Top 10 Most Significant Debuts From the 2017 New York Auto Show

Craig Cole
by Craig Cole

The New York Auto Show is in full swing, with automakers from around the world revealing their latest and greatest in the Big Apple.

Dodge, Jeep, Hyundai, Honda, Subaru, Genesis, Toyota and more each made news in Manhattan, unveiling a wide diversity of vehicles, from compact concepts to production sedans to full-size SUVs with plenty in between. Like a snaggletooth moonshiner in Appalachia, we’ve distilled things down to the most intoxicating reveals, though unfortunately, none of the AutoGuide.com crew got a chance to wear overalls or play the banjo while doing so.

Bringing you up to speed, here’s a list of the most potent products on display in NYC, an exciting collection of seven vehicles that are sure to get you drunk with excitement… or not.


10. 2018 Hyundai Sonata

One product that likely won’t get you all steamed up is the new 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Engineers performed minor surgery on this South Korean family sedan, retuning the chassis, adding new features and slightly tweaking the design. The up-level 2.0-liter turbocharged engine carries over, as does its 245 horsepower, but it’s matched to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which should improve performance and efficiency.

Learn more about the 2018 Hyundai Sonata


9. Subaru Ascent Concept

Next up, a Subaru concept. The Japanese automaker revealed the Ascent, a new three-row design study that should presage an upcoming production model, a probable successor to the B9 Tribeca of old. Sized to compete with the likes of Ford’s Explorer and the Nissan Pathfinder, it will be sold exclusively in North America. Power should be provided by an all-new turbocharged boxer engine.

Learn more about the Subaru Ascent Concept


8. Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept

Like Subaru, Infiniti unveiled a new concept utility vehicle. The brand’s QX80 Monograph clearly hints at what a next-generation SUV from this brand could look like. With graceful curves and a massive grille, it’s certainly imposing. It features gigantic 24-inch wheels and a full underbody shield for protection while off-roading. No powertrain information has been shared.

Learn more about the Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept


7. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

What more do you need to know about the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk other than it has a supercharged V8 pilfered from the Hellcat twins? With more than 700 horses on tap, this husky SUV should be able to reach mile-a-minute velocity in 3.5 seconds and top out at around 180 miles an hour. It’ll blast through the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds, with Brembo brakes bringing it to a halt from 60 in a curt 114 feet.

Learn more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk


6. 2018 Buick Enclave

For those of us that are more pragmatic and don’t need a vehicle that drives like a supercar, the Buick Enclave is supremely practical and premium. It features an all-new body structure that provides seating for up to seven people. Supposedly, there’s also more maximum cargo room than in rivals like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60. Motivation is provided by a 3.6-liter V6 that’s rated at a respectable if unremarkable 302 horsepower.

Learn more about the 2018 Buick Enclave


5. 2018 Acura TLX

Acura’s midrange sedan has been gussied up for the new model year. TLX gains a host of enhancements for 2018 and the most obvious change is front and center, a dazzling new corporate grill. Just behind that, drivers can choose from either a carryover 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or an up-level six-shooter that’s good for 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is available for customers that need extra traction.

Learn more about the 2018 Acura TLX


4. Genesis GV80 Concept

Hyundai’s upscale Genesis brand took the wrapper off a new crossover concept in New York. The GV80 is motivated by a plug-in hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain. We’re not sure exactly what that means, but this vehicle rolls on gigantic 23-inch wheels. Inside, there’s an expansive display screen, sumptuous leather trimmings and plenty of other luxury touches. Leaked documents indicate Genesis plans to launch two crossovers by 2020 and this could be half of them.

Learn more about the Genesis GV80 Concept


3. Toyota FT-4X Concept

Toyota also revealed a crossover concept at this important international motor show. Their FT-4X targets Generation-Y urbanites with rugged styling, a versatile interior and generous approach and departure angles for decent off-roading capability. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), this design study likely shares A LOT of componentry with the brand’s C-HR small crossover. The FT-4X’s most unique feature is its double-jointed rear hatch that either swings or lifts for easy access to the cargo area.

Learn more about the Toyota FT-4X Concept


2. 2018 Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln revealed the first all-new Navigator in more than a decade. This swanky, full-size luxury SUV features a 450-horsepower twin-turbo V6 under the hood, one that’s paired with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission. Compared to today’s version, the 2018 model has lost some 200 pounds thanks to its aluminum-intensive body. Inside, passengers are treated to tons of cutting-edge technology and even more supple leather.

Learn more about the 2018 Lincoln Navigator


1. 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Finally, the coolest, most impressive and downright best reveal from NYC is Dodge’s Challenger SRT Demon. It also happens to be the fastest reveal by a country mile. Breathing fire is an 840-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, a massaged version of the engine found in lesser Hellcat models. That’s enough to propel this bad-ass Mopar to 60 in just 2.3 seconds! It’ll bite off, chew up and spit out the quarter mile in less than 10. In case you’re wondering, for a mass-produced vehicle those figures are nothing short of INSANE. Production is limited to 3,300 with 3,000 of those examples being offered in the U.S.

Learn more about the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

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Craig Cole
Craig Cole

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).

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