It’s been three years since the New York International Auto Show took place, but it’s not for lack of trying. In 2020, show organizers postponed the traditionally springtime event to August. However, the coronavirus showed no signs of slowing, and the auto show was outright canceled in May. At the time, the Javits Convention Center, the event’s homebase, was converted into a field hospital for COVID-19 patients.
With emergency room visits down and vaccination rates up, the show attempted another August event in 2021. But that, too, was canceled just two weeks prior to opening day. Third time’s the charm, it seems, as the 2022 show — now back to its Easter-week roots — has been going ahead as scheduled, running through Sunday, April 24.
Many would say that the 2022 New York auto show is a sad shadow of its former self. Not even New York Metro area-based automakers (i.e., BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo) have exhibits. That’s too bad, because even though the event’s footprint is much smaller, the show floor has its share of stunning concepts and features-laden newbies.
Below (in alphabetical order) are a few of the notable announcements that took place, some of which you can still catch at the Javits.
2023 BMW X7
BMW doesn’t have a presence at Javits so consumers are out of luck. Media, however, were invited to a closed-door event just blocks away to see the refreshed 2023 BMW X7 and other Bavarian doodads we can’t talk about just yet. But the X7? Sure, let’s chat.
With a more expressive front end, thankfully, the signature kidney grille doesn’t suffer the same infectious affliction as other models. Instead, the X7 is outfitted with a BMW-first split-headlight unit that features multiple LED modules. There are also new exterior color choices and another BMW first: 23-inch wheels. The interior is spruced up as well to make room for the BMW Curved Display, which pairs a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The two are seamlessly integrated and operate on iDrive 8.
Under the hood, updated powertrains offer a bit more oomph. The standard turbocharged inline-six now pumps out 375 horsepower and up to 398 lb-ft of torque. That’s an additional 40 hp and 67 lb-ft for those keeping track. A new bi-turbo V8 for the Alpina model produces 630 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 0-to-60 mph time of four seconds.
The 2023 X7 goes on sale later this year with the Alpina XB7 variant launching in early 2023.
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Chrysler Airflow Graphite Concept
Just in case you missed the news that Chrysler was going to be fully battery electric by 2028, the Stellantis sub-brand has unveiled the Airflow Concept electric vehicle. Again. But it’s kinda different in that it’s darker and moodier, like I guess New York City is compared to Las Vegas where the original concept debuted?
Anyway, the Airflow Graphite Concept is decked out in a Galaxy Black paint with Cyprus Copper accents. The non-graphite version wore an Arctic White coat and Celestial Blue cladding. The front fascia has been updated to exhibit more illumination with the Chrysler wings almost swallowed within the lighted grille blade. As for the interior, it’s difficult to note any major changes beyond a color swap.
Between the two concepts, the Airflow Graphite is definitely more captivating. Neither are merely design exercises, though. The Chrysler Airflow is as production-ready a concept as we’ve seen in a while. Even if the Airflow itself isn’t converted into a production model, it’s likely that many of its design elements and platform technologies like the AI-based STLA SmartCockpit and Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities will be. The first Chrysler BEV will arrive by 2025.
Deus Automobiles Vayanne Concept
Deus Automobiles made its auto show debut with a doozy of a vehicle. The Vayanne is an EV hypercar concept with a projected 2,200 hp and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. Oh, you’re laughing, too? Because those numbers are hilarious. The Austrian startup also says its Vayanne concept (named after the city of Vienna) is “production-oriented.” Its claimed 0-to-62 mph time is 1.99 seconds and its top speed is 248 mph. To be fair, Deus isn’t the first to suggest bonkers performance numbers. (Rimac comes to mind.)
The Vayanne was created through a three-way collaboration, supported by Giorgetto Giugiaro-founded Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering. We don’t have any other specifications or details, but the Vayanne’s proportions are those of a mid-engine sports car. It looks to be well-balanced performance-wise, if not a bit bland in terms of hypercar design appeal. The interior is outfitted with sustainable materials and Deus is committed to a zero-waste production process. Even with legitimate names as partners, the Vayanne’s specs are pretty ambitious. But Deus Automobiles plans to build a limited run of 99 units, the first delivery expected for 2025.
EBay Motors New York Auto Parts Show
As a DIYer offshoot, eBay Motors unveiled four “re-concept” vehicles at its inaugural New York Auto Parts Show. Held at the Classic Car Club of Manhattan, old vehicles were made new again. Actress/MMA fighter/gearhead Sydney Sweeney lovingly restored her 1969 Ford Bronco. Purchased a little more than a year ago, Sweeney rebuilt “The New Throwback” while maintaining her day job starring in hit shows like HBO’s Euphoria.
Popular YouTuber Tavarish (aka Freddy Hernandez) did something we’ve all thought about but knew Chrysler would never do: He dropped a Hellcat engine into a Pacifica. The muscle minivan is still a work in progress but a supercharged 800-hp V8 is a good start. The finished build of the Pacifica Hellcat will debut later this year at the SEMA Show.
