2009 New York Auto Show Photos And Coverage

Despite the dark clouds that continue to hang over the automotive industry -- particularly GM and Chrysler -- the 2009 New York Auto Show is shaping up to be a solid event with a nice mix of products set to spin on the Big Apple's turntables.

While the shift to small cars is supposedly on, most of the New York show stars are of the crossover and SUV variety, with concepts from both Hyundai (Nuvis) and Acura (ZDX) set to debut, along with an M-badged SAC (X6 M) from BMW, and SUV updates from Land Rover, Mercedes and Mazda.

Arguably the biggest news on the big vehicle front, however, is coming from the poster children for the automotive apocalypse: GM and Chrysler. While not exactly the type of small, fuel efficient products being demanded of them by the Obama administration, both vehicles should be relatively well received and may eventually help with each automaker's bottom line -- that is if they haven't hit rock bottom by the time they're set to hit the market.

Other notable New York debuts include Scion's take on the Toyota iQ mincar, the Subaru Legacy, the hot new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and a surprise unveiling from Nissan. In addition, the latest versions of two of the hottest hatches on the market -- the new Volkswagen GTI and Mazdaspeed3 -- are making their U.S. debuts.

Stay tuned to MotorTrend.com leading up to and during the show's press days, April 8-9, for all the latest from the Jacob Javits center floor.

IF YOU'RE GOING:

Location:Jacob Javits Convention Center - 11th ave between 34 & 39 StreetsPublic Show Dates:Friday April 10 through Sunday April 19thHours:11am - 10:30pm (Sundays: 10am - 7pm)Special Public Sneak Preview:Friday April 10th 11am - 10:30pmOfficial Opening Day:Saturday April 11th, Festivities begin at 9am, show floor opens at 11amTickets:$14 adults, $4 children. Available at the show kiosks or online at www.autoshowny.com/tickets

The Acura ZDX prototype shares many design cues with the controversial TL sedan, though the execution is thankfully much less cartoonish. In fact, the production version, which will differ on in minor detail, will arguably be the best looking vehicle in the Acura range when it goes on sale this fall.

In the ZDX function is secondary to form. The C-pillars have been pulled dramatically inward to give the ZDX a pronounced shoulder over the rear wheel.The B-pillar has also been moved rearward compared with Acura's MDX SUV. (It's built on the same platform and shares its powertrain, all-wheel-drive layout, and high seating position with the MDX.) As a result, the rear door aperture is relatively narrow, and tall passengers will find the rear seat headroom a little tight. With rear vision likely to be somewhat restricted, its no surprise to learn the production ZDX will come standard with an all-new blind spot warning system and a multi-view rear camera that will offer wide angle and top-down views. It's a big vehicle. Overall length is 192.4 in. and overall width is 78.5 in. It rides on a 108.2-in. wheelbase and stands 61.8 in. tall. The rakish roofline is key to the ZDX's sports coupe pretensions. The rear door handles have been hidden to emphasize the coupelike profile. The roof features black-tinted glass panels, which continue right through the backlight and onto the vertical surface of the rear hatch, just like an old CRX. The through bumper exhaust outlets are a first for Honda.

Honda officials won't confirm all details of the production version yet, but logic suggests this range-topping, sporty Acura will be available with the punchy 305-hp, 3.7L V-6 offered in the TL. The engine will be mated to an all-new six speed automatic transmission with a sequential sport-shift mode. All weather traction is courtesy of Honda's complex, heavy but effective Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

With the intro of theBMW X6Mat the New York auto show, BMW is giving in to competition from the Porsche Cayenne GTS and the Mercedes-Benz ML65 AMG. In more certain times, the X6 M would be a surefire profit-maker. Instead of the M5's 500-horse, 5.0L V-10, the X6 M is powered by a new, 555-hp version of the 4.4L twin-turbo V-8, this one featuring a new exhaust manifold set in the engine's vee. The manifold has one turbo inlet for every two cylinders (normally, it's one inlet per turbo scroll) and swaps out cylinders to get a pulse every 90 degrees. The two Garrett twin-scroll turbos work both sides of the vee, not one per bank. The new M twin-turbo V-8's max engine speed is 6800 rpm (with turbos spooling to about 16,000 rpm at maximum turbo boost) and the engine produces a heady 502 pound-feet of torque from 1800 rpm on. BMW claims both vehicles will sprint to 60 mph in 4.5 sec.

The X6 M sets another BMW precedent, as the first M model with an automatic transmission. The X6 M's "sport" mode speeds up shifting among the six gears, and the "M" mode speeds them up even further. Click on the X6 M's M mode and all-wheel-drive bias shifts heavily to the rear wheels, making them great drift competition candidates, BMW says. The rear bias is well past 20/80, although BMW says it's not pure rear drive. The X6 M will go on sale later this year.

