Jeep chose the New York Auto Show to unveil the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee, the latest version of the what Jeep calls, “the original premium SUV.”

With a pleasant and masculine exterior, the real big difference is inside where the cabin gets a significant update. In fact, the leather on the model shown at the New York Auto Show looked so good it had people asking if the vehicle was a concept. As well as leather seats, the interior of the Grand Cherokee will get leather door inserts and a leather on the dash as well as well as genuine wood accents.

Other interior amenities includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power lumbar, a back-up camera and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with a memory function.

The cabin is also more spacious with 4 more inches of rear-seat leg room. Surprisingly, cargo room is also up with 36.3 cubic feet.

In terms of performance, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will come with a choice of two engines. The first is a 3.6-liter V6 with 280hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. This engine makes 33 percent more hp than the old V6 and 11 percent more torque, while at the same time averaging 11 percent better fuel economy.

Of course, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is also offered with 360hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque and a maximum towing capability of 7,400 lbs.

Several different drivetrain options are available with a Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with a limited slip differential offered. The latter two layouts come with Jeep’s Select-Terrain system with five different terrain settings for ideal control. The settings are: Auto, Sand/Mud, Sport, Snow and Rock.

One of the most exciting innovations on this new model is the Quadra Lift air suspension, which can lift the vehicle by 4.5-inches to acheive a maximum off-road clearance of 11.1-inches.

GALLERY: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Today BMW unveiled the M version of it’s niche market X6 CUV – delving further into a market that probably doesn’t exist. We can’t blame them, however, as this gives dealers a great opportunity to up-sell customers on a product that no doubt has a significantly higher profit margin.

Noticeably absent, however, was the X5 M.

The X6 M makes its 555hp through the use of a twin-turbo direct-injection 4.4-liter V8 engine. As for torque, that number is 500 ft-lbs from 1500 to 5650 rpm.

BMW says it has all but eliminated pesky turbo-lag through a new invention it calls CCM (which stands for Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold). This new manifold is a one-piece unit and has been designed with every cylinder working together to minimize “charge cycles.”

The X6 M car features BMW’s M Sports Automatic transmission, which BMW claims is much faster than previous unit – although no shift times are available. Gear changes can be made by using the automatic stick shift, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or automatically in the default setting.

X6 M model will continue to use BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, making it (and the X5 M) the first AWD M models. Also standard is the Dynamic Performance Control system that first made its debut on the X6. It allows for power to not only be distributed between the front and rear wheels, but between the left and right rear wheels.

As a result of all this power and grip both the X6 M can hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

That speedy sprint is achieved in the Power mode (and likely with the Launch Control on), which can be activated by hitting the M button on the steering wheel. The M button can not only activate this “Sport” program for the engine and transmission, but also an “Efficiency” program, allowing for earlier upshifts and improved fuel-economy.

In terms of the look of the SUVs, both stay mostly similar up front but feature special front fenders and a distinctive rear diffuser with quad tailpipes. A set of 20-inch wheels is also standard with 275/40/20 front tires and massive 315/35/20 rear tires.

As braking is always an important part of every M-car, and these bruisers no doubt weigh triple what some of the original Ms did, the X6 M gets four-piston calipers with 15.6-inch front rotors and 15.2-inch rear rotors.

As promised, one last tid-bit of technology that is sure to make this M monster fun is Launch Control. Here’s how it works:

To activate Launch Control, the driver stops the vehicle, moves the gear selector into the M/S position and activates the Sports Power mode, as well as the M Dynamic mode, or respectively, the DSC-Off mode. Then, with the transmission in stage M1, the driver presses down the brake pedal and moves the accelerator to at least 60% throttle, setting Launch Control to standby. Standby status is confirmed by “starter’s flag” symbol in the instrument cluster. As soon as the driver releases the brake pedal, the vehicle will accelerate with full power in “genuine racing style.” In the process, the M Sports Automatic transmission automatically upshifts at the ideal points, with the fastest possible shifts and optimum wheelspin control. The driver may terminate the Launch Control process at any time by reducing the throttle position.

GALLERY: 2010 BMW X6 M

Scion wowed the audience at the New York Auto Show with its radioactive iQ Concept. The micro-car, which is based on the Toyota iQ currently on sale in Japan and Europe, got some SEMA-style with 18-inch wheels and a widebody designed by Five Axis. 

We’d like to say this vehicle will make it to market but considerng Scion’s track record of continuously debuting concept cars while key models in the company’s product range (cough… tC… cough) grow old, it’s anyones guess.

