The 2018 New York Auto Show – PREVIEW
Although there is still more than a month left until the New York Auto Show 2018 (March 30th – April 8th), there are already plenty of rumors on what to expect and what’s there to be seen on the stands.
Alongside car reveals and showcases, the yearly Marketing: Automotive conference is held at the New York Auto Show, and awards are to be presented for the best marketing strategies among automakers and their dedicated marketing agencies.
According to Ian Beavis, chief strategy office of AMCI Global, the marketing conference is actually of great interest as it tackles important issues for the big and small automotive brands all around the world. Sources reveal that automakers have put huge amounts of effort in perfecting their unveiling events – the main attraction of the New York Auto Show 2018. Although the official press-only days are set for the 28th and 29th of March, it is not unusual to see a jump backward by some producers, just to get the edge off the competition.
Cadillac’s long-term debut
Among the producers actively implicated in the development of the auto show, Cadillac is ready to unveil its XT4 model for the first time, thus has forwarded invites since February 2nd. The smaller and cheaper sibling of the XT5, the XT4 is just the first out of a series of five major new vehicles planned by Cadillac until the end of 2020.
Even though it may seem counterintuitive, it is clear that the subcompact and compact car segments are thriving in North America, acting as a launching pad for younger customers aiming for luxury, and whose needs will change over time and go for the bigger, more expensive units. It is very likely that the XT4 will feature the same platform as the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain, thus being larger than its BMW X1 and Audi Q3 European counterparts. Size-wise, it is expected that the Cadillac XT4 to fit the mold of Lincoln’s MKC and Lexus NX.
Very little is known about what there is to be found under the hood; however, the best guess revolves around a turbocharged four-cylinder unit coupled to a nine-speed automatic with optional four-wheel drive. A small tip was given by Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen when mentioning a completely new series of engines to pick from with the new XT4.
Preview of the Cadillac XT4
Nissan’s Altima to debut on the 28th of March
Nissan feels rather confident with the expected debut of the Altima at NYIAS. The invited forwarded to press representatives mentions the love of New Yorkers for the Altima. The sixth generation of the model will be present at the New York International Auto Show.
Since the mid-size sedan market has been losing dramatically in favor of crossovers and mid-sized SUVs, it was clear that taller vehicles were the way to go for automakers in order to preserve sale numbers. However, against all odds, Nissan still managed to sell no less than a quarter million Altimas just in 2017.
In terms of outer design, it is expected to see a new V-motion grille and redesigned door panels (different from the ones presented with the Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept in 2017). As expected, Nissan will maintain a conservative take on the design in order to appeal traditional buyers.
Regarding the powertrain, best guess is the ongoing inline-4 unit for the base trim with high hopes for a 3.5-liter V6 on the higher SL model. While it is pretty much overkilling the segment with a V6 in a mid-sized sedan, that is exactly what Nissan is aiming for.
Preview of the Nissan Altima
Other presumed launches
In other stands, it is expected to see KIA unveiling its 2019 K900 model for the first time. Just last week teaser shots were released regarding the model. While not much else was revealed, speculation place the K900 in close relation with the Genesis G90.
Lexus may be prepared to reveal its UX crossover for the first time on the American continent. The small sports utility vehicle was teased in a Facebook video and was confirmed to be revealed in Geneva, creating competition for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Jaguar E-Pace.
Overall, the 2018 New York International Auto Show is expected to gather above 1 million attendants. The show is expected to host no less than 1000 vehicles on the floor, including classic renditions, new releases and concept cars.
