High Rollers
At press preview days for the 2019 New York Auto Show, luxury and performance car premieres were prominent despite continued focus on SUVs as America’s favorite vehicle. New high-rolling reveals in The Big Apple ranged from special editions and new models to full-on sports cars and high-performance upgrades for mainstream cars. Take a high-level look at new luxury and performance-focused models debuting at the 2019 New York Auto Show, which runs from April 19 to the 28th.

Acura TLX PMC Edition
Acura introduced the 2020 TLX PMC Edition at the New York show — a special version of the TLX handcrafted in Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center, which is the same facility that produces the NSX supercar. With a limited production run, the 2020 TLX PMC Edition is distinguished by its deeply lustrous and grade-exclusive Valencia Red Pearl paint with nano-pigment technology, applied in the factory’s advanced paint facility. The TLX PMC Edition combines the TLX Advance Package with exterior and interior design elements of the A-Spec. Exterior elements include Valencia Red Pearl paint, a body-colored grille surround, gloss black painted roof and door handles; gloss black 19-inch wheels and lug nuts; body-colored side mirror housings, and dark chrome 4-inch dual exhaust finishers.

Acura TLX PMC Edition
Inside, the TLX PMC Edition features black Milano leather seats with Alcantara inserts and black piping; red stitching for the seats, door panels, and center armrest; an A-Spec steering wheel with perforated black leather, red stitching and metal-finished paddle shifters. The TLX PMC Edition derives power from Acura’s direct-injected i-VTEC V6 powertrain and torque-vectoring Acura Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. Deliveries of the 2020 TLX PMC Edition will begin this summer with pricing around $50,000; an MDX PMC Edition will follow. The MDX PMC Edition prototype was also shown at press days in New York, wearing the same Valencia Red Pearl paint as the TLX PMC Edition.

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING
Alfa Romeo unveiled the limited-edition 2019 Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING designed to celebrate Alfa Romeo’s racing history and Giulia Quadrifoglio’s record-setting lap at Germany’s Nurburgring racetrack. Giulia Quadrifoglio recorded a lap of the famed 73-turn, 12.9-mile track in 7 minutes 32 seconds, earning the claim of fastest 5-passenger vehicle at the venue. Giulia Quadrifoglio is powered by twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine producing 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque — good for zero to 60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.

Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING
The limited-edition Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING features Circuito Gray matte paint, carbon fiber mirror caps, carbon fiber grille, Dark Miron badging, red brake calipers with white Alfa Romeo script, dark 19-inch 5-hole aluminum wheels and an exposed carbon fiber roof. Also available are Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. Inside, Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING adds a carbon fiber steering wheel, a carbon fiber shift bezel, two-tone red/black interior with red stitching, illuminated carbon fiber side sills and optional Sparco carbon fiber frame racing seats. Alfa Romeo will also produce a Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING — a total of 110 units will be produced between the two models.

Audi R8 V10
The 2020 Audi R8 is the next generation of Audi’s 2-seat mid-engine performance car with revised exterior styling and more powerful engines. The new Audi R8 continues to be offered in both Coupe and Spyder versions, and also adds a limited-edition R8 V10 Decennium to celebrate 10 years of R8 V10 performance. The R8 V10 Decennium is offered only as a coupe with production limited to 222 units, and only 50 are coming to the United States. The new R8 features an updated front bumper, new honeycomb grille with R8 badge, darkened headlights, a new front spoiler lip and lateral air intakes. At the rear, the 2020 R8 Spyder receives an updated bumper with honeycomb air outlets, oval exhaust outlets and new rear diffuser. Forged 19-inch 5-double-spoke wheels with an anthracite bi-color finish are standard, with 20-inch 10-spoke Y-design forged wheels in high gloss anthracite optional.

Audi R8 V10
The 2020 R8 V10 Spyder is powered by a normally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 30 horsepower from the previous model. The R8 V10 performance Spyder is also powered by a 5.2-liter V10 producing 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The R8 V10 Spyder features a cloth top that can be opened in 20 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. The R8 V10 Decennium is based on the V10 Performance, and all 50 for the U.S. market will be painted in Mythos Black Metallic with the milled 10-inch wheels and the intake manifolds finished in matt bronze. The front spoiler, side sills and diffuser are painted in gloss black, and the side blades, rear wing and mirror housings are gloss carbon fiber.

