MANHATTAN, NY – The 2009 New York International Automobile Show, open to the public April 10-19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, showcases the latest in innovative, more fuel-efficient vehicles, with drivetrain and technology advancements and cutting-edge design.

"Many of this year's models have combined futuristic design with technologically advanced drive-trains to produce vehicles that are totally unique in the way they look and drive," said show president, Mark Schienberg. "Others use today's most fuel-efficient engines in vehicle designs that don't conform to any vehicle style known today, creating new segments that will be the vehicles of tomorrow."

New vehicles to be featured at the show include:

Electrics & Hybrids

[Electric] MINI E: The all-electric MINI E's unique engine and transmission arrangement powers the MINI E seamlessly to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Based on the current MINI, the E is a two-seater as the space normally inhabited by rear passengers is reserved for a lithium-ion battery. The E's lithium-ion battery can be plugged into all standard power outlets and the E has a range of 156 miles under ideal driving conditions.

[Hybrid] LEXUS HS 250h: The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Lexus lineup. It will also be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design. Equipped with Lexus' first 4-cyl. gas engine, the 2.4L powerplant is part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive System, which generates 187 total system horsepower.

[Electric] Fisker Karma: The Fisker Karma gets an average 100 mpg, can go 0-60 in about 6 seconds, and has a top speed of 125mph. Its lithium-ion batteries will power the car for 50 miles after being fully charged from any 110 or 220v outlet. After 50 miles, a generator powered by a small gasoline engine provides the energy needed to turn the Karma's two electric motors.

[Hybrid] Ford Fusion Hybrid: The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid includes new aerodynamic enhancements and underbody shields to help boost Fusion's fuel economy to a class-leading 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The Fusion Hybrid also debuts Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize the fuel efficiency of their vehicles.

[Hybrid] Honda Insight: The all-new, five-passenger, five-door Honda Insight is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system comprised of a 1.3L i-VTEC gasoline engine and a 10kW electric motor that together contribute to an city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 mpg. The Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist), designed to further enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles.

[Electric] Chevrolet Volt: Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America's daily commuters without a single drop of gas. Those who drive the Volt less than 40 miles a day will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions. Unlike traditional electric cars, the Volt has a propulsion system that goes beyond the battery power. It will use a lithium-ion battery with a gasoline-powered, range-extending engine that drives a generator to provide electric power when driven beyond the 40-mile battery range. Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience, and safety features expected in a four-passenger sedan.

[Hybrid] Toyota Prius: The new generation Prius is bigger, more powerful yet more economical than the model it replaces making it the most fuel efficient and aerodynamic car available in the US. With a combined 50 mpg, the Prius is available with high-tech features that include a solar-powered ventilation system, remote a/c, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Parking Assist, and three driving modes including electric-only.

Concept Cars

Cadillac Converj: The Cadillac Converj was designed to give a glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion in a luxury vehicle. The well-appointed grand touring coupe features GM's electric propulsion technology -- called Voltec -- that can get up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles. When the battery's energy is low, the Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine.

Chrysler 200C EV: The all-new Chrysler 200C EV concept is capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power, but a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator that produces electricity extends its driving range to 400 miles. On the inside, the 200C EV's interior is free of switches and levers. All vehicle functions, settings, and u-connect features are managed via a panoramic multimedia touch screen, a passenger-dedicated "techno-leaf," and a stowable tablet PC.

Suzuki SXForce: Reinforcing the link between the company's rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, Suzuki introduces the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept car. The fully drivable, track-tested 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged SX4 Sport concept includes a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling.

Lincoln C concept: The Lincoln C concept brings the luxury of a large Lincoln to a smaller, more efficient C-sized car. The C is powered by a 1.6L EcoBoost engine and an all-new dry, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission which helps it achieve 43 mpg on the highway, while offering 180 horsepower.

Dodge Circuit EV: This brand new all-electric sports car concept from Dodge delivers high performance with zero gasoline consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and 150-200 mile driving range. Propelled by a completely electric drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV races from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds and has a top speed of more than 120 mph. The Circuit EV utilizes three powertrain components, including a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

To find out other vehicles to be featured at the 2009 New York International Automobile Show, go to www.autoshowny.com/show.

 

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