Luxury, style rule as automakers show off
The reason the song “April in Paris” isn’t titled “April in Manhattan” is probably because Manhattan in April is a gloomy, cold, wet place. But amid the gloom and between the showers, you can hear a certain noise. It’s the sound of motors revving at the New York International Auto Show, which runs through Sunday.
This year, trucks and luxury vehicles take center stage, with each automaker vowing to increase market share with new models. Here’s the embarrassment of riches awaiting the buyer in the months ahead.
Buick Velite: This four-seat convertible establishes a new styling direction for Buick. The Velite is named for an elite class of soldier in Napoleon’s army. It acknowledges past Buicks with three portholes on each side of the vehicle and a deck lid similar to the one used on GM’s first concept car, the 1938 Buick Y-Job. The show car is not slated for production.
Ford Escape Hybrid: Ford used the New York Auto Show to highlight the advantages of its long-awaited Escape gas-electric hybrid SUV. The hybrid will go on sale this summer. Ford representatives spent two days driving around Manhattan on a single tank of gas, going more than 600 miles and eking out more than 38 miles per gallon.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee gets a makeover for 2005 and receives the Hemi engine option for the first time. Engine choices include a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter SOHC V-6, a 230-horsepower 4.7-liter SOHC V-8 and the 5.7-liter Hemi. The Hemi features cylinder deactivation, which shuts off up to four cylinders under light loads or at cruising speeds. Four-wheel-drive systems include a full-time four-wheel-drive, as well as full-time with lockable low-range gearing. Torque can be split up to 48% front, 52% rear. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Acura RL prototype: A thinly disguised version of Acura’s flagship for 2005, this features Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive System. Acura’s SH-AWD transfers power not only from front to back, but from side to side, allowing for improved cornering and foul-weather traction. This is the first Acura flagship sedan not to feature front-wheel-drive, something it has had since 1985. A 3.5-liter, 24-valve all-aluminum V-6 generates 300 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually. Suspension is fully independent.
Audi A6: A redesigned A6 took center stage at Audi. Two engines will be offered: a 4.2-liter 335-horsepower V-8 and a 3.2-liter 255-horsepower V-6. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shift control is standard, as is Quattro all-wheel-drive. Styling revisions include a large trapezoid-shaped grille up front.
Bentley Arnage: The Arnage gets a face-lift for 2005, boasting new front-end styling that resembles the new Continental GT. Inside, the dashboard and switch gear have been revised and upgraded. A new DVD satellite navigation system is available for the first time. The rear suspension has been revised. A twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V-8 is standard. The new Arnage goes on sale in August. Prices start at $211,990 for the Arnage R, $233,990 for the Arnage T.
Ford Mustang GT-R: Ford’s racing concept, bathed in eye-popping “grabber orange,” uses the 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans-Am race car as inspiration. A Ford Racing Cammer 5-liter V-8 resides under this Mustang’s black carbon-fiber hood. The DOHC engine is rated at a ground-pounding 440 horsepower.
Mini Cooper convertible: Making its United States debut is the Mini Cooper convertible. Mini claims the top lowers in 15 seconds. In addition, the top can be partially opened to 16 inches while driving at speeds up to 75 mph. Two new exclusive convertible colors, hot orange and cool blue, will be available when the car goes on sale in late summer.
Jaguar XJ8L: This is the stretched version of the new Jaguar XJ8 sedan, with a 5-inch stretch in the wheelbase. A normally aspirated and supercharged 8 will be available when the car goes on sale in September.
