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Highlights From The New York Auto Show

Highlights From New York

As the last major auto exhibition of the season, the New York International Auto Show often provides manufacturers with one last chance to debut models that weren’t ready earlier in the year. This year’s event is no different. The show is not only the oldest automotive exposition in North America, it is also typically the highest-attended one of the season. There are least 31 cars, crossovers and trucks expected to make their debut this year. Manufacturers tend to wait to debut some of their bes
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

As the last major auto exhibition of the season, the New York International Auto Show often provides manufacturers with one last chance to debut models that weren’t ready earlier in the year. This year’s event is no different.

The show is not only the oldest automotive exposition in North America, it is also typically the highest-attended one of the season. There are at least 31 cars, crossovers and trucks expected to make their debut this year. Manufacturers tend to wait until the New York show to debut some of their best models, making this the most unique and unpredictable auto show around.

The auto industry is once again on the rise with manufacturers such as Honda, Nissan, Chrysler and many others reporting a significant increase in sales in the first quarter. With the continued rise of gasoline prices around the country, there will again be a heavy emphasis on fuel-efficient cars at this year’s show.

To see some of the highlights of the event, click ahead.

By Jonathan Li and John Valentovic
Posted 5 April 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division unveiled the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG to the public as its top SL AMG, replacing the SL63 AMG that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, the SL65 AMG can put out 625 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. According to Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG can reach 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds with top speeds of 186 mph. An AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed sequential-shift transmission allows drivers to select their preferred dri
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division unveiled the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG to the public as its top SL AMG, replacing the SL63 AMG that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

Powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, the SL65 AMG can put out 625 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. According to Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG can reach 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds with top speeds of 186 mph. An AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed sequential-shift transmission allows drivers to select their preferred driving modes: controlled efficiency, sport, sport plus and manual.

Mostly manufactured out of lightweight aluminum, the SL65 AMG is fitted with a two-mode suspension and large breaks, 15.4-inches in the front and 14.2-inches in the back.

The SL65 AMG is expected to arrive in showrooms in November. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

2013 Lexus ES-Series

Ever since entering the car market in 1989, the ES has been as sales leader for Lexus. For the 2013 model year, Lexus unveiled the all-new ES 350 and the ES 300h quipped with the Lexus Hybrid Drive, a first for the series. The ES 300h features a beltless 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, designed to improve fuel economy and durability. With four driving modes to choose from, Normal, Sport, Eco and EV, drivers can choose how they would like the car to perform. According to Lexus, the ES 300h is exp
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

Ever since entering the car market in 1989, the ES has been a sales leader for Lexus. For the 2013 model year, Lexus unveiled the all-new ES 350 and the ES 300h equipped with the Lexus Hybrid Drive, a first for the series.

The ES 300h features a beltless 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, designed to improve fuel economy and durability. With four driving modes to choose from — normal, sport, eco and EV — drivers can choose how they would like the car to perform. According to Lexus, the ES 300h is expected to get about 40mpg combined city/highway.

The ES 350 will house a 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated with a six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). This combo will provide enhanced performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts.

Overall, the ES has been designed for a more spacious cabin. Rear seat leg and knee room have been increased. Manual door window shade, power rear shade, and one-touch power trunk closer are just some of its features. A 10-airbag system is standard, a segment-leading feature.

Pricing and when the new ES-Series will go on sale has not been announced.

2013 SRT Viper

No longer a part Dodge, the Chrysler group decided to turn SRT (Street and Racing Technology) into its own brand, with the launch of the 2013 SRT Viper. The rear-wheel drive SRT Viper is powered by an 8.4-liter V-10 engine, capable of producing 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of toque, and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. According to engineers, the new Viper is about 100 pounds lighter than the previous one. With a lighter vehicle and more horsepower, the new Viper sits on a high-strength
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

No longer a part of Dodge, the Chrysler group decided to turn SRT (Street and Racing Technology) into its own brand, with the launch of the 2013 SRT Viper.

The rear-wheel drive SRT Viper is powered by an 8.4-liter V-10 engine, capable of producing 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of toque, and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. According to engineers, the new Viper is about 100 pounds lighter than the previous one. With a lighter vehicle and more horsepower, the new Viper sits on a high-strength steel frame that is 50 percent stiffer. The body is mostly carbon fiber.

The interior has been revamped and is more luxurious than the “cheap” interiors of prior generations. Buyers are now able to customize the interior, along with the different wheel and brake combinations that will be available.