More on the BMW X6 M and X5 M:First Look: BMW X6 M and BMW X5 M

For 2009, Cadillac mates its two-mode hybrid system to the top-line Escalade Platinum SUV. A 6.0-liter V-8 rated at 332 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque replaces the 403 horse 6.2-liter. And, with a weight north of 7,000-lbs, the hybrid returns 20 mpg city , thanks to regenerative braking, stop-start, cylinder deactivation, and electronically driven aircon and power steering systems. The latter system, Cadillac says, boosts fuel economy up to 0.5 mpg by reducing parasitic losses.

With a seven mpg city gain, the Platinum retains its high-line features, including a grille styled after the CTS, 22-in. wheels, magnetic suspension, LED headlights, Aniline leather-upholstered interior, and a DVD entertainment system with screens in the front-seat headrests. Two- and four-wheel drive configurations are available.

The hybrid package comes at a $3600 premium over the standard Platinum. Rear-drive starts at $85,885 while four-wheel drive comes in at $88,395.

The GT1 Champion Edition has been designed to honor the successes of the Corvette C6.R racecars in the Le Mans and American Le Mans Series GT1 class. Only 100 copies of each color and body-style option will be built for a grand total of just 600 cars, each featuring livery reminiscent of the C6.R. Hardtop coupes will start at $65,310, while convertibles will start at $71,815 and Z06 models will start at $86,385.

For the extra scratch, you'll receive a car in either Velocity Yellow or Black and adorned with special C6.R-esque livery including a center stripe, "Jake" graphics, a list of the C6.R's championships, driver names and flags, chrome wheels, a body-color Corvette ZR1 rear lip-spoiler and more. Under the hood, the engine will be dressed up with a carbon-patterned engine cover with yellow Corvette lettering, while the interior will be wrapped in black leather with yellow stitching and GT1 embroidery on the seats, dash and center armrest. A windshield banner is included but not installed. Coupe and Convertible cars also pick up the Z51 Performance Package and NPP Performance Exhaust options. A six-speed, paddle-shifted, automatic transmission is optional on the coupe and convertible, while a targa roof is optional only on the coupe. A navigation system is optional on all models.

Each car produced will also get a special VIN sequence to denote its rarity. Yellow cars will feature the 300001 sequence in honor of the #3 C6.R racecar while black cars will feature the 400001 sequence in honor of the #4 C6.R racecar. The real C6.R racecars are celebrating eight ALMS GT1 Manufacturer's Championships, five GT1 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and over 70 ALMS victories. The cars will close out their careers this summer at the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans, after which new GT2-class cars will take over starting at the Mid-Ohio race in August.

The 2009 SMS 570 Challenger and its big brother, the 700-hp SMS 570X Challenger, are available to be ordered from any Dodge dealer right now if you have the money. What you'll get is a car that started life as a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T that's been fitted with plenty of SMS goodies, including Saleen's new Red Butterfly Induction hood.

The star of the show is, of course, the SMS 296 Supercharger mounted atop the Hemi V-8. In the 570, it will be fitted the 5.7L engine and crank out 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. For the 570X, the blower will be fitted to the 6.0L engine and pound out 700 hp and 650 lb-ft. While both will pick up a performance exhaust system and intercooler, the 6.0L engine will also get forged internals to handle the extra power. While the 570 can be ordered as a five-speed auto or six-speed manual, the 570X will get a special SMST six-speed manual gearbox with lightweight flywheel. Despite the add-ons, both cars are still 50-state smog legal and come with warranties -- 3 years/36,000 miles for the 570 and 1 year/12,000 miles for the 570X.

These aren't just straight-line performance cars, either. Each gets the SMS Series 4 suspension, 20-in SMS wheels, performance tires and big brakes. Of course, a car from Steve Saleen can't just be fast, it has to look the part, too. Outside, the cars get the full SMS treatment including a special grille, the Red Butterfly Induction hood, front splitter, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, fender flares and special front and rear fascias, not to mention the customary badging. Inside, you'll be treated to leather and Alcantara everywhere, sport seats, and custom gauges with boost and air temperature gauges mounted up on the dash.

Performance numbers haven't been released yet, but expect the 570 and 570X to run with the best when they hit the road. Before you head down to your local Dodge dealer, though, you'll need to decide whether you want yours in Plum Insane, Sour Grape Green, Orange Crush, Applizious Red or Molly Pop, and you'll need to come up with $65,000. Pricing for the 570X hasn't been released yet, but expect it to command a significant premium over the slightly more-sedate 570. If Mopars aren't your style, don't worry, SMS says special Camaros and Mustangs are on the way as well.

