Auto Industry News: New York Auto Show Recap, DeLorean Teasers, & Slammed Enthusiasm

The New York Auto Show kicked off last week with debuts that seem to accurately represent both the current market’s appetite for “rugged” three-row SUVs and the future market’s desire for all-things-electric. Speaking of EVs, The Engine Block rounded up some interesting headlines this week concerning Honda, Tesla, and …DeLorean?! Plus, catch some details on an upcoming automotive event you certainly won’t want to miss.

NY Auto Show Recap: Models Worth Mentioning

After two years off, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) returned to the Javits Center in Manhattan this past week. New and exciting exhibits joined the roster, including the largest EV test track ever created at an auto show. Vintage voltage is on display too, with the Saratoga Auto Museum’s exhibit featuring rare and classic electric vehicles.

What really marks NYIAS’s grand re-entrance to the global auto show circuit, however, are the exciting vehicle debuts. Some are already in the production pipeline, while others are conceptual models of a potential automotive future. We rounded up a few interesting examples below that seem to best represent the current direction of the auto industry.

2023 Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai’s flagship SUV has been a major player in the segment for some time, and the automaker’s most recent updates ensure it stays that way.

Debuted at NYIAS, the Palisade refresh delivers several exterior upgrades, including new rear and front fascias, a new front grille and headlamps, and fresh alloy wheels. The real magic seems to be happening inside however. Technology takes over with a new instrument panel, gauge cluster, audio interface and steering wheel. There’s also a new 12-inch touchscreen, digital rearview mirror, WiFi hotspot, stronger wireless charging, and USB-C ports for lightning cables. It’s really no wonder Hyundai is scooping up awards left and right. These guys don’t just read the market it; they break it down like an English professor seeking tenure.

Joining all that next-gen tech are three full rows of updated seating, featuring cushy new designs with heating, ventilation, and wing-out headrests. Starting price should land under $35k – which is more than fair in today’s market for a V-6-powered, three-row SUV that’s practically plugged into the Matrix.

2023 KIA Telluride

Hyundai’s sister brand KIA unveiled an updated version of its own three-row SUV, the Telluride. The upgraded model adds new features, also largely centered on convenience and technology. These include a larger infotainment touchscreen and bigger head-up display, as well as onboard WiFi. Modest exterior tweaks are on the menu too, including a new grille, headlight design, revised bumpers, and unique wheels for each trim package.

Speaking of trim packages, two new ones join the lineup: X-Line and X-Pro. The former replaces the Nightfall special edition and features a slightly higher ride height (0.4 inches), unique grille, bridge-style roof rails, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. It also adds a new Tow Mode, which aims to help reduce sway when pulling a trailer.

The rugged X-Pro is slightly more intense, adding a 110-volt outlet in the cargo area and opting for 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It also boosts the Telluride’s tow rating from 5,000 to 5,500 pounds. Both trims retain the Telluride’s 291-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 – the sole engine option for this model.

Also on KIA’s New York debut list is the 2023 Niro. Available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric vehicle, all three powertrains get redesigns for next year. A noticeably more SUV-like exterior profile houses more cargo capacity and new technological updates.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

Keeping with the theme of updated three-row SUVs, Nissan dropped its own off-road-oriented package at the NY Auto Show. While not quite living up to the rugged Pathfinders of yore, (despite the Nissan marketing department’s insistence otherwise) the new outdoorsy “Rock Creek” family adventurer does turn up the volume on capability – albeit, conservatively. Its 3.5-liter V-6 makes 295 hp, which is 11 more ponies than the standard model. Plus, an off-road tuned suspension promises to help owners “find new adventures and take them on with confidence.” (Frankly, we feel like matching flannel jackets would achieve the same goal at a much lower price, but you do you.)

Other features include 18-inch “beadlock-style” wheels mounted with all-terrain tires, a tubular roof rack, and a dark V-motion grille.

2023 Nissan Leaf

Nissan also brought a refreshed Leaf to New York. Launched over a decade ago, the compact electric hatchback saw some much-needed style upgrades with the release of its second generation in 2018 (as well as bump in power and range).

While this new revision offers no mechanical enhancements, it does add a few exterior updates. Note the new headlights, molding treatment, and fresh 17-inch wheels, as well as the new front grille with light-up Nissan badge. Nissan also redesigned the Leaf’s tire deflectors and added a new rear diffuser and a revised rear spoiler for better aerodynamics.

Chrysler Airflow Concept

Sticking with clean and green… Stellantis decided its Airflow concept from January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was so nice, it needed to debut twice. The Graphite Black concept serves as an “Alter-ego version” to the all-white CES debut and, supposedly, looks closer to what a production version might be.

Outside, the all-electric crossover offers familiar styling with a sleek and swoopy design anchored by 22-inch copper-accent wheels. A narrow light blade running across the hood and slitted headlights update the front end, while a very high-tech interior points to the future. (Think: monstrous touchscreens.)

