MotorWeek is on the floor of the New York International Auto Show.  

Toyota continues its product offensive with an all-new, 4th generation Highlander three-row crossover utility vehicle. Unveiled today at the 2020 New York International Auto Show, the new Highlander will once again be available in both gasoline and hybrid gasoline-hybrid models. The new Highlander is built on a new platform with strikingly modern styling. Details of the new look include standard low profile LED headlights and an accentuated profile character line that runs up to expanded rear fenders. Motivating this generation Highlander is either a V6 or redesigned hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain. Advanced safety technology includes standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracking assist, and road sign assist. The visual highlight of the Highlander’s interior is a new 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen included with Premium trim. It is the largest touchscreen in the Highlander’s price segment. The new Highlander is about 2.4 inches longer overall than before with all of the length going to expand passenger and cargo volume. The new Highlander goes on sale late this year with the hybrid model arriving in the first quarter of 2020.

There are big changes for the little Toyota Yaris.  The hatchback will emerge as a 5-door for the 2020 model year. The 106-horsepower 1.5-liter inline four gets a standard 6-speed automatic with Sport Mode.  They’ve fit more standard features into the car’s compact dimensions like a Low-Speed Pre-Collision Safety System, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility with a 7-inch touchscreen.

Lincoln revealed the all-new 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact luxury SUV.  It replaces the 2019 MKC, as Lincoln continues their strategy of nautical-inspired names replacing the old "MK" scheme.

 

Engine choices are a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo making 250 hp and 275 lb-ft. of torque, and a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo, making 280 hp and 310 lb-ft.  Both engines come with an 8 speed automatic, with optional all-wheel-drive.

Styling falls in line with the rest of Lincoln's lineup, with blacked-out pillars and a roofline that sweeps downward toward the rear, similar to the new Aviator. Lincoln's Design Director David Woodhouse said that the door panel contours on the 2020 Corsair are some of the deepest on any vehicle they've produced and special attention was paid to the way they reflect light.

Inside, the Lincoln Corsair features extensive use of horizontal lines to help maximize the feeling of space within the cabin.  Following the Lincoln Aviator, the steering wheel has buttons that light up only when they are applicable for use, then go dark to reduce visual clutter.  Other interior features include Lincoln's new "phone as a key" technology, which allows drivers to unlock and start the vehicle simply by having a phone with the Lincoln Way app on their person.  It also allows remote start and HVAC control.  The app even includes driver profiles that save customization of everything from seat position to radio presets to cruise control settings.

A new interior color, Beyond Blue, expands Lincoln's foray into bolder interior colors for a traditionally conservative segment.  However, the Corsair does not offer any Black Label trim options.  Lincoln Motor Company President Joy Falotico told MotorWeek that while Black Label packages have been very popular on higher level vehicles like the Navigator, most entry level luxury vehicle shoppers do not opt for them.

The new 2020 Lincoln Corsair will be built in Louisville, Kentucky for the U.S. market and will also be built in China for the Chinese market.  It should arrive at dealerships this fall.

Genesis is plugging into the EV competition with the Mint Concept.  The all-electric two-door two-passenger luxury car is specifically designed for the city.  Genesis says this cute concept would be capable of an estimated 200-miles per full charge.  Keeping in mind space is at a premium in the city, the conventional trunk with a rear hatch has been replaced with a rear compartment reached by scissor-style side openings.

Volkswagen is apparently testing the waters with a new compact pick-up.  The Volkswagen Tarok concept is being seen for the first time in the U.S.  The global debuted was at the Sao Paolo International Motor Show last year.  Equipped with a 1.4-liter TSI engine and 4Motion all-wheel drive, the production version is set to go on sale in Brazil soon.  Volkswagen says they do not have any plans to make the Tarok for the US, but they will be gauging reaction here. 

The Volkswagen ID. BUGGY concept made its North American debut. The classic Californian dune buggies of the 1960s inspired designers for this newest member of VW’s EV family.  Using the MEB chassis, Volkswagen says it will have an estimated 155-mile range from a 62 kWh battery

The production version of the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster attracted a crowd… just as the concept did every time it was shown.  The open-top race inspired sports car is unmistakable with its low-cut front windshield and side windows, and lightweight fabric top.  A 502-horsepower naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six is only matched with a six-speed manual. That should take you 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds, and up to 192 miles per hour on the track.  They’ll only make 1,948 of them worldwide.  Ordering begins next month.   

 

Mercedes-Benz brought a lot of power to the Big Apple with AMG versions of vehicles on the smaller end of their line-up. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+ in SUV and Coupe form were revealed before press days. Choosing between base and S models will determine whether 476-hp or 510-hp will come out of the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo.

The newest member of the Mercedes-AMG family is the CLA 35 4MATIC. The four-door coupe is capable of 306-hp from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive.

