NY Auto Show Concept Cars

Revving it up at this year's Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 3 -- New York City is no stranger to starting trends and shaping opinions, so it is no surprise that the world's automakers have pulled out all the stops to show-off some of the most amazing concept cars and trucks ever seen. Like the City, the 2006 New York International Automobile Show will be a place of high drama, media frenzy, excitement and style during its April 14-23 run.

Many of these amazing concept cars are experiments in design, or a chance to try-out new materials or manufacturing techniques while others are a few years away from production. Public opinion will decide which of the following cars and trucks make it to the showroom, but their style, innovation, power, and performance reveal a thriving industry ready to excite car buyers of every age.

Here's a run-down of some of the hottest concept cars on display at this year's Show:

Acura RDX

Acura's all-wheel drive RDX features an all-new 2.3-liter i-VTEC(R) four-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates 240 horsepower and 260 lbs-ft of torque.

Buick Enclave

The all-wheel drive 3.6-liter V-6 Enclave is a luxury SUV concept with ample room to transport six passengers in style.

Chevrolet Camaro

The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that it is a serious performance car. Those looks are backed up by a 6.0-liter 400-horsepower aluminum small-block V-8, a six-speed manual transmission, and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension.

Chrysler Imperial

The Imperial concept is designed as Chrysler's flagship: a luxury sedan that is elegant, provocative, aspirational, yet attainable. The Imperial is mounted on a 123-inch wheelbase, is 17 inches longer and six inches higher than a 300 sedan, and uses hinged doors at the A and C-pillars for dignified entry and exit.

Dodge Rampage

The new 5.7-liter MDS HEMI(R) powered Dodge Rampage concept features a family-size passenger cabin with exceptional pickup utility. The largest portion of the Rampage is devoted to the spacious passenger cabin, followed by the five-foot cargo box.

Dodge Challenger

With its squat, tough, and purposeful persona, the re-thought, re-proportioned and re-designed 174 mph 6.1-liter HEMI powered Dodge Challenger concept car is true to its muscle car roots.

Ford F-250 Super Chief

The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept is the world's first vehicle with Tri-Flex fueling, enabling the supercharged V-10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline.

Ford Reflex Concept

The Ford Reflex proves that small cars can be bold, American and innovative. The sporty concept is a technological showcase with its advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine -- delivering up to 65 miles per gallon -- solar panels, flexible interior made from synthetic and regenerated materials, and such advanced safety features as inflatable safety belts in the rear.

Hyundai HCD9 Talus

Powered by a 4.6-liter V8 the HCD9 Talus is a 2+2 concept designed to appeal to customers who have grown accustomed to the needs and benefits of an SUV, but desires the emotional gratification of sports car styling and performance.

Lincoln MKS

A powerful 315-horsepower V-8 engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive to give the smart, luxury, Lincoln MKS sedan outstanding performance, fuel efficiency and traction.

Mazda Kabura

Kabura replaces the typical 2+2 layout with a clever 3+1 arrangement which establishes a new interior concept giving greater passenger comfort versus a traditional coupe. Obliging spur-of-the-moment adventures and shopping sprees, all passenger seats fold flat to make way for snowboards, shopping bags and all the tools of an active life.

Mitsubishi CT-MIEV

The Concept-CT is a hybrid-powered ultra-compact four-door hatchback car which combines practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption. Inside, wide format "wall to wall" screen displays are used for navigation, rear/side-view mirror functions, and entertainment functions.

Mitsubishi Concept-X

The Concept-X mates a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC intercooler-turbocharged engine to a high-performance six-speed auto-manual transmission and introduces the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system. An on-board multi-media system features a high-definition LCD monitor displaying real-time vehicle operating status and a navigation system.

Nissan URGE

The hip URGE features lightweight mesh bucket seats, compact F1-style steering wheel, a driver information monitor with five customizable screens and a built-in gaming system, powered by Xbox 360, with fold-down display and steering wheel/pedal controls.

Pontiac G6 GXP

The G6 GXP builds on the clean, contemporary styling of the G6 coupe with a 270-horsepower 3.9L V-6 and a more aggressive, ground-hugging appearance and stance.

Saab Aero X

The two-seater all-wheel drive Saab Aero X concept is powered by a 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source. The sports coupe has no doors, but features a cockpit canopy just as you would see on a jet aircraft allowing 180 degree vision.

Toyota F3R

F3R is an exercise in providing maximum space, performance, efficiency and athletic style. Designed as an extension of the home, Toyota aims to appeal to male buyers, young professional women and families with its flexible modern interior.

Toyota Fine-T

Toyota's Fine-T concept is just 3,860 mm in length and features a low emission fuel cell system that demonstrates how close a vehicle can come to having zero effect on the environment. The stylish four-seater is equipped with a front-view, rear-view, and side view camera system to allow the driver to monitor the periphery of the vehicle.

Notes to Editors: The 2006 New York International Automobile Show will feature more than 1,000 new cars, trucks, and concept vehicles filling over 846,000 square feet of exhibit space. NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

For more information, or to purchase tickets for the New York International Automobile Show online, visit http://www.autoshowny.com/.

                           Important Show Dates

                  Press Preview            April 12 & 13
                  Public Sneak Preview     April 14
                  Public Show Dates        April 14-April 23