For 2010 the New York Auto Show has a bit of everything and continues to deliver with a concentrated presence of luxury vehicles. But this year the luxury fits into numerous niche segments. On one end, there’s the world premiere of the 2011 Infiniti QX56 SUV, while on the other there’s the North American debut of the Lexus CT200h hybrid hatchback. Luxury even takes wagon form, with Acura announcing the TSX Sport Wagon and Cadillac unveiling a CTS-V Sport Wagon concept. Heck, Hyundai even unveiled a flagship luxury sedan, called the Equus, that is designed to compete with cars like the Mercedes S-Class. Aston Martin is showed its four-door Rapide and Porsche has on display its Cayenne S Hybrid SUV.

In more traditional luxury, BMW unveiled the all-new 2011 5 Series for the first time in North America, flanked by the facelifted 3 Series, sporty 335is, 2011 X5 and Alpina B7.

Outside the luxury sphere there are exciting vehicles, including crossovers like the bizarre Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, 2011 Kia Sportage and MINI Countryman. And when it comes to sedans, the Korean automakers are showing important new contenders like the surprisingly good looking 2011 Kia Optima, as well as turbocharged and hybrid versions of the Hyundai Sonata.

Other highlights include the 2011 WRX featuring an STI wide-body, while a new STI model for 2011 also gains a sedan version.

Particularly noteworthy cars included the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 race car, 2011 Scion tC and the new (and very tiny) Scion iQ.

See a selection of New York Auto Show debuts after the jump or visit our Official 2010 New York Auto Show Coverage page here:

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Already shown in different markets with different names, Mitsubishi has now revealed what it will call the Outlander Sport for the North American market. A compact crossover, slotting in under the current Outlander model, the new Outlander Sport is a different vehicle (and not just another trim level), with its own unique style. Interestingly, however, it does ride on the current Outlander platform and actually boasts the same overall wheelbase, even though it is roughly 15-inches shorter in length. The reduced size, therefore, has come from the overhangs, making the Outlander Sport inherently more exciting to drive.

Power for this new crossover comes from Mitsubishi’s 2.0-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder with 148-hp and 145 ft-lbs of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a “6-speed” CVT (with paddle shifters) comes on the up-rated SE model. Mitsubishi expects the new crossover to get an impressive 31-mpg on the highway.

One reason for the impressive fuel economy is the CUV’s light weight. At 3,042-lbs, it’s roughly 130 lbs less than the new Hyundai Tucson – which is already considerably lighter than much of the competition.

Entry level models will be front-drive, but Mitsubishi will offer SE models with its All-Wheel Control (AWC) 4WD system. Drivers will be able to select from 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock for different driving environments.

Standard features on the all-new Outlander Sport include electronic power steering, stability control, hill start assist, 7 airbags and a regenerative braking system that reduces load on the alternator. Also standard are HID headlights. SE models will get items like 18-inch wheels and a push-button ignition, plus optional goodies like a 710 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system.

During the car’s unveiling in New York, Mitsubishi North America President and CEO Shinichi Kurihara commented that after a tough time the past two years the company is looking to move from survival mode to growth mode, with the new Outlander Sport being the first of three all-new vehicles over the next few years. Kurihara even commented that with the expanding compact crossover segment, Mitsubishi hopes the Outlander Sport will become its highest volume model.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Official release after the jump:

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The Audi R8 V10 was selected from a field of 16 vehicles as the 2010 World Performance Car.

The winner was chosen by a jury of 59 journalists for its overall sports performance. The Audi R8 V10 was chosen above the other finalists, the Ferrari California and the Porsche 911 GT3.

“We’re honored that the Audi R8 V10 was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors as the 2010 World Performance Car,” said Johan De Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America. “This is the fifth year of the World Performance Car award and the R8 has won it twice.  Whether you choose an R8 with a V8 or with a V10 engine, you get a World Performance Car award winner.  The records also show that an Audi has won this award three times. The truly global nature of the World Car jury is evidence that Audi is hitting the performance car sweet spot of car lovers around the world.”

The Audi R8 won the award in 2008 while the Audi RS4 was victorious in 2007, giving Audi the World Performance Car award in three of the last four years.

Gallery: Audi R8 V10

Kia unveiled its shocking new 2011 Optima sedan at the New York Auto Show today with two impressive new engines, also offered in the Optima’s cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder featuring gasoline direct-injection (GDI) – the first use of GDI in a Kia. Output for the new 4-cylinder is rated at an impressive 200-hp and thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission, we expect similar fuel economy numbers to the Sonata – which is rated at 22/35 mpg (city/highway). Those numbers, we should point out, are best-in-class.