Pricing and when the 2013 SRT Viper will hit the showroom has not been announced.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai surprised the media and the general public with two unveilings, the 2013 Sante Fe and the 2013 Sante Fe Sport. What’s the difference? In short, one model is shorter than the other, there are different engine choices and a difference in passenger capacity. The Santa Fe Sport has two engine choices, a 2.4-liter Inline 4-cylinder (23 mpg city and 33 highway with front-wheel drive) or a 2.0-liter Turbo-GDI Inline 4-cylinder (23 city and 31 highway with front-wheel drive). Being shorter in le
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

Hyundai surprised the media and the general public with two unveilings, the 2013 Santa Fe and the 2013 Santa Fe Sport.

What’s the difference? In short, one model is shorter than the other, there are different engine choices and a difference in passenger capacity.

The Santa Fe Sport has two engine choices, a 2.4-liter Inline 4-cylinder (23 mpg city and 33 highway with front-wheel drive) or a 2.0-liter Turbo-GDI Inline 4-cylinder (23 city and 31 highway with front-wheel drive). Being shorter in length than the regular Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Sport does not have the option of third-row seating.

The normal Santa Fe is powered by a 3.3-liter GDI V-6 engine (estimated 19 city and 26 highway with front-wheel drive) and has third-row capabilities.

All-wheel-drive is optional for both models. Also offered is Hyundai’s third-generation navigation system on multifunction 8-inch touch-screen display. Standard in all models is Hyundai’s equivalent of OnStar, Blue Link.

The Santa Fe Sport will go on sale in July with an estimated starting price of $25,000. A longer-wheelbase Santa Fe is coming in January and will start at around $30,000.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Porsche is bringing its diesel version of the Cayenne state side, for the first time, in the 2013 model year. In Europe, the diesel variant Cayenne has been available since 2009. The Cayenne Diesel is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel engine, capable of producing 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 can be reached in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 135 mph. Porsche estimates that the Cayenne Diesel can travel up to 740 miles on a single 26.4-gallon tank of fuel. When the 2013
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

Porsche is bringing its diesel version of the Cayenne state side for the first time, in the 2013 model year. In Europe, the diesel variant Cayenne has been available since 2009.

The Cayenne Diesel is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel engine, capable of producing 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 can be reached in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 135 mph. Porsche estimates that the Cayenne Diesel can travel up to 740 miles on a single 26.4-gallon tank of fuel.

When the 2013 Cayenne Diesel goes on sale in September, the base price will start at $55,750, not including the $975 destination charge.

Acura RLX Concept

With the world debut of the Acura RLX Concept, American Honda chief Tetsuo Iwamura says it “will offer a level of connectivity, comfort and advanced performance demanded by today’s luxury buyers.” Acura says the production version of RLX will have a 310 horsepower, front-wheel-drive and superior handling through Acura’s new technology, Precision All Wheel Steer. Possibly available will be a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, capable of generating more than 370 horsepower paired
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

With the world debut of the Acura RLX Concept, American Honda chief Tetsuo Iwamura says it “will offer a level of connectivity, comfort and advanced performance demanded by today’s luxury buyers.”

Acura says the production version of RLX will have a 310 horsepower engine, front-wheel-drive and superior handling through Acura’s new technology, Precision All Wheel Steer. Possibly available will be a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, capable of generating more than 370 horsepower paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that can achieve 30 mpg city and highway.

The concepts sported 20-inch wheels on high-performance tires. Though the concept vehicle is the same length as the current RL, RLX has a 2-inch longer wheelbase and 2-inch shorter front overhang. The width and track of the concept vehicle also has increased by 2 inches.

The RLX will have goodies such as two LCD screens; one for display and the other will be a touchscreen to control audio, navigation and climate. A 14-speaker premium audio system will be offered, along with Acura’s ELS Surround sound system.

2013 BMW X1

Though it could be considered the X3’s little brother, the X1, manufactured in Germany, will finally make it to dealers in the United States this fall. It rivals the Audi Q3, Acura RDX, Infiniti EX and the Land Rover Evoque. Before arriving to the United States, the X1 will receive a minor facelift, and some engine pampering. Other changes include new headlights, new interior surfaces and a center console cup holder. The base X1, the rear-wheel drive sDrive28i will be powered by a 240 horsepower
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

Though it could be considered the X3’s little brother, the X1, manufactured in Germany, will finally make it to dealers in the United States this fall. It rivals the Audi Q3, Acura RDX, Infiniti EX and the Land Rover Evoque.

Before arriving in the United States, the X1 will receive a minor facelift and some engine pampering. Other changes include new headlights, new interior surfaces and a center console cup holder.

