New York International Auto Show 2013: Concept Cars We Can't Wait to See
  • 11 years ago
Auto shows are the fashion runways of the car world. And like fashion shows much of what we see will drive innovation and inspire future designs even if it never makes if off the runway. With that in mind the New York International Auto Show kicks off this week and here's a look at some of the concept cars we look forward to seeing.The Acura NSX. Acura showed off the latest iteration of the 2015 NSX at this year's Detroit Auto Show to much fanfare. The Japanese supercar went out of production in 2005 after shaking up the world of supercars for nearly a decade and a half. The concept will utilize Honda's hybrid technology and will be propelled by a four-wheel drive setup they're calling ‘Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive'. The 3.7 Liter V6, engine will be supplemented by an electric motor, typical of Honda's hybrid's. But the front wheels will also have a pair of electric, electronically-controlled motors, giving them the freedom to adjust their power and improve handling during turns. Given that the car is far from production lines specs are limited, but Car and Driver asserts that likely competitors will be the Porsche 911 and Audi R8 and is expected to cost north of $100,000. On a side note the iconic Japanese vehicle will not be produced in Acura's home country. The entire production will take place in Ohio.With its chubby cheeks and expressive eyes complete with eyebrows the Smart's ForStars concept certainly turned heads at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. And with a more sporty body the European carmaker seems to be hoping to make moves into the crossover market. The interior is fashioned like a spaceship with grand sloping curves and a steering wheel pulled from Star Trek. The most playful aspect of the ForStars is most likely the movie projector built into the hood of the vehicle. Operated by an iPhone the projector can be shined onto a flat surface and speakers built into the sides create the complete cinematic experience. The BMW i3 concept is a completely electric car with a range of 80 to 100 miles. Through what BMW is calling “optional DC fast charging” the battery can supposedly be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes. Plus, the car is outfitted with a gps that will tell the driver where the nearest charging station is, although that won't be practical in most locations. Beyond that, the car is quick, able to do 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds. Rounding off the car and giving it a futuristic look are those sleek banks of windows meant to give passengers a larger sense of space.