Auto Show Features Latest Concept Cars, Electric Vehicles, Hybrids, Showroom-Ready Cars, Trucks and More

NEW YORK, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's amazing new cars and trucks include state-of-the-art safety innovations, impressive fuel efficiency developments, and radical drive train technology advancements as well as cutting-edge design. They include showroom ready vehicles and concept cars that designers have spent months, sometimes years, perfecting. So if you're looking for a small car that makes a big impression, something fun, fast and frugal, or you want to get plugged into a hybrid or electric vehicle, there is no better place to research your next new car or truck than the 2009 New York International Automobile Show. The Show opens to the public on Friday, April 10th through April 19th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

"Many of this year's models have combined futuristic design with technologically advanced drive-trains to produce vehicles that are totally unique in the way they look and drive," said show president, Mark Schienberg. "Others use today's most fuel efficient engines in vehicle designs that don't conform to any vehicle style known today, creating new segments that will be the vehicles of tomorrow," Schienberg added.

Here's a look at some of this year's amazing new cars and trucks:

Electrics & Hybrids

[Electric] MINI E: The all-electric MINI E's unique engine and transmission arrangement powers the MINI E seamlessly to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Based on the current MINI, the E is a two-seater as the space normally inhabited by rear passengers is reserved for a lithium-ion battery. The E's lithium-ion battery can be plugged into all standard power outlets and the E has a range of 156 miles under ideal driving conditions.

[Hybrid] LEXUS HS 250h: The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Lexus lineup. It will also be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design. Equipped with Lexus' first four-cylinder gas engine, the 2.4-liter powerplant is part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive System, which generates 187 total system horsepower.

[Electric] Fisker Karma: The Fisker Karma gets an average 100mpg, can go 0-60 in about 6 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph. Its Lithium-ion batteries will power the car for 50 miles after being fully charged from any 110 or 220v outlet. After 50 miles, a generator powered by a small gasoline engine provides the energy needed to turn the Karma's two electric motors.

[Hybrid] Ford Fusion Hybrid: The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid includes new aerodynamic enhancements and underbody shields to help boost Fusion's fuel economy to a class-leading 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Fusion Hybrid also debuts Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize the fuel efficiency of their vehicles.

[Hybrid] Honda Insight: The all-new distinctively styled, five-passenger, five-door Honda Insight is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist(TM) (IMA(TM)) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC(R) gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that together contribute to an city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 miles per gallon . The Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist(TM)), an innovation that can further enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles. The all-new Insight has a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,800 for the LX model.

[Electric] Chevrolet Volt: Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America's daily commuters without a single drop of gas. That means for someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions. Unlike traditional electric cars, the Volt has an innovative propulsion system that takes you beyond the power of the battery. It will use a lithium-ion battery with a gasoline-powered, range-extending engine that drives a generator to provide electric power when you drive beyond the 40-mile battery range. Inside, the Volt offers the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan.

[Hybrid] Toyota Prius: The new generation Prius is bigger, more powerful yet more economical than the model it replaces making it the most fuel efficient and aerodynamic car available in the US. With a combined 50 mpg, the Prius is available with high-tech features that include a solar-powered ventilation system, remote a/c, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Parking Assist, and three driving modes including electric-only.

Concept Cars

Cadillac Converj: The Cadillac Converj was designed to give a glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion in a luxury vehicle. The well-appointed grand touring coupe features GM's electric propulsion technology -- called Voltec -- that can get up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles. When the battery's energy is low, the Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine.

Chrysler 200C EV: The all-new Chrysler 200C EV concept is capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power, but a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator that produces electricity extends its driving range to 400 miles. On the inside, the 200C EV's interior is free of switches and levers. All vehicle functions, settings and u-connect features are managed via a panoramic multimedia touch screen, a passenger-dedicated "techno-leaf" and a stowable tablet PC.

Suzuki SXForce: Reinforcing the link between the company's rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, Suzuki introduces the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept car. The fully drivable, track-tested 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged SX4 Sport concept includes a fully tuned performance suspension system, F1-style outlet gills to help underhood air flow, tailored rear bodywork with carbon fiber diffuser, Carbontrix rear wing, Tein coilover suspension height and damper setup, and reinforced structure to further enhance rigidity for optimal handling.

