Top 7 Most Anticipated 2016 New York Auto Show Debuts

The 2016 New York Auto Show is right around the corner.

The Javits Center will open its doors to the automotive media starting March 23, and we can expect a few surprises from popular automakers. There have already been rumors about possible debuts, while some automakers have sent out teasers of what we can expect to bow in New York.

SEE ALSO: 2016 New York Auto Show Coverage

And why is this a Top 7 instead of a Top 10? Well that’s because there aren’t enough exciting debuts heading to the 2016 New York Auto Show… that we know of.

The new Toyota Prius bowed late last year and now we can expect its plug-in hybrid variant to be unveiled in New York. Sure, a plug-in hybrid isn’t exactly the most exciting thing in the world, especially when it’s a Prius, but it will be interesting to see how the Japanese automaker has improved on the technology. Toyota claims that the new Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid is the “next mechanical marvel in the Prius lineup” and will likely be available starting next year.

Toyota killed off its Scion brand, but the FR-S will live on as the Toyota 86. This is particularly exciting because Toyota has also given the sports coupe a facelift for the new model year and a whole five more horsepower. Sure it’s not a turbocharged engine that enthusiasts have been clamoring for, but it’s a start. Hopefully now that the model is sporting a nameplate with a rich heritage, Toyota will focus on giving it more power.

Mazda sent out invites to the media asking it to help the company “blow the lid off at the New York Auto Show.” Although it didn’t explicitly say that the Mazda MX-5 hardtop is making a debut, we believe the wording isn’t accidental and alludes to the hardtop variant for its latest-generation roadster. The timing also lines up, since it was reported in August 2014 that a hardtop variant would join the lineup a year after the convertible starts prowling the streets.

Mercedes-AMG has already unveiled the new E43 sedan with a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine with 396 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Since then, the German automaker has also introduced the GLC43 and teased its GLC Coupe that is also set to debut. Mercedes has quite a bit to show off at this year’s New York Auto Show, but we’re most excited to check out the new E43 up close and personal to see how it stacks up against other high-performance luxury sedans.

We are finally going to get a good look at the direction Acura is heading in terms of design with the debut of the new 2017 Acura MDX. The three-row luxury SUV will be heavily influenced by the Japanese automaker’s “Precision Crafted Performance” focus, which means aggressive body lines. Designed by the Acura Design Studio in Torrrance, California, the new MDX will be produced at the company’s plants in Lincoln, Alabama and East Liberty, Ohio.

It’s not the R36 GT-R that everyone is anxiously awaiting, but Nissan is giving its current GT-R a refresh for the 2017 model year. The company has released the above teaser image, which doesn’t really reveal much, but it does confirm the sports coupe will get a final facelift before the next-generation model arrives. Expect to see a revised front fascia with the Japanese automaker’s “V-motion” grille along with revised side skirts and minor revisions to the rear of the car.

And the car we’re most excited to see? The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza. Starting late last year, Subaru began showing off concepts that preview the next-generation model and we’re hoping it sticks to the concepts’ styling. The Impreza will be the first Subaru vehicle built on the company’s new Subaru Global Platform, which claims to be 70 to 100 percent stiffer, while sporting a lower center of gravity.