The 2016 New York International Auto Show rolled into the Big Apple last week, bringing the expected industry debuts and exhibits. The show runs through April 3.
Naturally, there were more than a few standouts from the mass of alluring metal under the bright lights at the Javits Convention Center. But the most intriguing models on display were not what you would expect at a major auto show. Here’s our take on five highlights from the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
1973 Nissan Skyline Kenmeri H/T 2000 GT-R
The name might be a mouthful, but the sleek coke-bottle styling of the 1973 Nissan Skyline Kenmeri H/T 2000 GT-R on display in New York is worth the extra syllables. The rarest of any Skyline GT-R, the Kenmeri was built between fall 1972 and spring 1973—before the era’s oil crisis slammed the door shut on Nissan’s high performance coupe (where it was dormant until 1989). Dubbed the Kenmeri based on an advertising program in Japan that involved a couple—Ken and Mary—the 1973 is motivated by a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Only 197 were produced, so if you’re in NYC, it’s worth a visit to the Nissan pavilion for a look.
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
For years, talk of a potential Miata coupe has stirred the blood of driving enthusiasts who are in love with the lightweight performance of the roadster but don’t want to deal with owning a convertible. Enter the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. The RF stands for Retractable Fastback—a new edition of the compact sports car that can hide its metal roof panel in the trunk while leaving fastback-like buttresses in place on the rear deck. It’s a unique look for the Miata, one based on necessity: there’s simply no room in the car’s rear quarters to hide away the entire roof mechanism. From compromise comes the most coupe-like version of the MX-5 we are ever likely to see.
1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
An even less likely blast from the automotive past can be found lurking at the Alfa Romeo display. Sitting beside a new 4C convertible is a 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, which was essentially the road-legal version of the Tipo 33 race car campaigned by the Italian brand throughout the decade. Only 18 were produced, and each was built by hand, adding small quirks and differences from vehicle to vehicle that cognoscenti interpret as personality. A rousing 230 horsepower sing from the 33 Stradale’s 2.0-liter V8 engine, which is composed of a mishmash of street and track technologies. The Alfa Romeo is absolutely gorgeous, as are most of the company’s mid-century models.
Genesis New York Concept
From the recent past to the near future: the Genesis offers a sneak a peak at the powder blue New York Concept that debuted at its namesake show. Genesis is the new captive luxury brand established by corporate parent Hyundai, and the New York Concept is eye-catching from every angle. This is especially true inside, where the vehicle features a floating 21-inch LCD dashboard panel that handles almost every driver function.
The ETV
This unusual slab of automotive science fiction sits in the lobby of the Javits Center alongside a few classic cars. The vehicle is the product of the Car Factory, a Florida-based shop run by Mike Vetter. Underneath its startling sheet metal sits the chassis of a Chevy Aveo econobox—not exactly an inspiring foundation. But Vetter came up with the ETV or Extra Terrestrial Vehicle as a way to showcase his design influences. Only eight example were built, and all ride on an air suspension system that slams the car to the ground when parked.
