4/13/2007

NY Auto Show

I'm a little late with this but the New York International Auto Show has some interesting new items.
  • Ford Flex:
But relax: it's not six across, with two middle seats and a center aisle for a drink cart.  The 2008 Flex is a six-passenger people mover (a seventh seating position is available) based not on the Boeing 737, but on the Ford Fairlane concept car of 2005.

  • BENTLEY BROOKLANDS
This latest derivative of the Arnage sedan is expensive, with a price around $3500 and it's exclusive, since only 550 will be built.  It is also fast, since it comes with a 530-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 that churns out an incredible 775 pound-feet of torque.

  • DODGE DEMON
This sleek little roadster initially gets only 172 horsepower, but it should still be very quick because it tips the scales at just 600 pounds.  A high-horsepower version may also be in the works, however. This is definitely one of the show's top head-turners.

  • MERCEDES-BENZ CL65 AMG
Only 40 of these celebrations of automotive excess will be available, starting in the fall.  How excessive are they?  Start with a twin-turbo V-12 engine, 612 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.  Add a liquid metal exterior paint that had been available only on auto show concepts. The CL65 commemorates the 40th anniversary of Mercedes\'s AMG engine-tuning subsidiary.  The new CL65 is slightly larger, more aggressive looking, and has eight (yes, eight) more horsepower than the '06 model.  All for $20000 give or take a euro.

  • HYUNDAI GENESIS
The nearly production-ready concept is due to reach dealers next year and will have Hyundai's first V-8 engine.  On top of upscale styling, the rear-drive sedan flaunts a lush interior, a five-link independent suspension and acceleration from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in less than six seconds.  The car will have "well over 300 horsepower, ' Hyundai says, and a price  'well under $3000.'
Thanks to the New York Times for the quotes.