Must See Vehicles at the 2017 New York Auto Show

The 2017 New York International Auto Show officially opened April 12, and Autobytel’s team of editors and photographers met up to catch the best reveals of the newest and most interesting cars, trucks, and SUVs. Some of the vehicles you’ll see here are concepts meant for the show floor only, but many others will soon make their way to a dealership near you.

If you have a chance to see these cars in person, we highly suggest it. The New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center opens to the public on April 14 and runs through April 23.

What is it? An updated version of Acura's midsized luxury sedan.

What changed? Along with updated styling, the freshened 2018 TLX gets a new A-Spec model. This sport-tuned edition features its own unique styling cues, including exclusive wheels and gloss black trim inside and out, and features sportier tuning for the suspension and steering. It is available with either front- or all-wheel drive.

When available? June 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? A new hot-rod version of Audi's subcompact A3.

What changed? RS designates Audi's sportiest model, and this is the first time Audi has sold a subcompact car with the RS treatment. The RS3 gets a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder that produces 400 hp – enough to jet the car to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

When available? Summer 2017.

How much? $54,500, going up to $54,900 for the 2018 model year.

What is it? A high-performance variant of the Audi TT coupe.

What changed? With a new 400-hp 5-cylinder engine, the TT RS is the most powerful production TT Audi has ever produced. The quattro all-wheel drive system is tuned to send up to 100% of the engine's power to the rear wheels. 0-60 comes up in just 3.6 seconds.

When available? Spring 2017.

How much? $64,900.

What is it? Next generation of Buick’s popular 3-row crossover.

What changed? A longer wheelbase, lower stance, and completely new body structure allow for a sleeker exterior while providing enhanced third-row legroom. Dramatic new interior. Towing capacity has been upped to 5,000 pounds. A complete suite of safety technologies will be offered, with a standard rear vision camera and rear park assist.

When available? Scheduled to go on sale this fall.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? The all-new version of the Buick Regal—and it's a hatchback!

What changed? The Regal is all new for 2018, and is once again based on the European-market 5-door Opel Insignia. As GM recently sold Opel to French automaker Groupe PSA, this is likely the last Opel-based Regal we'll see.

When available? Fall 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? A wagon variant of the all-new Buick Regal.

What changed? Buick surprised us by introducing the Regal as a hatchback—and then surprised us again with this wagon version, which features increased ground clearance, black fender and lower body cladding, and all-wheel drive, much like the Volvo Cross Country wagons and Subaru's Outback.

When available? Fall 2017.

How much? Pricing hasn't been announced.

What is it? A new performance trim of the Camaro.

What changed? Chevy says the new 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE is the most track-capable Camaro ever. It features improved aerodynamics, an adjustable suspension for better handling, wheels and tires chosen specifically for optimal track performance, and reduced weight throughout, to take advantage of its 650-horsepower supercharged V8 engine.

When available? Later this year.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? A new appearance package and performance options for the Chevrolet Tahoe.

What changed? On the surface, the RST (Rally Sport Truck) is just a dress-up kit with body-color and blacked-out trim—but Tahoe RST buyers can also opt for a Borla exhaust, magnetic ride control suspension, big-brake kit, and—most importantly—GM's 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine.

When available? Fall 2017.

How much? Chevrolet has not announced pricing.

What is it? A limited production Dodge Challenger with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine.

What changed? The Challenger Demon SRT yields 840 horsepower and 770 pound-feet of torque. It’s the fastest production car ever, and has a NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 9.65 seconds.

When available? 3000 examples will be available in Fall 2017.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? A new police car with a hybrid powertrain.

What changed? Ford's new cop car is based on the Fusion (as opposed to the Police Interceptor, based on the larger Taurus), substantially beefed up to withstand the punishment of high-speed pursuit. Ford says the hybrid drivetrain will save around $3,900 per year in fuel costs.

When available? Summer 2018.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? A styling and technology update for Ford's Explorer.

What changed? For 2018, the venerable Explorer gets some minor styling tweaks to the front and rear fascias, a new Sync 3 infotainment system, and available 4G connectivity with a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot. A new Safe and Smart package bundles several active safety and driver assistance features.

When available? Fall 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? A new concept car from Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis.

What changed? The GV80 concept has a plug-in fuel cell powertrain, which is cool, but more importantly, it gives us an idea of what a future SUV offering from Genesis will look like.

When available? No timeline given, but we expect to see a Genesis suv before too long.

How much? The GV80 Fuel Cell concept is not for sale.

What is it? A performance version of the Civic compact hatchback.

What changed? The long-awaited Civic Type R is the fastest, most powerful, and best-handling Honda to be unleashed upon North America. It features suspension and chassis upgrades to improve track performance, and boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

When available? Late spring.

How much? Mid-$30,000s.

What is it? A new battery-powered electric vehicle.

What changed? Based on the same platform as the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell, the Clarity Electric has a 25.5-kWh battery pack that powers a 161-hp electric motor. Range is only 80 miles, which is far short of the competition, but Honda says the Clarity will offer more comfort and space than other EVs.