Other vehicles include a modified 1990 Ford Ranger that has six wheels of off-roading fun and a 2007 Toyota Prius hybrid-turned-hot rod thanks to a turbo kit and 6-speed manual.
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Genesis X Speedium Coupe
Another familiar yet different concept car to debut is the Genesis X Speedium Coupe. Unveiled at Genesis House New York, the luxury brand’s experiential event space, this latest concept takes its lead from last year’s Genesis X concept.
Inspired by a racetrack in Inje, South Korea, the Speedium concept was developed purely to answer the question “Why not?” Genesis insists it’s not a hint at a future production car, which is a shame because the Speedium Coupe is alluring.
The concept is an exercise in restraint and yet remains captivating using very little in terms of character lines and gimmicky features. Genesis’s signature Two Lines lamps evolve from the new grille and into the front fenders. The taillights follow a similar pattern. The entire package is wrapped in metallic emerald green. Day and night, it’s distinctive. The X Speedium Coupe may not become a real car, but what it inspires could be worth the wait.
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2023 Jaguar F-Pace 300 Sport and 400 Sport
Also nowhere to be found in the halls of Javits, Jaguar still wanted to be part of the auto show’s news cycle. So, it announced new F-Pace models. For 2023, the Jaguar F-Pace adds the 300 Sport and 400 Sport trim levels to its lineup. Also, Amazon Alexa is fully-integrated within the model lineup for seamless use of voice activation features.
The F-Pace 300 Sport and 400 Sport are positioned just below the F-Pace SVR. The Sport duo look identical, the main difference being under the hood. The smaller of the two features a 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild-hybrid diesel engine that produces 300 PS (hence the name) and 650 Nm of torque. Stateside, this equates to 296 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 400 Sport is equipped with a mild-hybrid gas engine that’s good for 400 PS (395 hp) and 550 Nm (407 lb-ft).
The new F-Pace models are on sale in the U.K. now, starting at $78,761 for the 300 Sport and $86,881 for the 400 Sport at current exchange rates. No timing on North American sales has been announced.
2023 Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L
As if the Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer weren’t large enough, Jeep will now offer long-wheelbase L versions for the 2023 model year. If you ever wanted to live in a Jeep — a really, really nice upscale Jeep — then, really, these SUVs are for you.
Riding on a 130-inch wheelbase (seven inches longer than the standard model), the L variants add a full foot to the overall vehicle length. That translates to 44.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. That’s what hatchbacks offer when the second-row seats are down. But all that extra sheet metal and extra stuff mean a heavier truck. Think 6,000 pounds at its slimmest. How about new engines to get you moving?
A new twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six will replace the current V8. In the Wagoneer L, the engine will produce 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. A high-output version will be equipped in the Grand Wagoneer L and offer 510 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Both will have best-in-class towing with the Wagoneer L capable of up to 10,000 pounds. According to Jeep, fuel economy also is improved by 1 or 2 combined miles per gallon versus the V8s. As if buyers of these behemoths even look at EPA numbers?
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2023 Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica
In a world increasingly electric and filled with crossovers, props to Lamborghini for still producing the Huracán. In NYC, the Italian supercar maker unveiled its 12th Huracán variant, the Tecnica. No, it’s not a Lego set, but the Tecnica is a build of sorts based on the STO. Taking its 5.2-liter V10, the Tecnica produces the same 631 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque.
But the rear-wheel-drive Tecnica is not a replacement. It’s meant to be lighter fare (if there is such a thing in Lamborghini terms). It’s 89 pounds heavier and two-tenths of a second slower than the STO (3.2 seconds to 62 mph). The Tecnica also doesn’t have the aggressive purpose-built styling of the STO either, which is targeted for track days. Although the Tecnica is capable, being equipped with torque vectoring and a traction control system, it’s also engineered for comfort on the road.
The U.S. is Lambo’s largest market and sales are booming. The Huracán Tecnica is slated to arrive later this year. No pricing yet but the Tecnica is slotted between the Evo RWD and STO, so throw a dart somewhere in the middle.
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2023 Land Rover Range Rover Velar HST Edition
The 2023 Range Rover Velar will be the latest Land Rover model to receive the HST treatment. Based on the R-Dynamic S model, the Velar HST Edition is cloaked with plenty of black accents. There’s the black contrast roof and standard Black Pack, which, as the name suggests, darkens the following: wheels, front grille, hood, fender vents and mirror caps.
The new and exclusive Arroios Grey paint option is decidedly not black but as grim as a grey winter day. The HST Edition interior maintains appearances with black suede cloth. The Range Rover Velar HST is outfitted with a six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine that produces 395 hp. The new model also benefits from standard electronic adaptive air suspension. Available now, the 2023 Range Rover Velar HST Edition starts at $79,200.
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