convertible

We’re just a little under halfway through with the New York International Auto Show, but we’ll be here until the very end, giving you coverage on the latest and greatest from you favorite automotive brands.

Mercedes-Benz debuted several new cars at this year’s auto show, among them the GLC Coupe, as well as AMG division’s C43 Cabriolet, E43 and GLC43 — all new for 2017.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe has stylistic features of a coupe with the proportions & practicality of an SUV, and just had its world premiere at the NYIAS. An aggressive, upright radiator grille and twin-blade louvers provide the first indication of Mercedes-Benz’s sporty philosophy behind the GLC coupe, while muscular lines, expansive greenhouse and large wheels complete the striking package. Standard equipment includes a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, sunroof and 19″ wheels. The GLC Coupe is expected to go on sale at US dealers by early 2017.

2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet pairs incredible performance and extremely dynamic driving characteristics with its expressive, stylishly honed design — all hallmarks of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 Cabriolet, which also made its world premiere at the show. A handcrafted AMG V8 bi-turbo engine produces 503 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque. The Cabriolet features an AIRSCARF neck-level heating system and AIRCAP automatic draft stop system to extend open top season from early spring well into the fall. The C63 Cabriolet will be on sale this fall.

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG E43

Mercedes-AMG’s E43 Sedan features a bi-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 396 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Numerous ground-breaking technical innovations made their world debut in the new E-Class in January, and the E43 now combines the safety and elegance of the E-Class with AMG driving performance. Standard features on the E43 include a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, AMG AIRMATIC adaptive sport suspension, dual 12.3″ high definition displays, LED headlamps, AMG bodystyling, 19″ wheels and 4MATIC all-wheel drive with a 31% front / 69% rear power bias. The E43 is expected to go on sale in early 2017.

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43

The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 features a 362 hp, 384 lb-ft of torque bi-turbo 3.0-liter engine, 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. With good sport utility vehicles looks with performance to match, the GLC43 comes standard with AMG AIRMATIC adaptive sport suspension, offering a comfortable ride when wanted, or sporty handling at a moment’s notice. AMG bodystyling and standard 20″ wheels set this SUV apart from the crowd. THE GLC43 will be on sale this fall.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Although not an all-new car, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA features a revised front fascia, new wheel options and redesigned rear bumper. Updated interior appointments include a slimline infotainment display, new trim options and standard on-board Wi-Fi. The CLA45 continues with their best-in-class hand-crafted 2.0-liter AMG inline-4 turbocharged engine with 375hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to all four wheels. 2017 CLA’s will be on sale at US dealers this summer.

Stay tuned for additional coverage of the New York International Auto Show. Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and right here on theautocracy.com.

I’m just going to put this out front — formerly known as the “poor man’s Porsche”, the 2013 Boxster blew us away — and this wasn’t even the Boxster S! With an as-tested price of $56,565, the Boxster is a fast, lightweight convertible sports car. The looks we received while driving this — the cyclist who stopped us to say “nice car”, the other Boxster owner who did a thumbs up out of the top of his car when we both had our tops down in 45 degree weather, or the photographers who confused it for a Ferrari — were very satisfying. This car really turns heads.

Our Boxster had 19-inch Boxster S wheels, Porsche’s 7-speed PDK Automatic transmission and the convenience package. The convenience package includes a wind deflector screen, 2-zone automatic air conditioning (two separate control settings for driver and passenger) and dual heated seats. With a black exterior and a black leather interior, our car really shined. The Boxster features auto start-stop, AM/FM/CD player with 4 very loud speakers and a speed-activated rear spoiler. The black cloth top is able to be retracted or put up in just under 10 seconds and even goes up or down at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour — so no having to wait until you’re at a light to drop the top.

With 265 horsepower and a curb weight of under 3,000 pounds, the Boxster was propelled to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Pricing starts at just under $50,000.

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Pros: great looks, great fun and a great price! The Boxster had everything we would really need in a convertible. The performance was excellent and the technology was very easy to work with.

Cons: Tall people won’t be very comfortable in the passenger seat.

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $49,500 || Price as Tested: $56,565

Vehicle Layout: Mid-engine, 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

Engine: 2.7L H6, 265hp, 206-lb. ft. || Transmission: 7-speed PDK Automatic

Curb Weight: 2,954 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 172.2/70.9/50.5 inches

0-60: 5.4 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 22/32 mpg

RATING: 9.2/10

Exterior: 10

Interior: 8

Acceleration: 9

Braking: 9

Ride: 9

Handling: 10

Gearbox: 10

Audio: 10

Tech: 9

Value: 8

We’d like to thank Jake Semon at Town Porsche for getting us into the new Boxster. For all your Porsche needs, go check out Town Porsche in Englewood, NJ and online at www.town-motorcar.porschedealer.com. Make sure you tell him Greg and Dave sent you!

The Autocracy

The Authority for Everything Automotive

Mercedes-Benz debuts from New York’s International Auto Show

REVIEW: 2013 Porsche Boxster