Upstart electric car-maker EV Innovations Inc. is bringing U.S. consumers two battery-powered cars from the opposite ends of the spectrum, the Wave commuter and the Inizio EVS sports car.

The Wave is an egg-shaped car designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and thus, maximum range from its battery pack and electric motors. EVII says the car comes with voice-activated features, USB connectivity, video cameras for mirrors and can reach speeds of 80 mph. EVII says the Wave's maximum range is 170 miles and will cost just $34,900.

Providing a Yang to the Wave's Yin is the Inizio EVS sports car, which looks like a purpose-built racecar with its Spartan interior and fancy inboard suspension. EVII says the car will hit 170 mph and can do 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds. EVII promises a 200 miles range and a starting price of $139,000.

Based on the second-gen Chevrolet Equinox on sale soon, the 2010 GMC Terrain has distinct sheetmetal and a slightly upgraded interior featuring lots of red ambient lighting, including along the center-stack-control outline, the CD player opening, and in the door handle openings. The Terrain will come with slightly more standard equipment than the new Equinox, and we'd expect base prices for the SLE and SLT trim levels, both available in front or all-wheel drive and I-4 or V-6 configurations, to run from the very low to the upper-mid $20s.

Underneath it all, the Terrain will be familiar to those of you who have studied the '10 Equinox's spec sheet: 2.4L Ecotec gas direct-injection four or a new 3.0-liter gas direct-injection V-6, with fuel economy ranging up to 30 mpg highway. The driving range will top 500 miles with either engine and the Ecotec four features an "ECO" mode in which the driver can lower torque lockup speed to 1125 rpm with the touch of a button.

More on the 2010GMC Terrain:First Look: 2010 GMC Terrain

The Hyundai Nuvis Concept is yet another hybrid-crossover dream machine designed to blend utility with small-car fuel-economy and sci-fi futuristic styling. Powered by a parallel hybrid system backed up by a 270-watt lithium-polymer battery, the Nuvis delivers an estimated 34 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, according to Hyundai.

The Nuvis employs Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive system, which operates on a principle similar to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive setup. In this case, Hyundai's 228-hp Theta II 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine is mated to a 30 kW electric motor that can get the vehicle moving from a stop and provide extra power for accelerating and passing.

Its six-speed automatic transmission has seen its fourth, fifth and sixth gears extended for better highway fuel-economy. Hyundai says its lithium-polymer battery pack, which is stored under the rear cargo floor, is more space-efficient and durable than nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery packs found in other hybrids.

Blue Drive is a styling influence as well. To drive the point home, the color blue has turned up all over the vehicle. It's in the headlights, it's trimming the brake ducts in the lower front fascia, it's hiding in character lines behind the front wheels and it's lighting up the Hyundai logos at either end of the vehicle. Pull open the massive gullwing doors and you'll find plenty more where that came from. On the floors, you'll find blue accent lighting running from front to rear that looks like a river flowing beneath your feet and pulses to emulate moving water. That is, if you notice the floor. Most people likely won't be able to take their eyes of the alien-space-ship dash and center console.

While Hyundai says that the Nuvis serves as a platform for a new styling direction for the brand, it's likely most of its extreme lines and features won't see showrooms, although we wouldn't be surprised to see a Ford Edge and Toyota Highlander-fighting hybrid CUV from Hyundai employing cues from the Nuvis in the near future.

The 2011 Grand Cherokee is the first Chrysler product to make use of the new Phoenix V-6 engine family, in this case a 280-horsepower, 260 pound-foot 3.6L unit. The 360 horsepower, 390 pound-foot 5.7L Hemi V-8 will still be offered and Europeans will be able to check a box labeled "diesel." Suspension is all-new, independent at the four corners.

Three 4x4 options remain: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with electronic limited slip. A new Selec-Terrain system with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II has five terrain settings, automatic, sand/mud, sport, snow and rock. The 4x2 will have the highest tow rating, however, at 7,400 pounds.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has also long been one of the most handsome SUVs on the market, and the new 2011 model is no exception. With Chrysler design's newfound emphasis on what's on the inside, the interior may no longer be a disappointment. The company touts the crossover's "premium soft-touch interior materials for all price classes," and even a leather instrument panel for the top-of-the-range Overland trim model.

