By Christine Philip
This year’s international auto show in New York was not short of new rides, surprises, luxury concepts, and spectacular design. Here are some of the highlights:
A New Range of Lux SUV’s
Maserati unveiled a fierce SUV, the Levante. “100% sports utility vehicle, 100% Maserati”. It embodies the sophisticated engineering and look of Italian style: from premium leather coupled with carbon fiber trim to exclusive Ermenegildo Zegna silk interiors and audio sound of Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound. Levante benefits from a Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive system, and an advanced active air suspension: five ride heights with six levels of capability and shock absorbers featuring continuous damping variation. Levante prioritizes comfort and assumes a more sporty character.
Another luxury SUV making its debut was the 2017 Bentley Bentayga. From the four round headlamps that flank the matrix grille to Bentley’s trademark ‘double wing’ cockpit design, Bentayga brings a tech infused driving experience.
The interface is flexible, offering a choice of touch control, rotary dials, gestures or even voice, depending on user preferences or driving conditions. Meanwhile, rear seat passengers can also enjoy TV and video entertainment, navigation features, games, video calling and media streaming. It achieves a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h 4.1 seconds) and a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h). Bentayga also has a all-new W12 engine.
Range Rover introduced the new Evoque SUV Convertible. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible Roof System lets the outside in at the mere touch of a button. It also operates at speeds of up to 29 miles per hour. The Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment system features a 10.2-inch Touchscreen as standard with customizable home screen, enabling intuitive interaction and easy access to your favorite features. Schedule a test drive here.
The Batmobiles
The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid sports car. The design is heavily influenced by the M1 Hommage Concept (which is itself, a retro concept of the original M1).
The BMW i8 can go from 0–100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph)
The Concepts
-CP
Photography by GG