Big Doings in the Big Apple

As the last major domestic auto show of the season,  manufacturers are pulling out all stops at the New York Auto Show bringing a wide ranging menu of new models, major refreshes, and a concept or two, while celebrating a few significant anniversaries along the way.

A New Discovery

One of the stars of the show was Land Rover's new take on the Discovery. Not only does this concept preview the return of this warmly remembered nameplate, but also shakes things up with its new camera technology that allows the driver to see the terrain ahead through the hood of the vehicle. 

New Models

New York also provides the public a chance to get North America's first look at the all-new Jeep Renegade, which bowed a month ago in Geneva. BMW launched the all-new X4 crossover SUV and the M4 convertible. And the show is also the formal debut of the production Acura TLX, which was shown in January at Detroit in concept form.

Major Makeovers

One of the most anticipated facelifts was the Toyota Camry mid-cycle redo. In the hotly contested mid-size segment, the Japanese automaker's competition will be closely watching how major this redesign will go on a model that's just over two years old. Dodge kicked off it's 100th anniversary by freshening its Challenger and Charger models, while the Ram truck division launched its latest iteration of the Power Wagon. Kia has a remake of its Sedona minivan and Nissan's redesigned 2015 Murano bowed. Subaru brought a revamped Outback to display at its show stand. Following on the heels of the major redo of the Genesis, Hyundai unveiled the all-new Sonata, which has a crisper design inspired by its big brother. Manufacturers offering up more minor refreshes include Ford (Focus), VW (Jetta) and Mini (Countryman).

Thanks for the Memories

New York also marked some significant anniversaries, particularly the 50th of the launch of the original Mustang. While a 50th anniversary edition of the all-new 2015 Mustang was on display at Javits, Ford also recreated a stunt in which the pony car was displayed on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, some 86 floors above street level. Like in the '60s, the car was taken apart, given an elevator ride and reassembled atop the landmark.