With a notable absence at many auto shows this year, Porsche did make it to New York and finally got around to giving the reworked GT3 a proper U.S. debut.

The engine’s new output is up 20hp for a total of 435hp, thanks to an increase in displacement from 3.6 to 3.8-liters. The engine also receives Porsche’s VarioCam variable valve technology on both the intake and exhaust side. Porsche hasn’t release torque numbers but it has said that mid-range torque is up.

The result of this power-boost is a 0-62 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph!

The design of the new GT3 is also updated with a new aerodynamic kit that increases downforce on both the front and rear of the car to more than double that of the outgoing model. Aesthetic changes include bi-xenon headlights, LED rear lights and modified air intakes and outlets.

Porsche has tuned the suspension to be stiffer than the outgoing model with higher spring rates and more rigid anti-rollbars. The car is also more user-friendly as Porsche has decided to offer the GT3 with an optional height-adjustable suspension. A driver would be able to raise the height of his car by as much as 1.2-inches to enter or exit parking garages or when driving on rough roads.

As the GT3 is known for its trackability, Porsche has outfitted this new model that will make it even more appealing. For starters, it will be offered with a new version of PSM (Porsche Stability Management) that will allow a driver to turn of Stability Control and Traction Control in different steps. Other performance improvements include larger and lighter brake disks (and the option of a special PCCB ceramic disk set. For racing applications Porsche will even offer the GT3 with single lug center-locking wheels.

The 2010 GT3 will go on sale in North American this fall and will be priced at $112,000 ($138,000 CDN).

GALLERY: 2010 Porsche GT3

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One of the two GMC debuts at the NY Auto Show was the 2010 Terrain crossover. (The other was the Yukon Denali Hybrid).

The new Terrain comes with a bold and stylish new look, as well as some fuel-efficient new engines.

Much like the Chevy Equinox (also new for 2010), the Terrain will come with two engine options, a standard Ecotec four-cylinder and an optional V6 powerplant. Thanks to direct-injection technology, the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine is capable of powering the Terrain with 182hp and 174 ft-lbs of torque – but don’t expect stellar acceleration.

For more power, the optional V6 is a 3.0-liter unit that also receives direct-injection for a total output of 254hp and 222 ft-lbs of torque.

Both engines come with a six-speed automatic transmission for optimum fuel efficiency. Models equipped with the V6 engine are expected to get 25 mpg on the highway and 18 in the city, while four-cylinder models should achieve an impressive 30 highway mpg with a rating of 21 in the city.

These ratings are also for FWD models only, with AWD models achieving 17/24 mpg and 20/27mpg respectively.

To help the Ecotec hit that impressive 30 highway mpg rating, GM has equipped 4-cyl models with an “ECO” mode that is activated through a button on the dash. The “ECO” model will ensure the torque converter lockup speed is reduced to 1125 rpm keeping the vehicle in the highest possible gear.

While it may share much of its underpinnings with the Equinox, the Terrain has its own unique exterior, with a bold, elegant (and very masculine) new design. Helping to project that image is a big three-segment GMC grille surrounded in chrome. And while all that chrome is very truck-like it also helps this crossover exude luxury, as do the optional 19-inch wheels (with 17- or 18-inch wheels standard depending on trim model).

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design for Global Crossover Vehicles at GM. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

The 2010 Terrain also comes equipped with plenty of luxury amenities, with a back-up camera, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard. Other optional features include a power rear liftgate, Bluetooth capability, remote vehicle start, a seven-inch touch screen navigation system and a two-screen rear DVD entertainment system.

Back seat passengers will also enjoy the standard “MultiFlex” rear seat that can move up to 8-inches, providing either optimal cargo room, passenger room or a healthy balance of both

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 GMC Terrain will be offered in SLT and SLE models in both FWD and AWD and will be available late this summer.

GALLERY: 2010 GMC Terrain

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As promised, Subaru debuted its 2010 Legacy model at the New York Auto Show and there’s a lot to talk about. 

The car is based on an entirely new platform that has a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase than the previous model for a total of 108.3-inches. Height and width are also up by 3.2-inches and 3.6-inches respectively. Vehicle length has increased by just 1.4-inches.

The benefits of the platform are seen mostly inside, with rear seat legroom increasing by 4-inches.

Also new for 2010 are several of the engines.

