2010 New York Auto Show (2-11 April) Part 2

New Look for Mercedes R-Class



Mercedes-Benz designers have reworked the front of the R-Class wagon for the 2011 model year, installing a more upright grille, a taller hood and reworked fenders and headlamps for a more rugged look. The rear fascia is also resculpted.

A new look that is closer to SUV that station wagon may be the tonic for the anemic sales of the R-Class. Mercedes sold 2,825 copies of the R350 in 2009, down 63.5 percent from the year earlier. This year, sales of the R350 totaled 295 units in the first two months, down 46.1 percent from the same period last year.

The R350 powertrain lineup remains unchanged from the 2010 model — a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine rated at 268 hp or a 3.0-liter V6 diesel rated at 210 hp. All-wheel drive is standard on the R-Class.

Next, is the Cadillac CRS-V Sport Wagon.



The next addition to Cadillac's athletic and luxurious V-Series is breaking cover at the New York auto show with the reveal of the CTS-V Sport Wagon.

This is the halo for Cadillac's line of car-based wagons, and it blends striking sheetmetal with some of General Motors' most potent and race-bred technology. Packing 556 hp from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, the CTS-V Sport Wagon will be available late this year.

Cadillac will use the bright lights of New York to debut a special version of the wagon, which the brand is calling a show car. It's not intended for production, but some of its outfittings could be used for future trim packages. The car will be shown in a midnight silver color used on the iconic Cadillac Sixteen concept, complemented by liquid silver wheels and a chrome grille with black mesh insert. The show car also gets a unique rear fascia and upper spoiler. The interior is marked by black leather with Alcantara accents and special Recaro seats.

The CTS-V Sport Wagon rounds out the CTS line, which has become almost a subbrand for Cadillac. It joins the landmark sedan, which was key to the brand's rebirth through design and performance, and the coupe which launches this summer. All versions now have top-shelf V editions. Cadillac is trying to position its performance line in the same manner as BMW's vaunted M models.

Third one is the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.



The next natural extension of Ford's hybrid strategy is being revealed at the New York auto show with the unveiling of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ hybrid.

The new luxury sedan shares many of its features with its siblings in the stable of Ford hybrids, including the powertrain, interactive SmartGauge with EcoGuide and Sync connectivity. Like the Fusion and Milan hybrids, the new Lincoln will be capable of 41 mpg in the city when it launches this fall.

The MKZ is the first hybrid for Lincoln and the first four-cylinder engine for the historic brand. It's taking square aim at the Lexus HS 250h luxury sedan. Lincoln claims a number of edges, including fuel economy and top speed in electric mode, though it will face a challenge winning buyers from loyal Lexus owners.

The MKZ hybrid uses a 2.5-liter I4 engine which works with an electric motor for a total net output of 191 hp. The car can reach speeds of 47 mph on electricity.

Other features include wood trim, 10-way power seats, heated and cooled seats, a reverse sensing system and keyless entry.

There will be more pictures of the cars in the NY Auto Show coming up soon.