Lincoln C concept: Designed with today's upscale, urban consumer in mind, the Lincoln C concept brings the luxury of a large Lincoln to a smaller, more efficient C-sized car. The C is powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and an all-new dry, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission which helps it achieve 43 mpg on the highway, while offering up an impressive 180 horsepower.

Dodge Circuit EV: This brand new all-electric sports car concept from Dodge delivers high performance with zero gasoline consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and 150-200 mile driving range. Propelled by a completely electric drivetrain, the Dodge Circuit EV races from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds and has a top speed of more than 120 mph. The Circuit EV utilizes three powertrain components, including a 200 kW (268 horsepower) electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow.

Today's Newest Cars & Trucks

Buick LaCrosse: Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse features sculpted styling, premium interior materials with cool blue ambient lighting, and responsive performance. The LaCrosse also features all wheel drive and QuietTuning, and intelligent technologies that work to deliver a 360-degree field of vision behind the steering wheel including a head-up display in the windshield, and a Side Blind Zone alert system.

Cadillac SRX: The new SRX is a mid-size luxury crossover featuring a completely new design and more-efficient, high-technology engine choices. It is powered by a new 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine or a 2.8L turbocharged V-6. Direct injection enables a 25-percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

BMW 7 Series: The fifth generation BMW 7 Series is powered by a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged 400hp V-8 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new 7 has an array of innovative driver-assistance options such as Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability; Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Head-up Display, High Beam Assistant and BMW Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection.

Cadillac CTS Wagon: The all-new CTS Sport Wagon is intended to connect with the changing priorities of luxury consumers by delivering significant increases in functionality. The CTS is about the same size as the CTS sport sedan, although it nearly doubles its carrying capacity, with a generous cargo area of 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Nissan Cube: The fashionable and functional new 1.8-liter Nissan cube provides the utility and dependability consumers expect in a small car including wide doors, large greenhouse with wraparound rear window, and a refrigerator-style rear door combined with a roomy five passenger interior.

Ford Taurus: Ford's new flagship, the 2010 Taurus, will start at $25,995 and features an impressive suite of technologies never before offered in the non-premium large car segment including Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Warning, MyKey(TM) parental programmability, EasyFuel(TM) capless refueling, SecuriCode(TM) Keyless Entry, Ford SYNC(R) and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS(R) Travel Link(TM). Other features new to Taurus include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS(TM)), Rain-Sensing Wipers and Intelligent Access with Push Button Start.

Lincoln MKT: The all-new Lincoln MKT is a three-row tourer that delivers an impressive blend of fuel economy, performance, technology and spaciousness. The MKT includes many new technologies including available Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, Active Park Assist, and Blind Spot monitoring.

Nissan 370Z: The newly redesigned Nissan 370Z is more refined, more powerful, and even better handling. Powered by a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), the new Z also features a new 7-speed automatic transmission, and a world's first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet Camaro: The 2010 Camaro is a heritage-inspired sports car for the 21st century, combining muscle car looks and performance with advanced technology and surprising efficiency -- including 26-mpg estimated highway fuel economy. The rear-wheel-drive Camaro comes with either a V6 or V8 direct injection engine with Active Fuel Management to enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.

Infiniti G Convertible: The first-ever Infiniti G Convertible is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 325 horsepower engine and features a three-piece folding steel top and a special convertible-focused interior, which features a unique Bose(R) Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, vehicle speed, and top position.

Volvo XC60: The new XC60 is a crossover vehicle is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine and features a unique system called City Safety which can help the driver avoid low speed collisions when driving in slow moving, stop and go traffic. The laser-based technology continually monitors the area in front of the vehicle and can brake automatically to help avoid or mitigate a collision.

KIA Soul: The fun all-new five-passenger Kia Soul which starts at $13,995 (including delivery) is available in four trims: Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport and features big-car standard and optional equipment such as keyless entry remote, solar glass, and power sunroof. It is powered by either a four-cylinder 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter engine producing 122 and 142 horsepower respectively.