The Legacy 2.5i models (the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited) will all get a 2.5-liter boxer engine that makes 170 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 170 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. A new six-sped manual will come standard with a“Lineartronic” CVT transmission optional. Subaru says both trannies will offer better acceleration and fuel economy.

Legacy 2.5GT models (2.5GT Premium and 2.5GT Limited) will come equipped with a new turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine with the turbocharger mounted below the engine for better response, improved emissions and a better center of gravity. Power is rated at 265hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque, an increase of 22hp and 17 ft-lbs of torque over the outgoing model. Subaru says the 2.5GT will be able to hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

The 2.5GT models will also come standard with a new 6-speed manual transmission that is more than 50 lbs lighter than the one in the 2009 Legacy 2.5GT spec.B.

As for the top level 3.6R models (3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited), they will feature a new 3.6-liter boxer engine that makes 256hp and 247 ft-lbs of torque – an increase of 11hp and 32 ft-lbs over the ‘09 model. All 3.6R models get a five speed automatic transmission and only require regular octane fuel (not premium).

The suspension setup for the 2010 Legacy also gets an adjustment – as promised. The front maintains it’s MacPherson-type strut setup, while the rear gets a double-wishbone setup (as opposed to the old multi-link design). This, says Subaru, gives the 2010 Legacy a better ride, along with improved stability and handling.

GALLERY: 2010 Subaru Legacy

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As promised, Hyundai drew back the cover on the Nuvis HCD-11 Concept at the New York Auto Show. As the name suggests, the Nuvis is the 11th concept to come from the company’s North American design center.

The Nuvis, which follows closely in the footsteps of the ix-onic Concept, which debuted in Geneva, is further from a production model and intended more as a design (and technology) study.

The Nuvis features a prototype of Hyundai’s upcoming Blue Drive hybrid system, which uses lithium polymer batteries. This new type of battery for a hybrid powertrain is innovative because it is not only much lighter and smaller than nickel metal hydride systems used in current mainstream hybrids, but it has (according to Hyundai) safety advantages over the lithium-ion units that other manufacturers (like Toyota and GM) are coming out with.

Another advantage of the lithium polymer setup is that it allows for significantly greater flexibility, allowing the batteries to be shaped according to how the designers want to create the car, rather than the other way around. 

GALLERY: Hyundai Nuvis Concept

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Today at the New York Auto Show, Kia unveiled the Forte Koup. Based on the Koup Concept which made its first appearance at last year’s New York show, the Forte Koup is the first ever two-door from Kia.

The sporty-looking new model is based on the same platform as the sedan and will be offered in two trim levels: EX and SX. EX models will get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 156hp and 144 ft-lbs of torque. This motor can achieve 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. It comes standard with a five-speed manual with an automatic option that is unfortunately just a four-speed.

The more powerful SX model will get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 163hp and 168 ft-lbs of torque. This engine is capable of 22/32 mpg (city/hwy) with a six -speed manual (nice!) or 23/31 mpg with a five-speed automatic.

EX models will get 16-inch wheels with 205/55/16 tires and SX models will receive 17-inch alloys with 215/45/17 tires.

We eager to see how the little Koup drives, but won’t get our hopes up to high as the rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion-beam setup. The front is an independent MacPherson strut setup.

“On the heel of the introductions of the Soul and Forte sedan, Forte Koup represents the next exciting step in the transformation of Kia design and offers a blend of sporty and emotional appeal,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing at Kia USA. “We believe our new design evolution coupled with standard Kia value and safety features will continue to attract customers to the Kia brand.”

GALLERY: Kia Forte Koup 

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As promised, Mistubishi pulled back the cover on the Outlander GT Prototype at the New York Auto Show, a concept car that will influence the next generation Outlander “compact” SUV.

Prior to the show, Mitsu teased us with blurry images of the new vehicle and now we can see more clearly what we saw then – an EVO-inspired front end.

The production model is expected to look quite close to this concept and will feature a more powerful 236hp 3.0-liter V6 engine. An Idle Neutral Logic system will work with the V6, shifting the transmission into Neutral when the vehicle comes to a stop to help preserve fuel. The car will also feature Mitsu’s world-famous Super-All-Wheel-Control System.

Other highlights include a 710 watt audio system and a 40 gig hard drive with a navigation system.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

With news of the new Subaru Legacy already out, it was a safe assumption that it would be the focal-point of the company’s press conference at the New York Auto Show. The company did unveil that model, but also had a Subaru surprise in store, in the form of the 2010 Outback.

