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NYIAS 2015: Divine Concepts

New York, New York, the 2015 NYIAS is a hell of a place to check out concept cars. This year, New York was less about imagining the future than about reconsidering the past - with many concepts being an updated version of the cars we love the most. Check out some of our favorite 2015 New York Auto Show concepts... [caption id="attachment_36667" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The Beetle R-Line Concept with sportier styling and the 217 bhp turbocharged 2.0L Golf GTI engine The Beetle R-Line Concept with sportier styling and the 217 bhp turbocharged 2.0L Golf GTI engine[/caption] First, VW showed off their Beetle concepts. With sales lagging and enthusiasm for the modern Beetle at a snail’s pace, many have speculated that Beetle production is in jeopardy. But during the New York show, VW squashed these rumors by announcing that an updated Bug is set to release “in the next three years.” So to drum up a bit of hype, they showed off a handful of Beetle concepts at NYIAS. It was a rainbow of flavors, including the sporty Beetle Concept R-Line and three Special Edition packages. Beetle Denim is painted a Stonewash metallic blue with an interior fully upholstered in something denim-like. No word yet if the denim shrinks after the car wash or if this package makes your trunk look big. The Wave Edition Beetle is a cabriolet with Habanero Orange Metallic paint job looking to appeal to the surf crowd. And finally the flamboyant Beetle Pink Edition. [caption id="attachment_36665" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The Beetle Pink Edition The Beetle Pink Edition[/caption] The Pink Edition features pink stitching, pink trim and a grey/pink plaid upholstery on the interior and, of course, a Metallic Pink paint job. A perfect back drop for Hello Kitty stickers of all types. For more fun than fluff, Subaru gave us their BRZ STI Performance Concept... [caption id="attachment_36664" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Subaru’s STI Performance Concept Subaru’s STI Performance Concept[/caption] Subaru used the opportunity to also announce a US expansion for its Subaru Tecnica International performance division - meaning that those of us in the US will get more STI models at home. More on the Subaru BRZ STI Concept here. Speaking of sporty, Honda’s Civic Concept embraced a longer wheelbase and a lower, wider stance for the best selling car. [caption id="attachment_36668" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Honda’s Civic Concept in neon green targets a younger audience Honda’s Civic Concept in neon green targets a younger audience[/caption] The new Civic also promised a sportier drive with a 1.5L VTEC turbo engine & increased fuel economy. Read more on the Honda Civic hatchback concept here. [caption id="attachment_36663" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Lincoln claims their Continental Concept is the “future of quiet luxury” Lincoln claims their Continental Concept is the “future of quiet luxury”[/caption] Lincoln’s Continental Concept promised “the future of quiet luxury” with a remake of the iconic American sedan. Less about the driver, the Continental’s focus is on the rear seats where the passenger is king. Seats with 30-way adjustability, satin headliners, and folding work tables are just a few of the reasons that this is not your grandpa’s Continental. Unless of course, your grandpa is a chauffeur-driven tycoon. Finally, Hyundai’s Santa Cruz concept made another appearance on the show circuit... [caption id="attachment_36662" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Hyundai’s Santa Cruz concept sports ute Hyundai’s Santa Cruz concept sports ute[/caption] This time, the buzz around the Santa Cruz was that audience support is strong and its production is likely to be green-lit in November, although Hyundai has yet to announce any official plans. So whether you'd prefer pink plaid or a post modern pick-up, the concept cars at the 2015 New York Auto Show have a bit of retro fun for everyone.
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