By Michael Kinney
NEW YORK- After two years on the shelf, the New York International Auto Show found itself back in the limelight in 2022. For 11 days, automakers from around the world were in New York showcasing the next big thing coming out of their factories in the coming months and years.
Even though some brands did not make it to the event, the NYIAS was still a good barometer of what the future of the industry will look like. If it can be summed up into one word it would be electric.
Almost every brand on hand brought an electric car that is already in production or will be in the near future. Whether the country will be ready for the onslaught of the EV market is a whole other story.
But that is for the future. For now, I just wanted to highlight some of my favorite rides from the New York Auto Show with a top-10 list.
There is no rhyme or reason why I chose the vehicles I did. Some are old-school gas guzzlers while others are concept electric cars that are not on the market yet.
The one thing they all have in common is style. If I couldn’t see myself behind the wheel driving through any city in the world and turning heads, then it won’t be on this list.
With that being said, let’s get started:
10- Airflow Graphite Concept
Airflow Graphite Concept
The Airflow Graphite Concept, which is part of the Stellantis brand,
will deliver up to 400 miles of range on a fully charged battery, according to Chrysler. It will also come with a fast-charging functionality. The SUV will include an STLA AutoDrive system with Level 3 automated driving capabilities. Chrysler isn’t planning to launch its first EV until 2025. Even though it is a concept, I really fell for the Galaxy Black with Cyrus Copper accents.
9- 2023 Nissan Z34
With the tag line, “Today is made for the Thrill” the 2023 Z34 is a sleek sportscar in the seventh generation of the Nissan Z-car line. I like the look. It gives off the feel of late-night slicing through the city streets. The 400-hp and twin-turbo V-6 engine also gives it some punch. The bright colors with matching interior instantly make it stand out.
8- 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
VW unveiled the all-electric ID. Buzz. It’s a combination of the 1960s hippie bugs with a modern look with next generational technology. In terms of size the ID. Buzz is really a throwback to the original T1 Microbus. It’s a Great way to intermingle past and future and turn a minivan into a colorful style.
7- Cobera C300
The Shelby Cobra has an iconic name and an iconic look. So when I first came upon this blue and white striped demon, I assumed it was from the original line. Much to my surprise, the Cobera C300 was spawned from Cobera Motors out of Hungary. While it has patterned itself after the Shelby line, the C300 brought more style to the package. Despite being all-electric, it has 600 horsepower and 4144 lb-ft of torque. The all-leather interior and classic analog gauges were the perfect touches.
6- 2023 Grand Wagoneer L:
I once described the 2022 Grand Wagoneer as a luxury hotel on wheels. I guess that means the 2023 Grand Wagoneer L is the Penthouse Suite. The most important thing you need to know about it is it provides more space than its predecessor. They added a whole foot in length. While finding a parking space in New York will be almost impossible, the pure comfort you get to lounge in while looking for a place to park might make up for it.
5- INDI One EV:
INDI ONE is INDIEV’s first all-electric model and the first-ever vehicle with a Vehicle Integrated Computer (VIC) capable of high-end gaming. I haven’t been into gaming since the first Madden, but the fact that a car will emphasize that element is impressive.
According to company officials, a world-class technology platform empowers owners with their own digital toolbox to bridge the gap between the technology available in your home and office to your personal vehicle. INDI ONE will start at $45,000; a premium model will be priced at $69,000.
4- 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II
The car used to belong to Elvis Presley, the King himself. It radiates superstar elegance and old-school cool. This would roll well in Beverly Hills or the streets of Detroit. The all-white interior really sets it off. While the gas millage is not made for this generation, it would be perfect for quick jaunts across the city and parades.
3-The DEUS Vayanne
Austria-based EV startup Deus debuted a “production-oriented concept” of its inaugural model, the Vayanne. Company officials claimed the hypercar has 2,200 horsepower and 1,475 pound-feet of torque. Unlike some high luxury sportscars, DEUS designers didn’t skimp on the interior. The Vayanne, which will have a top speed of near 250-mph, will be ultra-limited to only 99 total units and won’t be delivered until 2025.
2- Bentley Continental
This would normally be my top choice, but I didn’t want to be too obvious. If it was a movie star, it would be Denzel Washington. If it was an artist, it would be Damien Hirst.
I like luxury, comfort, aspiration and smoothness. That is all personified in the Bentley Continental. In truth, the only reason that it’s not No. 1 is that it’s not an EV. But that doesn’t hinder my infatuation with it.
1- Kia EV9 Concept
One of my favorite films growing up was this B-movie called Megaforce from 1982. It was campy, looked fake and the acting was sad. THe one thing it had going for it was the futuristic vehicles that populated the screen. When I first saw Kia’s EV9 Concept, Megaforce was the first thing I thought of.
Not expected to hit dealerships until 2023, the EV9 is expected to top the 300 miles per charge mark. While that is nice, I am all over the look and style that Kia put into the SUV. From the futuristic rims to the suicide doors to the metallic coating, it sings to the inner baller and Megaforce in me that is looking to get out.
Story & Photos: Michael Kinney Media copywrite
IG: mkinneymedia
Twitter: MKinneyMedia
Youtube: Michael Kinney Media