New York International Motor Show….And A Little More.
It’s car show season and one of the biggest is the New York International Motor Show. Just about every major brand uses this event for their big reveals.
Jaguar recently unveiled the new XF via a most spectacular method in London, however the official showing is at the NYIMS. The engine and transmission range will consist of: 132kW 2.0-litre diesel automatic; 177kW 2.0-litre petrol automatic; 221kW diesel automatic; 250kW and 280kW 3.0-litre petrol automatic. The designations will be: Prestige, R Sport, Portfolio and S. An extended wheelbase provided 15 mm more legroom, 24 mm kneeroom and up to 27 mm more headroom for the rear seat passengers, important with a medium sizer.
Cabin changes see a new 10.2 inch touchscreen, called InControl TouchPro. It will offer connectivity with Apple’s iOS and Android; power a 17 speaker 825 watt Meridian digital sound system and will work alongside a reconfigurable 12.3 inch dash display with four themes and full screen navigation.
FCA US (Fiat Chrysler Alfa Romeo) are also unveiling a raft of cars; chief of the Italian family is the Alfa Romeo 4C coupe, complete with 1.7L turbo four, 0-100 in a touch over four seconds, a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and killer looks. There’s the mini SUV Fiat 500X, based on the popular 500 series small car. From Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge come a new Renegade, updated 300C and the eagerly anticipated Challenger, complete with 392 cubic inch V8 plus the performance divisions Challenger and Charger, from SRT. Expect something on the region of 700 horsepower and buy some tissues as they won’t be coming to Australia…
It’s also been announced, seperately, that Dodge will be shipping their Ram trucks to Australia after reaching an agreement with Walkinshaw Engineering, known for working with Holden, to engineer the big beasts for right hand side drive. Current release dates and pricing are estimated to be year’s end and $120K in Aussie dollars.
Mitsubishi will be bringing a facelifted Outlander; there’s a reasonable amount of plastic surgery having been performed, both inside and out. Notable is what’s called the “Dynamic Shield” exterior, with the front and rear having a substantial makeover, with the nosecone looking somewhat more muscular. The interior has been given a freshen, with a new design for the steering wheel, higher grade materials for the seats and trim plus substantial, unseen, engineering work.
Kia has released its 2016 Optima, widely regarded as one of the prettiest cars to grace the roads. Featuring a slightly extended wheelbase and width (10 mm and 25 mm respectively), there’s also a couple of US specific models. For Australia, it’s not yet confirmed which specifications will be winging their way down under.
The exterior is evolution, not revolution, staying with the svelte, almost Jaguaresque profile but further refining and tightening the lines. We may see, at the front, the bi-functional headlights, allowing extra lighting coming into turns.
Holden will be selling an updated version of its small small car entry, the Barina Spark, by year’s end. It’s been dropped by 40 mm and the wheelbase has been extended, with the end result being a slightly more sleek design. Pillars have also been streamlined, adding to the fresh look but also providing more glasshouse for visibility. On the inside, the hip points, where a human’s hip would be situated, have also been relocated in order to keep the headroom the Spark is known for.
2015 will be a big for the Australian car market; there’s already rumours about a manufacturer changing their timeline in regards to a range they sell. Private Fleet will keep you up to date.
Level 2, 9 Help Street
mike kaldor says:
Why does that Jag look just like an Australian Ford Falcon?
April 20th, 2015 at 5:03 pm
neville says:
same designer
April 21st, 2015 at 10:29 pm