At this year’s New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), there was most definitely an underlying theme: larger, luxury and flagship vehicles embodying new technology designed to improve fuel economy. Here’s a look at some of the major highlights:
Significant introductions included a concept of Acura’s next generation flagship, the RLX, which will feature a 3.5-litre V6 gas engine teamed with a hybrid system and an update of the brand’s Super Handling all-wheel drive system.
Chevrolet unveiled its next generation large car, the Impala, which it hopes will prove more appealing to private buyers (its predecessor garnered mostly fleet orders). Bolder-looking with a much improved interior, it will be offered with conventional four- and six-cylinder gas engines, plus GM’s eAssist mild hybrid technology.
Chrysler arguably stole the show, with the debut of the new generation SRT Viper. To be offered in coupe form only (at least for now), the Viper looks more like the original GTS in execution, though embodies a number of new features including carbon fibre panels to save weight. Although it now offers a traction control, it still retains a monster 8.4-litre V-10 engine up front. The interior however, takes a major step forward in terms of finish and feature content.
Lexus unveiled its new ES sedan, which is larger and more imposing and also for the very first time sports a hybrid derivative, the ES 300h. Utilizing a version of the Hybrid Synergy drive system and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it will reportedly dash from 0-96 km/h in 8.1 seconds, while delivering close to 6 litres per 100 km (39 mpg) in terms of fuel economy.
Sister division Toyota unveiled its next generation Avalon flagship. Not many details were available at its unveiling, though in terms of design, it’s quite stunning and a radical departure from the car it replaces. Other highlights included Infinti’s LE concept, the first all-electric car to emerge from a mainstream manufacturer. Utilizing technology from the Nissan Leaf, plus a novel wireless charging system, Infiniti says it will be production ready within two years. Interesting stuff.
Lincoln also unveiled the production version of its 2013 MKZ sedan, which takes a major leap forward in terms of technology and styling. It will be offered in conventional gas (3.7-litre V6 and 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder) mode, as well as a Hybrid with a 2.0-litre gas engine, electric motor and CVT transmission. A Lincoln Drive Control System is designed as an overall performance umbrella, which can optimize everything from transmission shift points to suspension calibration and steering settings.
Another surprise was a substantially updated 2013 Ram 1500 pickup. A new, lighter frame, the adoption of eight-speed transmissions and a new automatic air suspension (the first such application on a pickup truck) are highlights. The goal behind these features is to improve fuel economy, which is said to be 20 per cent better with the base 3.6-litre V6 engine and 10 per cent with all-conquering Hemi V8.
