NYIAS to host a covey of concept cars

One of the best things about a big car show is getting a close up look at the designs you have never seen before – at least not on the street or in the showroom. Concept cars provide a glimpse into the promise of the future and the 2011 New York International Auto Show will feature no less than 14 vehicular inspirations.

"Concept cars provide car lovers with a fantasy world of possibilities and they consistently top the list of show-goers favorite must-see activities at the Show," said show director Candida Romanelli. "These amazing cars are designed to see consumer reactions to innovative design elements or new materials, cool features, future design trends and new interior space configurations and they offer us all a fascinating window into the new cars and trucks that we can expect to be driving in just a few years from now."

The Impreza Design Concept embodies the automaker's 'Confidence in Motion' design and brand strategy. The designers blended two concepts into this design – dynamic flow and confident stance – without forgetting Subaru's core values of dynamic performance through Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, safety, enjoyment and lasting quality. The Impreza Concept is powered by a 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated Boxer engine coupled to a Lineartronic CVT.

For an early look click here.

Saab PhoeniX Concept is a cockpit in a teardrop taken into a wind tunnel where aerodynamic liquid metal skin was blown over it, according to Saab designer Jason Castriota. Lovely butterfly-wing doors provide elegant and easy access to a 2+2 seating configuration. Inside, there’s minimalist approach that reveals Saab's innovative IQon infotainment and communications system. Down below, the new Saab is powered by an electrically-driven rear axle mated to a sophisticated 200 hp, 1.6-litre turbo engine driving the front wheels. The result is an intelligent, hybrid all-wheel-drive capability vehicle with an enhanced driving experience that reduces fuel consumption.

Watch the video.

Hyundai calls the Curb a compact Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) for those living an active urban lifestyle with an emphasis on nightlife. Hyundai wanted to create a tech-loaded vehicle completely at ease on pockmarked city streets and densely packed nightclubs. The Curb's design starts with glass that spills onto the hood and wraps around the cowl, covering the A pillars. Inside there is a large acrylic screen with multiple zones allowing information to be passed between passengers all via a touchscreen that appears endless. The Curb is distinguished by a turbocharged, 175-horsepower, 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and a Direct Shift Gearbox.

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MINI Cooper Paceman is alleged to be the first Sports Activity Coupe in MINI terms. The Paceman is a fresh interpretation that attracts the eye from the A-pillars down to the uniquely designed 19-inch front wheels. This rugged design is augmented by dark wheel arch surrounds with matching side skirts that emphasize the sporting nature of this fun new Mini.

Check it out.

The
Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class features an expressive and athletic design and is powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a dual clutch transmission and features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.

Look the A-Class over.

The Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept is a design for city-dwellers in cities like New York where tight parking areas for apartments, office buildings and even suburban homes are part of everyday living. The Urban seats four and provides easy access via scissor-type doors that open by extending outward and rotating forward. The concept car is powered by a turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder engine with electric assist technology, engine start-stop function, brake energy regeneration and a dry dual-clutch transmission expected to push efficiency to 56 mpg in the city and 65 mpg on the highway.

See the Caddie.

Also coming to NYIAS are multi-passenger vehcles or MPV’s such as the Kia KV7, plus the redesigned and updated VW Bulli.

Then there’s the small green commuter known as the Toyota Prius c Concept and the mid-size hybrid sedan, the Nissan Ellure.

GMC will showcase the Sierra All Terrain HD concept – an exploration of a heavy-duty truck combined with greater off-road versatility while Ford offers up its sporty, fuel-efficient and versatile compact SUV called the Vertek.

Just announced, is the addition of the sexy new Scion tC concept car scheduled to make its debut in New York next week. If there, you could be among the very first to see this exciting new coupe.

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