The auto industry is living through interesting times.
EV adoption has stalled even though some automakers had plans to switch to all electric fleets. This has led to manufacturers rethinking their strategies, with some putting a focus back on hybrid-electric powertrains and extending internal combustion engine production.
Then there are tariffs, which have thrown a wrench into global supply chains, regardless of where a vehicle is finally assembled. Tariff chaos is causing a rise in the cost of new vehicles at a time when the broader economy is under severe pressure with rising inflation and recession fears.
After the pandemic, many automakers decided that they could reach consumers without marketing their vehicles through once-essential expos like the New York International Auto Show. This impacted the selection of cars on display at NYIAS, with some brands showcased by local dealers rather than the manufacturers themselves. That said, there were still some fun cars to see, and here are some highlights to look out for on the road this year and beyond.
Genesis X Gran Equator Concept
Genesis X Gran Equator Concept
Genesis has been keeping the traditional auto show spirit alive by showcasing interesting concept vehicles for the last few years. This year it brought the company’s first adventure vehicle, named the X Gran Equator. The exterior takes horizontal line design language to a new level with a clean, boxy shape, while the interior is a fun blend of materials and shapes that looks quite luxurious for an off-roader—but makes sense when you consider that this vehicle looks to be a Range Rover rival. I like the four analog-style round displays used in lieu of the ubiquitous tablet-style rectangular screens. Genesis hasn’t detailed the powertrain, but the design language offers a glimpse into future models.
Fiat Topolino
Fiat Topolino
The Topolino, or little mouse in Italian, takes design cues from the Fiat Jolly of the 1960’s and 70’s, which were essentially open-air Fiat 500s used as seaside runabouts. Celebrities often used them to drive from their mansions to their yachts. They even had wicker seats and ropes instead of doors.
The modern interpretation is not even classified as a car, but rather a quadricycle. Powered by an 8-hp electric motor and a 5.5 kWh battery pack, it has a range of 43 miles and a top speed of 28 mph. Fiat offers both the closed model shown here, which it is marketing as a city car, and it also offers an open model for the seaside. In Europe, the Topolino costs about $11,000, which is a lot less than any other four wheeled vehicle on the market. It would be fun to see these running around New York City!
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid
A hybrid Porsche 911 might not make sense if you’re used to associating hybrid tech with economy-focused cars like the Toyota Prius. Porsche has a great reason to implement this tech in the 911 though, and it contains some of the most sophisticated engineering the model has ever seen. The aim is to enhance performance without increasing emissions. The powertrain is a 3.6-liter flat six internal-combustion engine equipped with an electric motor in the 8-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. It also has an electrically assisted turbocharger that can spool itself up to make turbo lag a thing of the past, and the turbocharger can act as a generator to help charge the lightweight 1.9 kWh battery that’s mounted ahead of the cabin under the windshield. The powertrain produces a combined 532-hp and 449 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels with all-wheel-drive an option. Motor Trend managed a stunning 2.6 second 0-60 time. Pricing starts at $169,800.
2025 Maserati GT2 Stradale
2025 Maserati GT2 Stradale
If you’ve ever wanted to drive a race car on the road, this is one way to get very close to living that dream. The GT2 Stradale is a street-legal version of the GT2 racecar, which itself is based on the MC20 supercar. Compared to the MC20, it’s up on horsepower and down on weight, with its twin-turbocharged V-6 engine producing 631-hp, compared with 621-hp in the MC20, and 132 fewer pounds. Torque is 538 lb-ft, and power flows through an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox sending power to the rear wheels, helping the Stradale reach 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, compared with 3.2 for the MC20. Maserati builds all three versions of the car on the same carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. There’s plenty of carbon-fiber aerodynamic enhancements too, contributing to 1100 pounds of downforce at 173 mph. Top speed is 201 mph. Drive this Italian exotic to the track, play all day, and then drive it home! Pricing starts at $311,995.
2025 Audi RS6 GT
2025 Audi RS6 GT
Car geeks often have a soft spot for vehicles that can do it all: fast station wagons. And the 660-unit limited edition RS6 GT is fast indeed. The RS6 Avant (wagon in Audi-speak) in standard Performance trim is already an impressive ride. It can transport a family of five – and lots of their stuff – in luxury and speed thanks to a 621-hp, 627 lb-ft torque 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, a mild hybrid system, an athletic chassis, eight-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. It hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, and the GT version shaves .1 seconds from that time thanks to a 33-pound reduction in weight. Audi manages that by using carbon fiber for some panels and makes changes to the suspension and brakes. The eye-catching decal package on the GT’s exterior is inspired by the 1989 Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO-class race car. The GT is impressive, but the pricing for a RS6 Avant Performance starts at $127,895, and goes up to $200,195 for a fully optioned GT. Is it worth the premium? Maybe, if you’re a car geek.
Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van
Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept EV Van
Looking like something out of a sci-fi movie, the eye-catching Kia PV5 WKNDR would be a fun way to go glamping on the moon. This EV van takes a formula that has been well-developed by Volkswagen’s camper vans over the years and gives it a new twist. It has the requisite pop-up roof for sleeping, an interior that’s fully modular and customizable, and a swiveling front passenger seat. Meant to be self-sufficient, the WKNDR is equipped with solar panels, an air compressor, and “hydro turbine” wheels that can generate electricity from wind gusts. It is based on the PV5 electric van, and I hope it comes to the U.S. because it would be a cool rival to the VW ID.Buzz EV.
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