2008 New York International Auto Show
2009 Acura TSX
Acura rolled out the all-new 2009 TSX sports sedan, which offers more power and amenities in a larger overall package.
A new 201-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine offers 5% more torque across a wider range of engine speeds, allowing this TSX to be faster out of a stoplight and also out of a corner. The cars body is 3 inches wider and 2.4 inches longer overall, with a 2.6-inch-wider track and 1.3-inch-longer wheelbase, resulting in improved handling and a more comfortable ride as well as more passenger room.
New standard amenities include a power front passenger seat, Bluetooth connectivity and a seven-speaker audio system with XM Satellite Radio.
Robert E. Calem (Stan Honda / AFP / Getty Images)
The last U.S. automotive press debut of the year showcased sporty rides like Maserati’s GranTurismo S and redesigned versions of established cars, including the Nissan Maxima and Honda Fit.
2009 Honda Fit
Hondas subcompact Fit has been revised with better interior appointments, a performance boost and new technology features.
The all-new 2009 Fit features an improved rear Magic Seat which folds flat even with its headrests in place and the front seats pushed all the way back now with one-motion dive-down functionality. In addition, the suspension, steering and body rigidity have been improved for an enhanced sporty demeanor, Honda says.
A new 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission, and Fit Sport models have steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The base Fit rides on 15-inch wheels, and Fit Sport models roll on 16-inch wheels.
In addition, on the Fit Sport, a USB audio interface is standard and a navigation system with voice-recognition functionality is optional.
Robert E. Calem (Stan Honda / AFP / Getty Images)
2009 Nissan Maxima
Heralding the return of the four-door sports car, Nissan staged the world debut of the all-new 2009 Maxima.
Styled to look more like a coupe than a sedan, Nissan says, it is wider at each fender than its predecessor and features new wraparound L-shaped headlights and 12-LED L-shaped taillights. Overall, the car is 1.5 inches wider and 2.6 inches shorter, with a 1.9-inch-shorter wheelbase.
The new 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine offers 290 horsepower, or 35 more than the 2008 Maxima offered. But Nissan estimates that fuel economy remains virtually unchanged at 19 miles per gallon city and 26 mpg highway.
Robert E. Calem (Jonathan Fickies / Getty Images)
2009 Volvo XC60
Volvo launched the XC60, its first entry into the small premium SUV category, slated to arrive at dealerships early next year.
Staying true to the brand’s promise, Volvo packed it with cutting-edge safety technology, including City Safety, a laser-guided system that detects an impending slow-speed collision (below 19 mph) and automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to react.
But Volvo didn’t neglect styling. The XC60 also boasts a fashion-forward aesthetic, with unusual interior and exterior color choices. Upholstery can be ordered in Lemon Green, and the paint palette includes metallic Lime Green Grass.
Robert E. Calem (Jonathan Fickies/ Getty Images)
Mitsubishi i MiEV
Mitsubishis four-seat i MiEV electric minicar is made for in-city driving or commuting. A 330-volt lithium-ion battery under the passenger compartment floor powers a 47-kilowatt electric motor that sits above the rear axle, and the layout based on the design of the gasoline-powered i minicar sold in Japan since 2006 yields a surprisingly roomy interior.
The batterys range is about 80 miles on a charge, Mitsubishi says. Also, with all of the batterys power instantly available at all times, the i MiEV actually accelerates faster than the gasoline-powered i.
Mitsubishi plans to start selling the i MiEV in Japan next year but so far has signaled no intent to sell the electric vehicle in the U.S. That could change, though. Mitsubishi will use the cars appearance in New York to help gauge its marketability nationwide.
Robert E. Calem (Mark Lennihan / Associated Press)
Subaru R1e
Subaru shone its spotlight on the R1e, an electric minicar aimed at city dwellers. Based on Subarus R1e gasoline-powered minicar sold in Japan, it is powered by a high-density lithium-ion battery and will travel up to 50 miles, at a speed of 65 mph, on a single charge.
Plugged into a standard electrical outlet, the R1e will be fully charged in eight hours, or a specially designed quick charger will juice the battery to 80% of its capacity in only 15 minutes.
Sales of the R1e are scheduled to begin in Japan at the end of 2009, and then possibly in the U.S. But first, the R1e will be tested by the New York Power Authority the largest state-owned electric utility in a New York City government fleet. (So far, which fleet has not been determined.)
Robert E. Calem (Stan Honda / AFP / Getty Images)
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
One year ahead of its on-sale date, Hyundai unveiled the all-new 2010 Genesis Coupe a performance-oriented rear-wheel drive sports car intended to rival premium performance coupes such as the Infiniti G37.
The base Genesis Coupe is outfitted with a 212-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the step-up model features a 306-hp DOHC 3.8-liter V-6 engine. Both cars have six-speed manual transmissions standard and ride on 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels.
Both cars arrive at dealerships in the spring of 2009.
Robert E. Calem (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press)
