The New York International Auto Show has long been one of my favorite events of the year. Since attending as a young kid and seeing the likes of a brand new SLR McLaren, Dodge Viper, Honda S2000 and so many more now-collectible cars are some of my favorite memories as a kid. Now in my late 20’s and coming into its 124th year, the 2024 New York International Auto Show remains to as a can’t-miss event with over 700 manufacturer and privately owned cars on display. Even with automotive manufactures continuing to back out of auto shows (no showing from Mercedes, BMW, Lincoln, McLaren), the 2024 New York International Auto Show was filled some of the coolest cars money can buy, and some of the most wild concept cars. Let’s take a look at my top 5:
2024 Lotus Eletre
The storied sports-car brand enters the competitive SUV market with the all-electric Eletre. Starting at $115,000 for the base model the first ever Lotus SUV will be built in China and is now arriving to US customers. The base model offers a dual motor setup with over 600 horsepower, and a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. A more powerful, 900+ horsepower version will also be available, which has a more hefty price tag of $155,000. In contrast to other Lotus cars, the Eletre boasts a luxurious interior and will be offered in a 4 seat or 5 seat configuration. Range is said to be just over 315 miles for the base trim and just over 280 miles for the performance trim.
Tedson Daydream R
Built and delivered exclusively to ex New York Giants star Michael Strahan at this yeas New York Auto Show, the Tedson Daydream is an eye catching take on modernizing a classic Porsche 964 911. This model, the Daydream R, is a performance focused car that’s a take on what a 964 911 would look like if it were made today, says Tedson CEO, Goran Turić. Everything besides the roof and door is made up of carbon fiber, making the car about 150 pounds lighter than the original Porsche 964 911. Powering the Tedson Daydream R is a 430 horsepower air-cooled engine combined with a 150 horsepower electric motor on the cars flywheel. Zero to 60 miles per hour is achieved in just 2.6 seconds. Pricing is not specified, but owners are required to supply a 964 Carrera 2 in addition to the build cost.
Jaguar XJ220 ‘N Series’
This may just be the most rare car at the show. Being shown on behalf of the Caretakers Collection, this is car number 003 out of the three ‘N Series’ cars ever made. Built in the 90s as part of a Jaguar racing program that was exploring differing materials, the ‘N Series‘ has a lightened aluminum body, larger turbos, larger brakes and wider wheels than your typical XJ220. All three ‘N’ cars were sent to the Top Run Race Team for the 1993 Italian GT Championship. Value today is estimated to be over $1million.
1985 Chevrolet El Camino
The Robert Downey JR Dream Car Collection was on full display and turning heads at the New York Auto Show. It featured 6 classic cars that had been modified in various ways to be more eco-friendly. Each car was also available to win via raffle. However, the standout in the collection was this El Camino. Over 2,500 hours of restoration resulted in an off-road ready El Camino with a 3 inch front lift and 2 inch rear lift, massive tires, a custom flat paint job, and solar panels on the roof to charge e-bikes fitted to custom holding racks. Under the hood, the original V6 was replaced a Chevy 2.7 liter turbo 4 cylinder motor. The build is valued at $175,000.
Genesis Neolun and Magma Concept Cars
It’s no secret the South Korean car manufacture has stepped up it game in the last number of years, and these concepts cars are no different. Starting with the Magma Concept Cars which include the GV60 Magma, G80 Magma Special and X Gran Berlinetta as shown in the pictures. The performance enhanced design queues are most noticeable along with the Magma Orange paint. The concepts have spent some time in the wind tunnel and have a wider, more aggressive look. No performance numbers or expected release dates have been announced.
Although tucked away in a corner at the New York Auto Show, it was tough to miss the Genesis Neolun Concept. The large and luxurious SUV, whose name also translates to ‘New Moon’, was showcasing the latest in luxury and electric power from Genesis. It’s expected that at least some version of the Neolun Concept will become the 3-row electric SUV Genesis is known to be working on. The headlights and taillights are seamlessly built into the body work, while coach doors open up to what appears to be a living room on wheels. Rotating seats, plush leather, custom flat screen TVs, and a real wood floor are just some of the things Genesis is showing off. No release dates or pricing has been announced.
