Six stunning debuts from the 2011 New York International Auto Show
This year’s New York International Auto Show had more than a few exciting launches. While not all of these will go into production, the following are the six cars on show for their first time that we want to drive. Stay tuned for auto news of the more conceptual and unusual variety tomorrow.
The design of VW’s new Beetle pays homage to the earliest beetle profile. The choice is somewhat of a departure from 1998’s New Beetle, drawing deeper on the brand’s past but with plenty of details looking toward the future. We particularly love the turbo version, the new led lighting and the Gibson sound system.
As the most powerful Jaguar road car ever released it’s no surprise that the updated XKR-S wows with 550 HP and a top speed of 186mph. Plus, it’s gorgeous.
The new Audi A7 drew our eye right away, but really shines on close inspection. With the functionality of a sedan and the feel of a coupe it has all with the impeccable craftsmanship for which Audi is known.
Mercedes-Benz‘s C63 AMG Coupe sports sophisticated bodylines and an aggressive stance that gets it just right. 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph seal the deal.
How do you make the world’s most luxurious SUV even more over-the-top? Range Rover’s Autobiography Ultimate Edition ups the ante with two custom colors, ultra-premium leather, wood veneers, metal fittings and a rear seat that would make any baller smirk every time they got in the car. It has the customary “executive” climate and entertainment controls, the chilled bottle holder and champagne flute stands and the veneered desk tray as well as two seat-back iPads and a wireless keyboard which disappear when not in use. Topping it off is the super swank teak paneling in the rear, which features rubber inserts to keep items from moving around. The edition is limited to 500 vehicles, with 50 slated for the U.S. Sitting in the rear and taking it all in somehow makes the $170,000 price tag seem all too reasonable.
The Porsche Semper Vivus was the world’s first functioning hybrid car 111 years ago. A product of collaboration between Porsche engineering and the famed German coachbuilding company Karosseriebau Drescher, this stunning replica was built by a very dedicated Porsche engineer and is just as elegant as the original.
