More than a million attendees are expected to stream though one of the Big Apple’s largest expos, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan: the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). On now until April 28, we’ve rounded up the top three reveals that took place at this year’s event.
2020 Cadillac CT5
Unveiled to the public at NYIAS, the first ever CT5 serves as the replacement for the outgoing ATS. The premium sedan boasts a sporty fastback design with elegantly crafted bodylines, characteristic of the brand’s evolved design language inspired by the Escala concept teased in 2016. Although classified as a compact, the vehicle appears long thanks to an extended 2,947-millimetre wheelbase and stretched out door glass. A huge grille shaped like the Cadillac crest emblem dominates the front fascia, and on either side are full LED headlights connected to signature DRL strips dripping down to almost the bottom of the bumper.
The rear features vertically mounted taillamps, a polished chrome bar running across the trunk lid and either dual exit exhaust pipes on the Luxury and Premium grades, or quad on the Sport. Peeking into the cabin, the technology-forward interior has a 1080p HD 10-inch touchscreen mounted high on the dash for maximum visibility, so drivers don’t need to take their eyes too far off the road, and is also controllable via a new rotary knob.
A turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is standard, but the talk of the town is the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 offered in the higher two trim levels. Developing 335 horses and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, the robust mill is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both rear and all-wheel drive is available, as is Cadillac’s Super Cruise functionality (starting in 2020) that uses LiDAR mapping data, in-car cameras, radar sensors, and GPS to allow true hands-free operation on limited access highways across Canada and the United States. Sales begin later this fall.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS
The upcoming third generation GLS from Mercedes-Benz is all about excess - as in an excess of size, comfort and luxury. Measuring 5,212 millimetres in length and 1,956 in width, the “S-Class of SUVs” gives buyers the option of a power adjustable and heated three-passenger third-row bench or two captain’s chairs, which can be lowered into the floor at the touch of a button to increase cargo space. Depending on the model, up to five-zone climate control may be selected.
The GLS 580 4MATIC debuts a special EQ Boost powerplant combining a V8 and a 48-volt on-board electrical system with an integrated starter generator (ISG). The ISG is responsible for energy recuperation as well as providing an extra burst of 21 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque when the EQ Boost mode is activated. In addition, the suspension is electrified, too: optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (EABC) possesses the ability to control the spring and damping rates at each individual wheel, thereby mitigating body roll, pitch and squat. On poor road surfaces, EABC is actually capable of capturing kinetic energy for later reuse.
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster
Just over 10 months ago, Porsche revealed a 911 Speedster Concept to celebrate 70 years sports car production. Now, it’s a reality as the German automaker confirmed at NYIAS a limited run of this open-top beauty developing 502 horsepower and 346 lb.-ft. of torque. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six motor is the same one found in the current 911 GT3 and RS, enhanced by individual throttle bodies creating further sharper performance and sweeter sound. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard.
Giving the Speedster its unique look is a low-cut windscreen, manual operation soft-top and dual carbon fibre streamliners sitting atop the rear deck lid. Significant weight reduction efforts have been undertaken, the vehicle for example utilizing lightweight door panels, polyurethane bumper covers and ceramic composite brakes. Even air conditioning is omitted, although putting one in comes at no cost. A Q4 release is anticipated.
Benjamin Yong is a freelance writer from Vancouver, B.C. and a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Follow him on Twitter @b_yong.
