New York motor show preview

The 2014 New York show that opens next Friday might not have the sheer size and scale of the Detroit show, but it promises to be no less exciting.

With car makers, and thousands of journalists, from across the globe flocking to the Big Apple, this year’s motor show is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

Here are some of the highlights, but be sure to tune back to wheelsmag.com.au on Thursday 17 April for all the news as it breaks.

Mazda MX-5

It’s a little early to see the finished version of Mazda’s new MX-5, but New York promises to provide a sneak peak under its skirt. Rumour is Mazda will show the bare chassis of its new two-seat roadster, along with a special 25th anniversary version of the current car. Expect the new model to be smaller and lighter, with Mazda keen to return to the MX-5’s performance roots. More news on an Italian twin should also emerge. Will it be an Alfa? Or a Fiat? Stay tuned to find out.

BMW M4/X4

It’s a duo of fours for BMW in New York with the Bavarian brand showing both its new M4 convertible and X4 crossover. Lighter than the old M3 version, the new M4 drop-top is still 200kg heavier than its hardtop sibling, but boasts the same 317kW/550Nm twin-turbo six. That means a 0-100km/h dash of 4.4 seconds. As for the X4, with engines nicked from the X3 and styling taken from the bigger X6, it’s BMW’s rival to the new Porsche Macan.

Land Rover

Land Rover will debut its new Discovery line of cars with the Discovery Vision Concept. Due to launch next year, expect its design language to be radically different inside and out, with the company abandoning the established look of the Discovery 3 and 4.

Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe

The hottest version of Merc’s sexy S-Class coupe, the plush S63 churns out a staggering 430kW from its 5.5-litre V8.

Dodge

It wouldn’t be an American show without some good old-fashioned muscle. Expect Dodge to show its new Challenger and Charger.

Hyundai Sonata

Already leaked before the show, Hyundai will show its new Sonata in New York. Aussies should pay attention, with Hyundai planning to bring the seventh-generation mid-sizer Down Under.

Subaru Outback

Subaru will show its all-new Outback, with styling tipped to be heavily influenced by the new Legacy.