Here are the most exciting cars from the 2018 New York International Auto Show

The covers are off, the pictures have been taken and the mysteries have been revealed – the 2018 New York International Auto Show press days have come to a close. Of course, the vast majority of the cars featuring at the show in the Big Apple are destined to only arrive in the U.S., but there are certain vehicles that will be heading to the U.K, too.

Here, we look at some of the standout, U.K-bound models to be featured at this year’s New York motor show.

Mercedes-AMG C63

AMG’s ballistic version of the popular executive C-Class has long been a hit with car enthusiasts, and in New York the German firm revealed a mildly refreshed version. The latest C63 has been given some subtle exterior design changes, but the really interesting stuff is in its dynamics. The suspension, adaptive damping system and dynamic engine mounts have been ‘elaborately retuned’ and a limited-slip differential is now standard.

There are still two versions available – the standard C63 gets a 469bhp version of the 4.0-litre V8 engine, while the C63 S gets 503bhp. Prices for the standard model start at £64,000 and increase to £73,000 for the S.

Mini Classic Electric

Mini is working on an all-electric version of its popular three-door model, and to get buyers excited at the prospect of a zero-emission Mini it has built a one-off version of its classic model.

Details of what’s underneath are thin on the ground, but the iconic exterior has been fully restored with bright red paint, and a white roof and bonnet stripes. It’s likely this unique model is powered by the electric powertrain from a BMW i3, as that is what is expected to go under the bonnet of the new production Mini when it goes on sale next year.

Maserati Levante Trofeo

If you’re in the market for a high-performance Italian SUV, then this is your latest option — the Maserati Levante Trofeo. With a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 under the bonnet, this is one fast 4×4 – and Maserati claims that it’ll hit 60mph in under four seconds thanks to an advanced all-wheel-drive system that is able to accurately get the power onto the road.

Maserati claims that the V8 features the highest specific output of any engine it has created, and with 750Nm of torque on tap it should certainly feel brisk enough to live up to this.

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations division is tasked with creating high-performance and limited-run version of the British firm’s cars, and now it’s turned its hand to the F-Pace SUV. Under the sculpted bonnet sits a 5.0-litre V8 making a healthy 542bhp and 680Nm of torque.

With all-wheel-drive aiding grip that makes it good for 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds, while the top speed is 176mph. It also gets an aggressive body kit with large air intakes to improve cooling, and costs from £74,835.

Toyota RAV4

The new Toyota RAV4 made its first appearance at this year’s show, marking the return of a popular name in the compact SUV segment. Available with two powertrains – a 2.5-litre hybrid unit as well as a 2.0-litre petrol – it’s been designed to be more dynamic and better to drive than the outgoing model.

In addition, 30mm has been added to the wheelbase, increasing the levels of interior space. Despite this, the front and rear overhangs have been shortened, giving the RAV4 a more dynamic look out on the road.

Audi RS5 Sportback

We’ve already seen the regular RS5 Coupe, but this is the first time that the Sportback version has broken cover. It’s there for people who want the performance of the two-door, but with the added practicality only afforded by a five-door.

Under the bonnet sits a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system. The German manufacturer claims that the sprint to 60mph can be dispatched in just 3.9 seconds.

Wheel arches extended by 15mm help give the RS5 Sportback a commanding appearance on the road, while a lower ride height thanks to sports suspension should mean that it corners well too.

Additional reporting by Darren Cassey