New York Auto Show

The Toyota Yaris (alternatively known as the Echo) first arrived in 1999, but it didn’t head stateside until 2007, with a second generation debuting for the 2012 model year. Framed as an entry-level subcompact, Toyota says the latest refreshed model seeks to combine “efficiency, fun, comfort, and safety all at a reasonable price.” Previously titled the Yaris iA, the four-door is now simply called the Yaris sedan, and it brings a charming attitude and a decent list of equipment for a reasonable price tag.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota Yaris Sedan.

Jaguar introduced the F-Pace compact luxury crossover back in 2015 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, eventually bringing it stateside in May of 2016. Lauded by critics as both beautiful and opulent (and when equipped with a supercharged V-6, pretty quick too), the F-Pace is the right machine for a segment overflowing with demand. Now, Jag’s first-ever SUV gets the go-faster treatment courtesy of JLR’s performance and customization division, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). Making its debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, the F-Pace SVR is framed as a combination of sports car performance and practical SUV design, adding two cylinders, loads of extra power, a fresh aesthetic, and a whole lot more over the standard model.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

Originally arriving in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 is one of the Japanese brand’s older nameplates, especially within the crossover segment. In the quarter century since the debut of the original RAV4, demand for crossovers has grown substantially, and sales of the compact Toyota have grown with it, eventually becoming the Japanese brand’s number-one seller in the U.S. However, the RAV4 last got a redesign in 2013, so to keep it fresh, Toyota just pulled the sheets on a new fifth-generation at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, bringing updated exterior styling, a redesigned interior, the latest safety tech, and a new architecture under the skin.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

Introduced in 2017, the Levante is Maserati’s first-ever SUV and the company’s big bet on becoming a much more profitable brand within FCA. Stylish yet sporty, the Levante successfully blends the aggressive lines of the iconic GranTurismo and the elegant cues of the Quattroporte sedan, all with a modern twist. Available with both gasoline and diesel V-6 engines, the Levante was a big success in its first year on the market. But, something was missing from the lineup from the very beginning: a beefed-up version that would compete against high-performance SUVs from BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. Fortunately, Maserati had it covered all along and launched the Levante Trofeo, a V-8 model with more than 500 horsepower.

Powered by the same Ferrari-built engine that motivates the Quattroporte GTS, but with revised internals and significantly more oomph, the Trofeo is Italy’s answer to the BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and the Mercedes-AMG GLE63. The Lamborghini Urus doesn’t count here since it’s awfully expensive by comparison. The new engine is backed by a more aggressive exterior with unique features, as well as a bespoke interior with added luxury and carbon-fiber trim. The Levante Trofeo is indeed ready to hit the track, as its name suggests, and it seems that the Germans have yet another reason to worry about.

Continue reading to learn more about the Maserati Levante Trofeo.

There’s no denying that Hyundai has made huge steps in the way of shedding its econobox past and when turned the Genesis name into a standalone brand, it was finally able to compete with the big boys. Now, Genesis is looking even further into the future with the Essentia Concept and boy does it put some of the vision concepts we’ve seen from other big brands to shame. It’s got the right proportions, all the luxury you would need, and there are even butterfly doors in the mix. Genesis hasn’t disclosed much in the way of performance specs, but it does promise a 60-mph sprint of just 3.0-seconds, putting it deep into supercar territory. Even more interesting is the fact that Genesis Boss, Manfred Fitzgerald, is pushing for this thing to go into production. What a time to be alive, huh?

First hitting the scene in 1997, the Subaru Forester has seen a total of four generations come and go over the years. Now, there’s a new fifth generation for the compact crossover SUV making its big debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. Framed as the “roomiest, most capable and most versatile Forester ever made,” this latest five-door brings all the right stuff for those weekend getaways, not to mention fresh styling, loads and loads of space, a bit more power, and a fresh suite of safety tech to boot.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Subaru Forester.

The Giulia and Stelvio represent two of Alfa Romeo’s most prominent models. The automaker also happens to sell both models here in the U.S. That made it easy for Alfa Romeo to bring a pair of special edition models to the 2018 New York Auto Show, dressing up its sedan and SUV in black trim, slapping “Nero Edizione” badges on both of them, and then offering them as special edition models. And so, here they are, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Nero Edizione and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Nero Edizione.

