The Hottest 'It' Cars of 2010 Roll Into NYIAS

NEW YORK, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- As New York becomes the center of the automotive universe for the 10-day run of the New York International Automobile Show, it's time to celebrate our area's love of the car.  For starters, there are the press conferences where thousands of journalists from all over the world come to see the latest unveilings from the automakers.  Then, just two days later, the Show opens to the public for its annual automobile extravaganza where in addition to the world and North American debuts, we've assembled a host of other scorching-hot new 2011 vehicles that are just a few weeks away from hitting the new car showrooms.  

"Whether you're in the mood for a new car, or just fantasizing about your dream ride of the future, the New York Auto Show has got just what you're looking for," said Show Director Candida Romanelli.  

Here's a look at the some of the 'It' cars that'll be breaking-out in 2010:

Audi A8 – With its light aluminum body, powerful and highly efficient engines, improved MMI control system and elegant interior with a craftsman's level of fit and finish, the new Audi A8 brand flagship will arrive in dealerships later in the year.  With new standards of efficiency, fuel consumption in each of the A8's engines has been substantially reduced by as much as 22 percent. The new luxury sedan's elegant and powerful body is aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The new full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light functions, are a completely exclusive high-end solution on board the new A8 and give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness.

SAAB 9-5 – Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, the all-new 9-5 saloon offers Scandinavian design purity with advanced technology.  Engineered for a sporty driving experience combined with 'high-tech' features, the 9-5 signals the dawn of a new era for the Saab brand.  With its clean, sculpted shape inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5, also offers an array of high-tech features  including:  an aircraft-inspired heads-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.  

Buick Regal – Designed to deliver a driving experience that rivals the best import sports sedans, the 2011 Regal sedan is armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis. Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The CXL will be powered by a standard 182 hp 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine and a 220 hp 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine, estimated to be available in late-summer 2010.  Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control.  A six-speed manual transmission will be available following the introduction of the turbocharged model.

Lincoln MKX – Powered by a new 305hp 3.7-liter Duratec® V-6 engine, the dramatic refreshening of the 2011 Lincoln MKX extends to all areas of the vehicle: new exterior design, new interior design with increased use of genuine materials, new powertrain with increased fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and new tires and wheels.  With its modern, flowing exterior design and split-wing grille, the new luxury crossover also features the first application of industry-exclusive MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, which creates a whole new way for customers to interact with digital and vehicle technology.  

Ford Edge – The dramatic freshening of the 2011 Ford Edge and Edge Sport includes extensive exterior redesign, improved materials and craftsmanship on the interior and class-exclusive technology (MyFord Touch™).  New powertrains include North America's first application of Ford's global 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, delivering class-leading fuel economy, plus the new 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 with unsurpassed fuel economy and 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 for Edge Sport.  

Ford Fiesta -- Designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable the all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, with sharp reflexes, 15 class-exclusive technologies, and is projected to deliver highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, with a responsive 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine, advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission and Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS).  The 2011 Fiesta – available in four- and five-door body styles – also will set a new small car benchmark for safety, connectivity and powertrain technology.  

Ford Shelby GT500 – Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever. With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque from an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine that is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the tarmac-scorching GT500 has a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

Volvo S60 – With its groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake safety feature, the all-new Volvo S60 promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience combined with innovative safety.  In the U.S., the S60 will be offered with the sporty "Dynamic" chassis as standard, while other markets will be offered with a "Comfort" chassis as standard and the "Dynamic" chassis as an option.  Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver – and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.

Ford Focus – Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are designed to provide affordable technologies, detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.  The all-new Focus plans to raise the benchmark once more, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.  

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet – The open-top two-door four-passenger E-Class Cabriolet, which features a classic fabric soft top, includes the AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop that reduces turbulence substantially for all four seat occupants; modified AIRSCARF®, neck-level heating system, and the soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds. The Cabriolet also features a best in class cd figure of 0.28 marking a continuation of the E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.

Honda CR-Z – Introducing sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy.  Powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system, the two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes and is expected to achieve 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon on CVT-equipped models.

Infiniti M – The all-new Infiniti M56 and M37 is a stylish performance sedan packed with a raft of new technology and luxury features including:  Infiniti Drive, a four-mode driver-selectable control of throttle and transmission mapping that helps optimize vehicle performance; Active Noise Control, which reduces undesirable engine harmonics, providing a quieter cabin; Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI), a world's first system that helps the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel away from the vehicle in the blind spot area; Forest Air™ system, which helps reduce the intrusion of unpleasant odors into the cabin and provides a more natural breeze-like airflow and Eco Pedal, which provides driver feedback to encourage eco-driving behavior.  The 2011 Infiniti M will be offered in M37 and M56 model designations when it goes on sale.

Hyundai Sonata – The all-new 2011 Sonata is the latest version of the popular midsize sedan, introducing Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language and an all four-cylinder engine lineup to the U.S. market.  Initially powered by the new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, the new Sonata gets 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway, a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Blue Drive models will to debut by 2010 year-end.

Hyundai Tucson – The all-new Tucson, the first Hyundai CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) to be designed and engineered in Europe, features the eco-efficient Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering up to 31 mpg on the highway as well as offering, for the first time, Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). The sleek all-new Tucson crossover delivers better fuel economy and more power wrapped up in a sleek new exterior offering a roomier cabin with extra cargo space to its leap in fuel economy and technology.

Kia Sorento – The first U.S.-built Kia, the new Sorento encompasses both the brand's signature design cues as well as its distinct combination of value, safety and style. Completely redesigned for 2011, the Sorento now employs a unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers, offering more space and ride comfort than the previous-generation model.

Nissan Juke – With its robust stance, high waistline, complex curves, and coupe, the all-new small Nissan Juke crossover SUV, was designed and developed to be a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles by providing both dynamic style and an exhilarating driving experience.  The bold interior design features a wide center console that takes its inspiration from a motorcycle fuel tank.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG captivates with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction, Gullwing doors and superior handling dynamics.  Powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 571 hp combined with a seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration and sports suspension and with aluminum double wishbones, the SLS guarantees sensational driving dynamics.

Kia Sportage – With a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that blends the key features of an SUV – the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance – in a sleek and urban-friendly design, the all-new Sportage represents a dramatic shift in design.  Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the all-new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

Porsche Cayenne -- The new generation Porsche Cayenne is lighter, more agile, with more power, increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact with a complete exterior and interior styling re-design. The Cayenne S Hybrid model is the highlight of the new line-up, with a technically sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive-train which combines the sporting performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder and a unique 'sailing mode' for even lower fuel consumption.  The new Cayenne also features a new Tiptronic S eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a wider spread of gear ratios, an Auto Start Stop function, optimized thermal management on the engine and transmission cooling system, on-board network recuperation, and intelligent lightweight construction to reduce fuel consumption while improving speed and handling. Inside, the most significant feature within the brand new, high-quality interior is the rising centre console that extends to surround the gearshift selector and which gives the interior the typical Porsche 'cockpit' character.  

SOURCE New York International Auto Show