2023 Washington DC Auto Show

Check out our coverage of the most interesting concepts and upcoming releases on display at the 2023 Washington DC Auto Show.

2023 Washington DC Auto Show

After a stretch of global pandemic disruption, the auto show circuit is back in full swing with the latest and greatest vehicles to ogle. Some highlights over the past year include the VW ID.BUZZ at the NY Auto Show, the Cadillac Celestiq at Monterey Car Week, the electric Equinox at the Detroit show, and the new Prius unveiled in Los Angeles. Those in the mood for something more fanciful should check out our list of concept cars that never made it to production, but today we’re looking at the 2023 DC Auto Show.

Thanks to its location in the nation’s capital and events that highlight the people and programs serving to shape government policy, the Washington DC Auto Show is known as the “Public Policy Show” within the circuit of annual automotive shindigs. For 2023, that means a heavy presence from domestic automakers like Ford and Chevy along with plenty of the latest electric-powered vehicles and of course some simply cool cars. Here are a few of our favorite rides from the 2023 DC Auto Show.

Chevy Corvette E-Ray

2024 Chevrolet Corvette e-Ray - SparkPlug TV on youtube.com

The Corvette has been on a transformational tear of late, most notably with the momentous decision to give “America’s Sports Car” a mid-engine layout. As if this wasn’t enough to upset traditionalists, rumors abound around a fully electric Vette coming in 2025. So, in the interest of easing their loyal fans into the future, Chevy has created the Corvette E-Ray.

Combining the 495-horse 6.2L pushrod V8 with an electric motor – powered by a battery pack – that spins the front wheels, this hybrid Corvette manages to blend old-school muscle car grunt with the latest electric tech. With 655 ponies on tap, AWD, and mean widebody looks from the Z06, this most modern of Vettes will scream to 60 in just 2.5 seconds.

Bentley Bentayga EWB

At the other end of the spectrum is Bentley’s stretched Bentayga with the unimaginative EWB designation for Extended Wheelbase. Splicing in an additional seven inches of length between the wheels would seem to be an ideal method for adding a third row. But this being a Bentley, the EWB is aimed at the chauffeur-driven demographic. To that end, this new model will offer an “Airline Seat” rear setup – as in Gulfstream, not 737.

Capable of adjusting in 22 different planes, the rear passenger-side throne reclines 40° and automatically slides the front seat forward while extending a comfy footrest. As with any Bentley, you have your choice of cabin “Hide” to go along with the hand-assembled everything. “Only” available with the twin-turbo V8 making 542 hp – no W12 here – the Bentayga EWB is expected to start at some $266,000 and easily crest 300 large with options.

Polestar 1

Polestar, the EV subsidiary of Volvo, is a burgeoning brand that currently offers the mass-produced Polestar 2 compact sedan. However, they also make – in the extremely limited quantity of just 1,500 worldwide – the Polestar 1 halo car. A spiritual successor to the P1800 with slinky two-door lines, the matte black example on display at the DC Auto Show is a looker.

Powered by a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0L inline-4 paired with three electric motors, this plug-in hybrid supercar is rated for 619 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. It features a mostly carbon fiber body, hand-stitched Nappa leather upholstery, staggered 21-inch wheels on Pirelli P Zero rubber, and adjustable dampers. A total moonshot of a vehicle, the Polestar 1 is an amazing machine.

Toyota GR Supra A91-MT

When Toyota brought the Supra back to life in 2020 after a two-decade hiatus, enthusiasts rejoiced. Then they wept to learn there would be no manual transmission. On display at the 2023 Washington DC Auto Show is the Japanese automaker’s olive branch to their loyal fans – the Supra A91-MT.

Along with now offering a 6-speed stick on any 2023 Supra with the inline-6, the limited edition A91-MT is exclusively a 3-pedal setup. Limited to just 500 copies, this top-spec Supra has exclusive options like Matte White or CU Later Gray paint, unique 19-inch rims, hazelnut-colored leather upholstery, red Supra badging, and a sweet Alcantara-trimmed shifter.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

A sleek egg-shaped foil to the creased Ioniq 5, the new Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the next EV offering from the South Korean automaker’s new battery-powered sub-brand. They call it a “four-door streamliner” and the dazzling style lives up to the name. As does the slippery 0.22 coefficient of drag.

All of which helps the Ioniq 6 hit a claimed 340 miles of range in single-motor setup. It’ll sport the new Hyundai logo, over 700 of the brand’s signature “Parametric Pixels” throughout, and start around $44,000. Capable of fast charging with an 800-volt architecture, the new Ioniq will also come with two years of unlimited complimentary charging via Hyundai’s partnership with Electrify America.