It is unlikely that someone disappointedly left the 2018 New York International Auto Show. There were many cars and concepts to see. The large number of participants at the show made it difficult to choose an absolute winner. However, there were quite a few cars that caught the spotlight. Let’s have a look at the top pics of the 2018 NYIAS:

The 3-row Lincoln Aviator crossover

Lincoln’s giant Navigator SUV sells like crazy. However, as the MKT platform is aging rapidly, a new 3-row crossover is needed. Not only up-to-date powertrains are needed, but also a streamlined, well proportioned body. Gone is the time for lengthy lumpy designs. This is why Lincoln’s Aviator concept is such an important piece of the puzzle owned by the American luxury brand.

It’s pretty clear that the underpinnings of the new Aviator are borrowed from the upcoming For Explorer. There’s also a Range Rover Velar impression on the outside. However, designers put in enough effort and originality not to call it a clone. The Lincoln Aviator concept presented at New York International Auto Show has been lacking a lot of details. There’s no accurate info on engine data or the final size of the 3-row crossover.

On the other hand, there are plenty of things known to make an impression. When’s the last time an automaker used comfortable seats as a selling point? Lincoln brought over the design style of the Navigator and implemented it on the Aviator, including the Perfect Position seats. In regard for the powertrain, it’s only known that the RWD version will feature a twin turbocharged engine and a rumored plug-in hybrid optional. Part of the suspension found on the concept seemed very similar to the one found on the 2018 Ford Mustang.

2019 Genesis Essentia Concept

The stunner of the 2018 New York International Auto Show comes from a rather unlikely stand. You might expect a futuristic, Vision-like concept from a big brand. It’s not the case right now. Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury spinoff. The Essentia Concept is the brand’s first car, and stands out as an EV capable of reaching 60 mph in just 3 seconds. There is enough “smart” technology within the car to take to the next era. However, it’s not technology that makes the concept stand out.

It is in fact, its design. The car is downright gorgeous. Body lines remind of an era before oil prices weren’t high enough for people to bother reading them. The Essentia is supposed to”elevate and reimagine the Athletic Elegance design paradigm. Sounds complex and utterly nonsense at first. However, once you realize that designers Luc Donckerwolke and Sangyup Lee threw their best efforts into this, your opinion stands to change.

The point of the concept was to design not just a car nor a model to define the Genesis brand. Instead, the car must represent an entire culture and take along its legacy. So, is the Genesis Essentia Concept representing Seoul in its finest? We’d be inclined to agree.

VW Atlas Tanoak – the car-based truck

The Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak was undeniably one of the biggest surprises at the New York Auto Show. It was very late and right before the show that Volkswagen let out the slightest teasers of the pickup truck concept. But, is it worth it? Having in mind the American market, the concept is actually more realistic than it first looks. The Tanoak is based on the Atlas, which had already had its powertrains certified for US emission standards. Slight to no changes will be required to the front area in order to also pass safety testing. So, how would the Volkswagen Tanoak Concept compete in the land of pick-ups?

US still presents as a strong pickup market, especially the segment where Tanoak would compete. On the other hand, the closest existing model to the Tanoak is the Honda Ridgeline. Sadly, the Ridgeline just tipped 34,000 units sold in 2017. Not a great number and definitely not enough for a giant such as VW. The fight for sale numbers will become a full-scale war as soon as Ford releases the body-on-frame Ranger later in 2018. Taking in account all arguments, analysts expect VW to build the Tanoak and sell it at a low price point.

2019 Kia K9000 Flagship

Car enthusiasts and even hardcore Kia fans were getting tired of the wave of brochures and teaser shots of the 2019 Kia K900 model. The time has come and the car made its first worldwide apparition at the New York International Auto Show. Nothing but the name was carried from the previous version; however, the overall design is still conservative to a degree.

Initially, Kia decided to keep powertrain info hidden. However, it has been announced that the K900 will use the same 3.3-liter V6 twin turbo as found on the Kia Stinger. The engine is capable of delivering 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This is supposed to be the only power unit available, coupled to a torque vectoring all wheel drive that comes standard. The new K900 is supposed to be 33% stiffer than its previous generation and it is able to distribute power between the axles at 50-50 up to 20-80 rates, respectively.

According to sources, a 5-liter V8 unit will be made available in Kia’s home market, letting US fans cry desperately in the distance. On the inside, the K900 wraps a leather cocoon around its occupants, complimented by motion sensing lighting system. The dashboard becomes 20% brighter as the driver reaches for the controls.  Alongside the star of the show, Kia also introduced refreshed versions for the Optima and Sedona models.