All this talk about the New York Auto Show being “boring,” what’s up with that?  If there’s new stuff, I’m not bored.  There’s a shortage of dream cars, perhaps, but that’s been chronic in the industry the past few years.  What is interesting is that this trend has been offset in recent years by a tendency to actually build the dream cars.  So really, I don’t have a problem with that.  The Big Apple has always been a show that’s more about what’s actually going to happen, rather than dreams, and this year New York saw North American and world debuts of several new vehicles that’ll be hitting the streets in 2010 and 2011, not to mention the A-Team’s van, which I hung out in for a while.  Isn’t that more exciting than pie-in-the-sky dream cars?
Well, maybe not, some folks who call themselves car people are no doubt whining.  After all, it’s just a lot of hybrids and crossover vehicles, right?  Well, okay, there were station wagons, too, which are arguably more exciting than crossovers.  But I’m not going to argue semantics–my point is this:  I enjoy these shows whether there are concept cars or not.  Besides, New York showed me that there are some pretty cool things that are about to arrive for real.

2010 Nissan Juke: With more and more compact crossovers entering the market, nobody’s going to accuse the Nissan Juke of blending in with the crowd.  Slotting into the lineup below the Rogue, the Juke is…what is it, exactly?  It’s a cheeky little goblin of a crossover sport-ute, that’s what it is.  The wildly flared fenders and front-end lighting that seems to have been applied with a shotgun give the Juke a very distinctive face, there’s no doubt about that.  Relatively good ground clearance even hints at some off-road ability, though the Juke is definitely designed for the street.  A direct-injection 1.6 liter four-cylinder provides about 180 horsepower.


2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid: Is there a point in selling a hybrid-electric Touareg alongside the Touareg TDI?  Apparently Volkswagen thinks so, because it’s planning to do just that.  The Touareg gets a beefy version of Volkswagen’s new family face for 2011, with a narrower grille and cleaner looks to go with its longer wheelbase and wider stance.  The hybrid is powered by a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 with direct injection.  Coupled to an electric motor, the Touareg Hybrid has a total of 375 horsepower, and a towing capacity of 7700 pounds.  The engine can be disengaged from the wheels when it’s not powering the vehicle, providing a fuel-saving coasting mode, and regenerative brakes help to charge the nickel-metal hydride battery pack.  Fuel economy is rated at 21/25.  The other alt-fuel Touareg, the diesel-powered TDI, is also equipped with a 3.0 liter V6 that’s more efficient than last year’s model.


2011 Mercedes R-Class: Mercedes’ road-tripping zeppelin gets an update for 2011.  Gasoline and diesel models are available, providing a choice of 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in the R350 and 210 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque in the R350 BlueTEC.  The styling is updated with cues from the E-Class sedan.  The R-Class still has no direct competition, being neither minivan, crossover, wagon nor SUV.


2011 Mercedes E-Class wagon: Mercedes’ E-Class is an icon in sedan form, but the cargo-hauling version has a loyal following in its own right.  There wasn’t much doubt that there would be one when the E-Class was redesigned for 2010, and the wagon made its official debut in New York as a 2011 model.  Will the BlueTEC diesel version convince owners of classic oil-burning Mercedes wagons to part with theirs?  Probably not:  old Mercedes diesel wagons fall in the “cold dead hands” category when it comes to changing owners.


2011 Infiniti QX56:  Infiniti’s awkward-looking brick is now a bit sleeker, slightly more awkward-looking, and a lot more luxurious.  Its lineup being absent a full-size flagship sedan like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus have, Infiniti has turned the QX56 into its technobarge, as well as making it look more like a Toyota Land Cruiser than it should.  The options list could have been borrowed from a Mercedes S-Class:  Power-reclining third-row seats, 400hp direct-injection 5.6 liter V8, seven-speed automatic transmission.  The only difference is the 8500-pound towing capacity.  It’s a risky move on Infiniti’s part, considering the moribund state of the full-size luxury SUV market these days.


2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: Not entirely unexpected, considering the existence of the Milan and Fusion hybrids with which it shares underpinnings.  Besides, Lexus’ HS250h can’t be allowed to have the market all to itself, now can it?  The MKZ Hybrid has a definite advantage over the HS250h, considering that its riding on a fun-to-drive sedan chassis, while the Lexus makes do with Prius underpinnings.  Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide is included, just like in the MKZ’s siblings.  The MKZ Hybrid also shares Lincoln Sync infotainment and all of its amenities with the standard MKZ.


