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New York Motor Show preview

New York Motor Show preview - Feature Image
We give you the lowdown on the best of the Big Apple's own automotive extravaganza

02 April 2007

The second American motor show of the year kicks off in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty later this week.

Fresh from touring the halls at last month's Geneva Motor Show, Stuart Milne gets the lowdown on the best and the rest of the Big Apple's own automotive extravaganza.


Callaway
The US car builder is unlikely to mean much to those who haven't played Gran Turismo, but Callaway build some of the world's hottest Corvettes and Camaros.

Its latest venture is a gorgeous convertible version of its Corvette-based C16, with a choice of either a 560bhp or 616bhp supercharged V8.

The £65,500 super cabrio will hit 60mph in 3.5 seconds and won't stop until it passes 200mph. All that, and Callaway say it'll still manage 28mph on the motorway.


Corvette
One of the seven rumoured launches from General Motors is the hot Corvette SS.

Spy shots unearthed on the Internet don't reveal any drastic changes from the current sexy supercar, but expect a tarmac-shredding 650bhp from a supercharged 6.2-litre V8.

Insiders claim earth-shattering performance, with a 0-62mph run of around 3.5 seconds and a 200mph-plus top speed.


Ford
New York is important for Ford – it'll launch its new family-friendly Flex MPV.

Moving away from the identikit minivans which are losing popularity in its homeland, Ford reckons the Flex will appeal to families who don't want a stodgy-looking car.

It'll have three rows of seats, and the concept features rear-opening 'suicide' doors, much like the Mazda RX-8; although Ford aren't being drawn on whether the production model will have them.


Honda
The abilities of the Honda S2000 are impressive as they are numerous – it looks fantastic, handles superbly and revs to a stratospheric 9,000rpm.

And now Honda can add 'hardcore trackcar' to its list.

Information on the S2000 CR is sketchy – full details will be announced at the show – but Honda say the "aggressively tuned" CR will take the S2000's "track-worthy performance to an entirely new level."


Hyundai
Hyundai's path to world domination continues apace with its new concept saloon. The Genesis is based on an all-new rear wheel-drive platform, which Hyundai says signals "the brand's desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts".

It's certainly appeals on paper – a 4.6-litre V8 mated to a six-speed auto gearbox provides a sub-six second 0-60mph time, while a sophisticated sport-tuned suspension system should keep it all together around corners.


Hummer
American Hummerphiles have long complained the 'baby' H3 off-roader only has a 3.5-litre engine – and not a huge V8.

But the SUV maker has listened, and the web is alight with rumours it will bring a beefy 6.3-litre V8-equipped H3 to New York.

And the changes continue inside, with a third row of seats making the H3 a seven seater for the first time, as well as a dashboard which has been spruced up for the first time in five years.


Infiniti
Who? You might not have heard of Infiniti before, but Nissan's luxury car brand could well be the next big thing in the UK.

Its latest G37 Coupe model looks sensational, and is likely to be the brand's flagship when Infiniti lands on these shores in 2008.

Under the bonnet of the curvy coupe sits a new 3.7-litre V6 producing 330bhp which promises reduced fuel consumption over previous G37s (although figures are still in the mid-twenties).

Infiniti say the G37 is a "performance thoroughbred", and it seems it's been developed as a drivers' car, with an engine mounted further back to aid weight distribution.

Infiniti launched the G35 at last year's New York Motor Show, which has become a credible alternative to the BMW 3-Series in America.


Mercedes-Benz
The only hint Mercedes will give on its secret New York launch is a photo on its AMG Private Lounge owners' website.

It's shrouded in a cloth, but its coupe-like stance could mean it’s the C-Class-based AMG C 63. But while there's a front door handle visible in the picture, there corresponding one on the rear is missing; leading to speculation it could be a coupe rather than a four-door saloon.


Nissan
Few Americans expected a left-hand drive version of the awesome Nissan Fairlady Z Version NISMO, but insiders say it'll be sitting pretty on the Japanese car maker's stand.

Nissan's motorsport wing, NISMO have taken a bog-standard 350Z, upped the power to 308bhp and given it a fancy new bodykit.

It's also reported factory-affiliated tuner Autech will produce a package to let drivers with leg disabilities join in the fun, although Nissan say there's no plans to bring the system to the UK.


Subaru
Subaru is trumping up its presence at New York by telling the world 'A legend will be reborn'. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out it’s the new Impreza.

With its main rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer looking more like a hatchback-cum-coupe than a saloon, its expected Subaru will follow suit. It's also thought the Impreza will have its front end toned down.

Elsewhere on the stand, US buyers will finally be able to get their hands on the Tribeca SUV – but with a 3.6-litre V6 engine; a full 600cc more than UK-spec cars. Like the Impreza, the Tribeca's controversial face will be doctored to appeal to North American customers.


Auto Trader links

Geneva Motor Show 2007
Geneva Motor Show - first day pics: Part one
Geneva Motor Show - first day pics: Part two
Geneva Motor Show - first day pics: Part three
Geneva Motor Show - first day pics: Part four
Geneva Motor Show – the latest
Geneva Motor Show preview

 

Geneva slide shows
The craziest concepts
Supercar heaven
Real world stars of the show
Weird and wonderful
The gods of green


Detroit Motor Show 2007
Ten go mad on Motown – the best from Detroit
Slide Show: Detroit Motor Show
Honda NSX supercar is back
120mph electric car shocks Detroit


Paris Motor Show 2006
Behind the doors of the Paris Motor Show
The real world stars of the Paris Motor Show
Bonjour from the Paris Motor Show

 

Paris slide shows
Paris Motor Show


British Motor Show 2006
Ten things to see at the British Motor Show
British Motor Show: The Highlights
Auto Trader's Adrians' verdict on the Motor Show
Looking back at the Motor Show


Other motor shows
Autosport International 2007
MPH '06 - Top Gear Style Tribute to Richard Hammond
Slide show: MPH'06
Slide show: Salon Privé London





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