New York Motor Show: the latest

Cadillac

Caddy's BMW 5 Series-rivalling STS gets a fresh makeover at New York.

The STS's bold styling shows a company whose confidence is growing on its home turf, but is still a way off from conquering the UK. However, the STS will be sold with an impressive level of equipment, kicking off with a 298bhp 3.6-litre V6 engine.

It has styling cues which have filtered down from bigger models: the grille is inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept, while the STS owes a debt of gratitude to the Escalade SUV for its front wing vents.

It'll be hitting US showrooms in the summer, and should get to the UK later this year, or early next.

Chevrolet

These are the cars which could become the next Chevrolet Matiz.

The Trax, Beat and Groove concepts show GM's intention to build a 'global' car which it can sell around the world – particularly in America where the car maker doesn't currently offer any city cars.

Despite their similar dimensions, all three are very different machines.

The orange Trax Concept is a rugged-looking supermini features 'knock-resistant' bumpers, a 4x4-style boot mounted spare wheel and 16-inch alloys. Under the bonnet sits a 'small but punchy' 1-litre engine.

Underneath, the Trax has a clever electric four-wheel drive system, with an independent battery pack and electric motor driving the rear wheels which has with no negative effect on fuel consumption.

'Recalling styling cues from the swinging sixties', according the GM, our pictures show the Groove has a style unlike any other on Britain's roads.

The grey van-like Groove has pumped-up wheel arches and a rear reminiscent of the Citroen C1 and is said to feature a spacious and practical cabin.

The funkiest of the three is the Beat, which has an angular front inspired by Chevy's WTCC concept from Paris last year. The hot-looking hatch has shades of Citroen C2 and features huge LED headlamps which stretch the length of the bonnet.

Unusually, the standard stereo is replaced by a pop-up juke box, which rises from the dash and incorporates its own satellite navigation system.

Ford

It's the fortieth anniversary of Ford launching the original Mustang GT500 KR – the most powerful Mustang built at the time.

Never one to miss out on exploiting its heritage, Ford is unveiling a new version, which is the most powerful official 'Stang it's ever made.

The 2008 model KR – which stands for King of the Road – packs a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 which produces an 'estimated' 540bhp.

Ford has worked closely with the father of the original car, Carroll Shelby to create a machine which evokes memories of the '68 motor. The new model includes a unique carbon bonnet, alloys and 40th anniversary badging.

Hummer

One car maker which revels in winding up environmentalists is Hummer. And it will notch up a load more anti-SUV headlines in New York when it pulls the wraps off a new-and-improved H2.

Power is increased by 20 per cent, to 393bhp thanks to some fiddling with the existing 6.2-litre engine. It's also said to be more efficient, although there's no news on how many miles to the gallon it'll manage.

It can now pull a staggering 3.6 tonnes and comes with a number of features to make it even better off road.

Like the H2, which we reported on earlier this week, the H3 also has a revised interior and a few subtle exterior tweeks.

Infiniti

Fresh from announcing the launch of its sexy G37 Coupe, Infiniti's EX Concept has broken cover.

The EX Concept features a snazzy liquid crystal roof, which like the half million pound Maybach, allows occupants to decide how much light they want in the cabin. It won't make it to the final production model, though.

Insiders reckon the BMW X3-sized EX Concept will become the EX35 and will sit just below the bigger FX35 SUV.

Subaru

Subaru has finally released pictures of the all-new Impreza, which will be launched in the Big Apple – in American specification, at least.

The third generation Imp will hit the showrooms in the Summer, and Subaru say it'll have 'sophisticated styling and rich interior design, roominess and space, and outstanding comfort and utility'.

For the first time, a hatchback model will be available, pitching it head on with plenty of hot hatches, including the Focus ST and Mazda 3 MPS. A saloon version is rumoured to be in the pipeline, although the Japanese manufacturer hasn't released pictures.

Like all Subarus, it'll have four wheel drive and will also have the option of its famous 'boxer' engine which makes a fantastic noise.

No news on the hot turbocharged models – other than there will be some; but expect Subaru to up the ante in preparation for the launch of the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.

Subaru will also pull the wraps off its radically-restyled Tribeca SUV. The controversial front end has been toned down for the American market.