A Prestigious Auto Show

The 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS 2018) saw major manufacturers like Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Subaru, Honda, and Nissan unveil new models in world premieres.

First to capture attention was local representative Cadillac. The day before the show, they invited guests from around the world to unveil the "XT4," a compact SUV measuring under 4.6 meters in length.

"With the XT4, we are entering a segment we have never ventured into before," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen at the press conference.

Cadillac XT4

Cadillac XT4

Its user-friendly size and dynamic, urban style seem well-suited for the streets of New York.

This premium compact SUV, along with the recently released JaguarE-PACE, is said to be in a segment with potential for further growth.

The prevalence of compact SUVs, led by the Cadillac XT4, was a defining characteristic of the 2018 New York Auto Show.

Japanese Manufacturers Also Unveil SUVs

Toyota drew a crowd of journalists to a press conference held separately from the Javits Center's exhibition space. They chose New York for the world premiere of the new "RAV4."

The RAV4, positioned as a "global core model" and a strategic world car for Toyota, achieved strong sales in the U.S. alone in 2017, with 410,000 units, half of Toyota's total sales.

It features a user-friendly size, similar to the Cadillac XT4, and is built on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform.

The engine options announced are a 2.5-liter gasoline and a hybrid combining a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 also boasts an enhanced infotainment system. It's not merely a practical tool, nor just a "car."

It was interesting to see the appeal of its value proposition, which shifts the perspective slightly to that of a product that brings new enjoyment to life.

Although not available in Japan, Honda's premium brand, Acura (for example, the NSX is sold under the Acura brand in the U.S.), unveiled the new "RDX".

The RDX is a crossover, a model with strong passenger car characteristics. The new model, announced as a 2019 model, combines a 2-liter VTEC engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, touted as "class-first."

Acura RDX

Acura RDX

It also features Honda's unique SH-AWD system, which adjusts the drive force between the left and right wheels using an electromagnetic clutch rather than a differential. It aims to provide driving enjoyment with a rear-wheel-drive bias.

Subaru is also a brand traditionally popular in the eastern United States, including New York. At the New York Auto Show, they unveiled the fifth-generation new "Forester" in a world premiere.

At the press conference, past Foresters were lined up on stage, and it was impressive how they emphasized not only robustness but also the close relationship with users by stating that most Subaru cars sold are still on the road today.

The new Forester's biggest feature is its new platform. It is equipped with a direct-injection 2.5-liter horizontally opposed engine and Subaru's signature Symmetrical AWD system.

While emphasizing the driving pleasure derived from its low center of gravity, the Forester also made sure to highlight safety with the standard inclusion of EyeSight, apparently appealing strongly to customers.

Super Sports and EVs Also in SUV Form

Jaguar, which will begin offering the electric SUV "I-PACE" in the U.S. from the second quarter, garnered attention in New York, especially as the production version was officially unveiled in Geneva just prior.

Meanwhile, Jaguar is also pushing the boundaries of high performance, unveiling the "F-PACE SVR" equipped with a 5-liter V8 engine producing 550ps.

It delivers 680Nm of maximum torque distributed to the front and rear wheels, combined with a specially tuned chassis and a suspension system with reinforced dampers.

Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln Aviator

Range Rover pioneered the elegant yet powerful SUV trend globally, and its influence was felt in the concept of the new "Aviator" exhibited by Lincoln.

While relatively compact within Lincoln's SUV lineup, it features three rows of seating and is rear-wheel drive.

Lincoln claims the plug-in hybrid, utilizing a twin-turbo engine, pursues sporty performance, boasting that it is "more powerful than many supercars."

In terms of power, the "Levante Trofeo" brought by Maserati is also not to be missed.

The sportiest model in their lineup was unveiled in New York.

It combines a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing a maximum output of 590ps and 730Nm of maximum torque with a four-wheel-drive system.

Maserati Levante

This super SUV boasts a top speed exceeding 300 km/h and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

On one hand, compact; on the other, high performance. SUVs significantly "evolved" in New York. This was the strong impression left by the show.