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup shares its front-wheel drive unibody platform with the Forte sedan, but manages to be slightly shorter in height and length than the four-door. It also shares the Forte's engine lineup consisting of an EX trim level base 2.0L four-cylinder (156-hp/144 lb-ft) and a bigger 2.4L four-banger (173-hp/168 lb-ft) in the higher SX model. Both receive two gearbox choices, with the entry level getting either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Transmissions in the SX get one more gear each.

Both trims receive the same sleek styling highlighted by the automaker's attractive new front-end. The nose is accented by wraparound headlights and muscular wheel surrounds, while at the back, a dual exhaust set on either side of the rear diffuser further indicates the two-door's athletic character. Sixteen-in. rolling stock come standard on the EX, but 17-inchers can be had when customer moves up to the SX. Engineers claim the suspensions of both trim levels were tuned to be highly responsive when pushing through the twisties -- a claim we will be sure to put to the test. At the same time, Kia says much care was taken in reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Despite its size, the 2010 Koupe sports a generous 90.7 cu ft of interior volume -- 12.6 cu ft of which is dedicated to cargo. Standard bolstered sport seats, air conditioning, power widows and door locks keep passengers as comfortable as possible. SX owners see red stitching, tilt and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheels and metal trimmings added to the amenities list. 2010 Kia Forte Koup pricing and availability has yet to be announced.

The 2010 Land Rover LR4 is powered by Jaguar Land Rover's all-new 5.0L, direct-injection V-8 -- a significant increase in size from the outgoing LR3's current 4.4L engine. With the new engine comes more power: 375 brake horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, up from 300 and 315, respectively. The new engine (also employed in the Jaguar XF) uses variable camshaft timing, which works independently on all four camshafts, improving engine response. It also boasts lower fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, and is ULEV2 compliant. It's backed by a revised ZF HP-28 six-speed automatic that should help improve fuel economy (not yet rated) and make quicker, more refined shifts.

Underneath, updates were made to the suspension, including new knuckles, new shocks, and a stiffer anti-roll bar, and the LR4 also receives larger brakes (now 14.2-in. at the front as opposed to the LR3's 13.3) and an updated traction control system. Terrain Reponse now offers a sand launch control, and Hill Descent Control now uses Gradient Release Control, which reduces initial acceleration on extremely steep grades.

Styling has been refreshed, with smoother, more aerodynamic lines, a new two-bar grille and LED headlights with high-beam assist. There are now side vents and new wheel styles. The interior has been completely redesigned. There's a new center stack and the Terrain Response control now sits above the shifter. There are new seats for the first two rows, new leather colors, and the addition of ambient lighting. There's also a new five-inch TFT driver information screen, flanked by redesigned gauges. For those who felt the LR3's stack was too cluttered, the number of buttons was cut nearly in half. To make the LR4 easier to park, buyers can get a five-camera system -- also handy when towing and in off-road situations. With more than 1300 new parts in all, Jaguar Land Rover engineers did as much as possible without creating an all-new platform. Their efforts will no doubt make the LR4 a more capable, powerful, and fuel-efficient vehicle than the outgoing LR3. Expect it to go on sale in October.

Mazda's refreshed2010 Mazda CX-7, which is making its U.S. debut at New York, features new styling and a new 2.5L engine -- the same block that serves duty in the Mazda3 and Mazda6. No doubt designed as a more economical alternative to the usual 244-horsepower turbocharged 2.3L engine that's still an option in the CX-7's engine bay, the slightly larger, normally-aspirated 2.5L four-banger will produce 161 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. Though pricing and fuel economy figures are not yet available, we're willing to bet the offering will trade a little power for improved gas mileage and a lower MSRP.

Beyond the new engine option, Mazda has revised the CX-7's styling both inside and out. Most noticeable is the new five-point front grille that is quickly becoming an integral part of Mazda's current design language and is also visible in the redesigns of the Mazda3, MX-5, and RX-8. Inside, the gauges get a refresh with three-dimensional dials and a Multi Information Display. The passenger's seat receives power adjustment, while a three-position driver's seat memory and Bluetooth compatibility are also new. Mazda says that overall, the 2010 CX-7 is refined greatly over the current version and that improvements extend all the way to the build quality. The body rigidity has reportedly also been improved, with it lower noise, vibration, and harshness levels are readily apparent -- even wind noise has been reduced, according to the automaker

Mazda has updated the popularCX-9crossover for 2010 with new styling to reflect the company's new Nagara design theme. The new corporate trademark, the wide, smiling front grille, has been applied to the CX-9 along with other cosmetic touches like new headlights, fog lights, tail lights and new 18- and 20-inch wheels.

