New 2009 Nissan Nismo 370Z In New York Auto Show

Built by Nissan's Specialty Vehicles Group with the help of Autech Japan, Nissan's longtime conversion partner, project engineers focused their efforts on making the new 2009 Nissan Nismo 370Z more aggressive in just about every aspect. First off, it looks the part. Its race-car-like body kit fits the stock lines well and produces more downforce at speed, officials say. Look closely at its nose and the integrated canard design on each side becomes evident. Although it has the same wheelbase as the stock 370Z at 100.4 in., the Nismo model is some 7-in. longer (167.2 in. stock vs. 174.3 in. Nismo) overall and slightly narrower (72.8 in. stock vs. 72.6 in. Nismo). Matching the kit's racer attitude on each corner are a set of wider, edition-specific lightweight five-spoke 19-in. Rays Japan alloys. The car's Nismo sport brakes (the same binders as on the 370Z Sport Package) at 14 in. front/13.8 in. rear, hide behind the forged rollers.
Speaking of corners, the Nismo Z is poised to attack all types of bends in full force thanks to a sturdier suspension setup. Engineers managed to tighten up the spring rates by 15% and 10%, front and rear, respectively, and chassis bars by 15% (front) and 50% (rear). Yes, 50%. The Nismo Z's complete stiffness rate is up an impressive 15% overall, according to Nissan.

2009 New York Auto Show - 2010 Mazda CX-7

2009 New York Auto ShowMazda's refreshed 2010 Mazda CX-7, which is making its U.S. debut at New York, features new styling and a new 2.5L engine -- the same block that serves duty in the Mazda3 and Mazda6. No doubt designed as a more economical alternative to the usual 244-horsepower turbocharged 2.3L engine that's still an option in the CX-7's engine bay, the slightly larger, normally-aspirated 2.5L four-banger will produce 161 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. Though pricing and fuel economy figures are not yet available, we're willing to bet the offering will trade a little power for improved gas mileage and a lower MSRP.
Beyond the new engine option, Mazda has revised the CX-7's styling both inside and out. Most noticeable is the new five-point front grille that is quickly becoming an integral part of Mazda's current design language and is also visible in the redesigns of the Mazda3, MX-5, and RX-8. Inside, the gauges get a refresh with three-dimensional dials and a Multi Information Display. The passenger's seat receives power adjustment, while a three-position driver's seat memory and Bluetooth compatibility are also new. Mazda says that overall, the 2010 CX-7 is refined greatly over the current version and that improvements extend all the way to the build quality. The body rigidity has reportedly also been improved, with it lower noise, vibration, and harshness levels are readily apparent -- even wind noise has been reduced, according to the automaker

The Hyundai Nuvis Concept by Hyundai at the 2009 New York Show

The Hyundai Nuvis Concept is yet another hybrid-crossover dream machine designed to blend utility with small-car fuel-economy and sci-fi futuristic styling. Powered by a parallel hybrid system backed up by a 270-watt lithium-polymer battery, the Nuvis delivers an estimated 34 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, according to Hyundai.
The Nuvis employs Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive system, which operates on a principle similar to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive setup. In this case, Hyundai's 228-hp Theta II 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine is mated to a 30 kW electric motor that can get the vehicle moving from a stop and provide extra power for accelerating and passing.Its six-speed automatic transmission has seen its fourth, fifth and sixth gears extended for better highway fuel-economy. Hyundai says its lithium-polymer battery pack, which is stored under the rear cargo floor, is more space-efficient and durable than nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery packs found in other hybrids.
Blue Drive is a styling influence as well. To drive the point home, the color blue has turned up all over the vehicle. It's in the headlights, it's trimming the brake ducts in the lower front fascia, it's hiding in character lines behind the front wheels and it's lighting up the Hyundai logos at either end of the vehicle. Pull open the massive gullwing doors and you'll find plenty more where that came from. On the floors, you'll find blue accent lighting running from front to rear that looks like a river flowing beneath your feet and pulses to emulate moving water. That is, if you notice the floor. Most people likely won't be able to take their eyes of the alien-space-ship dash and center console.

79th international Geneva motor show - Chevrolet Volt the Ampera

Built on the same Voltec platform as the Chevrolet Volt, the Ampera is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that will travel up to 60 km (37 mi) on electricity from its battery pack before a gasoline engine kicks on to generate electricity to power the wheels. The battery pack will recharge from a standard 230-volt outlet and is expected to provide more than enough power to allow most European drivers to make their daily commute without the gasoline engine ever starting up. According to GM's research, 80% of German drivers travel less than 50 km per day.

79th international Geneva motor show - The Alfa Romeo Mito GTA

Powered by a turbocharged 1.8L gasoline engine producing 237 hp, the Alfa Romeo Mi.To GTA is aimed squarely at the Mini John Cooper Works. Find out more about the Alfa Romeo Mito GTA in the 2009 Geneva Motor Show coverage from the automotive experts at Motor Trend.