The base X1, the rear-wheel drive sDrive28i, will be powered by a 240 horsepower 2.0-litre inline-four, with a price starting at $31,545. For an additional $1,700, all-wheel drive is included and will be called the X1 xDrive28i. Only offered in the states, the X1 xDrive35i, powered by a 300 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six engine, starts at $39,345. All engine options will be mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2013 Nissan Altima

At first glance the new 2013 Nissan Altima may look like the outgoing Altima, but closely examined, new lines and creases are noticeable. The reason: Nissan wanted to maintain the traditional sedan look to maintain the comfort and feel of the interior room. Under the hood, there are two engine options. The first, an improved 2.5-liter inline-four engine that is capable of producing 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The second is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is capable of producing 270-horse
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

At first glance the new 2013 Nissan Altima may look like the outgoing Altima, but closely examined, new lines and creases are noticeable. The reason: Nissan wanted to maintain the traditional sedan look to maintain the comfort and feel of the interior space.

Under the hood, there are two engine options. The first, an improved 2.5-liter inline-four engine that is capable of producing 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The second is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is capable of producing 270-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines will be mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has great gear rations and 40 percent less friction, allowing the car drive at 60 mph at 1,450 rpm.

At about 79 pounds lighter than its previous incarnation, the new 2.5-liter engine Altima can reach an estimated 27 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. For the 3.5-liter, plan on getting an estimated 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Available in June, the base price for the 2.5-liter Altima begins at $22,280; the 3.5-liter begins at $26,140.

2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi

About 600,000 New Yorkers ride the taxi each day. Though a majority of NYC taxis are based on the Ford Crown Victoria, Ford ended production of the model in 2011. What will New Yorkers ride in next? In May 2011, after a two-year bid process, the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV2000 Taxi as the exclusive taxi of New York City beginning in late 2013.Based on surveys from driver and passengers, the Nissan NV2000 Taxi will offer ample room for four passengers and t
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

About 600,000 New Yorkers ride in taxies each day. Though a majority of NYC taxis are based on the Ford Crown Victoria, Ford ended production of the model in 2011. What will New Yorkers ride in next?

In May 2011, after a two-year bid process, the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV2000 Taxi as the exclusive taxi of New York City, beginning in late 2013.

Based on surveys from drivers and passengers, the Nissan NV2000 Taxi will offer ample room for four passengers and their luggage, a transparent roof panel, independently controlled air conditioner, reading and floor lights, mobile charging station, a flat floor and a few other features.

The Nissan NV2000 Taxi will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico, with a suggested retail price of about $29,700.

2014 Chevrolet Impala

The first Impala appeared in dealer showrooms in 1958. Ten generations later, the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala will hit showrooms early 2013. Three engine choices will be available. The base is a 2.4-liter I-4 with eAssist mild hybrid technology estimated to produce 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. Next up is a 2.5-liter Ecotec I-4 estimated to produce 195 horsepower and 187 lb-ft or torque. Finally, there is the 3.6-liter V-6 that can produce 303 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. All
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

The first Impala appeared in dealer showrooms in 1958. Ten generations later, the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala will hit showrooms early 2013.

Three engine choices will be available. The base is a 2.4-liter I-4 with eAssist mild hybrid technology estimated to produce 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. Next up is a 2.5-liter Ecotec I-4 estimated to produce 195 horsepower and 187 lb-ft or torque. Finally, there is the 3.6-liter V-6 that can produce 303 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. All three engines power the front wheels.

With a stronger chassis and quieter interior, the new Impala boasts features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation breaking, forward collision alert and side blind zone alert.

There will be three models to choose from when the 2014 Impala goes on sale, LS, LT, and LTX. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Ford’s luxury line, Lincoln, introduced the MKZ at the auto show as the first Lincoln from its dedicated design team at Lincoln Design Studio, which is committed to revamp the brand’s image. Based on the 2013 Ford Fusion, the MKZ has angular headlamps with a split-wing chrome grille. Its side mirrors are mounted to the door, allowing for a larger front window and better visibility. The design team has incorporated a panoramic glass roof (15.2 square-feet) that can slide open and close. The MKZ w
Photo: Jonathan Li for CNBC.com

Ford’s luxury line, Lincoln, introduced the MKZ at the auto show as the first Lincoln from its dedicated design team at Lincoln Design Studio, which is committed to revamping the brand’s image.

Based on the 2013 Ford Fusion, the MKZ has angular headlamps with a split-wing chrome grille. Its side mirrors are mounted to the door, allowing for a larger front window and better visibility. The design team has incorporated a panoramic glass roof (15.2 square-feet) that can slide open.

The MKZ will have three engine choices: a 2.0-liter inline-four that is capable of producing 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque; a 3.7-liter V-6 capable of producing 300 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque; a 2.0-liter inline-four Electric Hybrid capable of producing 188 horsepower combined and 129 lb-ft of torque engine only (estimated 41 mpg city / 36 mpg highway).

Some standard and optional amenities include an active noise canceling system, a 700-watt 14-speaker system, an 8-inch flush mounted LCD touchscreen on the center console, and a 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster.

The new MKZ will be in dealer showrooms later this year. Pricing hasn’t been announced.