Inside, Mazda has also updated the interior slightly with new, richer-looking seat material and new trim. The dash and center console have been slightly revised and now feature more chrome and piano-black trim. All CX-9 models will come standard in with beige or black interiors, AC, cruise control, power windows, power doors with a keyless entry system that's been revised for 2010, six air bags, a trip computer, and Bluetooth phone connection. New features include heated seats, a redesigned rear climate control system and an optional 4.3-in LCD screen for navigation, stereo, and back-up camera displays.

The CX-9's changes are primarily skin-deep. The potent 273-hp 3.7L V-6 has been carried over from previous models and still makes 270 lb-ft of torque. In most situations, it sends that power directly to the front wheels, but if you've opted for an AWD model and find yourself on a loose surface, it will send as much as 50% of the available torque to the rear wheels. Either way, that power will first pass through a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing and availability have not yet been set.

Mazda's latest version of its high performance2010 Mazdaspeed3five-door hatchback made its world debut in European-spec MPS trim at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March and is coming to New York for it's U.S. bow.Under all that shiny new sheetmetal and behind that smiling face is a familiar car, one that we've grown to love for its bargain performance. Mazda's 2.3L turbocharged and direct-injected engine still resides between the front tires and sends power to them via a six-speed manual transmission whose ratios have been revised for smoother acceleration. Power should be unchanged from 2009, so expect nothing less than the current car's 263-hp/280 lb-ft output. It's also expected to wear the same 12.6-in front and 11.0-in rear brakes as the old car, though Mazda has now added electronic Brake Assist to the ABS and stability control systems to keep everything in check.

The biggest changes are skin-deep. The new go-fast Mazda3's Nagare-style grinning grille remains largely the same up front, but features reworked air intakes that feed passing air to the brakes more efficiently. Also of note on the front clip is the deletion of lower ducts set below the foglights. More aggressive side skirts continue the Mazdaspeed theme along the flanks and to the rear, the enhancements culminate with a blacked-out rear diffuser sporting a dual exhaust. A more pronounced wing also perches above the five-door's hatchback. Bolder fenders house the larger wheel and tire setup, while the bulging hood features a gaping scoop to feed the intercooler.

Revealed barely months after the launch of the new E-Class sedan, the2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMGmarks a departure from the usual AMG formula. A big horsepower, big block V-8 -- in this case the AMG-designed 6.2L M156 V-8, which punches out 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque -- remains the heart of the car. But Mercedes-AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg promises a radical improvement in handling as well. Canyon carving agility, rather than brute horsepower, is the new mantra at AMG (at least for its smaller sedans). The new E63 therefore boasts an entirely new front suspension, with a track that's been widened 2.2 in. over the standard E-Class.

Other changes include steel front springs (more sensitive than air springs, which are retained at the rear for ride height control, says AMG), a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new bushing geometry and kinematics, and new wheel location for more negative camber. The rack-and-pinion steering features a 14:1 ratio, 22 percent quicker than the regular E-Class. The new E63 also gets the latest version of the Speedshift wet clutch seven-speed transmission that debuted last year in the SL63. The transmission has four modes -- "C" (for "controlled efficiency," says Benz, not comfort), "S" (sport), "S+" (sport plus) and "M" (manual). In full-commando manual mode, the transmission switches ratios in 100 milliseconds. And it offers launch control.

Mornhinweg claims the E63 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 sec. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though if you order the optional AMG Performance Package, they'll re-flash the computer to allow you to reach 186 mph. The Performance Package (as if the regular E63 is soft-core) also buys you lightweight 19-in. forged alloy wheels (standard wheels are 18 in. ), stiffer springs, and a trick locking rear diff. Oh, and a three spoke steering wheel. The E63 AMG makes its U.S. sales debut in November.

More on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG:First Look: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz is ramping up its BlueTEC-laden 'responsibility' platform with its new 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid model that's said to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 60% compared to its own ML550. Key to its efficiency is a two-mode hybrid system powered by a 3.5L Atkinson-type V-6 and a pair of twin electric motors. The motors are charged thanks to a 288 volt high-capacity nickel metal hydride battery system. Depending on driving conditions and speed, the ML450's complex computer control unit utilizes "system matching" to determine which mode to use to best enhance fuel economy. The SUV has the ability to run solely on its electric power, combustion engine, or a combination of both.

Together, the powertrain develops a healthy 335-hp and 381 lb-ft of torque and distributes its power to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup via an electric continuously variable transmission. The gearbox comes complete with three planetary gear sets and four clutches and allows for the near seamless transition between hybrid, electric, and gasoline drive modes. Mercedes-Benz officials claim their newest hybrid can get 21 mpg while perusing the city and 24 mpg while cruising on the highway. It can travel up to 520 miles on a single tank of fuel too. For comparison's sake, the new ML's combined 22 mpg fuel economy is 47% lower than the V-8 powered ML550.