When available? Late 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? A plug-in hybrid version of the Honda Clarity.

What changed? The third member of the Clarity family will have a plug-in hybrid drivetrain centered around a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. With its battery fully charged, the Clarity Plug-in will have an electric-only range of 42 miles and a full battery-and-gas range of 330 miles.

When available? Late 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? A mid-cycle update for Hyundai’s midsize sedan.

What changed? Refreshed inside and out, the Sonata features bold new bodywork, a more premium-feeling cabin, more refined handling, and a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata also comes with lots of new safety technology as standard equipment, including blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

When available? Not yet available.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? An updated version of the brand's best-selling sedan.

What changed? The Infiniti Q50 gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2018, with styling refinements inside and out. As the Q50 was already pretty well stuffed with advanced driver assistance and safety features, there aren't many changes on the technology front. The lineup includes a 400-hp Red Sport version.

When available? Summer 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? Concept version of Infiniti’s full-size flagship SUV.

What changed? Interesting styling exercise. Smoothed and aggressive fascia goes to battle with Range Rover and Escalade. Includes features like massive 24-inch alloy wheels (with wraparounds, because too much is never enough) and exterior rearview cameras (replacing the side mirrors). It's not likely to see production.

When available? Not yet announced.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? A 2-seat luxury sports coupe.

What changed? Jaguar has expanded the F-TYPE’s model range with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out 296 horsepower, joining the available V6 and V8 options. The 2018 F-TYPE also sports a refreshed exterior and a new seat design, and adds all-new driver assistance technologies.

When available? Late 2017.

How much? Prices start between $59,900 and $125,000.

What is it? Jeep bills the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk as “the most powerful and quickest SUV ever.”

What changed? The Hellcat of SUVs. Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 pumps out a monumental 707 horsepower. That’s more than enough ponies to cover the quarter-mile in a mere 11.6 seconds and the 0-60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds, thanks to the standard launch control.

When available? Not yet announced.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? An all-new version of Kia's subcompact Rio.

What changed? The entry-level Kia has been completely redesigned. It's now lower and wider than the outgoing Rio and features more sculptured styling. With a long list of standard and optional safety features, Kia is hoping the new Rio will earn a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

When available? Late 2017.

How much? Pricing hasn't been announced.

What is it? An all-new sports car.

What changed? The 2018 Kia Stinger, based on the Kia GT concept, will come powered by a 2.0-­liter turbocharged 4-­cylinder making an estimated 255 horsepower. An available 3.3-­liter twin­-turbo V6 engine is expected to yield 365 horsepower. The Stinger will be offered with rear- or all-wheel drive.

When available? Later in 2017.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? A bespoke version of Koenigsegg's Agera hypercar.

What changed? Built for a New York buyer who was heavily involved in the car's specifics, the Agera RS1 gets a 200-horsepower bump over other RS cars, bringing the engine output to an incredible 1,360 horsepower.

When available? Right now—but good luck getting one, as this is one of just 25 Agera RSs to be built.

How much? The buyer reportedly paid over $2 million.

What is it? A sporty version of Lexus’ LS 500 flagship sedan.

What changed? The LS 500 F SPORT gets an exclusive grille treatment, rocker panel, trunk molding, and 20-inch wheels. The interior includes exclusive seats, steering wheel, and upholstery. Lexus boosts the LS 500 F SPORT’s handling with its Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, improving traction and agility.

When available? Later in 2017.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? Next generation of Lincoln's jumbo-sized 3-row SUV.

What changed? Lighter, quieter, and more powerful than its predecessor, with a Raptor-like drivetrain (450-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission). High-strength aluminum sheet metal saves 200 pounds. Laminated glass quiets the cabin. Ultra-luxurious cabin with oodles of connectivity: six USB ports, four 12-volt outlets, and a 110-volt outlet.

When available? Not yet announced

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? A preview of an upcoming Mercedes AMG sedan.

What changed? This is a sneak peak at AMG's upcoming 4-door coupe. The concept car has a special “AMG-ized” version of Mercedes' EQ Power hybrid drivetrain (called EQ Power+); based on a V8 engine, it will produce better than 800 hp and accelerate the car to 60 in under three seconds.

When available? A production version is in the works.

How much? No price given.

What is it? A 4-seat, soft top convertible version of the E-Class.

What changed? The Cabriolet is the last variant of the latest E-Class generation to be rolled out and is larger in length and width than its predecessor. This is the first time the E-Class Cabriolet has been offered with Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

When available? Late 2018.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? Midsize luxury performance SUV with a monster V8.

What changed? Front and rear fascia updates hint at the beast between the (wider) fenders. New 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine pumps out 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. AMG-tweaked 9-speed MCT transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive put the power to the ground with fully variable torque distribution, for a remarkable 3.9-second 0-60 mph time.

When available? Early 2018.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? 4-door coupe version of the AMG GLC 63.

What changed? The GLC 63 S Coupe takes it up a notch with 503 horsepower and 516 pound feet of torque. That’s a jump of 34 hp and 37 pound-feet over the GLC 63’s standard biturbo V8. The kids will never be late for soccer practice again.