The iQ Concept is designed for urban youth and is roughly the size of a SMART car, making it about two feet shorter in length than a Yaris.

Inside the iQ gets plenty of high-tech gadgetry with a 10-inch LCD screen that flips out of the center console. This screen is used to operate all of the vehicle’s entertainment functions and doubles as a DVD player when the vehicle is in park. And when not in use the screen folds flat to deliver a screen-saver-like light show.

Powered by a 93 hp 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the iQ is already efficient, but to help driver’s get the most out of their micro-compact, the iQ comes equipped with an “eco lamp” that lights up under efficient driving.

In terms of safety, the iQ Concept has all the modern safety features you might expect as well as a few surprises. In total, the cabin has nine airbags, including a world’s first rear curtain airbag.  

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of  transportation,” said Jack Hollis, VP at Scion.  “If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize.” 

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Acura gave us the official first look at its new ZDX Concept, a four-door coupe crossover thingy, at the New York Auto Show today. And, well, it’s not exactly what we would call beautiful.

The real-life proportions of the car make it look distinctively different from the BMW X6, even though original teaser photos from Acura gave us that impression.

While a concept, the ZDX is slated for production and will be on sale later this year. An Acura rep told us that the production model will be “extremely close” to what was shown today.

The ZDX will be powered by a V6 engine and will use Acura’s SH-AWD technology. A six-speed automatic will be standard, although according to the Acura press release it will be a “sequential” unit – which could mean a quick-shifting double-clutch style system.

Also included on the production car will be the panoramic glass roof, a multi-view rear view camera and a blind spot monitoring system. Style elements include hidden rear door handles and exhaust pipes that are integrated intot he rear bumper – both firsts for Acura.

The ZDX is a car that defies categories, with coupe styling, four-doors and the functionality of a crossover SUV.

Surprisingly, despite the ZDX’s less-than-massive size, it will slot in above the MDX in the Japanese luxury carmaker’s lineup.

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With most of the info on the high-performance E63 AMG already available, Mercedes officially unveiled the 518hp monster E-Class at the New York Auto Show today.

The new model retains the 6.2-liter V8 found in the previous generation, and gets just a slight bump (of 11hp) in performance to 518hp and 465 ft-lbs of torque. To help get that power to the ground AMG has equipped the car with the new AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed automatic transmission, first used in the SL63. Using a multi-disc wet start-up clutch, instead of a traditional torque converter, shift times are just 100 milliseconds in “M” (Manual) mode.

Another reason for the speedy shift times is that AMG has programmed the ECU so that under full load gear shifts, the ignition and fuel injection are interrupted.

The engine and tranny combine to deliver a 0-60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds!

Oh, and the the transmission does rev match on the down shift and have a Race Start or “launch control” function.

In total the transmission has four settings: C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus) and “M” (Manual).

The Controlled Efficiency setting also works with several other technologies to reduce overall fuel-consumption by 12 percent compared to the previous model. The Controlled Efficiency mode will give early up-shifts to keep engine speed as low as possible, while AMG has developed a way to “detach” the alternator from the engine so that it doesn’t drain power when it isn’t needed.

The body of the E63 is 17mm wider than the standard E-Class with a front track that is 2.2-inches (56mm) wider.The front suspension has been completely redesigned by AMG engineers with new control arms, wheel bearings, a new stabilizer bar. This new setup actually moves the location of the wheel to provide better handling and more negative camber.

As a result of the wider setup, the steering ratio is now 22 percent more direct and boasts a sporty 14:1 ratio.

The suspension of the E63 has been completely redesigned with a new front setup and a rear that features an AMG air suspension. The E63 also gets a variable suspension system with AMG Ride Control that allows for three different suspension settings: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.

Another adjustable feature is the stability control program, or ESP, which has three settings: “On,” “Sport” and “Off.” The Sport setting allows for increased slip.

For ease of use, the MCT transmission settings, ESP settings, suspension settings and AMG drive modes can all be adjusted via the AMG Drive Unit.

Other highlights of the E63 include 18-inch wheels that measure 18×9-inches up front and 18×9.5-inches in the rear with front 255/40/18 tires and 285/35/18 rear tires. The brake rotors measure a substantial 14.2-inches at each corner.

For those who demand even more from their car, AMG will offer a “Performance Package” that includes 19-inch wheels with 255/35/19 and 285/30/19 tires, as well as a stiffer suspension setup, a locking rear axle, a three-spoke performance steering wheel and a new top speed of 186 mph (standard top speed is 155 mph). 

