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![2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon]()
If you’re looking for proof that the pencil pushers in the Obama administration aren't running the day to day operations at General Motors, how about a low-volume station wagon with a 556-hp supercharged V8 engine and a top speed of more than 190 mph? Together with the existing CTS-V Sedan and Coupe, the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon completes a triumvirate of luxury performance that not only outguns all comers from the U.S.A., but can hold its head high among the best from Europe, where Caddy hopes to export more than a few of these, since wagons aren’t very popular here. Nevertheless, if you need to get five people and their dog from Point A to Point B, and a Gulfstream jet isn’t available, this five-door may be the fastest way to do it.![2011 Mini Cooper Countryman]()
If you're concerned that the Apocalypse is on the way in 2012, you may want to avert your eyes from the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman, the company's first SUV. More of a compact crossover, the Countryman is the first Mini in history to feature four passenger doors and five-passenger seating, not to mention four-wheel-drive. All the standard Mini engines and trims will be available, but if it's the end of the world you need to outrun, you'll want to get the 1.6-liter turbo, just in case.![2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid]()
Apparently the people at the Ford Motor Company adhere to the adage “you can never have too much of a good thing”, because the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid appears to be just that. Based on the award-winning Ford Fusion Hybrid – which was named 2010 North American Car of the Year - the MKZ adds luxury to the equation without taking away much in the way of fuel economy. With an expected EPA rating of 41 mpg highway, the MKZ Hybrid should be the most fuel efficient luxury sedan on the market, beating the smaller Lexus HS 250h by six mpg.![2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and RS]()
Since 40 mpg is the new 30 mpg in the compact car game, Chevrolet as outfitted a version of its upcoming Chevrolet Cruze, called the Eco (pictured in blue), with some nifty equipment that helps its fuel economy reach that lofty bar. The 1.4 liter engine combines turbocharged and efficient direct fuel injection to deliver 138 hp, a cooling vent in the front fascia can close itself off for better aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires, higher gearing for the transmission, and a lower ride height to cut through the air easier. Interestingly, this isn’t the base model of the Cruze, so you’ll have to pay a little extra up front to avoid paying at the pump, though how much is yet to be told. For people willing to trade a couple of MPG for some extra FUN, Chevy will also be offering an RS appearance package (pictured in red) on top trim levels, complete with a sporty front fascia, fog lamps, deeper rocker panels, a unique rear spoiler and a host of interior touches that don’t make the car any faster, but sure make it look like it is. RS models will use the same engine as the Eco, but with a transmission that’s geared to be less concerned with bypassing gas stations and more concerned with passing.![2011 Kia Optima]()
The 2011 Kia Optima follows a long tradition - it's been going on for at least a year now - of upscale design from the low-priced Korean automaker. Built on the same platform of parent company Hyundai's latest Sonata, the world class style of the midsize Optima belies a base price expected to be less than $20,000 when it goes on sale later this year, complete with Kia's 10 year/100,000 mile warranty and five-years of roadside assistance it hopes you won't need. Powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines, including a 274 hp turbo and a hybrid that should deliver nearly 40 mpg, the Optima is as close to a sure thing as you can get. The competition - including Hyundai - should be very concerned.![2011 Lexus CT 200h]()
Lexus continues its effort to carve out new segments in the luxury hybrid market with the CT 200h, a sporty compact five-door that will slot in below the company’s HS 250h sedan when it goes on sale this fall. Using the same hybrid powertrain as the Toyota Prius, a 1.8 liter four-cylinder combined with an electric motor, the slightly smaller CT200h should deliver fuel economy over 40 mpg to go along with a 'dynamic driving experience'. The leather-trimmed interior is filled with high-tech features, including Lexus’ unique mouse-operated infotainment system and an LCD gauge cluster that turns from blue to red when you switch the from normal to sport modes and enter what Lexus calls 'the darker side of green'. With just 134 hp on tap, however, you probably shouldn't feel too evil doing it.![2011 Scion iQ]()
Toyota’s youth-oriented brand, Scion, is looking to be a big player in the minicar market with the diminutive iQ. Smaller than every car currently on sale except for the ones from Smart (iQ/Smart, get it?), the iQ fits four people into its 10-foot length thanks to a unique 3+1 seating arrangement. Despite its car of the future looks, power comes from a conventional 1.3-liter gasoline burning four cylinder that produces just 0-plus horsepower. Combined with the iQ’s light weight, Scion expects it to get an EPA fuel economy rating in the high 30's. If safety is a concern, you'll be glad to know that Scion managed to stuff 10 airbags into its little iQ, one for every foot in length. Look (closely) for it in the first quarter of 2011.![2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Turbo]()
When Hyundai introduced the 2011 Sonata sedan, it made much of the fact that it would be an all-four-cylinder model line, despite being a large family car. Well, it looks like those four cylinders are getting a little help. The Korean automaker rolled out two new versions of the Sonata in New York, one with a turbo, the other an electric motor, both attached to a four-cylinder engine. The Hybrid Sonata, Hyundai’s first, promises 209 hp plus 39 mpg highway, 37 mpg city, while the turbo pumps out 274 hp and still delivers 34 mpg, making it a double threat against the six-cylinder engines available in the competitions’ cars.![2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid]()
Volkswagen’s big SUV is slimming down for 2011, the Touareg dropping over 400 pounds in the name of fuel efficiency and ride dynamics. The weight loss also opens the door to load in some heavy batteries to power a new hybrid drivetrain that’s now available, VW’s first. Combining a 333 hp horsepower supercharged V6 with an electric motor for a total output of 380 hp, the unpronounceable crossover has the punch of a V8, the fuel economy of a V6, and the ability to cruise at up to 31 miles per hour on electricity alone.![2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid]()
