At the New York International Auto Show, which runs until April 12, not all cars are created equal. While there are some stunning vehicles on the show floor, there are also some bizarre and ugly design details. Here are four that top our list:
Toyota bZ Time Attack Concept
This is no ordinary Toyota bZ electric SUV, this is a purpose-built electric high-performance concept vehicle designed to tackle the track and explore Toyota’s electrified potential in motorsports. Based on the 2026 Toyota bZ all-wheel-drive platform, this concept features race-inspired aerodynamics, upgraded suspension and enhanced electric performance with dual-electric motors and more than 400 horsepower.
The concept is lowered six inches from the stock ride height; custom over fenders also widen the track by six inches. The tri-colour exterior – pearl white, metallic black and red exterior – may look cool, but the aerodynamics package with a massive high-mounted rear wing and rear diffuser leave a lot to be desired. Granted its designed to optimize downforce while driving, the gigantic rear wing is obtrusive and an eyesore. Hopefully, this stylistic feature doesn’t make it into any production vehicle.
The Toyota bZ Time Attack Concept comes with this massive rear wing.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
2026 Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept minivan
Chrysler is trying to make minivans cool with this Pacifica Grizzly Peak concept, but unfortunately it doesn’t work. It’s like wearing skinny jeans with an oversized blazer, it’s not cool anymore. No offense to Chrysler, but minivans can’t pull off an overlanding or adventurous persona.
It’s not a Jeep. Even adding this Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform to the roof - fitted with a full-size spare tire, auxiliary lighting and a recovery board - or lifting the ride-height and adding 31-inch all-terrain tires, doesn’t help the cause. Replacing the third-row seats with a large cargo floor panel for storage or sleeping on camping adventures doesn’t help the cause, either. Any way you cut it, it’s still a minivan.
The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept minivan has 31-inch all-terrain tires and a full-size spare tire, auxiliary lighting and a recovery board on the roof.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
2027 RAM 1500 SRT TRX Bloodshot Night Edition
RAMs are menacing on the best of days, but this one raises the bar even higher. Imagine seeing this bad-boy RAM 1500 SRT TRX Bloodshot Night Edition in your rear-view mirror on the highway. While it is the most powerful production gas truck ever with a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 that produces 777 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, the Bloodshot Night Edition package has got to go.
The impossible-to-miss orange colour, exclusive bed-side splash graphics and hand-painted racing strip on the hood look corny. The graphics resemble the cheap wave decals from the 1980s – the only thing missing is the flashy, neon lights under the truck. And the price is way too high, starting at US$99,955 plus $2,595 for freight and pre-delivery inspection.
The 2027 RAM 1500 SRT TRX Bloodshot Night Edition.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
2026 Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Limited Edition
This Corvette gets the star treatment. This ZR1X has a mind-boggling 1,250 horsepower from a 5.5-litre V8 engine and electric drive unit, but what makes this one special is the “Stars and Steel” package. It includes full-length stripes and stars, inspired by the American-flag, painted directly on the flow-through hood and roof as well as a 250 plastered on the rear spoiler.
It also gets black exhaust tips, red brake calipers and a bold Adrenalin red interior. While the stars and stripes details are designed to commemorate America’s 250th birthday this July, we think the details look tacky. Thankfully the package is a limited-edition run – only 250 will be sold and none are coming to Canada.
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Limited Edition is covered in stars and stripes.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail