General Motors will be putting the focus on its GMC brand at the New York Auto Show, with the launch of the Yukon Denali Hybrid  – as well as the new 2010 Terrain.

Using GM’s two-mode hybrid system the “green” Yukon Denali boasts city fuel-economy that has been improved by more than 50 percent. Unfortunately in a vehicle as massive as this (with a 6.0-liter V8 engine) the result is just 21 mpg.

Wait a minute.. that is pretty good.

“The eight-passenger GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid goes just as far on a gallon of gas in the city as a much smaller, V-6 Toyota Camry sedan,” said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “And in terms of fuel savings, the GMC Yukon Denali saves about 250 gallons of fuel a year over the Lexus GX 470.

Actually, the news is even better than that. If you check out Toyota’s website, it lists the automatic V6 Camry at 23 mpg city and the 4-cyl automatic at 21 mpg city.

GM’s hybrid system not only reduces the need for gasoline in the city, it provides regenerative braking and powers both the electric power steering system and the air conditioning compressor.

Unfortunately, where fuel-economy doesn’t show much improvement is on the highway, with a rating of 22 mpg.

Then again, the Yukon Denali Hybrid does make 332hp and 367 ft-lbs of torque, can tow  5,800 lbs and can seat 8 in perfect luxury. Standard features include 12-way power, heated and cooled leather front seats with leather for the first and second rows.

It will cost you, however, two-wheel drive models start at $59,185, with 4WD models at $62,030. That price does include a freight charge of $950 and there is a tax credit of $2,200 available.

The Yukon Denali Hybrid goes on sale in may and joins the Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid Pickup, all of which come with an eight-year 100,0000 mile hybrid powertrain warranty.

GALLERY: Yukon Denali Hybrid

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It has long since been rumored that BMW would use the New York Auto Show to drop a bomb on the crossover market with an M-powered version of the X6 CUV, but the luxury German automaker has more in store than just that.

Set to debut alongside its 555hp X6 M brother, the equally-powerful X5 M will come equipped with the same twin-turbo direct-injection 4.4-liter V8 engine. Not only does this new M engine outdo the old V10 in terms of horsepower, it drags it out back and beats it with 500 ft-lbs of torque at just 1500. Better yet, that torque stays constant until 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.”

Both X5 and X6 M cars will feature 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.

Both models will continue to use BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, making them 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 X5 and 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.. but we’ll get to that later), 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, both SUVs get 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 these M monsters 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: BMW X6 M

GALLERY: BMW X5 M

More on the BMW X6 M and X5 M  after the jump:

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On Friday we brought you news that the 2010 Chevy Equinox will be priced at $1,800 less than the previous model and today we can tell you the Equinox’s sister SUV, the GMC Terrain, is set to launch at the New York Auto Show. There is no official word on pricing but you can expect the almost $2,000 in savings to be carried over to this model as well.

Much like the Chevy model, 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

Official release after the jump:

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Suzuki doesn’t have a new vehicle for the New York Auto Show, but it’s resurrecting some SEMA Show cars that are so old old we had forgotten all about them and thought the company’s press release was about some new tricked out versions of the SX4.

But how can you forget a name like Zuk?

That’s right, the Suzuki-sportbike inspired Zuk has been dusted off and polished up for the Big Apple, this after it made it’s initial debut in Sin City back at the SEMA Show in 2006. The Zuk is based off the SX4 Crossover and features a Road Race Motorsports turbo kit, bolted to the factory 2.0-liter engine to make 300hp.

The car also features a complete aerodynamic overhaul, some big fart cans, a sizable rear spoiler and some 19-inch wheels. It reminds us of a more nostalgic time and makes us long for a copy of Modified Mag and Paul Walker on the big screen (the more things change, the more they stay the same…).

The exterior bodywork and paint is inspired from Suzuki’s GSX-R and Hayabusa sport bikes, while inside the motorcycle theme continues with a roll-cage that has a definite motorcycle-frame look to it.

The second SX4 is the SXForce, based on the SX4 Sport sedan version of the popular Suzuki model, and it first debuted at the SEMA Show in 2007. With 250hp and a carbon fiber body, the SXForce looks like it’s ready for track duty, and Suzuki claims it has been “track tested.”

It features Tein coilovers, a roll-cage, 18-inch Enkei wheels with 255/45/18 Toyo T1-R tires up front and 235/40/18s in the rear. It also features a Rotora six-piston calipers with 355mm rotors.

The sportbike theme continues on the SXForce with a motorcycle instrument cluster and controls, as well as Hayabusa handlebars instead of a traditional steering wheel.

Be sure to check out our coverage of the New York Auto Show starting Wednesday, April 8th.

GALLERY: Suzuki Zuk

GALLERY: Suzuki SX Force

More on these models as well as other past Suzuki SEMA Show cars after the jump:

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The next generation Mitsubisi Outlander is due out soon and you can be sure it will look a lot like the Outlander GT Prototype that the Japanese automaker will debut at the New York Auto Show next week.

Mitsubishi has just released three teaser images of the crossover concept and while it doesn’t give the whole picture, it might as well. The “jet fighter” front end is taken directly from the Lancer Evolution and gives the crossover an aggressive style far ahead of other SUVs in its class.

The Outlander GT Prototype will showcase several new technologies that are expected to make it into the production version. An Idle Neutral Logic system is one of these advances, working to shift the transmission into Neutral when the vehicle comes to a stop to help preserve fuel. The car will also feature a Super-All-Wheel-Control System as well as a more powerful 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 powerplant.

We’ll be sure to bring you more info with live coverage from the New York Auto Show beginning April 8th. The Outlander GT Prototype will debut April 9th.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

While the focus at the BMW stand at the New York Auto Show will no doubt be the new M version of the X6, BMW has also announced that it will display “freshly updated” versions of the 5 Series and 6 Series for 2010.

There is no word on if this update will include any design changes, something both models could certainly use to stay current. The last time with 5 Series underwent an update was in 2007 for the 2008 model year, when it received new front and rear bumpers as well as LED taillights.

What we do know is that all 2010 5 and 6 Series models will get an improved navigation system (the same one found in the current 7 Series). This new system provides access to Google Maps points-of-interest when the car is equipped with BMW Assist.

Yesterday some grainy images of Hyundai’s new concept car appeared online after a New Yorker snapped a few photos of the crossover and sent them over to AutoBlog (picture below). Today Hyundai has released this official photos of the Nuvis Concept.

Designed at Hyundai’s California Design Center in Irvine, CA, the Nuvis is part of a new breed of vehicles from Hyundai, which, the company says could form the basis of a new generation of crossover. The term “generation” is key here, hinting that this isn’t likely to be a new model but rather the next generation of a current model – likely the Santa Fe.

In fact, the Nuvis looks so much like the ix-onic concept from the Geneva Auto Show that we had to go back and look at some photos to make sure it wasn’t the same vehicle. The ix-onic is supposed to inspire the future design direction of all of Hyundai’s SUVs and crossovers and we can certainly see the family resemblance here.

Photo courtesy AutoBlog

Hot on the heels of the new E-Class, Mercedes has released details of the high-performance E63 version, which will make its official debut at the New York Auto Show on April 8th.

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).

We’ll bring you more details and full specifications from the NY Auto Show starting April 8th.

GALLERY: 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG

More on the E63 AMG after the jump:

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Subaru has decided not to wait until the show floor opens in New York next week to unveil the 2010 Legacy.

The new Legacy isn’t quite as bold a beast as the concept car first shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, but it is quite a looker – which is rare from Subaru.

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.

We’ll bring you more details from the New York Auto Show starting April 8th.

GALLERY: 2010 Subaru Legacy

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Those clever folks over at Acura sure must be having a good laugh right about now. The company has just announced that it will debut a “luxury four-door sport coupe” called the ZDX at the New York Auto Show.

“The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president, Acura sales. Apparently it also looks like nothing else from Acura, as we were confident this new vehicle was set to be a sporty SUV, based off of the teaser images that looked alarmingly like a rip-off of the BMW X6.