When available? Early 2018.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? A limited edition package of special features for the 2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe’s base trim.

What changed? The Heritage Edition enhances the 332-horsepower 370Z Coupe with a high-performance clutch on manual transmission models. The package is offered in two colors, Chicane Yellow and Magnetic Black, both of which come with yellow interior trim and custom graphics.

When available? Spring 2017.

How much? Not yet available.

What is it? A new trim level of Nissan’s GT-R sports car.

What changed? The GT-R Track Edition uses a 565-horsepower version of the GT-R’s twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine, a 20-horsepower increase over the base 2016 GT-R. The body is strengthened and the interior gets an exclusive color combination with Recaro seats.

When available? Spring 2017, by special order.

How much? $129,495.

What is it? A canine-capable version of the Nissan Rogue.

What changed? The Rogue Dogue shows how pet-friendly Nissan's midsize crossover SUV can be. It features access ramps for pet passengers, a removable dog bed, built-in food and water dishes, a poop bag dispenser, and even a dog shower and drying system.

When available? It isn't—this is a one-off project car.

How much? The Rogue Dogue isn't for sale. Sorry, Rover!

What is it? A Porsche 911 with a new engine.

What changed? The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that produces 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, for a top speed of 197 mph. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard, and a 6-speed manual will also be available.

When available? Fall 2017.

How much? $143,600.

What is it? A Porsche wagon.

What changed? The Porsche Panamera luxury sports car was already larger than most vehicles in the class. This stretched-out version features a larger tailgate and increased cargo area. The 2018 Panamera Sport Turismo comes in four trim levels, which range from 330 to 550 horsepower (including an E-Hybrid model), and accommodates five passengers.

When available? Late 2017.

How much? $96,200 and up.

What is it? Medium-sized 2-row SUV. Slots between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport in Land Rover’s lineup.

What changed? Elegantly sculpted exterior and a sanctuary-like cabin with dual 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system set the Velar apart from the crowd. A trio of engines will be offered: 247 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four, a 380 hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6, and a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbodiesel.

When available? Later this year.

How much? Base model starting MSRP $49,900.

What is it? Concept design for Subaru’s next 3-row crossover.

What changed? This new concept is a bit smaller than Subaru’s earlier Viziv-7 concept and similar in dimensions to Volkswagen’s new Atlas. A brand-new 2.4-liter direct-injected turbocharged boxer four is slated for the production version. The cabin features second-row captain's chairs and is packed with touch screens.

When available? Production to commence in 2018.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? Next generation of Subaru’s athletically proportioned crossover.

What changed? The exterior and interior have been thoroughly redesigned. Now rides on the Subaru Global Platform for enhanced ride comfort and agility. Standard Active Torque Vectoring for tighter handling. The 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine gains direct injection for an additional four horsepower. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.

When available? The 2018 Crosstrek will go on sale this summer.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? An update for Subaru's Outback.

What changed? The venerable Outback gets updated sheetmetal to give it a more rugged look and a revised interior with more premium materials. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now on offer, as are LED headlights that turn with the steering wheel.

When available? Summer 2017.

Pricing? Not available.

What is it? “A Modern 4x4 Toolbox for the Most Intrepid Urbanites.”

What changed? The FT-4X Concept crossover is all new, based on the Toyota New Global Architecture Platform. It’s designed for city-based millennials who indulge in impromptu weekend getaways and features 4-wheel drive, a compact footprint, deft handling, and tons of storage.

When available? Not currently scheduled for production.

How much? Not currently scheduled for production.

What is it? Toyota’s stalwart minivan is enhanced for 2018.

What changed? Biggest news is the standard Toyota Safety Sense-P suite on all trim levels. The TSS-P suite includes adaptive cruise, active lane keep, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Updates to the front fascia include a more dramatic grille, hood design line tweaks, and larger fog lamps.

When available? Slated to go on sale this fall.

How much? Not yet announced.

What is it? Toyota's entry-level car.

What changed? The 2018 Toyota Yaris gets a styling update with a pointier proboscis, vaguely reminiscent of the new Prius, and new, larger taillights. Inside, the L gets more standard equipment, the L and LE get a new instrument panel, and all models get upgraded stereos.

When available? Summer 2017.

How much? Pricing has not been announced.

What is it? A new 7-seat SUV from Volkswagen.

What changed? This is Volkswagen's biggest and newest SUV, a fullsize 7-seater built to take on the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer. Built off VW's new modular architecture—which, believe it or not, makes it a distant relative of the Golf—the Atlas has lots of passenger space (even in the third row) and a lovely interior.

When available? Now.

How much? Pricing starts at $33,500.

What is it? Second generation of Volvo’s 2-row crossover.

What changed? Safety tech updated, with Steer Assist now incorporated into the blind spot indication system and large animal detection. CleanZone 4-zone climate system filters outside air to bring “Scandinavian-fresh” air into the cabin.

When available? Scheduled to go on sale this fall.

How much? Not yet announced.