2012 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanJust a couple of weeks ago, the 2012 Annual New York International Auto Show took place at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. This is the largest auto show of its kind with over 1,000 vehicles on display and close to 1 million visitors over a 10-day period. Every year automakers unveil their newest models for the coming year. This year, for the first time ever, show attendees got a glimpse of the new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sante Fe and more.
Each year car enthusiasts make their way to the Center to see the predictions for the top cars to race down the highway in the next year. Some of this year’s picks are:
2013 ACURA RLX CONCEPT – This is a new top of the line sedan launching in 2013. It is big yet sleek with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and 3 electric motors for a smooth performance of 370 horsepower. It is said to get 30 mpg on the highway.
2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA – The Chevrolet still remains popular because of its American heritage. This newly redesigned model gives consumers a choice: a V6 engine, a 4-cylinder and a 4-cylinder with eAssist, a mild hybrid electric motor and a battery system. The interior is state of the art with an 8-inch touch screen. The car will be available in early 2013.
FISKER ATLANTIC CONCEPT – There is a new company on the block looking to make a name for themselves with their sporty looking car aimed to please young families. There is plenty of interior room and the car has a next-generation plug-in hybrid system similar to the Karma. This is still a work in motion at this point.
INFINITI LE CONCEPT – Known for its world-class automobiles, Infiniti will be launching a new electric car within the next 2 years. It is as long as their G Sedan and the acceleration is quite impressive. It will have a compact 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. A futuristic interior will have a twin-display center console and advanced data services. Beauty is at its best with this fine vehicle.
2013 LEXUS ES – The Lexus ES has been around for a number of years with a smooth ride and luxury at its very best. It has drawn more of an older consumer but with the new look, it is sure to draw attention from young professionals to retired couples. It has always boasted reliability and now it is even more attractive with more interior space. Comfort is the #1 goal and will be achieved with fluid-filled engine mounts. The steering has been improved and new suspension upgrades will make it more agile on the road. It will be offered with a V-6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission as well as a hybrid with a 4-cylinder engine and electric motor.
2013 LINCOLN MKZ – We seem to be seeing more and more of the Lincoln on the road these days. It is gaining in popularity and this new mid-size sedan can easily compete with its luxury German counterparts. It has adaptive suspension, touch-screen interface, radar cruise control and a huge sliding-glass roof. It will have the choice of a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 3.7-liter V6 and a hybrid engine.
2013 NISSAN ALTIMA – This is one of the best-selling cars on the road today. This new 2013 model looks great, runs more efficiently, is sporty and yet practical in every sense of the word. It’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine should take it to 182 horsepower and it can get an estimated 38 mpg highway. It will be available in July of this year starting at $21,500.
2013 SRT VIPER – The Viper is back and sportier than ever with an 8.4-liter V10 engine getting it up to 640 horsepower and 600 pound-ft of torque. Interior seats are similar to the Ferrari and the car is much lighter due to a carbon-fiber hood, roof and rear decklid and aluminum doors and sills.
There was a good mix of the popular Sedan targeting a diverse range of consumers and the Sports car capturing buyers that have a passion for speed and performance. Jaguar announced that it will be creating a new Sports car, the F-type.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the new start/stop technology, a method to shut down the engine during temporary stops. The new engines will be smaller, more powerful and more fuel-efficient. The company was proud to introduce the second-generation GL full-sized SUV. It has a sporty look and has new safety and handling features. It has a new self-leveling air suspension and electromechanical steering. We will begin to see these in the showroom in September of this year.
SUV’s are still an important part of the auto industry holding on to their loyal followers. The Honda Crosstour Concept is high-tech, the 2013 Toyota Venza is bigger and better and filled with super features, Subaru is making a comeback with the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek and Ford comes up with an Explorer Sport.
There was something for everyone to fall in love with at this large and very informative show. The road will become transformed with all the superior models that will be available very soon.
See you next year at the New York International Auto Show!
PHOTO CREDITS: www.editorial.autos.msn.com
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