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The 2022 New York Auto Show is a sad thing

Take a tour of the 2022 New York Auto Show. Missing many marquee makers, the show has become a shell of its former self.

2022_ny_auto_show
2022 New York Auto Show

BMW was not at the 2022 New York Auto Show. Click here to see BMW’s reveal of the new X7, 7 Series and XM in New York that day.

I’ve always questioned the wisdom of the New York Auto Show. If you’ve ever been to Manhattan, you’d know that it’s a city that hates cars. No parking for them exists (places that do cost a kids college tuition), pot holes the size of canyons try to ruin your wheels, and almost everyone drives on top of you. It’s panic-inducing. That said, I’ve been going to this show for over 20 years, since high school, and it used to be something really special. Now, it’s a shell of its former self.

Audi GT
The lone Audi at the show sat by itself.

What’s missing?

While the Javits Center used to be packed with three floors, the show is now down one level, with the basement reserved for vendors like you might find at a flea market. Not attending this year were BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mitsubishi (hey, I like them), Cadillac, Buick, GMC, and Mazda.

In their place were electric startups like VinFast that I’ve never heard of. Will these makers even be around in a year? I doubt it. The big chance to break into the electric vehicle market was actually ten years ago with Tesla. Now, mainstream makers have caught up. Would you rather have an electric BMW, or a VinFast? It’s not made by Vin Diesel and his FF crew.

VinFast
We’ll see if cars like the VinFast are even here next year.

In place of displays were three large “test tracks” for electric vehicles. I say tracks loosely – you can’t go above 15 mph on them. It’s a cool concept that wasn’t possible with ICE cars.

2022 New York Auto Show
One of the electric car tracks.

What were some 2022 New York Auto Show highlights?

Nissan Z

2023 Nissan Z
The new Z maintains classic proportions.

How about the all-new Nissan Z. I loved both of my 350Zs, but Nissan had let the 370 get a bit long in the tooth. This new Z has a 400-horsepower twin turbo V-6, a cabin that still maintains comfort and nostalgic style (from both the 350 and original 240), and rejoice! A manual transmission is available! I hope to be able to get my hands on one and do a review soon. Sadly, I did not see a GT-R, but that is too due soon for a replacement.

2023 Nissan Z
It’ll never be lux, but it is fun.
2023 Nissan Z
The dash was nicely done. Easy to read with fun, retro dials.
2023 Nissan Z
Grab one while you still can.
2023 Nissan Z
I love the 3 gauges on top, even if the layout isn’t logical.
2023 Nissan Z
The retro badge returns.
2023 Nissan Z
Some 300ZX in the back.

Toyota Supra

2023 Toyota Supra
A removable roof is coming.
2023 Toyota Supra
This wing should be standard. It’s a Supra!

A Z competitor, the Supra, has now reached mid-point in the sports car life cycle of relevance, and that means special parts and updates. Check out the TRD wing, carbon fiber wheels, and T tops. Also, again, a manual transmission is coming. But if I were a current Supra owner, I’d be pretty upset. They’ve waited 20 years fro a new Supra. The second year got a better BMW motor, and now this year, a manual. Imagine if they just gave the good stuff right away. All Toyota has done is annoy a loyal fan base.

2023 Toyota Supra
The Supra has reached its “I’m not news” anymore phase, but it’s still a good sports car.
2023 Toyota Supra
What do these cost to replace?!
2023 Toyota Supra
Get excited for a manual, if you don’t already own one.

Lexus IS 500

2021 Lexus IS 500
V-8 performance sedan. Sign me up!

Staying with Toyota, I was also excited also to see the Lexus IS 500, a replacement for the IS F from a decade ago. Still available with a V-8 and ten grand cheaper than an M3, it would provide a fun alternative to the Germans.

2021 Lexus IS 500
I have a soft spot for the IS, and I’m excited to try this one!
Lexus RC
The RC looks better in Frozen Blue paint, but considering it’s a coupe, it’s not very stylish or fun to drive.

Corvette Z06

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Looks good with the addition of carbon fiber bits.

I loved the base C8 Corvette, and the new Z06 is coming soon. A V-8 with an increased red line to 8,600 RPM (higher than the S65!), the Z06 is faster in every regard than the base model. Not that it needed it. Looks good too.

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
A redline of 8,600 RPM. This is one to get excited about.

Subaru WRX

2023 Subaru WRX
Never pretty, but always purposeful. It makes a great daily.

The WRX has always been a favorite of mine, and the new one should improve on refinement levels. To me, the WRX remains the perfect daily. Quick, able to drive through any weather, and efficient, what else is needed? Not exactly a looker, but that’s ok.

2023 Subaru WRX
Inside, it seems more refined from the outgoing version.
2023 Subaru WRX
Black plastic trim on the bottom does not help the look, but at least it’ll be easy to clean.

Exotics

Though commonplace, it’s always nice to see a clean Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce. I’m going to guess these were from a local dealer, as there was no official display for the brands. The Huracan’s face is revised for 2022.

2023 Rolls Royce
2023 Lamborghini Huracan
A new face gives the Huracan new life.

Cultivated Collector at the New York Auto Show

It was fun to see a yellow XJR-15 in TWR livery after shooting one last year. Also on deck from CC were some classic Japanese metal – a Mark IV Supra, original NSX, and RX-7. I was at the auto show when these cars were still new and sold to the public, so it was both nostalgic and sad to realize the passage of time. Sadly, no 3000GT. These cars still don’t get the respect they deserve.

Acura NSX
I love 90s Japanese classics.
Mazda RX-7
This car could be sold today, so modern in its looks.

Electric time

In a few weeks, I’ll be reviewing a BMW i4 M50, and from my brief time with one during the day, I enjoyed it. But there are many other makers coming out with electric cars as well, and I must say that Kia/Hyundai really have some good looking cars coming. The displays were certainly first rate. I just hope they can fix their quality issues.

Deus Vayanne
This is the Deus Vayanne. Looks pretty good.
Deus Vayanne
The car has the Williams F1 team logo on it, so hopefully they’ve helped to develop it.
Deus Vayanne
Inside, it’s pretty far along for a concept car.
Kia
Even the digital displays were awesome.
Kia
The styling department of Hyundai has really killed it.
Formula E
Of course, Formula E was here for the race in July.
Ford GT
Ford brought along a classic GT with a new one.
Alfa Romeo
Whoever parked cars for Stellantis has a sense of humor. It’s hard to believe they are made by the same auto group.

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