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Tuesday, 26 February 2013

2012 New York Roundup: Automakers Go Big in the Big Apple

2012 New York Roundup: Automakers Go Big in the Big Apple Over two dozen vehicles took the stage at the 2012 New York auto show ranging from bread-and-butter models like the Nissan Altima and Chevy Traverse to pavement-punishing halo sports cars like the SRT Viper. This year’s New York debuts were some of the most anticipated of the year, but it’s not always easy to remember them all. Check out the show’s highlights below.

2012 New York Roundup: Automakers Go Big in the Big Apple

2012 New York Roundup: Automakers Go Big in the Big Apple

 2012 New York Roundup: Automakers Go Big in the Big Apple

2012 New York Roundup: Automakers Go Big in the Big Apple





































2012 New York Roundup: Automakers Go Big in the Big Apple

 2013 SRT Viper

The long tease leading up to the 2013 SRT Viper’s debut is finally over, and we at last see what the next super car from Chrysler Group looks like (pictured above). With new styling, improved interior quality, and 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque on tap, the latest Viper appears to be a worthy successor to the original.

2013 Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG front end in motion1 300x187 image2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The V-12-powered SL is back, now boasting 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Along with the twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12, a seven-speed automatic transmission and AMG-specific Active Body Control suspension help the SL65 AMG in the performance department, while unique exterior features and V-12 Biturbo badges set apart the car from lesser SL models.

2012 BMW M6 Convertible

Making its U.S. debut in New York, the M6 convertible offers all the high-performance thrills of the coupe in a drop-top package. The M6 convertible will be the U.S. market’s first taste of the 560-hp, 500-lb-ft drivetrain also found in the M5 when it goes on sale this June.

Fisker Atlantic Prototype front three quarter 300x187 imageFisker Atlantic Prototype

The first vehicle from Project Nina and the second model to join the Fisker lineup, the Atlantic prototype is smaller than the Karma (said to be roughly the size of an Audi A5) but packs a similar range-extended EV drivetrain. Can the new sedan reverse the automaker’s recent troubles?

2012 Shelby 1000

For Shelby American’s 50th anniversary, the specialty vehicle builder prepared the 950-hp Shelby 1000 to New York. As a follow-up to last year’s 800-hp GT500 Super Snake, the new custom Mustang promises massive power and formidable performance on the track.
Sedans

2013 Acura RLX Concept front three quarter 300x187 imageAcura RLX Concept

Like the Crosstour, the RLX is close to production form. As a successor to the slow-selling RL, the RLX is intended to be Acura’s next flagship sedan. The top model will receive a 3.5-liter V-6 and Acura’s new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD electric wheel motor system with a combined output of 370 hp.

Infiniti LE Concept

Infiniti is previewing an upcoming EV with the LE Concept. Based on the Nissan Leaf’s electric drivetrain and architecture, the LE’s design gives us an early look at the car you can actually buy in 2014.

2014 Chevrolet Impala front three quarter1 300x187 image2014 Chevrolet Impala

GM is finally giving the Chevy Impala the attention it deserves. For model-year 2014, the all-new Impala will arrive with sharp exterior styling, a more refined interior, and more efficient engine options. Will it be enough to take on its full-size rivals?

2013 Lincoln MKZ

We saw the MKZ in concept form earlier this year in Detroit, and the production version has changed very little on the outside. The raked roofline remains, and the new interpretation of the Lincoln grille is hard to ignore. The range-topping model gets a 300-hp, 277-lb-ft 3.7-liter V-6 estimated at 18/26 mpg city/highway.

2013 Lexus ES front three quarter motion 300x187 image2013 Lexus ES

Like the Camry on which it’s based, the 2013 Lexus ES played it safe with flat side panels and a predictable Lexus spindle grille. Available with two drivetrains including a 3.5-liter V-6 and 2.5-liter I-4 hybrid setup, the ES will likely offer the same comfort-focused driving experience when it goes on sale later this year.

2013 Nissan Altima

Though the previous Altima was a surprise hit seller, Nissan’s 2013 Altima steps up its game with Maxima-esque styling, a revised 2.5-liter I-4 engine option, and an all-CVT drivetrain lineup.

2013 Toyota Avalon front three quarter 300x187 image2013 Toyota Avalon

Having undergone a radical design transformation, the new Avalon brings sharper styling  to Toyota’s flagship sedan. The new Avalon sports paddle shifters and even a Sport mode, not something we expected from this full-size sedan.

Subaru Legacy/Outback

With Subaru’s Impreza range now up to date, the brand is focusing on its midsize offerings. For model-year 2013, the Legacy and Outback receive revised front end styling, new 2.5-liter boxer I-4 engines and CVT engine options, plus an optional EyeSight safety system.
Crossovers, SUVs, and Trucks

2013 Buick Enclave front three quarter with Tony DiSalle 300x187 image2013 Buick Enclave

Buick has given the Enclave a much-needed refresh. Though the drivetrain remains mostly untouched, the exterior has been updated to fit in with the rest of the lineup.

2013 Chevrolet Traverse

Like its Lambda platform-mates GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse is getting a refresh. Just as with its more expensive siblings, the Traverse gets exterior and interior touch-ups, with the drivetrain left alone.

2012 BMW X1 front three quarter2 300x187 image2013 BMW X1

After years of delays, BMW’s smallest crossover is finally coming stateside. Available in rear- or all-wheel-drive layouts, and powered by BMW’s new 2.0-liter turbo I-4 or a U.S.-exclusive 3.0-liter turbo I-6, the X1 could shake things up in the compact crossover segment.

2013 Cadillac SRX

The SRX is also on GM’s refresh list this year, receiving an updated interior and standard CUE entertainment system. Cadillac’s midsize crossover also gets a minor face-lift and more safety options.

Honda Crosstour Concept

Despite the concept label, this vehicle is close to what the production version of the refreshed Crosstour will look like. With a new grille and updated trim levels, the quirky crossover will carry over its wagon-like characteristics.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe front three quarters 300x187 image2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

Besides the obvious exterior changes, the 2013 Santa Fe is now offered as two distinct models—the five-passenger Santa Fe Sport offering naturally aspirated and turbocharged I-4 drivetrains borrowed from the Sonata, and the three-row Santa Fe, which gets six-cylinder power and Hyundai’s BlueLink infotainment system.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Mercedes’ smallest crossover gets a nip-tuck, along with a new diesel model. Powered by a 2.1-liter turbodiesel I-4, the GLK250 Bluetec will offer 190 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, along with “extremely frugal” fuel economy, when it arrives in showrooms by early 2013.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL

On the reverse side of the Mercedes SUV spectrum is the GL, which also gets updated this year, which gets a more muscular stance and curvier styling, along with more powerful engines, including a 3.5-liter turbodiesel V-6 producing 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque.

2013 Lexus RX 350 front three quarter1 300x187 image2013 Lexus RX F Sport

Despite being a hot seller in the midsize luxury crossover segment, the RX is anything but sporty. Lexus hopes to remedy that with the RX 350 F Sport model, which inherits the new corporate spindle grille, F Sport suspension bits, an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and the company’s Active Torque Control all-wheel-drive system.

2013 Ram 1500 front three quarter 300x187 image

2013 Ram 1500

As one of the strongest models in Chrysler Group’s portfolio, the Ram gets a redesigned front end, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a new Pentastar V-6 option.