2008 New York Auto Show

As the last American auto show of the season, New York's annual event occupies a unique role in the industry. Nearly all the vehicles that have emerged at prior shows appear in New York, along with a selection of new and redesigned models that have not been seen before—or appeared only at shows outside North America.


Officially, New York boasts the nation's oldest auto show, dating back 108 years. This year, for the first time, the New York Auto Show is certified by the Organisation Internationale Des Constructeurs D'Automobiles (OICA), which is the sanctioning body that gives an automotive event official international status.


More than at some recent auto shows, including Detroit's, performance shared the spotlight with milder themes–even including a handful of electric cars. Of the nearly 30 new and redesigned models that appeared at New York, here’s our selection of 15 favorites, and then some:

Full-line Fever: 2009 Dodge Challenger
After unveiling its stirring retro-muscle coupe in high-performance SRT8 form at the Chicago Auto Show, Dodge roared into New York with V-6 (SE) and R/T versions. Pricing for the Challenger SE will start in the "low twenties," said Chrysler vice-chairman Jim Press. It gets a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Tucked into the R/T coupe will be a next-generation 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, which gains 30 horsepower and 5 percent in fuel economy. A Track Pack option includes such extras as metal pedals and a limited-slip differential.


Dodge promises "best in class" rear head- and legroom. Press also announced that the 425-horsepower Challenger SRT8 will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Dodge built the original Challenger hardtop coupes in 1970-74, including performance-packed editions that enhanced the company's "muscle car" image.

Sport Revival: 2009 Nissan Maxima
"The original four-door sports car is back," declared Nissan vice-president and general manager Al Castignetti at the New York show. That's what Nissan considers its "flagship" Maxima sedan to be: virtually a sports car that happens to have a sedan configuration.


Slightly shorter than its predecessor, both overall and in wheelbase, the redesigned 2009 Maxima gets wider track dimensions for a broader stance. Nissan's revised three-mode Xtronic continuously variable transmission can operate with available paddle shifters, and gains a "drive sport" mode for 2009. Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V-6 engine gains 35 horsepower, now rated at 290. Sales begin in early summer, with two trim levels: 3.5 S and 3.5 SV.

Generation-Two Expressionism: 2009 Acura TSX
First launched as a 2004 model, the compact TSX sport sedan gave Acura an "entry-level" product to attract new, youthful customers. For 2009, the fully redesigned TSX is longer and wider overall, on a lengthened wheelbase with a wider track dimension, roomier inside and sporting European-inspired styling. The reworked 2.4-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine drives either a six-speed manual or paddle-shifted five-speed automatic transmission, and Acura promises greater fuel economy.


Ready to hold five adults, the TSX wears a new "signature power plenum" grille that signals the look of forthcoming Acura models. An available Technology Package includes a bigger navigation screen, plus a 415-watt Acura/ELS Premium Surround Sound System. On sale this spring, the 2009 TSX is again the smallest Acura model.

Flamboyant Prospect: Scion Hako Coupe Concept
From the start, Toyota's youth-focused Scion division has pushed customization of its products. Periodically, the company's designers also go wild, creating Scions that suggest dramatic possibilities. At the New York show, the Hako Coupe Concept was hard to miss with its bright orange exterior and eye-grabbing geometric profile. Based on the Scion xB wagon, in its more curvaceous and less-boxy second-generation form, the Hako Coupe also is meant to suggest "classic" American coupes.


Flared fenders enclose deep-dish five-spoke wheels. The Hako's vertical windshield leads into a blackened, "chopped" greenhouse that wraps all the way around the rear. Inside, the orange driver's seat features a gaming theme. No, the Hako Coupe isn't likely to turn up at Scion dealerships. But it's a safe bet that some of its stylistic excesses will inspire xB owners to get busy with their own vehicles.

Triple Threat: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, Solstice Coupe, G8 Sport Truck
Bob Lutz, GM's vice-chairman of global product development, introduced a trio of forthcoming rear-drive performance Pontiac models, starting with the shapely Solstice coupe. Like the Solstice two-seat roadster, the coupe will come with either a 173- or 260-horsepower engine. Next up was the G8 GXP sedan, a potent version of the "flagship" sedan that goes on sale this year. With its engine cranking out more than 400 horsepower, the G8 GXP can have a six-speed manual gearbox and reach 60 mph in "well under five" seconds.