2011 Lexus CT200h: This racy-looking five-door debuted in Geneva a couple of months ago, and Lexus announced that the CT200h will go on sale in North America for 2011.  The “h” in the name means that it’s a hybrid, of course, and it becomes Lexus’ second dedicated premium hybrid alongside the HS250h.  The familiar two-motor Lexus Hybrid Drive propulsion system offers a choice of four drive modes, including a sporty setting that boosts engine and steering response for a more engaging drive.


2011 Saab 9-5: Saab lives!   There was a great deal of uncertainty as to if the redesigned 9-5 would ever see production, thanks to the unclear fortunes of its parent.  With its purchase by Spyker, Saab once again has a future, and the 9-5 is here to be a part of it.  The new 9-5 looks more impressive than any of its predecessors, with a bold, racing-helmet silhouette and clean lines.  It’s powered by Saab’s 2.8 liter turbocharged V6,to the tune of 300 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission puts the power to the ground.


2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: When it debuts this fall, Chevrolet’s new subcompact Cruze has a surprise up its sleeve. The Cruze Eco doesn’t look that different from the rest of the lineup, but features tweaks beneath the skin that boost its fuel economy to 40mpg on the freeway.  The Cruze Eco is lightened, aerodynamically optimized and has special gearing in its six-speed transmission.  An obsessive weight-savings program addressed minutia like the excess metal on welds and the thickness of the sheet metal, as well as special lightweight 17-inch wheels.  The Cruze Eco also gets special underbody cladding to improve airflow under the car, and an air shutter in the lower front grille that closes to improve high-speed aerodynamics.


2011 Volvo S60: Volvo says the new S60 is “naughty,” perhaps as a means of distancing it from the many “green” cars at the show.  That’s ironic, because the new S60 is actually rather nice, what with the all-new infotainment system, 300-plus horsepower 3.0 liter straight-six engine with all-wheel drive, and a smart, proactive traction control system.  The design is svelte, with hidden rear doors and a dramatically sloped rear window and trunk.  The latest development is Pedestrian Protection with Full Auto Brake, which works similarly to the City Safety system debuted last year on the XC60.  Pedestrian Protection warns the driver of people on foot, and below 22 mph the S60 will stop itself, if you’re not going to.  So much for “accidentally” running over that annoying neighbor.


2011 Scion iQ: As expected (at least by me), the Toyota iQ, introduced last year in Europe, will be joining the lineup in North America as a Scion-badged product.  Scion’s fourth nameplate will give the micro-compact smart fortwo a direct challenger.  The 120-inch long iQ is the smallest four-seater out there (not counting golf carts), and its “long-slide” front seats improve legroom fore and aft, whichever is needed.  Vehicle Stability Control, anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard equipment, as are 10 airbags, even though it looks like it you’d only need one really big one.  The 1.3 liter engine is backed up by a continuously variable transmission.


2011 Scion tC: We were starting to worry about Scion–the tC’s been hanging out mostly unchanged for six years now, which is an eternity in this industry unless you’re a Porsche 911 or Volkswagen Beetle.  Fortunately, the brand’s not completely asleep, and there’s an all-new tC on the way.  The second generation of Scion’s sport coupe adds some more sport to the mix, with more aggressive styling and clean-cut evolutionary lines.  Power from the 2.5 liter four-cylinder is bumped to 180 horses, and there’s a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.  The hot-rod quotient is dialed up on the inside with a flat-bottomed steering wheel.  The new tC arrives late this year.


Honda Odyssey Concept: They call it a “concept,” but I’m always suspicious of a vehicle’s dream-car status when it’s sporting side-view mirrors and windshield wipers.  This slick and almost-sexy minivan, unveiled a week or so before the New York show, is basically the next-generation Honda Odyssey minivan, coming soon to attempt to raise the bar recently reset by the Toyota Sienna.  2011 looks like it’l be a good year for minivans, as there’s a new Nissan Quest on the way as well.  The Odyssey Concept’s flush-mounted door handles may not make production, but the eccentric window cut-line and smooth front fascia likely will.