Audi Q5: The all-new Q5 SUV with its sporty proportions and muscular stance features a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro(R) all wheel drive, and a six speed Tiptronic transmission, and achieves city fuel economy of 18 mpg with 23 mpg highway.

Dodge Challenger R/T Classic: The Dodge Challenger R/T Classic delivers a menacing look with its dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes, 'Challenger' fender badging in classic script, large 20-inch polished-chrome heritage wheels, classic egg-crate grille with heritage 'R/T' badge, body-color rear spoiler and chromed fuel-filler door. Performance comes from a 5.7-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine under a long, raised performance hood with functional hood scoops to increase engine cooling.

Mercedes Benz E-Class and E-Coupe: With the new E-Class and E-Coupe, Mercedes-Benz combines safety, comfort and environmental compatibility with 20 new technical developments including innovations for safe driving such as Attention Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking, which is activated when there is acute danger of a collision. The new E-Class models are also the first automobiles in the world with headlamps that adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Audi A5 convertible: The new A5 Cabriolet is a four-seat open top Audi that has a classic fabric top -- which endows it with a striking silhouette -- which opens in 15 seconds. An acoustic top, neck-level heating and leather seats coated with a special layer to reduce solar heating are just some of the features of the sporty, elegant new A5 model.

Bentley Continental Supersports: The Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. The extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience, is also the first Bentley capable of running on both gasoline and biofuel. With 621 bhp and new 'Quickshift' transmission that halves shift times, the Supersports sets new performance benchmarks for Bentley. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds onto a top speed of 204 mph.

MAZDASPEED3: The MAZDASPEED3 sport compact pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance perfectly represents Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design and exhilarating performance.

Porsche 911 GT3: The lightweight 435-horsepower next generation 911 GT3 features a larger 3.8-liter boxer six-cylinder engine with an enhanced VarioCam system, larger yet lighter brakes, and new one-piece centerlock wheels, all of which boost performance over the previous model. Technical developments like innovative dynamic engine mounts, updated aerodynamics that increase downforce by over 100% and a special version of the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system all help make this latest iteration the most dynamic 911 GT3 to date.

Ford Shelby GT500: The most-distinctive model of the new 2010 Mustang lineup, the 2010 Shelby GT500 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled 5.4-liter dual overhead cam V-8 engine that produces 540 horsepower and 510 foot-pounds of torque. The Mustangs aggressive new exterior design features new functional details, such as the hood extractor to remove heat from the engine and "Gurney Flap" spoiler to tune rear downforce.

Jaguar XFR and XKR: Jaguar's new XFR and XKR models deliver a superb balance of high performance, dynamic ability and refinement. Both models are powered by an all-new supercharged 5.0-liter 510bhp V8 with acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.7 seconds and 4.6 seconds respectively.

Volkswagen GTI: The new sixth-generation, performance-based Volkswagen GTI hatchback is powered by an advanced new TSI engine, available linked to either a 6-speed manual or DSG gearbox. With the new GTI, VW has increased the quality and comfort level to new heights. The GTI will be available in three- and five-door body styles. Visual details include a new front bumper, vertically stacked foglamps and an altered grille with classic GTI touches.

Source: New York International Auto Show

Improved Gas Mileage in Trucks

After purchasing eight 4x6 boards, you pull your four-door sedan up to the loading dock at Lowe's. In disbelief the loading foreman looks at your car, "You want me to put these in that CAR?" As you help him stack the boards in the car, you realize that he's right and it's going to take a second trip to the store in order to get your entire purchase home. After two round trips to Lowe's you have to wonder if it's worth it to own a truck. Do gas prices scare you away from owning a truck? Maybe they wouldn't if you knew more about the improved gas mileage in trucks today.

The National Truck Equipment Association Unveils The Work Truck Show 2009 Schedule

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As North America's largest work truck event, The Work Truck Show(R) 2009 offers the best opportunity to see and experience the latest commercial trucks and equipment from leading manufacturers. In addition to exploring nearly 500,000 square feet of exhibit space, attendees also initiate business improvements through more than 40 training programs and discover what's new in "green" truck technology.