In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, the ML450 Hybrid is replete with luxurious accommodations. Identical leather trimmings, COMAND infotainment, and other appointments found in the ML-Class range can be had in the hybrid version. Active and passive safety measures are also standard. As the new powertrain needs no extra room, all cargo and passenger space is maintained. No word on pricing, but don't expect it to come cheaper than the ML320 BlueTEC's current $48,600 price tag.

Rolling onto the floor in Diamond White, the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype showcases a serious departure from the current Outlander's styling and a clear indication that the face of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will become the new face of Mitsubishi. To compliment the sporty new looks, the Outlander is getting a slight bump in power from its 3.0L MIVEC V-6 thanks to a new air intake, new intake cam timing and a revised compression ratio. Borrowed from the current Outlander XLS, the engine now produces 230 hp while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. To further improve fuel economy, the automatic transmission features Mitsubishi's new Idle Neutral Logic system, which automatically shifts the transmission into neutral when the vehicle is stopped, reducing engine load. When the driver decreases pressure on the brake pedal even slightly, the transmission shifts back into drive for instantaneous response. When this new styling and technology will reach showrooms, and at what price, has not been announced yet.

Nissan boasts that the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster's glass rear window is larger than the one on the outgoing 350Z convertible, which should help with rear sightlines when you have to have to raise the top. While you're looking back, though, you'll see something far more interesting than the rear defroster. Like most convertibles, the 370Z Roadster comes with a wind deflector between the seats. But unlike most other deflector setups, Nissan has permanently mounted it in the car and fashioned it out of glass with a "Z" logo etched into it -- a classy touch.

If you really want to drive/tan in style, the Touring edition will load you up with just about every feature you could want, but performance enthusiasts will likely be more interested in the Sport Package. It upgrades you from 18-in. wheels wearing 225/50R18 front and 245/45R18 rear Bridgestone Potenas on the base car to 19-in. RAYS wheels wearing 245/40R19 Potenzas front and 275/35R19 rear. It'll also upgrade your brakes from 12.6-in. rotors on all corners standard to 14.0-in. rotors in front and 13.8-in. rotors in the rear. Best of all, the Sport Package adds a limited-slip differential.

Any Roadster model you chose will come with the same stuff under the hood. As in the hardtop coupe, the roadster is motivated by a 332-hp, 3.7L V-6 mated to either a seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The auto box features paddle shifters, Downshift Rev Matching, and Adaptive Shift Control, which adapts to your shifting style. The manual, meanwhile, gets Nissan's SynchroRev Match added with the Sport Package. Nissan says both transmissions will return an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, one mpg less than the hardtop on the highway.

Built by Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group with the help of Autech Japan, Nissan's longtime conversion partner, project engineers focused their efforts on making the new2009 Nissan Nismo 370Zmore aggressive in just about every aspect. First off, it looks the part. Its race-car-like body kit fits the stock lines well and produces more downforce at speed, officials say. Look closely at its nose and the integrated canard design on each side becomes evident. Although it has the same wheelbase as the stock 370Z at 100.4 in., the Nismo model is some 7-in. longer (167.2 in. stock vs. 174.3 in. Nismo) overall and slightly narrower (72.8 in. stock vs. 72.6 in. Nismo). Matching the kit's racer attitude on each corner are a set of wider, edition-specific lightweight five-spoke 19-in. Rays Japan alloys. The car's Nismo sport brakes (the same binders as on the 370Z Sport Package) at 14 in. front/13.8 in. rear, hide behind the forged rollers.

Speaking of corners, the Nismo Z is poised to attack all types of bends in full force thanks to a sturdier suspension setup. Engineers managed to tighten up the spring rates by 15% and 10%, front and rear, respectively, and chassis bars by 15% (front) and 50% (rear). Yes, 50%. The Nismo Z's complete stiffness rate is up an impressive 15% overall, according to Nissan.

In addition, a Nismo-tuned H-configured dual-exhaust and remapped ECU were included in the 3.7L V-6's slight massage. In its new form, the VQ37VHR makes 350 hp at 7400 rpm and 276 lb-ft at 5200 rpm or 18 hp and 6 lb-ft more than stock. The exhaust utilizes larger-diameter piping for lower back pressure, and it's designed to make more power on the upper end - we're also guessing its meaner-sounding when you plant your right foot in it. In being a pure enthusiast-only ride, only Nissan's close-ratio six-speed manual with its slick auto-blipping "SynchroRevMatch" feature will be available.

