2009 New York Auto Show: Day One
The 2009 New York International Auto Show represents the culmination of a busy season for most North American automotive journalists. A few will attend the events next week in Shanghai, China and various other shows will be held throughout the spring and summer. But New York marks the unofficial end until it begins again in September. Frankfurt, Germany will be the scene at that time, ushering in the start of 2009/2010 auto show season.
Much of the focus is on a struggling automotive industry as sales continue to show weakness in many areas. That said, a number of manufacturers are succeeding even in troubled times. Amazingly, the mood in New York was more upbeat than I expected. Several surprises were unwrapped on Day One and here are a few of the highlights.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
By now, everyone is familiar with the trials and tribulations at Chrysler. It was apparent even on the faces of the Chrysler PR team in New York; the road ahead is expected to be bumpy for quite some time to come. With this in mind, could there be a better vehicle to introduce at this year’s NYIAS than the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee? If ever there was a vehicle suitable for navigating a harsh environment in style, this is it.
I was quite prepared to be unimpressed by the new Jeep Grand Cherokee prior to its unveiling. Jeep has a reputation for being boxy, bland and somewhat staid in design. The current Commander, while enjoyable to drive, is basically a large rectangle on wheels. What surprised me most as the covers came off was the rounded edges and flowing bodylines taking the new Grand Cherokee to the head of the SUV class when it comes to good looks and usability.
Power for the first 2011 model revealed in New York comes two ways.
A brand new 3.6L V-6 engine delivers 280 horsepower at 6,400 rpm. Torque is rated as 260 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm. This represents an increase of 33 percent in horsepower and 11 percent in torque. Fuel economy is also improved by 11 percent when compared to the previous models V6 engine.
Not enough power for the serious off-road warrior? Never fear. The new Grand Cherokee is also available with a 5.7L HEMI V-8 engine. It responds with 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. The addition of VVT (variable valve timing) improves towing capacity. MDS (Multi-displacement System), allows the V-8 engine to perform as a 4-cylinder engine when cruising at sustained speeds, such as driving on the highway.
Inside, the 2011 Grand Cherokee demonstrates a willingness to spoil occupants with a level of luxury previously not available from Jeep. Premium soft touch materials are used throughout. Leather seats feel soft, but grain texture hints at the durability they provide. Real wood, heated seats and steering wheel and four-way power lumbar control are just a few of the standard features. Storage space is significantly improved, as is visibility and safety. Overall, the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is sure to help smooth a bumpy ride as Chrysler looks ahead to an uncertain future.
Acura ZDX
If the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is all about roundedness and getting away from the box, the new Acura ZDX concept is somewhat of a reversal in thinking.
Acura’s current design philosophy showcases sharp angles at all four corners, bright satin metal accents and high beltlines designed to create speed and flow even when sitting a stoplight. Sensuous curves are found throughout, while a steeply raked roofline adds sportiness. It provides the appearance of a 4-door coupe with sport utility intentions; ready and seeking adventure at every corner.
Acura has never been a company intent on appealing to everyone. Instead, they offer a unique approach to vehicle design, hoping to convince buyers in the near-luxury and luxury segments to live on the edge. The new ZDX concept is the next clean sheet step for this growing, progressive company.
Performance is generated by a powerful V-6 engine matched a 6-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission.
Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, one of the best in the industry, tackles pavement and bad weather with tenacity. Having experienced this for myself during a recent blinding storm in northern Ohio, I can attest to its superior handling abilities. Even at high speeds on snow covered roads, SH-AWD was up to the task.
Inside, the Acura ZDX showcases the latest technology.
The Acura Navigation System is equipped with real-time traffic and weather. Premium audio sound is standard as is an all-new blind spot information system. Though some may experience technology overload when first sitting down behind the wheel of this or any current Acura model, the interface is easy to understand and one quickly appreciates all that is possible. The new Acura ZDX concept is expected to slot in above the Acura MDX for what Acura describes as a segment bending sedan for the 21st Century.
Additional Day One highlights
Volkswagen took the wraps off of not one but two new vehicles in New York. The 2010 Volkswagen GTI and Golf TDI were well received at the press launch. The GTI is a favorite among affordable sports car enthusiasts. Those looking for fuel economy with fun-to-drive demeanor need look no further than the TDI.
Mazda has been busy tweaking the product line to bring it into the next decade fresh and ready to go. The Mazda CX-9, CX-7 and Mazdaspeed 3 all showcased new technology and more of what we like most about the zoom-zoom company.
At the other end of the spectrum, Mercedes-Benz challenged conventional wisdom by introducing 3 all-new vehicles to a worldwide audience. The E63 AMG offers tremendous power and performance in a comfortable, 4-door sedan. The Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid offers the latest in two-mode hybrid technology for an SUV and the all-new E-Class sedan raises the bar a little higher in the luxury sedan market.
Day One wrapped up with insight into what the future holds for the automotive industry. Times are tough, but the newest vehicles on display at the 2009 New York International Auto Show prove the automakers are ready when things turnaround. We’ll have more news from the show as we cover Day Two beginning tomorrow.
