Photo by Giancarlo Sepulveda
The New York International Auto Show is currently in full swing at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Several new models were released including the new Honda Civic Si, Honda Civic Type R, Buick Enclave, Lincoln Navigator, Dodge Challenger Demon and many more. The New York Auto Show is important because it is one of the last big auto shows of this season. The next big show will be the Los Angeles Auto Show in December.
Nearly 15 new models were unveiled in New York this week. Two of them were both Honda Civics. The Honda Civic Si was launched featuring a wide range of new features that fix some of the issues with the previous model, including bigger brakes and a retuned suspension. The Si carries over the same 205 horsepower 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The Si will only be available as a sedan and coupe.
The other Civic is the new Type R. This hot hatchback features a new 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine which produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. “I love the Type R, and I’m so happy that Honda decided to bring it to the U.S.,” sophomore Jimmy Addie said, as he stared on in awe of the vehicle. This is the first Civic Type R to come to the U.S. as part of Honda’s global market strategy.
Buick unveiled its new Regal Sportback and Regal TourX last week at a press conference in Detroit, but the real star of this show for the entry-level brand was the third-generation Buick Enclave Avenir. Wearing a badge similar to GMC’s Denali badge, the new Enclave’s interior is covered in leather and wood trim. “With the new Enclave, Buick is currently the most updated car company with all of our models being released within the last 17 months,” said Duncan Aldred. Aldred is vice-president of Global Buick and GMC. “It’s interesting to see Buick re-enter the mid-size wagon market after nearly 20 years, it should be a good competitor for the Audi Allroad and Volvo V60 Cross Country,” Addie continued.
The Dodge Challenger Demon made its debut amidst smoke and rock and roll, concluding a popping a 35-inch wheelie as it rocketed down a makeshift quarter mile in a staggering 9.65 seconds. Its supercharged, 6.2-liter V8 produces 840 horsepower and 770 pound-feet of torque. It is also the first street-legal car in the U.S. that can lift its front tires during hard acceleration. “It still looks like a normal Challenger,” sophomore Andrew Wild said. “When you get closer, and you see the ‘Demon’ badge on the side, and the massive hood scoop, you know it’s something much more.”
Lincoln debuted its new Navigator at New York as well. This new land-yacht comes equipped ready to tackle the streets of every major city. Equipped with a new 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 makes 450 horsepower. The new Navigator looks exactly like its concept, which is a big plus, because there was a considerable amount of press coverage when Lincoln unveiled it in New York last year. Lincoln even chose to keep the concept’s elegant 22-inch wheels. “I go into New York a lot,” sophomore Fiona Connell said, “Navigators are how you get around when you don’t want to take a taxi, so it’s nice to see that they updated it.”
This was only a snapshot of what else can be experienced at the New York Auto Show. It is a massive venue with so much more to see. The show will run until Apr. 23 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased online at www.autoshowny.com
kferlita@ramapo.edu
