The 2025 New York International Auto Show: A 125-Year Legacy in Motion
Introduction: A Century and a Quarter of Horsepower and History
This April, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) roars back into the Jacob K. Javits Center, celebrating an extraordinary 125th anniversary. Since its inception in 1900 at Madison Square Garden—when 69 exhibitors and 48,000 curious onlookers gathered to glimpse the future of transportation—the Auto Show has been more than an exhibition. It has been a cultural milestone, an economic driver, and an emotional magnet for gearheads, dreamers, and technophiles.
From steam-powered delivery wagons to cutting-edge electric hypercars, NYIAS has transformed with the times while remaining deeply rooted in the narrative of American innovation. Today, it is a global showcase of automotive excellence—and this year’s edition is not just a look forward, but also a reverent look back at the journey that shaped a nation and an industry.
First Impressions: A Show for the Ages
To say that the 2025 edition of NYIAS “pulled out all the stops” is an understatement. Every inch of the Javits Center buzzed with excitement as visitors navigated immersive test tracks, admired ultra-luxury debuts, and soaked up the living timeline of auto history.
At the core of this celebratory year lies the Heritage Exhibit, a reverent stroll through 125 years of automotive progress. Highlights include a pristine 1909 Cadillac Model 30 Demi Tonneau, a rakish 1933 Pierce-Arrow Model 1247, and the space-age 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. It’s hard not to feel awe at the tactile presence of these machines that once defined eras.
For nostalgia lovers and design aficionados alike, the Golden Era Exhibit was a chrome-and-tailfin dreamscape. The 1957 Cadillac Eldorado, with its exaggerated luxury, stood proudly alongside the equally flamboyant 1958 Buick Limited and the rare 1955 Packard Caribbean—each an emblem of America's postwar optimism and style.
But the NYIAS is not just about looking back. It is a showcase of where the industry is headed—and the present state of affairs is as electrifying as it is diverse. The expanded EV Test Track, now covering over 90,000 square feet, allowed visitors to ride in 17 of the newest electric vehicles. The slalom lanes and acceleration pads gave real-time insight into the instant torque and buttery ride of the Ford F-150 Lightning, Cadillac LYRIQ, Kia EV9, and more.
High-Octane Highlights: Power, Performance, and Personality
If there’s one element that reliably turns heads and stirs hearts, it’s the presence of supercars—and Brian Miller, the show’s Vice Chairman and owner of Manhattan Motorcars, once again delivered. His curated display featured automotive unicorns like the Koenigsegg Regera, the Rimac Nevera, and the Lotus Eletre Carbon. Whether whisper-quiet and electric or fire-breathing and piston-powered, these million-dollar marvels reminded everyone why we fall in love with cars in the first place.
The Born to Rally Collection was another standout, paying homage to Subaru’s rich motorsport lineage. Curated by James Buzzetta, Jr., the exhibit traced the STI legacy through legendary models like the 1991 Legacy Turbo, the first U.S. WRX STI from 2004, and the coveted 2019 S209—a crown jewel limited to just 209 units.
But it wasn’t just OEMs basking in the spotlight. The R2XPO Rides & Rigs custom showcase brought individuality to the forefront. Whether it was lifted off-road beasts or low-slung street builds, these bespoke vehicles reflected the growing intersection of artistry and engineering.
A particular nod must go to Trans Am Worldwide, whose unveiling of three modern Chevelle Super Sports stole the retro-futurist show. These muscle cars—with 21st-century powertrains hiding beneath their 1960s silhouettes—demonstrated that American muscle isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving and evolving.
The Live Builds, the Culture, and the Crowd
Among the rarest experiences at this year’s show was a live Porsche build by Akira Nakai of RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB), who transformed a 2006 Carrera S into a wide-bodied masterpiece right on the show floor. For fans of Porsche culture, watching Nakai-san at work was akin to witnessing a symphony composed in carbon fiber and sweat.
From April 18–20, Never Ride Stock transformed the NYIAS into a cultural playground. Blending cars, fashion, street art, and music, this high-energy installation proved that car culture isn't confined to the garage. It lives in how we dress, what we listen to, and how we move through the world.
Off-roaders weren’t left out either. Camp Jeep celebrated its 21st year at the Auto Show with its legendary 28-foot mountain and obstacle course, while Ford’s Built Wild Ride invited thrill-seekers to experience the Bronco Badlands in full off-road glory.
And for those dreaming of far horizons, Overlander Weekend (April 25–27) offered an immersive introduction into the world of vehicle-based exploration. From survival workshops to fully equipped rigs that look ready for Mars, this was a practical yet aspirational display for the adventurous soul.
Thought Leadership and the Pulse of the Industry
Beyond the eye candy, the NYIAS has always been a space for ideas—and the 2025 Automotive Forum underscored the industry’s commitment to shaping a sustainable, tech-forward future. Executives from Nissan, Hyundai, Volvo, and Kia offered insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead, with EV infrastructure, franchise evolution, and AI-driven safety tech dominating the discussion.
The World Traffic Safety Symposium, now in its 35th year, also returned with renewed urgency. Experts tackled issues like smart city design, driverless tech, and global safety standards, with appearances by NYS DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder, Jean Todt (UN Special Envoy for Road Safety), and NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
Of course, no NYIAS would be complete without the World Car Awards, now celebrating their 21st year. With winners like the Porsche Macan Electric, Hyundai Inster/Casper Electric, and BMW M5, the awards reaffirmed that innovation and elegance continue to define the world's most admired vehicles.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Reaffirmed, A Future Embraced
There’s a moment at the New York International Auto Show—usually somewhere between your second test ride and fourth jaw-drop—when you realize this isn’t just an expo. It’s a rite of passage, a generational handoff of wonder, a living museum of what has been and what’s coming next.
Livein Magazine was proud to be on the ground to witness this unforgettable edition. Our Senior Contributor, Joseph Fraia, captured the spirit of the 2025 show perfectly:
“As a car journalist, I’ve been to countless shows around the world, but few compare to what New York pulled off for its 125th. The level of curation, the diversity of cars, and the seamless blend of history and cutting-edge tech was truly remarkable. I was particularly blown away by the Koenigsegg Regera and Rimac Nevera—those two redefine what we thought possible in the sports car category. The attention to detail in both engineering and presentation was simply stunning.”
“The Heritage Exhibit was more than just nostalgia—it was a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how essential this show has been to that journey. This isn’t just the past on display—it’s inspiration for the next generation.”
As the show enters its second century, Livein Magazine remains dedicated to covering the very best in automotive design, innovation, and culture. Whether it's live builds in Manhattan or track days in Monticello, our editorial mission is driven by a love for the road—and the machines that make the journey unforgettable.
The 2025 New York International Auto Show didn’t just honor its history. It wrote a bold, new chapter in it.
Photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Article by Livein Staff
