Set in the heart of Manhattan, the 2016 New York Motor Show is kicking off later this week as several leading automakers tidy up their latest metal to showcase it to the world. Often looked on as a major tourist attraction, New York City also has a fairly diversified car culture – something which is apparent in the city’s annual motor show which is among the biggest on the American automotive calendar.
Here’s a quick preview of what you can expect to see at this year’s edition.
Audi R8 Spyder
Audi has dropped the top of its second-generation R8 to make the R8 Spyder. Featuring the same angular look as the hardtop model, this convertible version trades the glass panel over the engine from the Coupe model for extra cooling vents at the rear.
As you would expect, this Spyder version will draw power from the familiar naturally-aspirated V10 engine as in the regular R8. While the former won’t be any more powerful, the glorious noise coming from that Lamborghini-derived V10 will certainly get amplified for the better.
Mercedes GLC Coupe
Having seen the GLC Coupe as a concept up until now, it’s time Mercedes showed us all of the production-spec model - the one that matters. While the concept shown at the Shanghai Motor Show looked striking as expected, the production version will bear the same design cues as seen in the bigger GLE Coupe. And before you ask, yes, there will be an AMG version of the GLC Coupe as well with the full-fat V8 motor from the C63 AMG sedan.
Mercedes E43 AMG
The latest-gen Mercedes E-Class may have been criticised for not looking a whole lot different compared to the C or the S-Class, however, the forthcoming E43 AMG is adamant to change that. With its flared wheel arches, massive wheels and a more aggressive looking front and rear end, AMG-fettled E-Class versions have always looked the business and the E43 AMG is bound to look more of the same. With a twin-turbo V6 allowing it to accelerate from 0-100kmph in 4.6 seconds, the E43 will be properly quick as well.
Nissan GT-R facelift
Ever since the R35-gen GT-R has arrived, Nissan has made sure to keep it fighting fit among the ever growing breed of sports cars and supercars. The brand, in fact, has been rolling out a slew of updates annually for this four-seater track day monster. For 2016, Nissan will showcase the GT-R in its latest form, complete with aesthetic and mechanical tweaks. Not that the GT-R ever felt slow on the track, this 2016 update will add even more power and better suspension to the Godzilla’s long list of traits.
Subaru Impreza
The bland and uninspiring look of the existing Subaru Impreza will eventually make way for what we are hoping to be a much improved design that will feature on the New York-bound Impreza. And yes, it goes without saying that the new Impreza will retain Subaru’s competent all-wheel drive system and the unmistakable deep burble coming from the flat-four ‘boxer’ engines. Now that the Mitsubishi Evo is history, Subaru will probably have an easier time selling more of the hot WRX STI versions.
Toyota GT 86 facelift
The Toyota GT86 is the modern day equivalent of the legendary AE86 and as far as low-power sports cars go, the former is probably the best of its kind. The GT86 has been on sale since 2012 without much in terms of updates. The one that’s about to be showcased at the New York Motor Show is the first major update for the GT86 and features median design changes besides five additional horsepower from the 2-litre boxer engine. The negligible power hike might not be tempting at all but you have to remember that this car is all about on-limit driving fun and not just outright horsepower, just like the original AE86.