“The prototype showcases a new level of luxury, style and refinement for Acura and speaks volumes towards our commitment to advancing the brand,” Conrad continued.

Acura is the latest auto manufacturer to explore the four-door coupe idea, with Mercedes starting the trend with its CLS and Volkswagen recently delivering the CC.

By the look of the concept, this vehicle might be more in line with the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, or the upcoming Audi A7, both of which feature a hatchback or “sportback” trunk.

The ZDX, which will be unveiled April 8th at the New York Auto Show will be a concept car, however, it is slated for production with sales starting as early as this Fall.

GALLERY: Acrua ZDX Concept

Add another exciting unveiling to the New York Auto Show list. That’s right, BMW is planning to unveil an M version of it’s new X6 CUV in the Big Apple on April 8th.

According to AutoWeek it will, “utilize several new engine, drivetrain and suspension technologies.”

Specifics will have to wait, but you can be certain there will be a version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 under the hood with power in the 500hp range. And thanks to those turbos torque is sure to be plentiful as well.

We won’t have to wait until the actual show date to get more info, however, as BMW says it will release further details on April 4th.

We’ll be sure to bring plenty of live photos and details from New York starting April 8th. Who knows, maybe the BMW designers will want a piece of the guys at Acura once they see Acura’s X6-ripoff SUV concept?

Either way, does it really matter? This car has to have the market share roughly the size of a dorm room.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

The New York Auto Show is always an important venue for Mercedes-Benz, which is really no surprise considering the prevalence of black S-Classes that roam the streets of the Big Apple.

With this in mind, Mercedes always manages to unveil something in NY that is not only important, but incredibly cool. This year it will be the 2010 E63 AMG, the high performance sibling of the E-Class.

Power increases just 11 ponies to 525hp and torque sits at an impressive 465 ft-lbs. The gains have been made on the same 6.2-liter V8 engine found in the previous model.

According to the report on WorldCarFans from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, the 2010 E63 will get suspension modifications, a slightly wider track and a rear air suspension. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard equipment with large AMG brakes.

With the minimal power increase we do expect to see a noticeably lighter curb weight. It’s also entirely possible that the new E63 could feature direct-injection technology, which can not only be credited for the power increase but would also significantly reduce fuel consumption.

A wagon (or Estate version as they say in Germany) is expected to be unveiled later this year at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: WorldCarFans via Auto Motor und Sport]

Officially unveiled as the Mazda MPS at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month, the U.S.-spec MazdaSpeed3 will make it’s North American debut at the New York Auto Show on April 9th.

We don’t expect much to change from the Euro version, so don’t plan on any more power from the direct-injection 2.3-liter turbo-four. Power is rated at 260ps (256hp) and 280 ft-lbs of torque. Thankfully, the MazdaSpeed3 doesn’t need more power.

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.

The engine does get some advancements though. For starters, emissions are reduced thanks to a new single-nanotechnology catalytic converter. As well, the 2.3-liter engine gets 0.5 liters/100km (0.1 mpg) better fuel economy.

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.

We’ll bring you full details in our New york Auto Show coverage starting April 8th.

Full Euro-spec details after the jump:

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Mazda will unveil a mid-cycle refresh to it’s award-winning CX-9 crossover SUV at the New York Auto Show. Mazda says the new 2010 model will be “heavily revised” from the 2009 model.

Included in the updates are a facelifted exterior as well as a revamped interior. Mazda also plans to add several new options and increase the overall safety of the vehicle with even more safety features.

Mazda’s press release says they also plan to further improve the “Zoom-Zoom” driving characteristics of the SUV. This might mean a revised suspension but it also might mean an optional V8 engine – we certainly hope so.

In addition to the new CX-9, Mazda will also have the 2010 CX-7 crossover on display – making it’s U.S.-debut after officially launching at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February.

The 2010 CX-7 also gets an exterior and interior refresh, as well as added safety and convenience features. One of the most notable new options is the new base engine. Previous models were only available with a 244hp turbocharged direct-injection 2.3-liter four-cylinder, whereas this new base engine is a non-turbo 2.5-liter four. Pricing has yet to be released but this new engine option should help make the 2010 significantly more affordable than the ’09 model.

