After two years of virtual car exhibits, the New York International Auto Show is back. Even with the shortage of computer chips for new and existing cars, electric cars, SUVs, bikes and scooters are the stars of the show.Spokespeople will tell you that EV vehicles are here to stay: charging stations are becoming more commonplace throughout the country and in more urban centers than ever as people recognize the cost savings versus skyrocketing gas prices. We can only hope.
Lamborghini ©Meryl Pearlstein
This show is all about innovation and adaptation. And some fun, too.
With cars, SUVs and EV driving tracks set up on the first floor, and test areas for micro mobility vehicles (e-scooters and e-bikes) and multiple EV driving areas on the lower level plus the ever-popular outdoor Camp Jeep off-roading course, you’ll have a lot of exploring ahead of you. Electric cars, concept cars, hybrids and exotic vehicles steal the show this year. From now through April 24, this show is a must for any car lover. Show hours are daily from 10am-10pm and Sunday from 10am-7pm.
Jeep Rubicon on Off-Roading Track ©Meryl Pearlstein
Among the trends at the Auto Show this year:
Electric vehicles are big news. Big ones, small ones, crossovers. Everyone seems to have a variety of versions in popular colors like “flat grey” and white. Among them are the new VinFast from Vietnam and new INDI from California; the exciting EV versions of Volvo’s luxurious SUV, the XC 40 Recharge; and the expanded line of Infiniti and Lexus EVs.
VinFast ©Meryl Pearlstein
Check out the fabulous Mustangs (including the electric Mustang Mach-E), Camaros, Chargers and Corvettes as well. The style options seem more exciting than ever.
Mach 1 ©Meryl Pearlstein
Perhaps it’s because we haven’t attended this car show in two years, or maybe it’s because the designers have put more time into introducing these stunning vehicles.
Corvette ©Meryl Pearlstein
In the exotics area, there’s a neon green Lamborghini on display and a white Bentley SUV for those of you interested in that sort of thing. But I’d prefer the sexy navy Bentley Continental GT convertible displayed next to it or Elvis Presley’s white 1956 Lincoln Continental, brought to the show from its home in Memphis.
Elvis Presley's 1956 Lincoln Continental ©Meryl Pearlstein
In striking contrast to Volkswagen’s playful electric take on their beloved VW Van, the ID.Buzz, the Rolls Royce SUV sits very proper and austere.
VW ID.Buzz ©Meryl Pearlstein
If you’re not in the market for a new car, or if you have kids in tow, there are plenty of fun activities as well. Try out the Hyundai racing challenge stimulator or let the kids stand on one of the smaller e-scooters. Subaru has partnered with the National Park Service to create a video landscape showing scenes from parks around the country.
Hyundai Racing Course ©Meryl Pearlstein
Hungry? Nearby Hudson Yards has lots of choices from casual to formal.
Courtesy Little Spain
Little Spain is a food hall with Spanish specialty stands hawking patatas bravas, churros, jamón ibérico and more. There’s also a bar, an all-day Spanish Diner, a sit-down grill restaurant (Leña) and the newly re-opened Mar. Conceptualized by superstar chefs Jose Garces and Ferran Adrià, El Mercado is a colorful place for refreshment after the car show
E-bikes and e-scooters ©Meryl Pearlstein
You can find more information for the New York International Auto Show at http://www.autoshowny.com/. Tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for children under 12, and can be purchased online or at the show.