Audi TT RS
The 2019 Audi TT RS made its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show with a new, more aggressive front-end floor and additional standard equipment. The new TT RS features a matte black Singleframe grille with quattro script in matte titanium, additional radiators behind the honeycomb grille, lateral air inlets that extend to the front wheels, and a continuous front spoiler. At the rear a new fixed spoiler is added, as well as large oval exhaust outlets. Full LED headlights are standard with LED daytime running lights, standard LED taillights and available OLED (organic light-emitting diode taillights). Standard wheels are 19-inch 5-spoke Audi Sports with a titanium matte finish and summer performance tires. The new optional Dynamic package includes 20-inch Audi Sport 7-spoke forged wheels with titanium matte finish, summer performance tires, red brake calipers and a Sport exhaust with black tips.

Audi TT RS
Looking inside this TT, heated front Fine Nappa leather RS Sport seats with honeycomb stitching are standard, and new updates include contrast-stitch leather accents for the door armrests and center console, as well as red or blue accents for air vents, seats and seat belts. The 2019 TT RS is powered by a turbocharged inline 5-cylinder engine that produces 394 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Power gets delivered through a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, which can deliver up to nearly 100 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels.

Cadillac CT5
The big news at Cadillac’s press preview in New York was the introduction of the all-new CT5 compact sedan, offered in both Luxury and Sport versions so drivers can tailor the car to their preferences. “Cadillac is dedicated to building the world’s most exhilarating luxury sedans,” said Cadillac President Steve Carlisle in a statement to the press. “Every element of the CT5 is focused on delivering an unrivaled experience, from the 10-speed transmission to Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology. The expansion of Super Cruise to CT5 reinforces our commitment to bringing the most innovative technologies to our customers,” Carlisle concluded. Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology — a hands-free driver assistance technology for highway driving — will be available in calendar year 2020 on select CT5 trim levels.

Cadillac CT5
Built on Cadillac’s rear-wheel-drive architecture, the CT5 features a fastback profile inspired by the Escala concept car and moves away from Cadillac’s hard-edged designs with a more fluid and sculpted design language. The 2020 CT5 will be offered in three trim levels: Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport, with a Platinum Package available for Premium Luxury and Sport. The standard engine is the 2.-0-liter twin-scroll turbo engine that produces an estimated 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Optional for the Luxury Premium and the Sport is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces an estimated 335 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is available.

Dodge Stars & Stripes Editions
Dodge introduced the Stars & Stripes Editions for the 2019 Challenger and 2019 Charger at the New York Auto Show, to celebrate the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Dodge is well known for building proper modern-day American muscle cars with bold styling and even bolder horsepower, and the all-new Stars & Stripes Editions will be available on select versions of the iconic Charger and Challenger models. “Dodge is known for delivering custom looks straight from the factory. We also have a strong following of buyers who are in the military, as well as many buyers who are patriotic,” said Steve Beahm, head of passenger car brands as well as parts and service (MOPAR) at FCA North America. “The Stars & Stripes Edition is an opportunity to deliver a custom look with unique elements that speak to those performance enthusiasts who want to extend their passion for their country to the Charger and Challenger,” Beahm noted.

Dodge Stars & Stripes Editions
Rather than make the cars red, white and blue, these special editions will distinguish themselves with a unique Satin Black and Silver accent center stripe, Satin Black American Flag fender decals, 20 x 9-inch mid-gloss black wheels and black badging. Inside, buyers will find Gloss Black interior accents, unique black-on-black cloth seats with an embroidered bronze star, dark brushed interior bezels, a unique antique bronze instrument panel badge, and bronze accent stitching throughout the vehicle. The Stars & Stripes package will be available on the Challenger R/T Scat Pack and Charger Scat Pack — both boasting a 392 HEMI V8 engine generating a plentiful 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Also available as Stars & Stripes Editions are the Challenger and Charger R/T with its 375-horsepower HEMI V8, as well as the Challenger and Charger GT powered by Dodge’s 300-horsepower Pentastar V6 engine. The Stars & Stripes Edition adds $1,995 to these select Charger and Challenger variants. Orders can be placed starting in May, with vehicles arriving in showrooms in time for summer.