We’ll bring you full details on both models with our New York Auto Show coverage starting April 8th.

Cadillac has just announced that it will begin offering it’s best-selling CTS model with WiFi internet access. The new system, by Autonet Mobile, will be available in April and will allow passengers and those in close proximity to the car to have access full high-speed internet – perfect for passengers with laptops or mobile devices.

“Consumers today are frequently searching for WiFi access wherever they may be,” said Mark McNabb, North America Vice President, Cadillac. “Adding WiFi is a natural extension of the tech features already inside the CTS, such as a 40 gigabyte hard drive with USB port, a pop-up navigation system featuring real-time traffic and weather forecasts and the exclusive ability to pause and rewind live radio.”

The new system will also allow for several uses to use the WiFi at once, so passengers can watch YouTube videos or update their Facebook page. The system requires no special software and get achieve speeds of up to 800kbps.

The dealer installed option will retail for $499 with a $29 monthly subscription fee.

The new WiFi system for the Cadillac CTS will officially be launched April 8th at the New York Auto Show.

*** UPDATE *** Scion has announced that it will bring a new micro-compact car to the New York Auto Show, which will most likely be a Scion-branded version of the Toyota iQ. Most likely this SMART-sized vehicle will use Toyota’s new 99hp, 1.33-liter four-cylinder engine that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show.  *** UPDATE ***

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According to a report on Edmunds Inside Line, Scion might be bringing the successor to the long-in-the-tooth tC to the New York Auto Show.

Those investigative journalists dug up a patent Toyota recently filed for the “tD” name – a natural progression from the tC nameplate. When you take this info and combine it with the fact that Scion has a press conference scheduled for New York (and that no one these days would pay to hold a press conference unless they really had something to say), it seems as though the new tC (the tD) might just break ground at the show. Also, it’s important to note that Scion has generally had a presence at the NY Auto Show, unveiling the Hako Coupe concept last year and the Fuse concept (pictured above) back in 2006.

There is, of course, another possibility; that Scion will unveil an all-new fourth model in it’s lineup, as we reported on back in February.

Scion VP Jack Hollis has commented in the past that, “We think there are a lot of opportunities for a [second] coupe. We think there is room for a bigger sedan and smaller vehicles. We think there is even a possibility for a truck-based vehicle with an open bed.”

[Source: Edmunds Iside Line]

Not only will Nissan use the New York Auto Show to debut its new 370Z Roadster, but the automaker will also have a surprise Z on hand. What this Z will be, the folks at Nissan aren’t willing to say, but there’s a good chance it will be a NISMO version of the all-new coupe with some mild suspension tweaks, light-weight wheels and more aggressive aerodynamics.

As for the 370Z Roadster, we don’t expect much in the way of surprises – although it is unclear if Nissan has chosen to stick with the soft top or go the way of the retractable hard-top like the rest of the industry. Considering the coupe’s focus on lightweight performance, however, we expect a soft top is most likely.

The Z roadster will use the same 3.7-liter V6 engine as the coupe with 332hp.

See our Nissan 370Z Coupe review here:

2009 Nissan 370Z First Drive

Ahead of the New York Auto Show, Acura has released just two images of a concept vehicle it will have on display. And thanks to the folks at AcuraZine we have three more (significantly more revealing) photos of the car… or should we say SUV.

Stealing a page directly out of the BMW design book, this new CUV looks like a serious copycat of the BMW X6 – especially with that sloping rear and mild tail on the trunk. Speculation on other details about the vehicle is endless. For starters, will it have a V8 powerplant. Will it use Acura’s SH-AWD technology?

One thing that may be clearer, is the name. The test-mule has been caught at the Nürburgring wearing badging that says MSX.

Acura is looking to expand its lineup of vehicles in the near future as it recently announced plans to become a Tier 1 competitor to German luxury rivals. That being said, this seems like a strange direction to take as any sporty SUV would certainly be a niche market vehicle and Acura continues to lack a coupe in its lineup, let alone a V8 powerplant.

GALLERY: Acura MSX Concept