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One of the few surprises at the New York Auto Show was the launch of a new hybrid model by Mercedes-Benz. Based on the ML-Class SUV, this hybrid version was designed and built specifically for the U.S. and Canadian markets. 

The Mercedes Blue Efficiency hybrid system is comprised of an electric motor, gasoline motor and battery packs. The 3.5-liter V6 engine makes 275hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque and when combined with the electric motor makes a total of 335hp and 381 ft-lbs of torque. This is 80 percent of the power of the V8 engine as well as 90 percent of the trque of the V8 engine.

As expected, fuel economy is impressive with 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. Compared to V8 versions, the ML450 Hybrid uses 50 percent less fuel. It even uses 30 percent less fuel than a V6.

As though there was any doubt that the Hyundai Equus luxury sedan was headed to the U.S. market, Hyundai has all but made it official, bringing the high-luxury sedan to the New York Auto Show. 

Hyundai doesn’t hold its press conference until tomorrow, but we can tell you a few detail now. For starters the Equus is a BIG car in person and was designed to take on top-level luxury cruise liners like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS.

Models will come with the 4.6-liter V8 found in the Genesis Sedan and feature a six-speed automatic transmission. It will be rear wheel drive with a 52/48 weight distribution for ideal handling. Also helping in the handling department are a set of Sachs shocks. 

Other standard features include a 17-speaker sound system and 9 airbags, as well as heated, cooled and massaging leather seats with a heated steering wheel. 

Hyundai has said that the Equus will be sold in China and the Middle East by the end of 2009. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow, however, to see when it will set sail from Korea for U.S. shores.

While Ferrari doesn’t techniclly participate in the New York Auto Show, that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to grab some of the limelight, hosting a private event at the Italian automaker’s ritzy Park Avenue dealership. (As though there are any Ferrari dealerships that aren’t ritzy…)

Making their U.S-debuts were the 599 HGTE and the truly awesome 599XX. Both models were first unveiled in March at the Geneva Auto Show in Geneva, Switzerland, but this more intimate setting allowed us to get some additional details on the track-only 599XX. Besides… do we really need another reason to stare at the meanest-looking Ferrari since the Enzo first came out.

What we already know is that the 599XX is powered by the standard model’s V12 engine, but the internals have been reworked to produce 7o0hp at 9000 rpm. To achieve this Ferrari engineers significantly modified the engine with a new, lighter, crankshaft. Carbon fiber is also used for the intake plenums.

Due to the new aerodynamics of the 599XX it now gets 612 lbs of downforce at 124 mph and almost 1,400 lbs of downforce at 186 mph!

One particularly important innovation on the 599XX is Ferrari’s new “Actiflow” technology, that adjusts downforce and drag depending upon how the car is operating. This is achieved through the use of a porous materia in the diffuser and two fans in the trunk lid that work to channel air from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail lights. Rather noticeable winglets have also been added to the the are just behind the winds, where the buttresses are located.

One of Ferrari’s top engineers was on hand discussing the Actiflow technology and commented that it was actually designed for use in Formula 1, but that the FIA wouldn’t allow it. 

One new bit of info that we learned about the 599XX is what Ferrari terms a “Virtual Race Engineer.” This system essentially uses all the onboard computers to calculate what the maximum level of performance the car can achieve on a race track. To do this it takes every bit of data available, including tire temperature, tire pressure, engine and coolant temperature (as well as many other variables) and determines what the maximum level of performance capable by the car under those conditions is.

Unfortunately, if you’re not Michael Schumacher, getting the car to go that fast is impossible… but here’s where the fun part comes in. The 599XX’s computer can then rate you (the driver) on your performance and tell you how close you are coming to the car’s maximum potential – a humbling experience no doubt.

GALLERY: Ferrari 599XX

Ahead of the New York International Auto Show, Nissan dropped the cover (and the top) on the roadster version of its new 370Z. Normally convertible versions of coupes aren’t all the different from their hard-top cousins, and while that is mostly true here we have to hand it to Nissan on the design of the new model – especially after the 350Z Roadster was, from a design point of view, an automotive hack job.

The new 370Z Roadster looks purposefully designed and is as elegant as the Coupe is sporty. To achieve this, Nissan designers used a shorter windshield and a new deck, which, by the way, completely covers the convertible roof when in the down position. This “tonneau” cover also incorporates the two-seater design with sculpting behind each of the seats.

The top itself is a material unit (in keeping with Nissan’s commitment to reduce the weight of the new Z cars), which raises or lowers in roughly 20 seconds. The operation is completely automated and can be done by the flick of a switch on the center console or by a button located on the door.