As is the case with the rest of the 2010 class of new Land Rovers, the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover receives as its base model the 5.0-liter V-8 designed by Jaguar Land Rover (the first engine designed with both brands in mind). This engine uses torque-actuated variable camshaft timing on all four cams, cam profile switching, and a variable-length inlet manifold. The supercharged version has 510 bhp, the standard 375, which is only 25 horses shy of the outgoing Supercharged Range Rover. Estimates put 0-to-60 times at 7.2 for the normally aspirated Rover and a speedy 5.9 for the Supercharged. Both use a revised ZF six-speed automatic, revised for improved response to driver input and reprogrammed for better fuel efficiency. The supercharger is a sixth-generation Eaton twin-vortex Roots-type unit, which uses twin intercoolers. This entire setup is packaged within the engine's vee.

The manufacturer also made revisions to the vehicle's suspension, integrating Adaptive Dynamics. This system, which also works off-road, optimizes shock settings based on current terrain. It uses DampTronic shock valves, which are continuously adjustable, and wheel monitors that take measurements 500 times per second to provide the ideal ride ranging from comfortable and soft to a firmer, sportier ride. The sport/utility also has new, larger brakes -- front 15-inchers for the Supercharged, 14.2 for the standard Rover -- plus improved stability control and DSC. It now also comes with Roll Stability Control.

Styling has been redone inside and out, with subtle changes to the front end that make it look cleaner and also make it more aerodynamic. New for 2010 and not offered in any other SUV, the gauge cluster is now entirely made up of a TFT screen -- there are no actual gauges here. Between the virtual tachometer and speedometer is a customizable driver information center. When driving off-road, the speedometer shifts to the right (odds are you won't be driving over 100 mph off-road), and the space created with this move provides more space for detailed information while on the trail.

This smaller Range Rover, based on the LR4 platform yet with the panache and features of the Range Rover, receives many of the upgrades and improvements of its big brother. It gets the new 5.0-liter engines (all 5.0-liter-equipped Land Rovers now have 15,000-mile service intervals) and revised transmission, improved suspension and steering, larger brakes, sand launch control, RSC, redesigned interior, Towing Assist, surround camera system, and a new center stack. It still uses real gauges with a five-inch TFT display for the driver, and high-beam assist. On the outside, two-bar side vents and side marker lights help differentiate the Sport from the larger Range Rover. Also, for now, the Sport (and Sport Supercharged) are the only Land Rover models to include a new option in the Terrain Response system -- Dynamic Program. This mode, like the others in the system, optimizes suspension and shift points for agility and ride quality. But there's no way an automaker creates something like this without offering it through the rest of the line -- we'd be shocked if it wasn't available on the Range Rover in the next couple of years.

After much speculation and anticipation, Scion finally pulled the wraps off itsScion iQ Conceptcitycar. The ultra-compact hatchback is touted as the "future of transportation" and aims to revolutionize urban American mobility. What you see here is not the final production version, but rather a design concept built by noted Scion tuner Five Axis. It wears a sportier body kit, flashy paintjob and huge 18-in. rolling stock. The aggressive compact design is further accented by matte black head and taillights on all four corners.

Step inside and three adults plus one smaller person (i.e. child) can supposedly fit comfortably with luggage. The cabin is said to be the perfect fusion of "function, style and entertainment." Illuminated door handles brighten up the already eye-catching green and gray upholstered compartment, while raw nickel and aluminum panels rest atop the diminutive dash. A centrally placed 10-in. screen commands all infotainment functions including in-car movie playback (when it's not in motion, of course). To the rear, 50-50 folding seats allow for a bit more extra storage space. As an added bonus, an 'Ecolamp' on the front dash indicates efficient driving to help drivers achieve maximum fuel economy.

Fuel economy shouldn't be a problem considering Scion is thinking about implementing the concept's 1.3L four-cylinder into to the real model. The borderline riding lawn mower engine produces 93-hp and 89 lb-ft of torque, but it's more than likely it'll be replaced by the Yaris' slightly larger 1.5L motor come production time. Just as with the iQ currently sold under the Toyota badge in Europe and Asia, the Scion iQ will come with stability control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and nine SRS airbags.

When the product developers responsible for the2010 Subaru Legacybegan probing Legacy loyalists about their likes and dislikes with the current model, the loud-and-clear message was: "We want more space!" And by far the loudest shouts from the chorus were to expand its rear legroom. Well, Subaru has gotten the hint -- and then some. The new Legacy is way bigger. Up by 1.4 in. overall, 3.2 in. taller, and 3.6 in. wider, the wheelbase grows by 3.6 in. resulting in a 12% gain in both interior space and that critical number, rear legroom. The car is simply cavernous inside. The good news for those few among us who remain "conventionally proportioned" (well, almost) is that despite the supersizing, the Legacy's weight has risen by just 1.4% (credit 38% of its chassis being composed of high-strength steel).

