The Kia EV9 on display at the 2023 New York International Auto Show.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
There’s no shortage of buzz-worthy cars at the 2023 New York International Auto Show. And they’re not all electric. Here are five buzz-worthy rides garnering most of the attention.
Kia EV9
South Korean automaker Kia introduced this big, boxy, blue three-rowed electric SUV called the EV9. It’ll come with two battery options – the longer AWD version will have 379 horsepower, 516 lb-ft of torque, and sprint to 100 kilometres per hour in about five seconds. Impressive for a vehicle this size. No details yet on the AWD range, but the base RWD model will have a range of up to 480 kilometres and be able to tow 5,000 pounds. Inside the cabin, there’s seating for seven passengers and the second-row captain’s chairs are especially attractive – they have a relaxation setting so you can push a button, stretch out and recline in comfort. This will be the first Kia EV built in the United States.
Hyundai Kona
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric has vehicle to load capability, so you can brew a cup of java using the charging port.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
From Kia’s cousin comes this lime-coloured 2024 Hyundai Kona electric SUV. Compared to the last version, it has grown in every dimension. But the 64.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack only offers an electric range of 418 kilometres, which is on the low side compared to some competitors. It does have vehicle to load, or V2L, capability so you can brew a cup of java using the charging port. It also has smart regenerative system, one-pedal driving, a digital key and active grille shutters. Charging on a 400-volt DC fast charger is quick – taking 43 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent charge. It’s expected to arrive in dealerships later this year.
Genesis GV80 Coupe concept
The GV80 Coupe concept has signature Genesis design cues including beefy wheels and dual horizontal lighting elements.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
On the flip side of the electric power, comes this performance-oriented ride from Genesis. The GV80 Coupe concept is stunning in its design with its Lamborghini-like good looks and an intriguing shade of orange called “Magma.” It has signature Genesis design cues including beefy wheels and dual horizontal lighting elements. Inside, it’s equally impressive with room for four passengers, not five. They sit in well-sculpted, body-hugging carbon fibre racing seats with nappa and suede upholstery with the same striking magna colour accents adorning the cabin. No word yet if this will go into production, but to us it looks production ready.
Ram 1500 REV
The 1500 Rev unveiled at the show was a production version of Ram's first all-electric light-duty pickup truck.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Finally Ram has introduced a production version of its first all-electric light-duty pickup truck. Dubbed the 2025 Ram 1500 REV, which is short for Revolution, it looks like a gas-powered Ram but it’s electric. It’ll come with two battery options – a standard 168-kilowatt-hour and a larger 229-kilowatt-hour pack. That’s not exactly light-duty. But officials are targeting a 800-kilometre range and 14,000 pounds of towing capacity. No word yet on pricing. Sure, that’s more range than the Ford F-150 Lightning or the Rivian R1T, but it’s still early – those numbers may change before it hits the road.
Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato will be the last Huracan model variant and the last Lamborghini to have a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V-10 engine.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
This raging bull is anything but electric. It represents an end of an era. This will be the last Huracan model variant and the last Lamborghini to have a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V-10 engine. But what a way to say goodbye to this iconic baby Lambo. This rally-inspired supercar has 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque and can launch to 100 kilometres per hour in a mere 3.4 seconds en route to a top speed of 260 kilometres per hour. And the styling raises the bar with familiar sharp angles covered in a posh gold exterior with red and black accents along its body. Only 1,499 of these supercars will be built.