ZL1 will be offered as a coupe or convertible. it will still be offered with manual and automatic transmissions, but now it will come with a seven-speed manual or an optional ten-speed automatic.

Chevrolet Sonic

2017 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

The Sonic gets aggressive new looks for 2017. Mechanically its unchanged, with either a 1.8 DOHC 4-cylinder or a 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder, both with 138 horsepower. Transmissions are still 6-speed, manual or automatic and fuel mileage is predicted to stay the same. New features include an available power driver's seat, keyless ignition and door unlocking, heated steering wheel and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A rear backup camera is now standard and rear park assist sonar warning is an option. Otherwise, it still offers collision warning (but no automatic braking), lane departure warning, and has 10 standard airbags.

Other Classics

Since 1900, the New York Auto Show has been held annually, so we decided to give you some of the classics at the show!

1937 Packard

1937 Packard

Detroit Electric

1928 Detroit Electric

1979 BMW M1

1979 BMW M1

 
 

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