New York 2011: Charge up! Get ready!

For those who prefer larger vehicles, this year’s auto show is truly a paradise. Chrysler has brought the long-awaited SRT versions of the updated 300C sedan and Grand Cherokee SUV. Both models are equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that generates 465 horsepower, with a maximum torque of 631 Nm available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm. The engine features a variable-length intake system and phase-controlled valve timing; it can also disable half of the cylinders under light loads. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. For acceleration to 60 mph, Chrysler’s fastest model takes around four seconds, while the fastest Jeep models take about five seconds. Engineers at the SRT division have made significant improvements to the suspension of both vehicles, installing electronically controlled shock absorbers with five different settings in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and two settings in the Chrysler 300C. Additionally, both the Chrysler 200 and 300 models now come in an “S” package with a sporty styling kit, and there is also a visually sporty Dodge Avenger version available with the R/T package. Ford has also updated its large Taurus sedan; it no longer resembles the Toyota Camry. The power of the 3.5-liter V6 engine has been increased to 294 horsepower, and a new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine offering 240 horsepower has also been added to the lineup. The “SHO” version of the Taurus still features a 3.5-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 370 horsepower. Suzuki has decided to stand out and not participate in the conventional “horsepower-per-liter” competition. They held a premiere in New York for the “green” version of the new Malibu sedan, which was also unveiled in Shanghai recently. For the American market, Suzuki has prepared two versions of the Kizashi sedan: the fuel-efficient EcoCharge hybrid model (6 liters per 100 km) and the high-performance Apex model (300 horsepower). Honda, in addition to introducing “green” versions of the new Generation Civic, also unveiled the most powerful version of the Civic Si. Now, this model is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine generating 201 horsepower, instead of the previous 2.0-liter engine. The maximum power is available at 7,000 rpm, rather than 7,800 rpm as before. Mercedes-Benz has scheduled the premiere of the new E63 AMG in New York. This model now features a 5.5-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine instead of the previous 6.2-liter eight-cylinder engine. It also produces 525 horsepower and offers 700 Nm of torque starting at 1,700 rpm. With the optional AMG Performance package (available for 8,306 euros), the engine’s power can be increased to 575 horsepower and 800 Nm. The E63 AMG is available in two body types: the sedan costs 106,000 euros, and the station wagon costs 108,500 euros. British car manufacturer Jaguar has brought a whole range of new models to New York. The entire model lineup has been updated; the XF sedan can now be easily confused with the flagship XJ model. The only way to distinguish the XF is from its rear end, which features horizontal lighting elements. The rear lights have also been redesigned to be larger and extend onto the trunk lid. Inside, the car offers improved materials for decoration and a dashboard design similar to that of the XJ model. Under the hood, there is a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine borrowed from the Freelander model; all versions are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The flagship XJ model has been upgraded with the “Rear Seat Comfort” package, which includes electric seat adjustments, lumbar support, massage functions, footrests, and adjustable headrests. This package is standard on the long-wheelbase Supersport version. The sporty XKR model has also been updated, following the launch of the high-performance XKR-S. This new version resembles the previous-generation models as well as the legendary X-Type model, but such a “regression” in design actually benefits Jaguar’s elegant lineup. There are also some more modest new models at the New York auto show that could attract Russian car enthusiasts. For example, Hyundai and Kia have brought their new Accent hatchback to the show. It is likely to be similar to the five-door Solaris model, whose production is set to begin at the plant in St. Petersburg. Kia’s “daughter brand” has also brought the Rio sedan, which is built on the same platform as the Solaris. It remains unknown which version of these models will be produced in Russia – the American version or the K2 model with rear fog lights similar to those on the Solaris. However, it would be great if the Russian Kia versions featured such beautiful interior designs as those shown in the photos. Kia has also given significant attention to the interior design of its Soul crossover model. The exterior and interior have been updated, and the car is now equipped with new, more powerful and fuel-efficient direct-injection engines. These include a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 136 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, as well as a 2.0-liter Beta II family engine that can be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. Nissan showcased the new five-door Tiida model in Shanghai but saved the sedan version for New York. In the United States, it will be called the Versa; in Asia, it will be named the Sunny. The engine and transmission are the same as those in the hatchback version – a 1.6-liter engine generating 109 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission. However, the interior materials used in the sedan version are more basic. And the new Subaru Impreza arrived just in time! Given the tragic events in Japan, it is practically impossible to predict when new models will be available in Russia. It’s also uncertain whether regular sedans and hatchbacks will be produced here. What a shame… This is probably the most attractive generation of Subaru’s Golf-class vehicles. It seems that the “alien” who designed the previous Impreza has gone home… Interestingly, the car’s silhouette remains the same, but its new design makes it look even better. The dimensions have also stayed the same, with only a slight increase in wheelbase. Moreover, the Impreza is equipped with Subaru’s excellent Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. It will be paired with a full-wheel-drive system featuring a multi-disc clutch for the rear wheels. For the American market, a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine has been selected; European models will be equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine developed in collaboration with the renowned Cosworth company. Another new model debuting at New York is the Scion FR-S Concept car, which is essentially the American version of the joint Subaru-Toyota youth-oriented FT-86 sports coupe. This year’s New York auto show will probably be the least “environmentally friendly” one yet. Most of the models unveiled are electric or special versions of regular models, including some rally-ready versions. Of course, not all cars rely on gasoline… Take, for example, Nissan’s Leaf electric racing car from the Nismo sports division: it has lost 40% of its weight and does not have rear doors. The power of its electric motor remains the same at 107 horsepower, but its acceleration has decreased to 6.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the battery’s range in “combat mode” is only 20 minutes, and it takes at least half an hour to charge completely. Incidentally, the regular Leaf model was named “Car of the Year” by the WCOTY organization; the awards were announced in New York.