Even more exciting is a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 274-hp. It is expected to get as high as 34-mpg on the highway.

In addition, Kia has confirmed it will offer a hybrid version of its new mid-size sedan next year. As for the current 4-cylinder and turbo-4, both versions will be on sale starting this Fall.

The car itself is both lower and wider than its predecessor, riding on an all new platform and we used the term “shocking” because its almost too cool looking to believe its for real. The design is unmistakably the work of Kia’s top design man Peter Schreyer – who is quickly building the Kia brand into one of the best looking and most aggressive groups of vehicles on the market. Inside, the car gets a driver-oriented cockpit with controls that face the drive.. Standard interior features include a tilt and telescopic wheel, power locks and windows and even an air-conditioned glovebox. Three trim levels will be offered: LX, EX and SX.

LX models equipped with an automatic transmission come with cruise control, while the EX model gets luxury features like driver and passenger 8-way power seats, driver and front passenger automatic window up/down, push button ignition with smart key, dual-zone climate control with rear vents and Kia’s new UVO voice activated infotainment system with rear-view camera.

SX models get leather with French stitching, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters metal pedals and an LCD display in the instrument cluster. Outside, the SX trim also gets HID headlights, an even more aggressive front grille and special aerodynamics, as well as 18-inch wheels.

The 2011 Kia Optima will go on sale this Fall, with pricing announced closer to launch.

tomatic and 24/35 mpg

GALLERY: 2011 Kia Optima

GALLERY: 2011 Kia Optima Official Photos

For more details on the all-new 2011 Optima, see the full release after the jump:

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Kia pulled the covers off a new hatchback version of the Forte at the New York Auto Show but oddly chose not to let the media see any of the five doors actually open. It’s especially strange when the car is called the Forte Five-Door.

Joining the Forte sedan and Forte Koup, the Five-Door will be available with either a 2.0l or a 2.4l engine and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Kia didn’t release any specs for the new hatchback but the Forte’s 2.0l engine is rated at 156 hp and 144 ft-lb. of torque while the 2.4l Forte has 173 hp and 168 ft-lb.

It’s still odd that Kia chose to keep the Five-Door locked however. None of the Kia reps we spoke to, including the VP of sales, even realized it was locked, and when they checked, we were told the doors would remain closed through the day.

Gallery: Kia Forte Five-Door

With the debut of the new Equus luxury sedan at the New York Auto Show, CEO John Krafcik also announced that sales of flagship model will come with premium services. For starters, Hyundai dealerships will feature the car in a showroom-within-a-showroom format, alongside the Genesis Sedan and Genesis Coupe. But if you’d like to test drive an Equus and don’t want to go to the dealership, no problem, Hyundai will take the car to you.

Hyundai has also decided to do-away with the big and heavy owner’s manual in favor of an electronic touch-screen tablet. Owners will even be able to use the tablet to make service appointments – with free pick up and drop off of the vehicle by Hyundai staff.

As for the Equus itself, it’s got plenty of luxury too, with an interior that features leather seats, an Alcantara headliner, wood trim and a leather-wrapped dash with French stitching. The front seats are heated and cooled with an optional massaging driver’s seat. A special 4-seater model with just two rear chairs can come with foot rests, an 8-inch LCD screen and DVD player, as well as a fridge. There’s even an optional 17-speaker Lexicon audio system.

Motivation for the big sedan comes from Hyundai’s Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine with 385-hp and 324 ft-lbs of torque, mated to 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds.

Other highlights include 19-inch wheels, an electronically controlled air suspension and Continuous Damping Control that adjusts the suspension to meet the conditions of the road.

Pricing for the Equus has yet to be locked-down, but Hyundai says it expects to be able to sell the car in the mid $50,000 range starting this Fall.

GALLERY: 2011 Hyundai Equus

It certainly looks like a flagship luxury sedan, created to rival established German saloons like the 7 Series and S Class, but it costs roughly half the price and… it’s a Hyundai? Yes, debuting at the New York Auto Show, Hyundai will now offer its flagship luxury sedan from Korea in the U.S. aiming to, “compete with the best luxury sedans in the world on all levels.”

Pricing for the Equus has yet to be locked-down, but Hyundai says it expects to be able to sell the car in the mid $50,000 range. And while the Equus isn’t likely to win over many buyers from Mercedes, the package is an attractive one for Lexus LS shoppers, with the LS460 riced in the mid $60,000 range.