The soft-top also features a larger rear window (over the 350Z Roadster) for improved visibility.

“As expected, the 370Z Roadster delivers an exhilarating connetion to the air, wind and environment on top of the new Z Coupe’s exceptinal levels of performance,” said Nissan North America general manager Al Castignetti. “But perhaps unexpected for a car this sporty is its greatly enhanced refinement and quality – as seen in features such as its one-touch auto-locking convertible top and beautifully crafted interior.”

The interior comes standard with cloth seats, as well as the Nissan Intelligent Key with a push button ignition and power windows and locks, with Touring models getting power seats and “net” leather seating, with both heating and cooling functions. Touring models have three color choices for the leather seats: Gray, Black or Wine. Other Touring model features include HomeLink, Bluetooth compatability, an 8-speaker Bose audio system and aluminum pedals. 

The Z Roadster comes with 18-inch factory wheels with an option to upgrade to a Sport Package that includes light weight 19-inch RAYS wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A P245/40R19 front/P275/35R19 tires. This upgrade also includes the NISMO brakes with four-piston front calipers and 14-inch rotors and rear two-piston calipers with 13.8-inch rotors.

All models come with Nissan’s new 3.7-liter V6 engine with 332hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque, an increase of 26hp and 2 ft-lbs over the past Z Roadster. 

“The new 370Z Roadster lives in the same sweet spot of performance, style and value that the Z Coupe does,” said Castignetti. “Open air diriving just begs for open riads and the new 370Z Convertible is the perfect companion.

The 2010 370Z Roadster will be available late this summer in six colors (Solid Red, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Pearl White, Monterey Blue), as well as a special Black Cherry.

GALLERY: Nissan 370Z Roadster

GALLERY: 370Z Roadster additional photos

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Nissan just couldn’t wait for the New York Auto Show doors to open to unveil its high-performance NISMO version of the 370Z, choosing to give select media a sneak peak the night before at a private event in the Big Apple.

Enthusiasts are sure to love the NISMO car as it’s more than just a few bolt-on aesthetic parts (even if it has those too). This NISMO edition takes the Z to an even higher level in every performance category.

For starters, the NISMO edition car comes with 350hp – an increase of 18 ponies over the stock Z. Torque is also up, but just slightly, to 276 ft-lbs – an increase of 6 ft-lbs. Part of the reason for the added power is a new H-pipe exhaust, which, Nissan tells us, also gives the car an excellent sound – but we’ll have to wait to drive it to find out.

Power is also achieved at a higher rpm with the 3.7-liter V6 strung-out to 7400 rpm to acheive maximum horsepower, as opposed to the stock cars, 7000 rpm max power level.

And possibly better than the added power (for those who really appreciate track days) is a standard limited slip differential.

To give the car even better track performance, Nissan stiffened up the chassis with special “body dampers” on the front frame rail and below the rear cargo area. And of course, the car comes with a NISMO springs and a big NISMO strut tower bars front and rear. The front springs are 15 percent stiffer and rear springs are 10 percent stiffer, with the new strut bars incresing stifness by 15 and 50 percent respectively. 

As expected, the stock brakes were tossed in favor of a more serious setup with front 4-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors and rear two-piston calipers and 13.8-inch rotors. Those big brake sit inside a set of amazing looking 19-inch NISMO wheels. Manufactured by RAYS forged, the new wheels measure 19×9.5-inches up front and 19×10.5-inches in the rear witt front 245/40/19 tires and rear 285/35/19 tires. 

As mentioned earlier, the NISMO Z does get some styling additions, although they are more than just aesthetic. The new front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and rear spoiler are all functional, reducing lift on the front axle and increasing downforce in the rear. 

“One look at the dramatic NISMO 370Z body and you know that this isn’t your everyday sports car,” said Nissan boss Al Castignetti. “The styling is highly emotional yet totally functional – expressing dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance.”

Inside, the NISMO branding is obvious with the name stitched onto the special seats made of a grippy fabric. Also inside the cabin can be found plenty of red stitching and some nice NISMO gauges.

“The NISMO name is known throughout the world as the leading supplier of race-bred, factory-tuned, extreme performance Nissan parts, accessories and vehicles,” said Castignetti. “The new, second-generation NISMO Z proudly – and deservedly – wears the NISMO badge, carrying on the tradition of bringing racing-inspired performance and engineering to the street.”

The NISMO 370Z is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission in one of five colors:  Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and Platinum Graphite.

GALLERY: Nissan NISMO 370Z

GALLERY: Nissan NISMO 370Z additional photos

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