New York Motor Show preview
02 April 2007 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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
It's shrouded in a cloth, but its coupe-like stance could mean its 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'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.
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.
Geneva Motor Show 2007
Geneva slide shows
Paris slide shows
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