Here at Roadfly, we’re suiting up for one of the year’s most intense-and fun-events: the 2006 New York Auto Show. This year, we’ll be covering it live; uploading photos and editorial reports on all the exciting news and debuts throughout the two press preview days, April 12th and 13th. With our laptops and digital cameras at hand, we’ll be on hand to bring you reports and pictures from each press event, minutes after it happens. Nobody will have the goods online faster than us-watch this site throughout those dates to get the goods on the most tantalizing new cars and trucks, hours or even days before your neighbor/cubicle-mate/spouse (if you’re really lucky) does.
This is one show you don’t want to miss out on, either. Major vehicle introductions are expected from brands all across the globe, from the new Nissan Altima to the Audi A4 and S4 drop-tops to the Saturn Aura and Sky Red Line. Even the Suzuki booth will be abuzz this year, with two new debuts-the all-new XL-7 SUV and the SX4 micro-car. Other rising-sun brands bringing brand-new SUVs include Mitsubishi, expected to show the 2007 Outlander; and Mazda, who we’re told will finally be unveiling the production version of the seven-passenger CX-9, right on the heels of it’s baby-brother CX-7. Lexus will show their hybrid edition of the brand-new LS flagship, here called the LS600h (and packing a 380-horse powertrain), which should break several world records for technology and gadgetry packed into a single automobile. Chrysler, too, will debut a luxo-barge of sorts, albeit with a little more muscle-the extended-wheelbase 300 LWB, with six extra inches of passenger space, is expected to be revealed. Even the stately Bentley brand will make a splash this year; a “drop-head” (i.e. convertible) Continental, called the GTC, is slated to meet the world next week.
We’ll also finally see a production version of the CRV-based Acura RDX mini-SUV, as well as a new MDX concept. Also anticipated is a revamped E-class from Mercedes-Benz, featuring new fascias and upgraded powerplants. Further, Hyundai is said to be readying an all-new version of the Elantra we like so much. Then, for the family-minded folk, Saturn has also promised an eight-passenger crossover called the Outlook, a 2007 model along with the Aura sedan and hi-po “Red Line” Sky roadster. And for the family-minded off-roaders among us, Jeep will be revealing a four-door version of the all-new Wrangler, itself first shown this year in Detroit. Jeep will also be hawking its new Patriot mini-SUV; another in the line of “urban” Jeeps that started with Detroit’s Compass, and also featuring standard front-wheel-drive. And not to be left out, Dodge will debut its own new SUV-the 2007 Durango, which should be familiar to anyone who saw our coverage of the Chrysler Aspen earlier this year.
Perhaps most exciting for the enthusiasts out there, Infiniti has promised to show an all-new G35 in New York. It should share design cues with the recent concept coupe that Infiniti showcased in Detroit. And furthermore, Audi plans to unveil the all-new 2007 TT to the US in the Big Apple as well. Mercedes, too, will have a factory-built hot rod on hand, as the redesigned E-class is expected to spawn an AMG variant-here the naturally-aspirated E63 AMG.
And of course, the 2006 New York Auto Show will feature concept cars galore-we expect some interesting flights of fancy from Scion, Pontiac, Nissan, Volvo and many more. Not to mention the rumors we’re hearing about an upgraded Mustang GT, possibly harkening back to the famous 1966 Hertz-rental Shelby GT350H.
The 2006 New York International Auto Show is open to the public from April 14th through the 23rd. As one of the industry’s most important shows, taking place in one of the world’s most important cities, it’s a must-see (or must-read) occasion for anyone interested in the ever-changing world of the automobile. More than 1,000,000 people attend the event each year-and for those who can’t, these pages will feature the latest info from every manufacturer, as it happens.
Yes, we expect the 2006 New York Auto Show to be just as busy-and exciting-as in years past. Perhaps more so. Come along with us-read our live coverage, check out our up-to-the-minute photo gallery-and get the straight scoop before anyone else.
As NYIAS 2006 nears we’ll continue to post updates as we get them from the various manufacturers.
