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From Genesis’ molten-hot Magma editions to new EVs from Polestar and Porsche, the 2024 New York Auto Show had more than its share of cool cars.
Fresh & Familiar Faces
The rumored death of the auto show has been greatly exaggerated. This year’s New York Auto Show is a case in point. While participation was not universal, with carmakers like BMW sitting things out and others like GM and Honda keeping a low profile, brands like Genesis, Polestar, and Nissan took the opportunity to showcase existing models and introduce exciting new models and eye-popping concept cars. Below are highlights from the 2024 New York Auto Show.
Genesis Magma Editions & More
The Genesis brand, Hyundai’s luxury arm, had one of the biggest and most ambitious displays at this year’s show. Foremost was the reveal of the brand’s new Magma performance editions, all done up in a new “Magma Orange” paint job, that are likely to form the brand’s equivalent of BMW’s M cars and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG models. While Genesis hasn’t said what they intend for powertrain upgrades with the Magma editions, they all feature clear performance embellishments.
The new G80 Magma Special Edition, for instance, gets a new wider grille, a lower front splitter, a lower stance, duck bill spoiler, and rear diffuser. This molten hot sport sedan is sadly going to be a Middle East market exclusive. The X Gran Berlinetta concept was inarguably the most spectacular of the Magma Edition cars. This bubble-topped concept was built not for the road but for the Gran Turismo video game.
Genesis also had non-orange cars on display, including the Neolun EV concept that presages their upcoming GV90 flagship electric SUV. The Neolun features a stripped-down exterior design, with massive 24-inch wheels and hidden headlights and door handles. The interior is even more novel with its wood paneled floor (with radiant heating) and luscious purple upholstery.
Porsche Macan EV & Taycan Updates
Porsche was in New York to promote their electrification efforts, starting with their newly electrified Porsche Macan. Porsche’s small SUV is ditching internal combustion for a new 800-volt electric architecture on their PPE platform. The new Macan will be initially offered in as either the Macan 4 with 402 horsepower or Turbo form with 631 horsepower. The Macan’s looks are also updated, with a taller beltline and large chin spoiler in front. The Porsche Taycan all-electric sedan is also getting updates that include a bigger, more efficient battery pack, a quicker zero to sixty time, and a new adaptive suspension as well as minor cosmetic updates.
Polestar 4, No Rear Window?!
Electric carmaker Polestar had their latest model, the Polestar 4, in attendance. The Polestar 4 mixes elements of both a crossover and a sedan much in the same fashion as the North American version of the Toyota Crown. The crossover’s coupe-like sloping roofline finishes in back with the elimination of a rear window (a rear-facing camera to serve as a replacement). The Polestar 4 will be offered in two configurations, either a single motor rear-wheel drive version with 272 horsepower or a dual-motor all-wheel drive version with 544 horsepower, the latter making it the most powerful Polestar in the brand’s roster.
Kia K4, Killer Looks for Forte Successor
Kia is dropping names like the Optima and Forte in favor of good old alphanumeric names like the K5. Despite this seeming step backwards, we’re thankful to report the brand’s design and engineering continues to move forward apace. A prime example is their new K4 sedan set to succeed the Forte. The new K4 takes its styling ques from the larger K5 sedan with a sporty roofline and distinctive lightning bolt running lights. The K4 will be offered as both a sedan and as a hatchback, the latter resembling a Euro-style shooting brake, very cool indeed.
Nissan Kicks Revamped
Though it doesn’t get a new name, Nissan is giving their subcompact the Kicks a major makeover. The next-gen Nissan Kicks bulks up with a higher beltline and a beefier front-end design, looking very much like a whole segment larger than it is. All-wheel drive has been added as a new option for the Kicks along with roughly 20 more horsepower. The interior has also been redone and now includes a pair of 12-inch screens arrayed across the dashboard.
Next-Gen Toyota Camry
Toyota and Lexus arrived in force at the New York Auto Show. Their current push toward hybrids was evident with the plug-in hybrids the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime on display as well as a new hybrid Land Cruiser Prado (not for US shores sadly). While those vehicles were not new, the next-gen 2025 Camry was new. As their bread-and-butter mid-size sedan, the Camry’s move toward hybrid-only powertrains is yet another major step in Toyota’s approach to electrification. The 2025 Camry’s redesign follows the styling laid out by the Prius but borrows a bit from the Lexus style-guide with that brand’s “predator” grille. Add in available all-wheel drive and it’s clear the new Camry is being positioned to retake its place atop the mid-size sedan segment.
Lotus, Old and New Schools
The New York Auto Show wasn’t just about volume production models or luxury cars. There were in fact a few dedicated sports cars around like the Lamborghini Aventador, Audi R8, and the Lotus Emira. That last one is the final gas-only vehicle Lotus is committed to building. Alongside it was the new Lotus Eletre all-electric SUV. The pair provides a stark contrast of the lightness Lotus has long been known for against a future powered by exceedingly heavy batteries. The Emira is powered by either a 3.5L supercharged V6 making 400 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual or a 2.0L AMG turbo four-cylinder making 360 horsepower and paired with dual-clutch automatic. With a zero-to-sixty a little over 4 seconds and Lotus’ legendary handling prowess, the Emira is a worthy send-off for internal combustion for Lotus.
Rimac Nevera, Superlative EV Hypercar
In case you haven’t yet heard of the Rimac Nevera, it’s the world’s quickest production car. The EV hypercar from Croatia has set all manner of speed records from 171 mph in reverse to zero-to-200 mph in 11 seconds all on the back of an 1,888-horsepower electric powertrain. The Nevera’s body is replete with lightweight carbon fiber, including its monocoque chassis. The whole car, minus tires and AC, are bespoke creations of Rimac. This ground-up approach yields the apex hypercar of the day, in both style and substance.