2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: The new hot-rod Sonata is powered by a four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder.  Don’t let the relatively small two-liter displacement fool you; the Sonata 2.0T has the goods under the hood, with 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque available.  The twin-scroll turbocharger enables this smallish engine to return 22/34 fuel economy while providing an impressive power to weight ratio.  Hyundai didn’t say much about the Sonata 2.0T’s suspension, however.


2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid: You’ll know it by its bizarrely redesigned front end; the Sonata hybrid is a break from Hyundai’s typical MO.  Usually content to match the competition while costing a bit less, the gas-electric Sonata goes in an entirely new direction with a hybrid system that’s different from those offered by Toyota and Ford.  A 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine is coupled to a 40-horsepower electric motor for a total system output of 209 horsepower.   More efficient and compact lithium-polymer batteries are unique in the industry, and the Sonata uses a full-parallel hybrid system that’s designed to improve fuel consumption at all speeds.  As a result, the fuel economy isn’t biased toward the urban cycle, and it’s rated at 37/39.  The hybrid system produces a combined 209 horsepower, and can run on full electric power up to 62mph.  One last departure:  the Sonata Hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission rather than the CVT that has become the default for the average hybrid.  Like the Sonata 2.0T, the Sonata Hybrid will be on sale this fall.


2011 Porsche Cayenne: With the coming of a new Volkswagen Touareg, there’s a new Cayenne as well–not a surprise, since the two vehicles share underpinnings.   Porsche’s updated SUV line is slightly redesigned and features more powerful V8 models, but the big news is the introduction of a hybrid-electric version.  Powered by a supercharged V6, the Cayenne S Hybrid produces a combined 380 horsepower and features the usual hybrid technologies of full-electric drive at low speed and regenerative brakes to charge the lithium-ion batteries.  A unique feature is the “sail” capability, which can shut the gasoline engine off entirely at speeds up to 97mph, enabling the Cayenne S Hybrid to coast and save gas.


2011 BMW 5-Series:  If the all-new BMW 5-Series sedan looks slightly familiar, that’s because it’s adopted the styling theme already premiered on the 3-Series and 7-Series.   The drastically smoothed 5-Series enters its sixth generation with a choice of 300 horsepower twin-turbo six-cylinder and 400-horse V8 power.

Ford Focus EV: Not that there’s much to see, but Ford brought out the upcoming electric version of the Focus, just to remind Chevrolet that the Volt won’t be the only mainstream electric vehicle out there for long.

Mercedes SLS AMG GT3: You won’t be able to buy this one, at least not for the street, but there’s no denying that it’s a pretty thing.  Mercedes will take its new SLS AMG racing next year, in the FIA’s GT3 class.  It’ll face cars like the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette and Ferrari 430 on the track.


2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon: Is there much to add beyond this vehicle’s name?  It’s a TSX sedan with a handy cargo hold, and there’s not that much more to it.  Performance is basically unchanged, according to Acura.  The 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine is the same, as is the five-speed automatic transmission.  That said, what’s the difference between this and an RDX?  Cadillac’s CTS Sport Wagon and SRX can co-exist because the SRX has no sporting pretensions, but it would seem that other than all-wheel drive, there’s little to distinguish the TSX Sport Wagon and RDX.


2011 MINI Cooper Countryman: Is MINI’s new crossover vehicle evidence that the party is over and the iconoclastic manufacturer is going mainstream, or is the brand’s cheeky, fun to drive spirit still intact even with five doors, available ALL4 all-wheel drive and a raised ride height?  That will probably depend on who you ask.  The Cooper Countryman shares its 1.6 liter four-cylinder powerplants with the Cooper and Cooper S hatchbacks, and the wheels have been pushed out to the corners of the larger body, just like in its smaller siblings.  Inside, up to 40 cubic feet of cargo space can be had with the seats folded, and all four seats slide for improved passenger comfort.  A cool center “rail” can power accessories and contains mood lighting and an adjustable armrest.   The Cooper Countryman goes on sale early in 2011.