Ford Mustang High Performance Package
Ford debuted a new High Performance Package for the entry EcoBoost Mustang at the New York Auto Show, powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powered by Ford Performance. What began as an engine swap with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost from a Focus RS lead to the development of the High Performance Package, powered by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost projected to deliver 330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. “It’s not just the horsepower gains over the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost, it’s the broader torque curve that delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 2500 and 5300 rpm, which is 40 percent wider than the base EcoBoost engine,” said Carl Widmann, Mustang chief engineer.

Ford Mustang High Performance Package
Available for both Mustang Coupe and Mustang Convertible, the new High Performance Package for Mustang EcoBoost also adds Mustang GT brakes, performance tires, Mustang GT Performance Package aerodynamics and suspension components to make it the top performing production 4-cylinder Mustang ever produced. The High Performance Package includes a blacked-out grille, large black front splitter, offset Mustang Pony emblem, side badges, gray mirrors and a raised rear spoiler. The EcoBoost Handling Package is available only for Mustang Coupe with the High Performance Package; it includes semi-metallic brakes, specially calibrated MagneRide dampers, a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, wider 19×9.5-inch premium painted aluminum wheels and 265/40R Pirelli P Zero Corsa4 summer tires.

Genesis Mint Concept
Genesis debuted the Mint Concept in New York city — a futuristic take on a luxury city car that would be ideal for getting around The Big Apple. With a roomy interior, advanced electric powertrain and unique styling, the Mint continues the run of great concept vehicles from Genesis. The Mint Concept has a small footprint but boasts a wide stance with quad headlights that stretch around the front corners. Upper lights are connected for an even wider look, while the grille is closed exception for a small opening that directs airflow to keep the batteries cool. A sculpted hood sweeps back from the familiar Genesis logo. With large wheels at the corners, precious little overhang and a windshield that flows as one element into the roofline, the Mint’s silhouette gives the impression that this little car would be sporty and fun to drive. At the lower portion of the vehicle, a stylish G-Matrix pattern functions as cooling and airflow for the battery floor. This pattern gets mimicked in the wheel design and the interior.

Genesis Mint Concept
At the rear, the charge port is located top center and Mint features two scissor-style side openings to access the rear cargo area. Although its footprint is small, the Mint offers a rather spacious interior. “The interior styling of the Mint Concept takes influence from the Korean tradition of embracing the empty space, as well as modern European furniture design,” exclaimed Luc Donckerwolke, executive vice president and chief design officer of Hyundai Motor Group. Driver information gets displayed on six small screens that surround the oblong steering wheel. A center console that features a single central control knob can be folded out of the way, and the bench seat and instrument panel swivel for easy entry and exit. Mint draws power from an electric motor with a high-density battery pack that provides an estimated range of 200 miles and fast 350 kW recharging.

Hyundai Sonata
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata made its North American debut at the New York show, the newest version of Hyundai’s most successful model. Built on a new platform that delivers both increased strength and reduced weight, the Sonata design is an evolution of new Hyundai design language that the Korean automaker calls Sensuous Sportiness. Sonata has a long, sloping roofline that ends right at the trailing end of the decklid, creating a 4-door coupe silhouette. The hood slopes down to the wide black grille that stretches out to the headlights. Unique lighting elements for the daytime running lights are underneath chrome strips that trace the inner edge of the headlight, shining through tiny perforations in the chrome when lit, yet hidden by the chrome when turned off.

Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai describes the interior theme as “Beautifully Smart,” with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen for infotainment functions with a split-screen option. Two powertrain options are offered: a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter that produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque at 1500–4000 and is expected to achieve 31 mpg combined. Both engines are combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Jaguar XE
The updated 2020 Jaguar XE on display in the City of Dreams showcased a new design with new front and rear bumpers containing larger openings, a redesigned grille and slim full-LED headlights giving the vehicle a sharper, more aggressive appearance. The new luxurious interior of the XE is designed to deliver more comfort, a high level of quality and more convenience for all occupants, with more use of premium materials. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, power leather seats, LED headlights, taillights with new graphics, front and rear parking aid, a rearview camera and lane-keeping assist.