With a goal to be 100% battery electric by 2028, it’s clear Chrysler sees the Airflow as its ticket to a profitable tomorrow. The brand expects the EV to deliver a 400-mile range, fast-charging functionality, and Level 3 automated driving capabilities.

VinFast VF8 & VF9

Something to see – and keep watching – is VinFast. Vietnam’s first domestic automaker brought two electric SUVs to New York, the five-passenger VF8 and seven-passenger VF9. The two models will be available in two trim levels, with two battery pack options delivering 348 hp or 402 hp.

Interestingly, those batteries come with mandatory monthly subscriptions with fees based on battery usage. Consumers can choose between two rates. “Flexible” plans allot 310 miles of range per month, and then begin charging extra for any miles over that amount. The “Fixed” plan offers unlimited mileage, but the monthly cost is roughly 3x higher. The automaker believes separating battery and vehicle costs ensures more reasonable product pricing overall. Additionally, VinFast “takes on all the risks related to the vehicle’s battery … providing customers with peace of mind about quality during use,” according to a company press release.

To the automaker’s credit, it plans to provide lifetime battery warranty, covering all maintenance and repair costs, even replacing the battery for free when charging capacity dips below 70%. The automaker also plans to back up its vehicles with a generous 10 year/125,000-mile warranty.

We see this as a really clever way to build long-term clientele by essentially locking them into your brand. It’s certainly unusual, but might just be the right tactic for a modern EV-buying audience.

Honorable Mentions

Other notable New York debuts included the boldly-restyled 2023 Subaru Outback and facelifted BMW X7, as well as the aggressive Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica. Alfa Romeo showed off its first ever compact crossover, the plug-in hybrid Tonale, while Austria-based Deus Automobiles revealed its 2,200+ horsepower Vayanne electric hypercar. The VW ID Buzz and Jeep Wagoneer models made their ‘officially official’ debuts at the show as well, despite previous manufacturer unveilings.

Noticeably absent? Luxury brands. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Cadillac, Maserati, Aston Martin, and Ferrari (among others) either did not offer debuts or opted to skip the show altogether.

More EV News: Headline Roundup

Whether you think EVs represent an exciting automotive opportunity or a lithium ion nightmare, the future path seems paved in battery technology. Here’s a round-up of some recent happenings in the electric sphere.

Honda Ups the Ante on EVs

Despite longtime support of a hydrogen fuel cell future, Honda is betting big on the electric game. The automaker, who is still prepping the introduction of its first long-range EV model in the U.S., announced plans to bring an additional 30 new EVs to the global market – by 2030. The ambitious commitment is expected to cost roughly $40 billion. Honda said the lineup will run a wide gamut, including $8,000 micro cars in Japan and sub $30k crossovers built alongside GM here in the U.S., as well as two still-under-wraps electric supercar “flagship” models.

Tesla Tops List of Cheapest EVs to Run

While on the topic of pricing, Tesla recently nabbed first and second place in a ranking of cheapest electric vehicles to run. The 2022 EV Miles Report from Zutobi calculated the cost of running over 100 different electric vehicles, revealing the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor to be the most efficient. The compact car covered 100 miles on just $3.29 of charge, meaning it can (theoretically) drive cross-country for about $100 worth of charging up. In second place was the standard Tesla Model 3 at $3.45 of electricity for 100 miles. Hyundai IONIQ Electric claimed third place at $3.49 per 100 miles.

Unfortunately for Tesla owners, the brand just announced on Saturday it will no longer include charging equipment with its vehicles.

Great Scott! DeLorean Coming Back to the (Near) Future

DeLorean Motor Company confirmed back in February that its iconic DMC-12 sports car would return in 2022 as an electric vehicle. The original teaser video didn’t reveal much, other than confirmation of gullwing doors and a sleek silhouette. Now, the brand has dropped a slightly less cryptic teaser image (see this article’s cover photo) as well as additional unveiling details.

The new electric prototype will debut at the 71st Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Sunday, August 21. According to CEO Joost de Vries, the model will be all-new but pay homage to the classic. His company is currently searching for a North American factory site and aims to begin delivering customer vehicles by the end of 2023.

Mark Your Calendar: Slamology Returns

If the recent return to lively in-person events has you itching for something a little outside the norm, you’ve come to the right place. Slamology, an annual automotive and musical festival, is returning to Indianapolis June 11-12 for two full days of custom car excitement. Come for the pavement-gracing beauties, stay for the great vendors, food, music, and fun. Don’t miss the world’s largest car audio contest for a true nail-biting, eardrum-splitting experience, and be sure to check out the hydraulics competition. Unbelievable hydraulic hoppers and dancers show off their wildest creations, from mini trucks to vintage beauties. True to the event’s name, find out which Slamology vehicles are the lowest in a fun limbo contest! Learn more here.

The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Be sure to check back Wednesday for an insightful Q&A with Aeromotive. We talk current racing trends, participation levels, and (of course) new product!