#2010NewYorkAutoShow

Suzuki has released full details and images of its new Kizashi Sport model ahead of the car’s debut at the New York Auto Show. The new mid-size sedan from the Japanese automaker is already quite handsome, but in Sport trim it’s a real looker.

At a private event held on the eve of the New York Auto Show we just got our first close up look of the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon concept car. When it does go on sale later this year the production model won’t be quite as lavish inside. After all, the rear seats of the concept feature a tremendous amount of Alcantara – which looks deliciously good and would be nice to see on a production model. But that’s just not realistic. Heck, there’s even Alcantara coating the dash panels that are covered by the doors. Unfortunately, however, some of the switchgear is starting to look a bit old and that is sure to carry over to the street car.

Nissan has officially debuted the new Juke “Sport Cross” compact crossover at a private event on the eve of the New York Auto Show. The new Juke model has bizarre and controversial styling that doesn’t need to be explained, but several other features of the vehicle are worth a mention. For starters, the car is the first Nissan product to feature gasoline direct-injection and turbocharging, helping it deliver 180+ hp and 170+ ft-lbs of torque from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Also of note is the high-tech torque-vectoring all-wheel drive setup, that can not only distribute power 50:50 front to rear, but can split the power between the rear wheels.

After announcing the debut of the 2011 Impreza WRX models at the New York Auto Show later this week, Subaru has now teased the the updated STI model. To be more precise, Subaru hasn’t actually said anything about an STI, but it has released the above photo and a simple phrase: “The wing is back!”

Lincoln will debut a hybrid version of its MKZ luxury sedan at the New York Auto Show later this week, according to a report by The Detroit News. No details on the hybrid Lincoln are available, but it’s expected to share the same hybrid format used in the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, where it gets 41/36 mpg (city/highway) and can operate on electric power at speeds up to 47 mph.

Along with a new 40-mpg highway Cruze Eco model, Chevrolet will debut an RS sport appearance package for the 2011 Cruze at the New York Auto Show. The package consists of a new front fascia, fog lights, side skits and a rear spoiler. Inside, additions include chrome accent rings instead of the standard silver ones, as well as new opaque cluster bezels that allow the ice blue backlighting to glow through.

It’s been a terrible sales flop and even senior staff will tell you what a failure its been, but that isn’t going to stop Mercedes from rolling out a face-lifted version of the R-Class at the New York Auto Show later this week. Debuting as a 2011 model, the overall shape is still very much the same, but the front end gets quite a makeover in keeping with the newer and more angular Mercedes designs of late. Included in the update are more angular headlights and a more upright grille with quad-foglights, while out back the taillights and rear bumper get a tweak.

Several photos of the new Infiniti QX56 have leaked online, looking expectantly similar to its recently unveiled Middle East cousin, the Nissan Patrol. The makeover does big things for the big luxury SUV, which always had awkward proportions. The overall look of the massive truck is now more swoopy and in line with the rest of the brand’s design language. But don’t worry QX lovers, it’s still muscularly large and it keeps its Escalade-like front grille.

It’s finally here! Almost. Cadillac has just released full details and several enticing photos of a CTS-V Sport Wagon concept that will debut at the New York Auto Show later this week. The production version has also been confirmed with sales beginning later this year in North America. Cadillac will then offer the car in Europe, competing against cars like the RS6 Avant and Mercedes E63 AMG Estate. It will also be offered in the Middle East.

After first showing its new Cruze compact sedan at the LA Auto Show last year, Chevy has now announced a new Cruze Eco model will be offered with a best-in-class 40-mpg highway rating. The car is set to make its world premiere at the New York Auto Show later this week.

Hyundai has just released the above teaser image of the Sonata Hybrid, which will get its world premiere at the New York Auto Show next week. The new 2011 Sonata ( reviewed here) already has quite the sleek profile, but this hybrid version aims to give an aggressive and sporty appeal to cars in the hybrid segment.

Earlier today we reported on a story that Scion would unveil a new Toyota-based iQ model at the New York Auto Show. Now TheCollegeDriver.com is claiming to have several sneak peek images of the 2011 Scion tC – the second-generation version of the flagship car in the Scion brand. The site also says this new car will be unveiled at the NY Auto Show next week.

The last of the major auto shows for this season, the New York Auto Show marks the return of Spring, when those who don’t live in warmer climates can stop looking at cars and start driving them again.

Last but certainly not least, the NY show is an important venue for luxury brands to debut their wares in front of one of the wealthiest audiences in the world. As a result automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz often show some impressive hardware. For 2010 BMW has promised the 2011 5 Series, the facelifted 2011 3 Series, 335is, 2011 X5 and Alina B7 xDrive. Mercedes is still keeping quiet, but is rumored to be showing the SLS AMG GT3 race car.

The production version of the Scion iQ will make its debut at the New York Auto Show next week reports Bnet. Shown at the same show last year, but in concept form (above) we don’t expect the road-ready car to be nearly so wild.

With the New York Auto Show kicking off next week, we’ve received info from pretty much every automaker about what vehicle or vehicles they intend to display – except Mercedes. Thanks to German auto rag Bild, however, we now know that the star attraction for the tri-star brand will be SLS AMG GT3 race car.