Registration for The Work Truck Show 2009 is now open at www.ntea.com. Dozens of new vocational trucks and commercial truck equipment will be introduced at the show, which is held in conjunction with the 45th Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention March 46, 2009, at the McCormick Place West Building in Chicago, IL. The Convention and Educational Conference start March 3.

"Work trucks and equipment are critical tools used every day to build infrastructure, deliver goods, clear roads, repair utility lines and keep the world's economies running," says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. "With a massive display of the newest trucks and equipment, supported by more than 40 industry-specific training sessions, The Work Truck Show is truly a one-stop resource for anyone who relies on their trucks to get the job done."

The event kicks off with a full day of in-depth educational Special Sessions on Tuesday, March 3. The Green Truck Summit, sponsored by International Truck, provides current information on hybrid and alternative fuel options for work trucks. "Upfitting Equipment on 2010 Emission-compliant Truck Chassis" brings together experts from Daimler Trucks North America, Dodge, Ford Commercial Truck, General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations, Hino Trucks and International Truck to review changes made to their chassis to meet 2010 emission requirements and to answer questions about mounting truck equipment to these chassis. "From Tactical to Practical: A Playbook for Identifying Profitability and Survivability" supplies insights into the developments, threats and opportunities facing the work truck industry and its distribution channels, as well as tactics companies can use to position themselves to survive and thrive in these challenging times. The session is based on NTEA-commissioned research. Exclusively for fleet and shop managers, the Fleet Management Symposium focuses on fleet financial and operational practices to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Concurrent educational and technical training sessions run Tuesday, March 3, through Thursday, March 5. They cover a wide range of hot industry topics, including hybrid technology and alternative fuels, specification writing, business development, new technology and updates from leading chassis manufacturers. Additional classes are held in a training theater right on the show floor.

Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs and Deadliest Catch, will present the keynote address at the President's Breakfast and NTEA Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 5, from 7:30am-9:15am. To register and purchase tickets, visit www.ntea.com.

During show hours on March 4 and 5, Work Truck Show attendees can test-drive more than a dozen street-legal new hybrid and alternative fuel commercial vehicles as part of the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive. Participation is free and sign up is available on-site. The latest hybrid and alternative fuel technology also will be displayed in the Green Truck Pavilion as part of the show floor.

Produced annually by the NTEA, The Work Truck Show showcases Class 1-8 vocational trucks and equipment. It brings together thousands of work truck professionals, including fleet managers, equipment buyers, maintenance personnel, manufacturers, distributors and dealers.

For complete event details, including a schedule of events, exhibitor list, floor plan, registration, housing, session descriptions, new product announcements and more, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-NTEA (6832).

About the NTEA

Established in 1964, the NTEA is the leading association supporting the $101 billion commercial truck and trailer industry. The Association currently represents more than 1,800 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, bodies, equipment, trailers and accessories. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, DC.

Source: National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA)

CONTACT: Kristen Simpson, Simpson Communications, LLC, +1-216-991-4297,
kristen@simpsoncomm.com, for National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA)

Web Site: http://www.ntea.com/

Alex Severinsky 2008 Clark School Innovation Hall of Fame Inductee

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Most people would be surprised to learn that the inventor of the advanced hybrid technology used in the Toyota Prius and other vehicles is an American. After all, American car companies have been slow to adopt hybrid technologies.

In fact, he is an engineer and entrepreneur who emigrated to the U.S. from the Soviet Union and launched his inventions at the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland in College Park.

This month, the spotlight will finally shine on Alex J. Severinsky, who designed the Hyperdrive power-amplified internal combustion engine power train. He will be inducted into the Clark School's Innovation Hall of Fame on October 30.

Soon after Severinsky arrived in America as a refugee in 1978 -- in the middle of the national oil crisis of that era -- he recognized a major problem he believed he could help solve.

"I'd just come from bread lines and now I was in gas lines," says Severinsky. He decided to tackle the problem of gasoline consumption.

Severinsky has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Moscow's Institute for Precision Measurements in Radioelectronics and Physics. He set about analyzing the Periodic Table, searching for practical alternatives to internal combustion.

He concluded that a fully-electric vehicle would never be practical, but an electric/internal combustion hybrid could work. He took a job in power electronic engineering, where he could immerse himself in the field of high-voltage semiconductors that was crucial to his ideas for a hybrid.

Looking for support for his newly-founded company, Viteq, in 1986, Severinsky connected with the Technology Advancement Program, a venture incubator in the Clark School's Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech) that helps regional entrepreneurs build their early-stage companies.

Through Viteq, he developed uninterruptible power supplies for computer systems; later the company was sold to a Texas-based firm. With the help of then Clark School Assistant Dean Herbert Rabin, Severinsky formed yet another company, Power-Assisted Internal Combustion Engine (PAICE), to create a hybrid power train.

Starting in 1992, Severinsky began filing numerous patents for the Hyperdrive power train system. He received additional help from Mtech in arranging a meeting with staff from the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Lockheed Martin.

He made a physical prototype of his technology and, on October 14, 1999, demonstrated the PAICE system in Detroit. Severinsky proved that the system could effectively reduce the gas consumption of a Cadillac Coup de Ville by half in city driving while retaining its driving performance.

Engineers at U.S. and Japanese automakers were interested in Severinsky's invention, but top management resisted. A staff engineer at Toyota later developed the same idea as Severinsky for hybrids. When the Toyota Prius was introduced, Severinsky fought to protect his patent rights. After a protracted legal battle with Toyota, he won the civil case in 2005. (Additional litigation is in progress.)

Severinsky is satisfied with the turn of events.

"I bought my car from Toyota," he said, with a smile. "My wife loves it. It uses several of my inventions."

He credits Toyota for creating an unusual working environment in which in-house competition of ideas is fostered.

With his new company, Fuelcor, he has returned to an old interest that is even more relevant today: using electronics to improve oil production. The idea behind Fuelcor, launched in 2005, is to "make fuel instead of hunting for it" by synthetically manufacturing hydrocarbon compounds from their ultimate products of decomposition -- carbon dioxide and water. Fuelcor is already in the early stages of commercialization on two continents.

"This is the ultimate technology in transportation fuels," he says.

Alex Severinsky will be inducted into the Innovation Hall of Fame at a Clark School ceremony on October 30, 2008. The ceremony will be immediately followed by the Charles and Helen White Symposium on Engineering Innovation, "Intellectual Property: How Well Does the System Protect the Individual Innovator?"

About the Clark School Innovation Hall of Fame

To recognize great engineering feats associated with the Clark School, and to inspire young engineering students and the public, Stanford W. Berman, B.S. '50, developed and provided funding for the Clark School's Innovation Hall of Fame more than 20 years ago.

The hall, located in the north corridor of the Kim Engineering Building, features Clark School innovators and their technological advances spanning many disciplines and eras, including pulse Doppler radar, the universal product code, flexible coronary artery stents, the automatic parachute, satellite surveillance, the maser (precursor of the laser), and retractable airplane landing gear.

These technologies enhance everyday life for millions of people around the world. Each year, nominations are submitted to a selection committee that evaluates the inventors and technologies described and chooses one for induction. Nominees may be:

-- Clark School alumni
-- Clark School faculty whose innovations were developed primarily at the
Clark School
-- Alumni of other University of Maryland schools, and other associates
who have a meaningful relationship with the Clark School.

Innovations are selected on the basis of their positive impact on society and may be:

-- A working product, system or design.
-- A comprehensive body of technical work that has advanced the
understanding of the engineering profession.

The engineering work featured in the Innovation Hall of Fame serves to inspire Clark School students and the many visitors who pass through the hall each year.

For more information, see www.eng.umd.edu/ihof/new.html.

Source: A. James Clark School of Engineering

CONTACT: Missy Corley of A. James Clark School of Engineering,
+1-301-405-6501, +1-804-398-8652 (cell), mcorley@umd.edu

Web Site: http://www.eng.umd.edu/

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