When Mazda introduced the CX-3 for the 2016 model year, it was received quite well on the market thanks to its striking design, attractive interior, and fairly powerful drivetrain. There were a few gripes to be had, though, and that’s why Mazda decided to usher in a mild update just three years into its lifecycle. These updates include new exterior lights, redesigned wheels, updated center console, a new electronic emergency brake, and even new armrests. Mazda even tweaked the CX-3’s SkyActiv engine to squeeze out just a little more power. We’re not sure if the CX-3 will get an official mid-cycle update in the next year or two as previously prescribed but if it doesn’t the update for 2019 should be enough to keep it standing tall until the next-gen model comes into play.

A few years ago, Cadillac finally admitted that it’s way behind its competitors in the premium market and hired Johan de Nysschen, who devised a new strategy for America’s iconic luxury brand. The new plans includes a host of new models, of which the range-topping CT6 sedan and the XT5 crossover have already been launched. Come 2018 and Cadillac launched the XT4, an even smaller crossover that competes against the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Spotted testing on public roads since early 2017, the XT4 made its public debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show.

Cadillac’s smallest crossover to date, the XT4 rides on a new platform and uses a brand-new, small-displacement engine. While the larger XT5 is a replacement for the dated SRX and aims at the midsize luxury crossover market, the XT4 is actually a brand-new entry. And it’s not surprising that Cadillac wants a piece of the compact market, as this is where a lot of car makers are making huge profits. Having missed out on sales for so many years, Caddy is finally trying to catch up. The question is, will the XT4 be good enough to give the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 a run for their money? Let’s find out in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Cadillac XT4.

The Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept wasn’t supposed to appear at the2018 New York Auto Show. But as the story goes, VW execs liked the design study so much it made an 11th-hour decision and brought the Tanoak Concept as a surprise debut. Now that we’ve seen it, we’re glad Volkswagen made the audible because the prototype pickup received such a favorable response that there’s a groundswell of support building on turning the concept car into a full-blown production vehicle. It’s too early to tell if Volkswagen is going to give the people what they want, but don’t be surprised if that light bulb turns on soon.

If you’re looking for classy entry-level luxury with a three-pointed star on the nose, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Initially making the scene in 2007, the C-Class got its first AMG model variant in 2008. These days, the C-Class is the brand’s top-selling nameplate, with the AMG versions bolstering sales numbers as a more accessible gateway to the high-performance Mercedes lifestyle. Like a sports car draped in a luxury suit, the AMG C 63 brings the heat without breaking a sweat, and now, there’s an updated version headed to dealers offering tweaked exterior style, the latest cabin tech, and a little extra under the hood.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.

We saw loads of good stuff at the New York International Auto Show this year, including a variety of sultry luxury machines like the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport and Audi RS5 Sportback, not to mention the stunning new Essentia EV GT concept from Genesis. However, as is inevitable these days, we found plenty of less-than-desirable debuts as well, five of which we’ve listed here for your communal derision.

Continue reading for the worst debuts from the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

Now that Acura has effectively moved on by the design slump it was once in; the brand has begun to blur the line between luxury and performance. The new RDX is a prime example of that, taking cues from the 2017 Acura Precision Concept and the Acura NSX. As the latest addition to Acura’s revamped model portfolio, the RDX takes on a striking new look, has more than enough power to take on the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, and is luxurious enough to make you wonder why you’re not paying more for a vehicle of this caliber. That’s where that blurred line comes in, and that’s why you need to keep reading to learn more about the model that will make BMW and Audi fanboys reconsider what brand they represent.

Introduced in 2015 as a spiritual successor to the Cadillac Fleetwood, the CT6 slots above the XTS and is the company’s largest sedan on offer. Designed to go against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8, the CT6 is available with four different drivetrains, including a plug-in hybrid model. Come 2018 and Cadillac finally decided it’s time to offer a high-performance version of the sedan under the V-Sport badge. The new trim joins similar versions of the CTS and XTS in the brand’s V-Sport lineup, but benefits from a more powerful, brand-new V-8 engine.