The 3-pointed star’s new compact car platform is also yielding the Mercedes-AMG A 35 sedan. Just as Mercedes considers the A-Class as a gateway to the brand for new and young buyers, the A 35 4MATIC is planned as the new gateway to the world of AMG with a 4.8 second 0-62 time and top speed of 155 mph.

The redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe took a bow with new technology and a new engine.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS unveiled big luxury utility style with the comfort of the E-Active Body Control suspension and the new technology of the MBUX personal assistant.  The GLS 580 4MATIC will have a new electrified V8 engine featuring EQ Boost, their 48-volt onboard electrical system with an integrated starter generator. The GLS 450 4MATIC will feature a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine with EQ Boost.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886 made its world premiere in New York.  This limited special edition EQC is available exclusively in metallic high-tech silver with a black panel radiator grille with louvres and edging in high-gloss black.  Offering all-wheel drive from two motors, range is expected to be up to 293-miles when it goes on sale next year.

Hyundai is adding to their utility line-up with the Hyundai Venue.  Their smallest entry level crossover becomes the seventh in their lineup. The 1.6-liter engine can be matched with a 6-speed manual or Intelligent Variable Transmission… their version of the CVT.  The 8-inch touch screen will be able to work with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  Advanced safety technology includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.  Look for the 2020 Hyundai Venue at dealers later this year.

The all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata made its North American debut. The eighth-generation of their mid-size sedan stands apart from its predecessors wearing Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design.  Sales begin in October.

The all-new Subaru Outback combines the same rugged capability it’s always had with the advantages of a new global platform and turbo power. For the first time since 2009, the sixth-generation Outback XT models will have a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine delivering 260-horsepower.   Subaru says nearly 90 percent of the parts are new on the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER producing 182-horsepower.  The new engineering works with a Lineartronic CVT featuring an 8-speed manual mode, and an all-new suspension.

Mazda made headlines bringing a new diesel to the U.S.  The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD will include a 168-horsepower Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel engine as an option.   That will bring 290 lb-ft of torque to the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the region.

Kia’s spiced things up with the HabaNiro concept. This 4-seater with butterfly-wing doors definitely has an urban feel.  Two electric motors, one up front and one in the rear could provide all-wheel drive for more than 300 miles.  The idea is to have a full-width front windshield head-up display, and part-time level-five autonomous driving with a retractable steering wheel and instrument panel.

In the near term, there’s the 2020 Stinger GTS.  A new all-wheel drive system adds drift mode.  Driving enthusiasts will notice the carbon fiber parts, but everyone else will be aware of the exclusive Federation Premium Orange paint.  This is a limited edition… so only 800 will be made beginning this spring.

Nissan is celebrating a milestone.  The 2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition captured the spotlight early.  This reveal is appropriate since the original Datsun 240Z made its U.S. debut half a century ago in the Big Apple.  This special edition is inspired by the #46 Brock Racing Enterprises Datsun 240Z first seen in 1970 and then won many SCCA National Championships.   

They also showed the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition based on the 2020 GT-R Premium model. 

The cover came off the 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO. Their most powerful production GT-R ever has new turbochargers and carbon fiber roof, hood and front fenders.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was also on display.  The third-generation entry-level 4-door is longer, lower and wider than the previous model.

Ford is bringing more performance to their entry level Mustang for its 55th anniversary.  They announced the 2.3-liter High Performance Package.  The four-cylinder EcoBoost engine will pump out 330-horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. The powerful pony car will come with Mustang GT brakes and Mustang GT Performance Package aerodynamics and suspension parts.  The Mustang EcoBoost fastback coupe and convertible models go on sale this fall.

The Mustang had another winning year.  Global sales data from IHS Markit for 2018 total new vehicle registrations for all sports car segments, shows the Mustang was the world’s best-selling sports coupe for the fourth consecutive year.

A new contender in the EV arena is the Qiantu K50 by Mullen.  They say their flagship electric sports car is production ready, and will be built in North America.  The sleek styling comes with a 402-horsepower engine and 230-miles of electric range.

Italian brand Maserati brought a lot of class to New York.  They showed the North American audience their new PELLETESSUTA leather interior made by Ermenegildo Zegna exclusively for Maserati.  North American customers will soon be able to experience the Maserati ONE OF ONE customization program.  It allows buyers to personalize their Maserati with thousands of interior and exterior options.

A taste of speed was presented with limited-edition 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING vehicles.  The Nürburgring name recognizes Alfa Romeo’s laps on the world-renowned German track, and the company’s century-plus history in racing.  Only 110 Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING versions will be sold in North America.

The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition will find a new spot at the top of the luxury sedan’s line-up.  Luxury meets sporty here.  The limited edition features exclusive Valencia Red Pearl paint with interior design elements from Acura's A-Spec line, like black Milano leather seats with Alcantara inserts and an A-Spec steering wheel. The individually numbered serial plaque on the lower console will serve as proof these will be built by the same technicians that hand assemble the Acura NSX supercar at the Performance Manufacturing Center. The MDX PMC Edition will get the special treatment next.