The new Outback will be powered by either a standard 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with 170hp or an optional 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine with 256hp. The 2.5-liter motor will come standard with a six-speed manual with an optional CVT transmission. As for the flat-six, it will come with a five-speed automatic.

The spaciousness of the new Outback has been improved with eight percent more cargo volume. This is due in part to an all new vehicle platform that is two inches wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also been exteded by 2.8-inches, although the actual length of the vehicle is slightly less than the ’09 model.

For ideal off-road capability, the ground clearance has also been improved and is now rated at 8.7-inches. 

GALLERY: 2010 Subaru Outback

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The new Volkswagen Golf has been named the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) by the International Motor Press Association. The group, comprised of journalists from twenty-five countries picked the new Golf over the other two finalists, the Ford Festiva and the Toyota iQ micro-car.

But the WCOTY awards are about more than just one car, as awards are also handed out in the design, performance and environmentally-friendly categories.

Taking the top spot for the Performance group was, not surprisingly, the Nissan GT-R, which beat out finalists like the Corvette ZR1 and Porsche 911 Carrera.

In the Green Car category, the award went to Honda for its FCX Clarity hydrogen-fuel cell car, which is capable of 72 mpg. Other finalists in that segment were the Mitsubishi iMieV, as well as the Toyota’s iQ.

The top cars in the design category are always amusing because of how odd they normally are… and this year was no exception. Nominated were (again) the Toyota iQ, the Citroen C5 Sedan and Tourer, the Jaguar XF (which we can almost understand) and the Fiat 500. And the 500 took the top spot for best design. Apparently “looking cool” wasn’t one of the qualifications.

General Motors used the New York Auto Show to stage the official first showing of its GT1 line of special edition Corvettes. The car wasn’t competing for the spotlight, however, as GM generally ignored the car and instead decided to focus on its new SUVs – like the GMC Terrain and Yukon Denali Hybrid.

The GT1 edition corvettes are being built to celebrate the tremendous success Corvette has had in racing over the past decade. The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette comes with racing inspired graphics, including driver flags and the series championships. On display in New York was a black version, but the the car is alos available in Velocity Yellow. Unfortunately the car comes with so not-so-race-inspired chrome wheels.

Inside the interior is swathed in ebony leather with yellow stitching and features GT1 embroidery on the seats, instrument panel and center console armrest..

Under the hood, the engine cover has a special carbon look with yellow Corvette lettering.

The GT1 Championship Edition is offered as either a coupe, convertible or Z06 (as shown in New York), with just 100 of each model being made in each color for a total of 600 units.

All models receive a navigation system and both coupe and convertible will include the Z51 Performance Package and performance exhaust with an optional automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Pricing is listed as $65,310 for the coupe, $71,815 for the convertible and $86,385 for the Z06. The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette will go on sale in the Spring.

The GT1 Championship Edition Corvette was create in homage to the successes of the C6.R racing Corvettes which took the ALMS GT1 Manufacturers Championship for 8 years, claimed over 70 victories in the series and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans 5 times.

2009 will make the last year for the C6.R in racing.

GALLERY: GT1 Championship Edition Corvette 

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It’s now official, the 2010 MazdaSpeed3 has made it to U.S. shores. On display at the New York Auto Show the new model isn’t drastically different than the old one, it even keeps the same 2.3-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. Power is rated at 263 and 280 ft-lbs of torque.

This is enough for a 0-62 mph run of 6.1 seconds, so the run to 60 might be able to get under the 6.0-second mark.

As for the rest of the car, we’re happy to report that it has not been toned down from the Euro-spec version and that it seems every new innovation on the Euro-spec car has been kept for enthusiasts on this side of the Atlantic.

In terms of technological advancements, the MazdaSpeed3 has plenty of them. For starters the new engine features an advanced boost controller that reduces peaks for a more linear power delivery. The left and right drive shafts have been modified to reduce torque steer. The six-speed manual transmission now has wider ratios than before and the tranny uses a low-viscosity fluid to reduce shift effort.

With the new body and chassis, the 2010 MazdaSpeed3 is naturally better, however, it also gets large stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and shocks. As well, it now features 18-inch wheels with big brakes – 12.6-inches up front and 11-inches in the rear.

GALLERY: 2010 MazdaSpeed3

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