Jaguar XE
The new XE also features the latest advanced technologies including the available Jaguar InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system and a high definition 12.3-inch interactive driver display. The new optional ClearSight rearview mirror transforms into an HD video screen at the flip of a switch to give drivers a wider, unobstructed rear view. Other technologies include available Wireless Device Charging, a full-color Head-up Display and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Jaguar XE is offered in three trim level: S, S AWD and R-Dynamic S AWD. The S trims are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 247 horsepower and the R-Dynamic S AWD is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 296 horsepower. The Jaguar XE receives a new SportShift gear selector replacing the rotary controller.

Kia Stinger GTS
Kia debuted the limited-edition Stinger GTS at the New York Auto Show, finished with Bright Orange paint with carbon fiber trim, so enthusiasts won’t miss the Stinger GTS out on the street. Limited to just 800 copies, this special variant is available in both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. The new D-AWD all-wheel-drive system adds a mechanical limited-slip rear differential and more of a rear torque bias to close the gap between AWD and RWD performance. The Drive Mode Select in Comfort sends 60 percent of power to the rear, Sport sends 80 percent to the rear and Drift send 100 percent to the rear.

Kia Stinger GTS
Stinger GTS is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Painted exclusively in Federation Orange, the Stinger GTS receives carbon fiber trim around the grille, carbon fiber mirror caps and carbon fiber side vents. There is a GTS emblem at the rear and the Kia logo on the trunk lid is replaced with the Stinger name. Inside, the GTS receives an Alcantara covered steering wheel, Alcantara console trim and the headliner in suede-like Chamude. Standard equipment will include a sunroof, a 720-watt Harmon/Kardon premium audio system and wireless charging. MSRP is expected to be around $44,000 for RWD and $46,500 for D-AWD.

Koenigsegg Jesko
In March at the Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg surprised his father by naming the brand’s newest offering after him. On display at the New York Auto Show, the all-new Jesko will take the place of the Agera RS as a car suited for both street and track. The Jesko’s carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is slightly longer and taller than the Agera, which provides for a roomier cabin. Styling is clearly Koenigsegg; however, the massive rear spoiler instantly draws the eye. At high speed the Jesko generates more than 2,200 pounds of downforce for excellent grip and handling.

Koenigsegg Jesko
Powering the Jesko is a redesigned 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that churns out 1280 horses on standard gasoline; when fueled by E85 biofuel, the Jesko’s power rating jumps to an incredible and incredulous 1600 horsepower. All that energy gets directed through an all-new 9-speed “Light Speed Transmission” designed in-house; it allows for practically instant gear changes from any gear to any gear. This means it can jump from 7th to 4th for immediate acceleration without going through 6th and 5th. Koenigsegg also announced there will be a sibling to the Jesko — the Jesko 300. With less downforce and more streamlined aerodynamics, the Jesko 300 is named for the goal of breaking the elusive 300-mph mark. Only 125 Jeskos will be sold, and at the time of the reveal in Geneva more than 80 had already been spoken for.

Mullen Qiantu K50
The New York Auto Show marked the North American debut of the Mullen Qiantu K50, a two-seat pure electric high-performance sports car. Mullen Technologies entered into a cooperation agreement with Qiantu for Mullen to homologate, assemble and sell the Qiantu K50 in North America. The sculpted Qiantu K50 body panels are carbon fiber over an all-aluminum frame with double wishbone suspension front and rear. The K50 is powered by two electric motors, one driving each axle for dual-motor all-wheel drive. The electric motors produce a total of 430 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque combined.

Mullen Qiantu K50
The Qiantu K50 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 125 mph. Electricity gets stored in the t-shaped Rechargeable Energy Storage System located down the center of the frame and behind the passenger compartment. The 78 kWh RESS provides and estimated range or 250 miles with higher range possible at a steady speed. “The New York Auto Show is the perfect place to introduce this amazing car to North America,” said Mullen Founder & CEO David Michery. “I wanted to bring it to consumers in the United States, where there’s always room for a car that combines power, beauty, and performance with zero CO2 emissions,” Michery said.

Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Nissan debuted the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition in New York, easily identified by the heritage inspired two-tone paint schemes that pay tribute to the liveries of the GT-Rs that raced in the Japan GP series. Retired since the GT-R “R34” model, Bayside (Wangan) Blue makes a return, complimented by white racing stripes and blue accents on the wheel spokes. The vivid blue color is achieved by a four-coat, double-heat treatment process and the resulting color create both striking highlights and deep shadows. The two other colors offered for the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition are Pearl White with red stripes and Super Silver with white stripes.

Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
For 2020 the GT-R’s 565-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 receives new turbochargers that improve low rpm response and the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with R mode features more aggressive downshifts. GT-R received a new titanium muffler and titanium exhaust finishers with burnished blue tips. The electronically-controlled has been tuned for better cornering stability and a smother ride, while the brakes receive a new brake booster to increase initial braking response. Based on the 2020 GT-R Premium, the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition also receives special seat embroidery and an Alcantara headliner.

Nissan GT-R NISMO
The 2020 GT-R NISMO is the most powerful production GT-R ever, with a new turbocharger design that comes directly from the GT-R GT3 race car, the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. The revised 6-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts faster and optimized gear selection coming out of corners. Carbon fiber components include front and rear bumpers, front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk and rear spoilers. All of these components have been improved for a weight savings of 23 pounds and other upgrades have reduced weight by an additional 44 pounds.

Nissan GT-R NISMO
The front fenders now resemble the GT-R GT3 race car and the scalloped vents help extract hot air from the engine bay. A new compression process gives the carbon fiber roof a lightweight, tight weave. The 2020 GT-R NISMO’s exclusive 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels are lighter and the nine-spoke design improves rigidity. The Dunlop tires are a new design with a wider tread and fewer grooves, increasing the contact patch by 11 percent for higher cornering limits, enhanced steering response and improved rolling resistance. The revised titanium exhaust includes handcrafted burnished blue tips. Inside the cabin, exclusive GT-R NISMO front seats are designed to focus on holding the shoulder blades and lower body points, giving the driver a better sense of car and body as one.

Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition
Nissan debuted the 2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition in New York — a special edition to commemorates the 50th anniversary of the original 1970 Datsun 240Z, with exterior and interior details that recognize the legacy of that historic sports car. The two-tone exterior design is inspired by the #46 BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) Datsun 240Z that won multiple SCCA National Championships, driven by John Morton. Based on the 2020 Nissan 370Z Sport, the 50th Anniversary Edition reimagines the original BRE livery with design cues such as two signature stripes on the side of the car, with the hood, A-pillars, side mirrors and decklid painted in the accent color. Two color combinations are offered: white with red accents and silver with black accents. A thin stripe runs down each side of the car from the headlight to the rear edge of the side glass, ending in a triangle said to be inspired by the C-pillar of the Datsun 240Z.

Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition
Inside, the 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition adds a 50th Anniversary Alcantara steering wheel with center stripe and heated 4-way power seats trimmed in leather and suede. The interior is primarily black highlighted by red accents on the seats, red stitching, as well as an anniversary Z pattern on the seatbacks accompanied by an embossed 50th Anniversary logo. The 370Z 50th Anniversary is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, combined with a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic transmission. Performance equipment includes large brakes with 4-piston front calipers, a viscous limited-slip differential, high-grip Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires and 19-inch RAYS lightweight forged aluminum-alloy wheels.

Porsche 911 Speedster
Last year Porsche celebrated its 70th anniversary with two 911 Speedster concept cars and at the New York Auto Show a production version debuted, limited to only 1,948 worldwide. The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, also used in the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS, capable of 9,000 rpm and producing 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque. The 911 Speedster is offered exclusively with a GT Sport 6-speed manual transmission and will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top track speed of 192 mph. As with earlier Speedster models, the 911 Speedster is characterized by a low-cut windshield, low side windows and a manually-operated lightweight fabric top.

Porsche 911 Speedster
Porsche also debuted the 911 Speedster with a Heritage Design Package as a tribute to historic Porsche race cars. Offered exclusively with GT Silver Metallic paint, the Heritage Design Package adds front bumper and front fender “arrows” painted in white and racing-style number graphics in white on the front luggage compartment lid and the doors, inspired by historic Porsche 356 models. The package also includes a Porsche decal on the sides, historic Porsche crest on the front lid, 20-inch center lock wheels painted in Platinum Satin or Silver with the historic Porsche crest and gold Speedster badges on the rear and the sides behind the seats. The standard carbon ceramic brakes include black calipers with white Porsche lettering.

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