6 Things You Gotta See at the New York Auto Show

The New York International Auto Show will open to the public on Friday, giving car fans direct access to the best of the current crop of automobiles — as well as a look into their future.

But there are so many brands and technologies on display in the massive Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan, it's easy to miss some of the best products and experiences on offer. So to help you cut through the clutter, we've rounded up some of the must-see cars and experiences in one place.

• Dodge Challenger Challenge

  

  If there is one thing on this list that you really must do, it's the Dodge Challenger Challenge. The simulator features a Dodge Challenger integrated with three 60-inch panoramic screens, a reactive seat and interior platform that give you the feeling that you're really speeding down a professional raceway.

  There's even a leader board displaying the drivers with the best times, a list that will compel most to get back in line for another turn in the incredibly realistic simulator.

  We spoke to SigmaTimeAttack's Peter Sosinski, the developer of the system, and he estimates that, give or take a few bells and whistles, (and, of course, without the Dodge Challenger) putting such a sytem in your own home could cost around $15,000 to $20,000. Don't have that laying around? Then get ye to this simulator, post haste. If you don't already love driving, this simulator could change your mind.

  IMAGE: MASHABLE, ADARIO STRANGE

• Electric Carriage

  

  New York City residents have been watching the recent debate surrounding the continued use of horses to give people rides around Central Park, an old tradition considered a romantic piece of history by some and an inhumane practice by others.

  One possible remedy that could assuage both parties is a new prototype electric carriage on display at the auto show this week. Designed by Jason Wenig, the "E-Carriage," which has a distinctly old timey look, could be just the thing to preserve the romance of old Central Park while meeting approval from animal rights advocates.

  IMAGE: SETH WENIG/ASSOCIATED PRESS

• The Muppets SUV

  

  This one is strictly for the kids. This specially designed Toyota Highlander is a call back to theMuppets Super Bowl commercial that aired in February.

  The vehicle contains no special features, or amazing technology to set your mind wondering about the future. What it might do is distract the kids while you marvel at the power cars. You're welcome, parents.

  IMAGE: MASHABLE, ADARIO STRANGE

• Toyota Fuel Cell and Plug-In Ride-Along

  

  Although alternative fuel cars are becoming an increasingly common sight on city streets, a large segment of the public remains skeptical about the emerging technology. Some of that skepticism is due to a lack of experience with these types of vehicles.

  To help give you a sense of what it's like to ride in one, Toyota set up a full track inside the convention center where you can ride in a Prius plug-in hybrid and a Highlander fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV). Now you can take a ride and decide for yourself whether gasoline-only cars are an anachronism.

  IMAGE: FLICKR, KOSABE

• Tron-Style Mini Cooper

  

  As a brand, Mini Cooper is less known for flash and more geared toward drivers who prefer an understated approach to the road. But a couple of Mini Cooper displays at the show revealed some innovation around the usually sedate brand.

  A recent contest created to allow drivers to design their vision of the next-gen Mini Cooper resulted in the DeLux (pictured) created by Alex Coyle, a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University. The company will produce only 56 of the specially designed cars. Yes, it does look like a Tron Mini Cooper. And that's why we love it. It looks even better in person.

  IMAGE: MASHABLE, ADARIO STRANGE

• Toyota FV2 Concept

  

  When Toyota revealed the FV2 future mobility concept vehicle last year at the Tokyo Moto Show, many were blown away by the sheer beauty and science fiction-inspired boldness of its animated surface. Beyond mere design curves and inventive shapes, the vehicle really does look like something straight from a movie set.

  If you were as enthralled by those images of the vehicle from Japan as we were, you can't pass up the opportunity to see this thing in-person. On the display, it's in constant motion, leaning side to side, to give you sense of how it rides. And the stunning graphics on its surface are truly mesmerizing -- you'll have to pull yourself away from this one.

  IMAGE: MASHABLE, ADARIO STRANGE