Revealed alongside the facelifted version of the standard CT6, the V-Sport gets all the new design features, some of which are borrowed from the Escala concept, plus a few extras for added sportiness on top. The new V-8 engine is arguably the main highlight of the CT6 V-Sport, as it produces more output than any other Cadillac engine to date, except for the supercharged V-8 in the CTS-V, and enables the sedan to compete against the Mercedes-AMG S63 and the BMW M760Li xDrive. Let’s find out more about it in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport.

After all the hooplah that was the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show earlier in March, the 2018 New York International Auto Show had the unenviable position of playing the following act. Still, New York brought out plenty of good stuff, including a few sporty luxury boats, some slick SUVs, and one very tasty new EV GT concept. Read on for the lowdown on all that and a bag of chips.

Continue reading for the best debuts from the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

Four-door coupes are starting to flood the market, and that’s why Audi came up with the RS5 Sportback, an all-new model in the lineup and the seventh Audi Sport model, sharing a similar design with the RS7 Sportback. It got all of the typical RS cues inside and out but is powered by a 2.9-liter, Biturbo mill that is borrowed from the Porsche Panamera. It can hit 60 mph faster than a BMW 650i or Mercedes CLS500 and does so looking good in the process. Based on the RS 5 Coupe, the Sportback should command somewhere around $80,000 when it goes on sale in the second half of 2018.

Do you remember how long it’s been since BMW enthusiasts have been asking for an M version of the X3? Me neither. Yes, it’s been that long. Heck, the X3 nameplate goes back to 2003, and I’m pretty sure that demand for an M model began to gain traction as soon as BMW launched the X5 M in 2010. So that’s at least eight years. Well, BMW finally confirmed that an X3 M will happen within the current generation, but I’m starting to think that BMW should give up on that idea. And the reason for that is called the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

Breaking into the luxury segment is no easy feat, but so far, so good for Genesis Motors. Establishing itself as a separate standalone brand from Hyundai in 2015, Genesis currently offers customers a duo of premium four-doors, including the G80 and G90, with a third sedan, the G70, slated to arrive soon. And while all three are certainly noteworthy in their own way, we’re far more excited by what Genesis just dropped at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. It’s called the Essentia concept, and it proves that Genesis has what it takes to hang with the big boys.

Continue reading for the full story.

The hype train carrying the Lincoln Aviator is real, folks. The luxury automaker’s first plug-in hybrid SUV has officially reached its destination at the New York Auto Show, and as expected, it’s packing a serious amount of technology we normally don’t see on any of Ford’s other brands. Off the bat, we found out that the Aviator will carry technological bells-and-whistles like pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Ford’s new driver-assist system. But the feature that really has us intrigued is the automaker’s “Phone as Key” technology.

The Toyota Corolla may be Toyota’s best-selling model in history, but it’s had its share of ups and downs throughout the course of its history. For one, the Corolla has rarely been described as a trendy fashion model, and we have years of evidence backing that up. I say all of that because the 2019 Corolla Hatchback appears to be an outlier. Not only does it look aggressive, but it also comes with a manual transmission. It’s too early to tell if that’s going to translate to some delicious driving, but the mere fact that we’re here mentioning it points to a rather exciting future for the new Corolla hatch.

The Kia Sedona is a decent minivan – there’s no doubt about that. But, Kia’s idea of updating the Sedona is nothing short of laughable. First, Kia did update the front fascia to be more in line with its current lineup, but outside of that, the only good thing that comes outside aside from new wheels are redesigned exterior lights. If you want LED headlamps you need to pony up for the higher trim levels while you have to jump up to the EX if you want the new power sliding door button. Outside of a new instrument cluster inside, the interior only sees updates on the options list while under the metal there’s a new transmission that’s supposed to be more efficient.

The new Kia K900 caused a divide here at Top Speed headquarters. Some of us liked the way it looked, but some of us were less thrilled about. By contrast, everyone agreed that the Genesis G70 was designed like a proper luxury sedan. There lies the (perceived) divide between the two saloons. When it comes to all-around design, the G70 takes the cake over the K900.