If the specifications of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid look suspiciously similar to those of the 2011 VW Touareg Hybrid, that’s because they are. The two vehicles are built on the same platform and use the same 380 hp V6 hybrid powertrain, which should be good for an EPA combined rating of about 25 mpg. Porsche’s version gets its own unique sheetmetal, and an interior that apes the look of the company’s sports cars. Conventional V6, V8 and turbocharged V8 models with upwards of 500 hp will also be available when the Cayenne goes on sale later this year.![2011 Nissan Juke]()
The Nissan Juke may appear to be a show car...from the year 2020...but its all to real. The even-smaller-than-it-looks CUV hits the road late this year with a 180 hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive that channels power to the outside rear wheel in a turn to help you get around it faster. Its a feature normally found on vehicles costing much more than the $20G Juke. The same can't be said about its face.![2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport]()
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is an all-new compact crossover that slots in below the existing Outlander, and is an effort to turn the popular model line into a kind of sub brand of Mitsubishi. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Outlander Sport is available in front or all-wheel-drive and, while not a hybrid, features a regenerative braking system to replenish the batteries, increasing fuel economy to 31 mpg.![2011 Infiniti QX56]()
The world of SUVs isn’t quite what it used to be, but neither are the SUVs. The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is an all-new vehicle that dumps its old pickup truck-based platform for a new crossover chassis derived from the popular Nissan Patrol sold in other countries. Styling is…we’ll call it distinctive, as is the power. An updated 5.6-liter V8 produces 400 hp which is sent through a seven-speed transmission to all four wheels. An active hydraulic suspension aims to keep the ride smooth while eight-passengers enjoy the entertainment provided by the Bose audio system and standard navigation. Don’t look for a Made in U.S.A. sticker anywhere on it, however. Production of the new QX moves from Nissan’s truck plant in Mississippi to Japan. The more things change...![2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class]()
Mercedes-Benz doesn’t make minivans, but it does make a long, three-row, seven-passenger vehicle called the R-Class that looks an awful lot like one, save for its lack of sliding doors. To further differentiate it from a proper mommobile, the 2011 R-Class gets a tough new square jaw that replaces the soft, sloping nose of the outgoing model. Subtle trim changes can be found throughout, but powertrain choices remain the same; a 268 hp 3.5-liter V6 with all wheel drive and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel that gets 25 percent better fuel economy than the gasoline version.![2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon]()
Following the same theme as theCadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon aims to combine cargo carrying capability with a fun ride, just with 355 less horsepower. Acura’s 201 hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder is the only engine available, sending the power to the front wheels through a five-speed transmission. Fuel economy is expected to hit 30 mpg highway, but with Acura’s trademark handling in attendance, a mountain road may be the way to go.![2011 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS GT3]()
You won't see it on a street near you - not without a police helicopter behind it - but the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 should be flying around racetracks early next year. Designed to meet the specifications of the FIA-sanctioned GT3 racing series, it gets a huge carbon fiber wing to go with its gullwing doors, a stripped interior, roll cage, wide body design, and a modified version of the stock 6.3-liter V8 that will produce upwards of 600 hp.![2011 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic Wagon]()
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic wagon has a 268 hp V6, all-wheel-drive, enhanced cargo carrying capability compared to a sedan, and, most importantly, rear-facing third row seats, just like the old days. Tailgaters beware of funny faces.![2011 Subaru WRX STi]()
Fans wanted it and they're getting it. After several years of being available only as a hatchback, the 2011 Subaru WRX STi returns to form in the form of a four-door sedan with a wing on the back big enough to be seen from a control tower. Power remains the same - at 300 hp probably not an issue - but the suspension gets stiffer everything to sharpen the handling and increasing grip to make what Subaru claims is the fastest WRX STi ever.![2011 BMW 5 Series]()
The 2011 BMW 5-Series has finally lost its oversized Dame Edna headlights, and it’s all the better to see for it. The all-new sedan replaces the controversial design of the outgoing model with a clean, conventional look that fits right in with the rest of the BMW lineup, and a lower price to boot. For $50,475 you’ll be able to get yourself a 535i with a 300 hp turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, while $60,575 puts a 400 hp 4.4-liter V8 under the hood. Both cars are available with a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, and have an options list that should please the technophile within. There’s four-wheel steering, a self-parking system, night vision, nd video cameras on all sides of the car that create a top-down view of your surroundings. With them, you can stop worry less about the little things and focus on the driving, which promises to be of the ultimate kind.![2011 Scion tC]()
From a distance, the all-new 2011 Scion tC looks a lot like the old one, but take a close look and you'll find a boxy and buff new body that goes a long way toward gaining the kind of street cred the advertisements from youth-oriented brand tries to convince you it has. A bigger, 180 hp 2.5-liter engine helps out in this regard, as does a six-speed transmission and a tighter, retuned suspension. A panoramic moonroof remains standard, and a little extra passenger space should be welcome by original tC owners who have put on a few pounds over the years.2010 New York International Auto Show
Power to the people...carriers. The 2010 edition of the New York International Auto show is short on slick new sports cars and packed with family cars, including a couple that think they're sports cars. From 40 mpg sedans to hybrid SUVs to 190 mph station wagons, practicality is the new black in the auto industry, so load up the family and join us on a tour of all of the new cars at the show. Click here for video. Click here to watch the Fox Car Report LIVE! special from New York
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- 2010 New York International Auto Show
