Concept Cars at the New York Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New York City is no stranger to starting trends and shaping opinions, so it is no surprise that the world's automakers have pulled out all the stops to show off some of the most amazing concept cars ever seen at the 2012 New York International Automobile Show.  The Show opens to the public on Friday, April 6th through April 15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

Here's a run-down of some of this year's hottest concept cars expected in New York:

Cadillac Ciel
The Cadillac Ciel concept -- pronounced "C-L," the French translation for sky – is an elegant, open-air four-seat grand-touring convertible car. This spacious and elegant car is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology. The doors are French-style, with the rear doors hinged at the rear.

Volkswagen E-Bugster
The Volkswagen E-Bugster is a two-seater convertible concept that blends iconic Beetle styling with zero-emissions driving.  At the heart of the E-Bugster is an electric motor that makes 114 horsepower and enables the car to go more than 100 miles between charges. The battery can be recharged via a plug interface located underneath the hood's VW logo and can accommodate all three types of available chargers: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and, where available, Level 3 (quick charge, 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

Kia GT Concept
Sleek and muscular, Kia's GT four-door sports sedan concept is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine with 395 horsepower coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front and rear-hinged back doors of the GT open slightly upward to ensure that getting in and out is easy, and the spacious cabin provides comfortable seating for four, assisted by the concept's unusually long wheelbase of 112.6 inches and overall length of 184.6 inches.

Acura NSX
The dynamically-styled NSX Concept uses lightweight materials and a powerful mid-mounted next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency. It also employs several new technologies for Acura, including application of Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Lincoln MKZ
The new Lincoln MKZ Concept's profile is dominated by a long, sleek and sweeping roofline that allows the design to break away from the traditional sedan three-box shape, the MKZ Concept remains clearly identifiable as a Lincoln. A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight is a fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interior. Inside it has many innovative features that include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation.

Chevrolet Code 130R
The Chevrolet Code 130R is a four-seat coupe with a simple upright profile that features heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. Code 130R's 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 is tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology that aids fuel economy by shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy and smoothing torque during acceleration, this concept takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy.

Chevrolet Tru 140S
Powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 with start-stop technology, the Chevrolet Tru 140S, is a front-wheel-drive, "affordable exotic" three-door four-seat sporty coupe. Shown in an all-new matte white, Tru 140S is designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast.

Land Rover
Land Rover's DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts are design studies for the iconic Defender. Land Rover's ambition is to create an all new Defender for a global market that remains absolutely faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable.  Both models include the next generation of Land Rover's Terrain Response system which will optimize the car for any conditions without driver pre-selection. In addition, a new Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualization.

Lexus LF-LC concept
With its sumptuous curves and dynamic angles, the Lexus LF-LC concept is a sleek Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe with a glass roof that enhances driver visibility while adding to the sleek lines of the car. Inside, the driver is enveloped by deeply scooped side panels and a high, curved console that incorporates a remote touch-screen device that allows the driver to comfortably operate controls without shifting position or altering line-of-sight. 

Toyota NS4 concept
The Toyota NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid is a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015. NS4 uses an advanced next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system featuring reductions in component size and weight with improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.  The NS4 also features Human-Machine Interface (HMI) which provides a user interface built around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. The system is even capable of "learning" driver preferences and habits to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.

SOURCE New York International Auto Show