Mitsubishi compact crossover: Mitsubishi’s got an all-new compact crossover on the way to enter the lineup below the Outlander for 2011, but it hasn’t got a name yet.  The mystery cute-ute features a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower, All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive and a strong resemblance to the new Lancer.  It’s about twelve inches shorter than the Outlander, and lightweight construction means it’s just over a hundred pounds lighter than the current flyweight in this class, the Hyundai Tucson.   By this fall, we should know what to call it.


2011 Hyundai Equus: Finally, an official introduction.  The Equus has been popping up on the radar periodically for several years, kind of like someone you keep seeing at parties but never get a chance to talk to.  The North American version debuts at long last with a 385-horsepower V8, six-speed automatic transmission, a raft of luxury features and bold proclamations of a new buying experience.  The car itself is a conservative and attractive four-door with a Buick-ish curve to its hip, and it’s larger than a Lexus LS460.  The amenities list is familiar enough:  cameras front and rear to aid in parking, radar-driven intelligent cruise control, adaptive lights, air suspension, 608-watt sound system, reclining heated and cooled rear seats, French-stitched leather, faux-suede headliner and an available rear-seat cool box.  On top of that, Hyundai promises a Bentley-like ownership experience, with personal vehicle consultants who’ll make house calls rather than traditional salesmen and a multimedia tablet replacing the owner’s manual.  Equus pricing is expected to come in between $50,000 and $60,000.


2011 Subaru WRX and STi: Subaru provided a bit of good news for performance enthusiasts in the form of a new WRX and STi.  The rally-bred all-wheel drive sport compacts now share the “wide-body” styling that was previously only available on the STi.  The wider body allows for a 1.5 inch wider track, an enhancement which improves the WRX’ handling.  The 265-horsepower boxer engine introduced for 2009 carries over for 2011, while the top-dog STi gets 305 horses, lighter eighteen-inch wheels and an upgraded suspension.  The STi is also set apart by a luridly tall (but still functional) spoiler.


2011 Kia Sportage: The all-new Kia Sportage goes on sale this summer.  The revised styling is borrowed from the Kia Kue concept car from 2007, and a six-speed automatic transmission is available for the first time.  There’s a more powerful turbocharged version on the way as well.


2011 Kia Forte 5-door: The Forte family just grows and grows, doesn’t it?  Kia’s new line of subcompacts spawns a five-door version for 2011.  Additions available on all Fortes include a pushbutton start and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.


2011 Kia Optima: Who needs dream cars when you’ve got production cars that look like this?  Kia’s all-new Optima is such a departure from the current vehicle that the three-inch longer wheelbase and panoramic sunroof are practically footnotes.  The available luxury quotient is definitely upgraded, with heated and cooled seats and Kia’s new UVO infotainment system on board.  A choice of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines is offered; the turbo puts out 274 horsepower.  Both engines use direct injection and feature six-speed automatic transmissions.  Kia says there will be an Optima Hybrid as well.  The new Optima goes on sale later this year.


2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible: How do you make the hot Bentley Continental Supersports even better?  Hack the roof off, of course.  Although “hack” might not be the right word to use in reference to a Bentley product, the theory is sound, and the Continental Supersports Convertible made its much-welcome North American debut in New York.  The 6.0 liter W12 engine produces 621 horsepower and, like the rest of the Bentley lineup, can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol.  A quick-shifting ZF automatic transmission and sport-tuned Continuous Damping Control (CDC) active suspension keep the drive entertaining.  The Continental Supersports Convertible goes on sale this summer.


2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon: Like the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, there’s not much to add that the name doesn’t already tell you.  The impressive CTS Sport Wagon will get the same high-performance treatment as the CTS-V sometime late in 2010. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy your 556-horsepower 6.2 liter V8 goodness and fit a good-sized load of groceries, too.

Infiniti Essence: Just in case you can’t feel like it’s really an auto show if you haven’t seen a concept car of some kind, I’ll close with the Infiniti Essence.  This one made the rounds almost a year ago, but it’s the first time I’ve gotten to meet it in the metal, and it’s a relentlessly sexy thing.  I don’t use that term lightly; if you were to drape a blanket over the Essence and take a picture of it, it’d look like there was some serious hanky-panky going on under there.  Infiniti used this vehicle as an inspiration car for its design language, and you can see its curves in many of its current products.  It’s also got specially-made, custom-fitted luggage.

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