As before, the Legacy arrives in three horizontally opposed flavors -- the normally aspirated 2.5i four-cylinder, the 2.5GT turbocharged four, and the 3.6R six-cylinder. The base engine powering the 2.5i produces 170 hp at 5600 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 5600 rpm, but its emphasis is on tweaks to improve responsiveness and fuel economy. Power for the 2.5GT climbs from 243 hp at 6000 rpm to 265 hp at 5600 rpm (torque rises from 241 lb-ft to 258 at 2000 rpm). The 3.6R's six-cylinder is hardware already familiar from its Tribeca application, but to recap, it offers 256 hp at 6000 rpm (247 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm).

There's bigger news in the transmission department. Reducing the crankshaft revs are either a six-speed manual or new Subaru's Lineartronic CVT in the 2.5i, a six-speed manual for the 2.5GT, and a conventional five-speed auto for the 3.6R. Not only is Lineartronic the first Subaru CVT since the wonderful old days of the Justy, this is the industry's first application of a CVT in a longitudinal, AWD configuration. No prices have been announced, but Subaru is hinting that it'll be very competitive with its current levels. Which is a lack of upsizing we can all appreciate.

More on the 2010 Subaru Legacy:First Look: 2010 Subaru Legacy

A week after unveiling its bigger and better Legacy, Subaru is now letting the other shoe drop. Or should we say letting its hiking boot drop. Since 1994, the Outback has been the Legacy's rough-and-tumble alter ego. Their Indiana Jones to the Legacy's tweedy Dr. Henry Walton Jones, Jr. And like Harrison Ford himself, the Outback has gained in both savvy and physical size since his swashbuckling debut, though neither one appears to be any less willing to tackle genuine adventure.

As with the Legacy's architecture, the 2010 Outback has swelled in size. Its wheelbase has added 2.8 inches, it's been widened by 2.0 inches, and its height has been elevated by 4.0 inches. The consequence is an interior that's ballooned by 8 cubic feet of passenger room (up 7.6 percent), while cargo volume (with folded rear seats) is up 8.4 cubic feet. Aging whip-crackers will appreciate its additional 3.5 inches of front hip room (1.3 in the back) and 4 extra inches of rear legroom in which to straighten arthritic knees. Although the Outback's overall length has actually contracted by nearly an inch, those gains in width and height give it a much more imposing visual presence.

As the Legacy and Outback share much sheetmetal in common, the styling of either one has always been a delicate compromise. In this case, we think the Outback has gotten the better end of the deal; here, the thick eye-browed wheel arches, wide-eyed headlamps, and general musculature, make a lot more sense. Adding to this wagon-ized Legacy's bodywork are such bush-whacking filigree as a toothy lower front valance, side rocker cladding, and a standard roof rack featuring pivoting cross bars which either link the side rails or fold back to reduce wind resistance and aero-noise. Underneath, ground clearance has risen to a lofty 8.7-inches.

MORE: First Look: 2010 Subaru Outback

The2010 Volkswagen GTI, which is making its U.S. debut in NYC, launches here this October along with the standard sixth-generation Golf (losing, once again, the name "Rabbit" -- too cheerfully cheap a name for a car with costs that must be converted from euros to dollars). The 2010 Golf TDI goes on sale shortly thereafter.

The new GTI's 2.0L turbo FSI with 10 more ponies, for a total of 210, carries over from the 2006-09 model. Both the six-speed DSG and full manual gearboxes remain unchanged for '10. The DSG is one of the best sequential manuals in the business, but the full manual has an easy, progressive clutch pedal and a slick feel that should make it easy to save the $1,200 or so and keep the car a bare-bones model. Same, too, with the standard Tartan plaid interior; a perfectly bolstered and good-humored choice over the optional heated leather. The optional two extra doors, which will add about $500, are worth it however, for the family guy or woman who doesn't want to give up the sporting life.

While VW says it has reworked its front strut/rear multi-link suspension, it feels pretty much just like its predecessor, with much of the Mark V carried over but with new sheetmetal and a more refined interior. Mark V to Mark VI GTI, and its Golf basis are much like the difference between C5 and C6 Corvette. Dimensions are virtually unchanged, though all the sheetmetal below the daylight opening is new and slightly more angular, with wider taillamps and the right-side dual tailpipe moved to the right side of the underbody to make the GTI look lower and wider.

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