vLane Blog

There weren't just luxury cars in New York, like this Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. Click through for more.

2010 Scion iQ Concept — If you want to turn some heads, drive by in this hot number. Definitely aimed at a younger market, this one will rival the smart fortwo if it comes to America.

Just by looking at the iQ you can tell this is one car will leave a lasting impression. Underneath the rear floor is a 3-cylinder engine, but for the US a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine will likely take its place. This is the type of car that consumers will have no trouble personalizing, with styling and a large number of features designed to make each as distinct as its owner. Fuel efficient and affordable, the iQ gets 59 mpg and should sell for under $16,000.

2010 Volkswagen GTI — For anyone who feels like auditioning for the fifth installment of The Fast and the Furious, you may want to do so in the VW GTI. With the ability to get to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph, you'll certainly have the "fast" part covered. Volkswagen hasn't changed the look of the vehicle much, but the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 210-horsepower and 258lb-ft of torque is updated from the 2009 model. Except to find this one in two and four door models.

Hyundai Nuvis Concept — Designed in California, this car features Hyundai's Blue Drive hybrid system using a lithium polymer battery. With seating for four, this vehicle uses two gullwing doors that swing open from the top, providing a wide-open view of the front and rear seating. The back of the car? It looks a too plain — and I'm not a fan of such a small rear window.

There are some interesting features: the seat covers are made of recycled materials and an information system named "TouchSensor" can be connected to the navigation system and allows for passengers to connect with each other. (Whatever happened to just talking? -Ed.)

2010 Land Rover LR4 — Big and broad are two words to describe the Land Rover LR4's grille. The interior is clean cut and stylish — you're not going to want to spill anything in this car! The console has been redesigned and positioned closer to the driver, and the seats have also been updated. New stuff? Automatic high beam assist, a push button start and a "surround camera" system to help parking in tight spots.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype — This sporty mid-size SUV borrows its looks from the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. New features like Idle Neutral Logic moves the transmission into neutral when the vehicle is stopped (saving you fuel), and the all-wheel-drive has been improved for handling. There will surely be glimpses of this vehicle in the next Outlander.

2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG — It looks so classy, I'd be happy just driving one in my lifetime. This $85,000 performance model packs a 518-horsepower V8 engine, "MultiClutchTechnology" 7-speed semi-automatic transmission, and different driving modes — manual, controlled efficiency (for mileage), sport (for going fast) and sport plus (for going faster.) You don't just pay for the oily stuff: it looks different from other E-Class sedans, with specific 18-inch or 19-inch AMG wheels and exclusive front and rear fascias. Not like looks matter when you've hit its top speed of 155 mph.

2010 GMC Terrain — At first glance, I saw some resemblence to the GMC Envoy (which the Terrain is partially replacing) as well as the Pontiac Torrent. Some of the options that can be ordered on the Terrain are: a 40GB hardrive (two thumbs up for that one!), XM Satellite Radio, a navigation system with 7-inch touch screen, DVD entertainment system with two screens in the rear, Bluetooth phone capability and a USB audio port.

The Terrain will have two engine options, a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine and a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine producing 264 horsepower. You can find the Terrain at dealerships this summer in two models. In both SLE and SLT trims, you can pick front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster — You'll turn a few heads driving one of these. The new Z Roadster replaces the 350Z Roadster, and I think consumers are really going to like this one. This new convertible features a soft-top, striking interior and seating for two.

Nissan has decreased the weight of the convertible by using aluminum for the door panels, hood and trunk and included their "SynchroRev Match" system which automatically controls the engine speed when shifting gears using the manual transmission. The manual gets six speeds, with a 7-speed automatic transmission optional. Horsepower? Over 300. Make sure your toupé is on tight!

2010 Kia Forte Koup — Expect to find this new addition from Kia arriving in the summer of this year. Sporty and flashy, this new coupe has all the bells and whistles, like Sirius satellite radio, USB and auxiliary input jacks, audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system.

The Forte Koup comes in two models, the EX and SX. The EX boasts 156 horsepower 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and 16-inch wheels, while the SX has a more powerful 173 horsepower 2.4-litre engine with 17-inch wheels. Great on gas, too, the EX gives you 25 city and 34 highway mpg, the SX 22 city and 32 highway mpg.

Problems? I have to admit though looking at the front of this vehicle does remind me of the Honda Civic Coupe.

2010 Subaru Outback — The new Outback has grown in size. (Much like me! -ed.) The wheelbase has been extended 2.8 inches to provide better stability and more legroom in the back and the width has increased by two inches as well. I like the modern look for this Outback inside and out. The interior of this car is very impressive and the wood trim is a nice accent — I had no idea station wagons could look this good!

The roof rails have adjustable crossbars that can enhance aerodynamics and reduce wind noise. If you want a little variety, the Outback is availble in six models: the 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited, powered by a 170 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. The 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited give you 256 horsepower 3.6-litre 6-cylinder engine.