People like powerful cars, and the 2018 New York auto show delivered a good selection of high-end performance models sure to spark any car lover’s need for speed. Not only did sedans, coupes, and convertibles make the list, but two potent European SUVs also made debuts. With the current SUV and crossover craze, expect more performance variants of these vehicles to debut at future auto shows. Keep reading to learn about the performance cars debuting at the New York auto show.
2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport
A twin-turbo V-6 wasn’t enough for Cadillac’s flagship CT6 and its new range-topping model, the V-Sport. A new, small-displacement 4.2-liter twin-turbo V-8 backed by a 10-speed automatic powers the CT6 V-Sport sedan. The new mill will come in two states of tune: a 500-hp, 553-lb-ft of torque version and a top-of-the-line variant producing 550 hp and 627 lb-ft. The standard 20-inch V-Sport wheels are wrapped in summer tires exclusively developed for the CT6 V-Sport. A mechanical limited-slip differential, unique V-Sport suspension tuning, and a four-piston Brembo braking system in front should give the CT6 V-Sport a driving experience to match its newfound power. To better separate itself from other CT6s, the V-Sport’s steering, Magnetic Ride Control, all-wheel-drive system, and exhaust were all recalibrated. Cadillac engineers also added a track-tuned Active Rear Steer system and track-focused stability controls.
2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo
At 590 hp and 538-lb-ft, the engine in the 2019 Levante Trofeo is the most powerful ever placed in a Maserati. Hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, Levante Trofeo 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 propels the to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and gets the SUV to a top speed of 187 mph. The Trofeo features a new Corsa mode that has launch control capability, lowers the Levante, and stiffens the shocks. A new Integrated Vehicle Control system comes equipped in the Levante—a first in a Maserati—and is programmed to react better to driver inputs for optimum stability.
The Trofeo differentiates itself from other Levantes with its piano black grille, unique hood with dual cooling vents, a front fascia with larger intakes, a different rear bumper, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and carbon-fiber exterior trim. The limited-run Launch Edition features a Grigio Lava matte paint, matte-finish wheels, red brake calipers, black chrome badging, seven other unique exterior colors, and exclusive black leather upholstery with blue or yellow contrast stitching. This is as close to a Ferrari SUV as you’ll get until the actual Ferrari SUV is released.
2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Jaguar’s best-selling model gets the much-anticipated SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) treatment. The 2019 F-Pace SVR rockets to 60 mph in a Jaguar-estimated 4.1 seconds with the help of a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 that churns out 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. A new electronic rear differential is the highlight of the standard all-wheel-drive system, and an eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice. The SVR also sports unique front and rear fascias, stiffer adaptive suspension, larger brakes, a more rigid chassis, and a revised electric power steering system. Larger wheels are also on the list of upgrades with standard 21-inch wheels and optional 22-inchers. The wider tires should help with cornering grip or during a 176-mph top speed run.
2019 Lamborghini Huracán Performante Spyder
How do you make an already-amazing exotic car more appealing? Take the top off and add “Spyder” to the name. That is exactly what Lamborghini did with the Huracán Performante Spyder. Nothing changes under the hood—the Spyder uses the Huracán coupe’s 5.2-liter V-10 good for 630 naturally aspirated ponies at a screaming 8,000 rpm. The claimed 3.1-second 0–60 time is 0.2 second slower—thanks to the extra 276-pound heft—than the coupe’s, but the 202-mph top speed is the same. The Italian automaker claims that the 3,300-pound Performante Spyder can brake from 62 mph in just 103 feet. The $35,000 premium over the coupe puts the Spyder’s starting price at a cool $308,859.
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
The GT 4-Door Coupe is AMG’s new flagship sedan that made its North American debut at the New York auto show. The long, wide, and low Mercedes may look like the similarly swoopy CLS, but this car has a hatch for additional cargo room. Power is one of AMG’s fortes, and the performance automaker didn’t skimp on its flagship. There are three models, each with its own power level. The GT 53 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system. This trim level produces 429 hp and can hit 60 mph in an estimated 4.4 seconds. The GT 63 comes equipped with a 577-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, and AMG claims a 0–60 run of 3.3 seconds. The range-topping GT 63 S packs the same twin-turbo V-8 but tuned to produce 630 hp and 627 lb-ft, good for 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and an impressive top speed of 195 mph, according to AMG.
All models use AMG’s nine-speed automatic. The torque-vectoring and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system is standard, but the 63 S receives a Drift mode that disengages the front wheels. Both 63 models come standard with a limited-slip differential and rear-wheel steering. Expect to see the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe on sale early next year.
2019 Mercedes-AMG C 63
Mercedes-AMG refreshes the powerful C 63 family (sedan, coupe, and cabriolet) with a new grille and redesigned front bumper with new air intakes. The rear end receives a new diffuser, a quad-tip exhaust, and a reworked rear bumper. Inside, you will find a new AMG steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, and new leather and trim options. Mechanically, power output remains the same from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8—469 hp for the C 63 and 503 hp for the C 63 S—but the lineup receives a new nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. The recalibrated drive modes should offer a more exhilarating driving experience.
2019 Porsche GT3 RS Weissach
In an effort to save more weight and achieve the best performance possible, the Weissach package lightens the already-impressive 514-hp Porsche 911 GT3 RS with anti-roll bars, roof, coupling rods, paddle shifters, and steering wheel trim, all made of carbon fiber. Additionally, the package leaves parts that were already carbon fiber—the wing, hood, and side view mirrors—unpainted and equips the 911 GT3 RS with thinner carpeting. This results in a weight savings of about 14 pounds—but that comes at a cost. The package retails for $18,000, and for an additional $13,000, the 911 GT3 RS Weissach can be fitted with magnesium wheels, which save 25 pounds and reduce unsprung weight and rotating inertia.
2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback
Power and practicality are what you get with the new 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback. The RS 5 Coupe lacks cargo and rear-seat room, and the Sportback solves this with a liftback design, two additional doors, and rear seats that can comfortably fit adults. Under the hood is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 that produces 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Audi claims a 0–60 time of less than 4 seconds thanks in part to a standard eight-speed automatic that routes power to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Top speed is 155 mph, but the optional Dynamic Plus package increases that to 174 mph. When compared to the 354-hp S5 Sportback, the RS 5 is about a quarter inch lower, and the front suspension has been upgraded.