Published on 05:19 PM, March 31, 2016

New York Auto Show 2016

Hyundai Genesis New York Concept- Hyundai's Genesis concept offers a low slung head-turning body while incorporating a high-tech hybrid drivetrain and advanced interior with 21-inch, 4K display screens. It is Hyundai's idea of a BMW 3 Series / Audi A4 competitor for its new Genesis sub-brand. The car is too stylish to go direct from this design to production, but it suggests the Genesis nameplate will have a compact car as well as midsize and full-size, along with a likely SUV.

2017 Subaru Impreza- While every panel is new, both the sedan and hatchback versions maintain the same overall proportions and familiar look as the outgoing models, and maybe not even look all new to the casual observer. But it's an all new platform with 70% increase in stiffness. The 2.0 liter, signature Subaru flat four-cylinder engine remains in both the standard sedan and hatchback versions of the Impreza, but has been tweaked for a slight power boost to 152 HP. A continuously variable (CVT) is the only transmission choice, but higher trim levels include paddle shifters that Subaru says will mimic the feel of a seven-speed manual for enthusiast drivers. All models feature Subaru's trademark standard all-wheel drive. We can't wait for the STi to appear.

2017 Nissan GTR- It's been almost a decade that Nissan introduced the R35 GTR and we expect more than just some cosmetic façade improvements and a boost of 20 HP and 4 lb-ft. But that takes the figures to 565 HP and 467 lb-ft of torque, making the ultra-hardcore street racing machine a meaner rubber shredder than before. With a hood and nose treatment, the 2017 GTR looks more aggressive too. As if it wasn't before. For a change, the interior got refreshed with nappa leather seats and less techy infotainment. Like it or hate it?

2017 Audi R8 Spyder V10- A drop-top is usually slower than its hardtop counterpart, but the R8 Spyder V10 isn't exactly sluggish- Audi says the Spyder will hit 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and run up to a top speed of 197 mph. That is possible with the same 5.2 liter 540 HP V10 motor used in the coupe. The company hasn't shown any signs of using the 610 HP motor used in the R8 10 Plus.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia- European compact sports sedans are in for a fist fight with the entry of 2017 Giulia. Beautifully sculpted with typical Alfa front vents, the Giulia has sharp head and tail lamps with a flowing design. A 2.2 liter diesel with 148 HP, a 2.0 liter petrol unit with around 200 HP and a twin turbo V6 motor throwing in 503 HP will make up the models. Bring it on, M3, RS4 and C63 AMG.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth- Expect this Datsun 240Z lookalike European spider to hit stores in 2016 summer. The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth made its American debut in the NY Auto Show. The roadster will have the driving dynamics of a Maxda Miata and the sweet, sultry sound of the fantastic Abarth tuned motor. The motor is a 1.4 liter MultiAir turbo, delivering 160 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque, that eclipses the Miata by 5 HP and over 35 lb-ft. That toque figure is also more than a Toyota GT-86, although power wise it idles back. Either ways, the 124 will be light enough to rocket it sideways. To aid that, there is a standard 6 M/T with A/T and paddle shifters as optional. Mechanical LSD, Bilstein shocks and Brembo brakes are standard. Duh.

2017 Mini Clubman AII4- Mini quietly rolled out two new models in New York. The Clubman All4 brings all-wheel drive to the brand's most luxurious model, and the John Cooper Works marks the first time that Mini's used a BMW engine in its diminutive drop-top. The former will appeal to funny terrains, whereas the latter should hit the mark with anyone looking for a bit more performance.

Lincoln Navigator concept- Since it's an auto show concept car, Lincoln installed super-wide gullwing doors in the Lincoln Navigator to showcase the interior. The 24 inch turbine wheels will likely shrink during production too. The new Navigator will get a twin-turbo V6 engine good for 400-plus horsepower. The Americans should be excited for the new Navigator development, particularly because the brand plays a follower role in the small but prominent luxury full size  SUV category, led by Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes Benz GL.

Mercedes Benz GLC43 AMG 4Matic- Mercedes has a boatload of product to reveal at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. The compact GLC crossover got an AMG makeover this time around with a twin turbo charged V6 pumping out 362 ponies and 384 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 sends all that power through a 9-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via a performance version of Mercedes' 4MATIC system that employs a standard 31/69 front/rear torque split. Larger brakes, stiffer suspension, red stitched black leather interior and AMG emblems all over the CUV comes standard.

2017 Toyota Highlander- The NY Auto Show has a plethora of hybrid and EVs and Toyota inevitably displayed the 2017 Prius Prime. But we fancy the larger Highlander midsized SUV. Noteworthy upgrades from the previous year is the shift to an 8 speed automatic from the six speed. Furthermore, a new 3.5 liter V6 motor has been introduced besides the older 2.7 liter 4 cylinder motor. The 2017 model will feature automatic braking, lane-departure warnings, auto high-beams, Pedestrian Pre-Collision and radar-based automatic cruise control.