New York International Auto Show

New York. The place where so many dreams have come true. And this past April, that trend continued. Today I start a 2 part series on cars we saw at the 106th NY International Auto Show that grabbed our attention.

One of the most important cars, in our eyes, to debut at the show, is the 2007 Infiniti G35 sport sedan. Since it came on the market in 2003, the G35 has become a favorite of magazines because of its rear-wheel drive (optional AWD) and optional 6-speed manual mated to a 298 horsepower 3.5L V-6. The G35 epitomizes everything we love about a sedan from engine, to luxury, to everyday usability and rolls it into one spectacular package. For 2007, the G35 is being completely redesigned with a body more akin to the svelte looks of the current coupe as well as a more powerful engine. At least 300hp, regardless of transmission, will be channeled through either RWD or AWD as is today. Also, the interior has been redesigned to fix many of the quality issues that customers complained about. The new G35 will certainly not disappoint when it is released in fall of 2006.

Acura revealed its production version of the RDX concept shown back at Detroit. A brand new 2.3L turbocharged I-4 (Acura's first turbo) will produce 240hp and 260lb-ft. of torque through a standard Super-Handling AWD system first put to use in the Acura RL. Also from the RL is the real-time traffic updates integrated into the optional navigation system and wonderful DVD-audio supporting ELS-Audio system that kicks out sound that will make you think you are in a concert hall. The 2.3L I-4 will come standard with a 5-speed auto-manual with optional paddle shifters for those sporting types among us. Plus, its chiseled lines and overall smaller size will surely impress at the valet. You will be able to see this car in dealerships starting this fall.

New York only proved another display for the automotive star of the East; Hyundai. They showed off their new Elantra stickering for close to $14,000 with the usual long list of standard equipment including ABS, 6 airbags, 2 12v outlets, power windows and more interior space than the Acura TL, making the Elantra a mid-size car according to the EPA. One can quickly step up from the base GLS into the sporty SE, and finally the luxurious Limited. A 2.0L 138HP I-4 is offered across the board but can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. This Elantra will be yet another great new car in Hyundai's young lineup.

Nissan displayed their new Alitma, Nissan's sales leader. When the Altima goes on sale this summer, it will be offered with either a more refined 2.5L I-4 kicking out 165HP and 170 lb-ft of torque or a spunky 3.5L V-6 putting out 265HP and 255 lb-ft of torque through a choice of a 6-speed manual or a new CVT that will replace the automatics. Nissan did painstaking work to remedy to the issues that customers had with the previous edition's interior. Now with softer touch materials and better fit and finish, one will feel rich. You can pick one up this July 2006.

Finally, Mitsubishi unveiled its redesigned Outlander. It grows many sizes to accommodate a new 3rd-row seat making it significantly larger than the SUV's Mitsubishi compares it too. It will be offered with a new 3.0L variable-valve-timing (VVT) V-6 with 220HP and 204 lb-ft coupled to a 6-speed automatic with manual capability. No 4-cyl engine will be offered, no doubt due to the size increase. The Outlander will come standard with FWD (selectable 4WD system will be offered), traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and a 140 watt stereo system with CD and MP3 capability. Look for the new Outlander soon in Mitsubishi dealerships.

If you would like to see some of these cars in video, just click play below and see our live NY Auto Show coverage. Also, please leave us a comment or two and let us know how you feel about what we're doing. What was your favorite car at the New York Auto Show? What was the best automotive innovation you saw at the show? Let us know!

Thanks,
Ben