We saw the future of cupholders at the New York Auto Show
Every year, the New York Auto Show rolls into the Big Apple to reveal a slice of the automotive future. And we know what the people want — new innovations in cupholders.
All the big and small companies were there to raise the curtain on what the future may hold for where you put your coconut water while getting frustrated in traffic. Well, we took an open mind and a busy camera to spy on the many cars available and see what has changed in the realm of automobile beverage storage.
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Through the exhaust of digital inputs, self-driving promises and fancy new features, we entered car after car, trying to find some answers to this hot question about drinks in the days to come.
2017 Ford Fusion Platinum (Prototype)
Price: N/A
Through the locked doors of this prototype automobile, we spied a dual cupholder with what appear to be stabilizing tabs to keep cups in their place. Nothing too inventive, but it has a sleek and modern design.
2017 Mazda 3
Price: $24,925
The Mazda 3 has a uniquely bland cupholder. What happens if both passengers have large cups? The future deserves better.
2017 Lincoln Continental
Price: N/A
While this appears to be very similar to the Ford Fusion prototype above, it has the notable addition of a sliding cover. So if you have no cups that need holding and instead would prefer a faux wood look to cover your console, Lincoln is at your service.
2017 Infiniti QX70
Price: $45,850
This future cup holder looks like its technology allows for expandable cups with a flip-top lid if you and your passengers are cup-less. It isn't the sharpest design and consumers should expect more for their cups from Infiniti.
2016 BMW M4 GTS Coupe
Price: $134,200
Though the doors were locked on this very fancy BMW coupe, we were able to sneak a peek at what advanced technology it uses for its cupholders. While the design seems functional and striking in its lines, the danger exists of knocking the transmission while planting your big gulp in its place. Be wary, thirsty drivers.
2017 Mercedes AMG CLA45
Price: N/A
Two side-straddling cupholders sit inside the new Mercedes AMG CLA45. While they portend good things for the future of cups, they could stand to be bigger. Big gulps need not apply.
2016 Kia Sedona EX
Price: $37,315
This strictly functional cupholder does little to advance the horizon of beverage placement in automobiles.
2016 Acura TLX
Price: $35,750
The sleek cupholders in the Acura TLX are ringed in chrome, but lacking in other features like a cover, adjustable sizes or any other frills. These also do little to further the exploration of what is possible.
2016 Toyota Prius
Price: $24,200
The shiny plastic of these Prius cupholders certainly makes it look like a spaceship is holding your 16 oz. Red Bull as you take the onramp onto the future's highway.
Overall, we were left wanting a little more from this year's show. Perhaps next year we will begin to see some of the creativity and forward-thinking in cupholders we have been promised for decades.
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I have done neat stuff all over these United States from sailing lessons on the Puget Sound to motorcycle maintenance on the backroads of upstate New York. My professional experience extends from newspaper reporting in the mountains of Eastern Oregon to fixing espresso machines throughout Kentucky. I also have kept a cat alive for 10 years.
