The Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG, the sporty top-of-the-line versions of the newly-facelifted S-Class, were launched at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show with a series of subtle updates. We assume the new models premiered in China because it is one of the few countries in the world where the rich aren’t suddenly going bankrupt.
A different take on the Outlander crossover SUV was shown by Mitsubishi at the 2009 New York Auto Show. The first thing you notice on this Mitsubishi Outlander ‘prototype’ is the front which distinctly looks the same as that of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. Also the rest of the car has been changed, along with the interior, trying to give it a more upscale feel to it.
The 2009 New York International Auto Show is one of the smaller shows on the North American exhibition circuit, but no less important, as a number of new model debuts took place during this April event. Among the notable launches are the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the 2010 Scion iQ, the 2010 Subaru Legacy, the 2010 Acura ZDX and the 2010 BMW X6 M.
The long-running current-generation Range Rover has received an upgrade for the 2010 model year. The Indian-owned company is soldiering on well at a time when expensive polluting vehicles are being shunned. The latest version debuted at the 2010 New York Auto Show.
The 2010 Acura ZDX is Acura’s first ‘four door sports coupe’ which was revealed in the New York Auto Show 2009. It is basically following the trend set by BMW with their X6. It certainly looks great with its funky styling and impressive interior. While it may match the X6 in terms of looks, it might have trouble matching its performance.
The 2009 Nissan 370Z isn’t even out yet in most countries, and Nissan has already unveiled the NISMO 370Z, a heavily tuned version developed in-house for true enthusiasts. The limited-production features an upgraded 350 hp 3.7-litre V6, close-ratio 6-speed manual, special body-kit and interior styling, tuned suspension and super-lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Converted by tuners Autech Japan in collaboration with Nissan, it debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show.
The handsome but aging Range Rover Sport has been given a mid-life facelift. The change is notable for the fact that it is the first upgrade under Tata ownership. And that upgrade entails a 510 hp supercharged V8, among other updates unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show.
I always try to be impartial about brands, but I actually have a soft spot for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. So I can’t help but feel slightly excited about the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that made its debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show. Because in terms of features, it raises the bar yet again when it comes to combining affordability, offroad ability, crossover SUV looks, V8 performance, soft-touch cabin trim and some semblance of on-road handling. Do not take this as my endorsement for the dying Chrysler brand or Jeep in particular. The rest of Jeep’s range continue to be embarrassing.
The 370Z Coupe is due in the GCC sometime in August, but the 370Z Roadster, with a convertible soft-top roof, is all set to debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show.
General Motors released a small softroader for the GCC market last year, called the GMC Terrain, a Korean-built model that shares its styling with the badge-engineered Opel Antara. Now America is getting its own version of the Terrain, based on the same platform, but with completely different styling. The all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show, and we just found out it will come to the UAE, to replace the Korean one. However, if you don’t like its goofy styling, you will not miss much. This Canadian-built iteration of the Terrain is just one of a number of GM vehicles that is utilising this platform.