The Equus more than just looks like a proper luxury barge, using a powerful V8 engine and riding on a proper rear-drive architecture (an elongated version of that used for the Genesis Sedan). The Equus is actually 7.2-inches longer than the Genesis at 203.1-inches. That makes it longer than the extended wheelbase Lexus LS, plus it’s wider than either the S-Class or 7 Series.

Motivation for the big sedan comes from Hyundai’s Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine with 385-hp and 324 ft-lbs of torque, mated to 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds.

Inside, the Equus delivers on its luxury promise (although not to the level of its German counterparts) with leather seats, an Alcantara headliner, wood trim and a leather-wrapped dash with French stitching. The front seats are heated and cooled with an optional massaging driver’s seat.

A luxurious driving feel is also part of the package thanks to an electronically controlled air suspension and Continuous Damping Control that adjusts the suspension to meet the conditions of the road. Both sport and comfort settings are offered so driver’s can select a more engaging ride. Also helping to deliver a more dynamic driving experience is a balanced (52/48 weight distribution) chassis and 19-inch wheels with 245/45/19 front and 275/40/19 rear tires

Other vehicle highlights include a standard back-up camera and optional front camera, as well as a 17-speaker 608-watt Lexicon audio system.

Official pricing will be revealed later this year with the Equus set to go on sale in the summer.

We have no doubt the folks at BMW and Mercedes are having a little chuckle over a Korean luxury car, but it wasn’t all that long ago they underestimated Lexus.

GALLERY: 2011 Hyundai Equus

Official release after the jump:

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After sending the past several years focusing on volume models, Subaru has now switched over to developing its high-performance niche market vehicles, unveiling the new WRX STI Sedan today at the New York Auto Show.

Previously Subaru had only offered a hatchback STI of its current generation car, but the sedan is both a throwback to great STI sedans of old, as well as an evolution of the brand itself. And yes, we did say “evo-lution.” The car’s new rear spoiler is alarmingly similar to a Mitsubishi design used on past EVO models. And with a four-door offering (as well as the hatch), Subaru is likely hoping to win over a few EVO buyers who prefer a sedan.

Subaru says the new wing was designed to create real downforce and stabilize the car at speed. The car, as well as the new 2011 hatch, was even tested n the Nürburgring with numerous other upgrades. While there are no changes to the 305-hp engine, other updates include a revised suspension setup with a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe. Subaru says these updates improve camber and toe stiffness. New springs feature higher spring rates with a 15.6 percent increased stiffness in front and 53 percent increase in stiffness in the rear. Thicker sway bars also help improve handling, while new 18-inch wheels weight a total of 17.6 lbs less than the previous model’s wheels.

In addition, the 2011 STI models also get exterior updates – although none but a true Suby nut is likely to notice. The changes include a modified bumper with sharper edges, a new lip spoiler, larger front grille as well as larger bumper openings. The sedan model also gets new, flared rear fenders.

“The continuous evolution and development of the WRX STI is driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America. “The 2011 4-door WRX STI will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts.”

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI sedan and hatch will be available late this summer.

GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX STI Sedan

GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX STI

Official release after the jump:

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The Volkswagen Polo was named the 2010 World Car of the Year, beating out the other finalists, the Toyota Prius and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The VW Polo was selected by a jury of 59 international journalists from an overall field of 30 vehicles.

“We’re honored that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. These automobiles have reaped numerous awards, winning well-nigh every prize the automotive industry has to award. This shows that Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history.”

The Polo wasn’t the only Volkswagen to take home some hardware. The VW BlueMotion line also won the 2010 World Green Car Award.

Gallery: Volkswagen Polo

Chevy unveiled a high-efficiency version of its new Cruze compact at the New York Auto Show, saying it provides “hybrid-like” fuel economy.

The Chevrolet Cruze Eco is powered by an Ecotec 1.4l turbocharged engine with variable valve timing connected to a six-speed manual transmission. According to Chevy, the Cruze Eco has a 0-60 time in the low nine-second range.

Chevy has given the Cruze Eco a number of features, some inherited from the upcoming Volt, to provide an estimated 40 mpg on the highway.

The Cruze Eco has a lower front grille air shutter that closes at higher speeds and opens at low speeds to improve air flow. Underbody panels, a rear spoiler and a lower front air dam extension also add to the aerodynamics.

The Chevrolet Cruze Eco will be available in the fourth quarter 2010.

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze Eco