By Ryan Thomas

The largest motor show in the United States, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is just around the corner. The excitement of auto enthusiasts is building as to what cars will be unveiled at the show. Of course, there will be concept vehicles showcased at the motor show.

Aside from concept vehicles, a motor show is also a venue for car makers to showcase their production cars. The New York International Auto Show is no exception since car makers already announced what they will be strutting at the event. Nissan recently announced that they will be unveiling the upgraded versions of their Murano, Pathfinder, and Quest models. These vehicles are part of Nissan's exhibit at the event and are aimed to further increase the popularity of the Nissan brand among Americans.

The Nissan Murano, dubbed as the "Maxima of SUVs", is a crossover sport utility vehicle first introduced in 2003. It was the top-of-the-line SUV for the Japanese brand until the introduction of the Nissan Armada. The Murano which will be showcased at the New York Auto Show combines the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the handling performance of a sedan.

The new Murano will be an all-wheel drive vehicle which makes it an all-weather vehicle. With the drive wheel configuration, the vehicle supplies traction to all of its wheels making it maneuverable in any road condition. The power supplied to its wheels comes from a 3.5 liter direct overhead cam V6 engine boasting of 245 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency-wise, the Nissan Murano offers a continuously variable transmission - Nissan's Xtronic CVT as it is called. This efficiently transfers power from the engine to the wheels with less waste so that fuel consumption is reduced.

Another Nissan model that will grace the New York Auto Show is the Nissan Pathfinder. The 2008 Pathfinder is designed to look as muscular as its predecessors. Its three-row seating gives the Pathfinder versatility of the SUV that its is. Off-road driving ability is also phenomenal. While the new version of the Pathfinder is built on a longer wheelbase, the short front and rear overhangs gives it the maneuverability that it needs to navigate through city streets or off the road.

The increased wheelbase gives the interior of the SUV good legroom and headspace for its occupants. Powering the Pathfinder is the 4.0-liter version of the brand's award-winning Nissan VQ-Series V6 engine. The 4.0-liter double overhead cam V6 is proven to produce 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. The ratio of horsepower and torque is the highest among its competitor in the mid-size SUV market.

Another Nissan vehicle upgraded for the 2008 model year which will be showcased at the New York Auto Show is the Nissan Quest. This minivan first introduced in 1993 is still setting standards in its class. The Nissan Quest is designed to have that sociable looks common on minivans, from its Nissan mirrors to its side windows, the Quest looks every bit like a family car that it is. The power of the Quest comes from a 3.5 liter double overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine capable of producing 240 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque.

By Anthony Fontanelle

Asian car brands have been increasingly becoming popular in the United States. Aside from Toyota and Honda, other car manufacturers from the Orient are tightening their grips on the U.S. auto market. The popularity of these brands is due to the fuel economy and reliability that their car offers.

Aside from that, Asian branded vehicles are relatively priced lower than that of their U.S. counterparts. In the upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), these Asian brands look to increase their popularity among American auto enthusiasts by showcasing their concept vehicles at the said event. While these vehicles may take some time before they are put into production, their unveiling at the country's largest motor show will increase the popularity of their brand.

One Asian brand that has been making waves in the U.S. auto scene is Honda. At the upcoming New York Auto Show, the company will unveil its Accord Coupe Concept. The concept vehicle will provide a glimpse of what the new generation Accord will be like. The concept vehicle is powered by a V6 engine designed to reduce fuel consumption and lessen harmful emissions.

The newest technology from Honda that will be showcased at the event is the Variable Cylinder Management. Aside from that, the concept vehicle will also be featuring Honda's ACE Body Structure which is essentially a design system which gives the front-end of the vehicle the ability to absorb a substantial amount of energy in the event of front end collision.

Toyota, now the second largest car manufacturer in the world, continues its surge to get to the top of the list. Their good performance in terms of sale has been a gauge of how popular Toyota is in the United States. Their continuing quest for supremacy in the U.S. auto market leads them to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan with the Toyota FT HS concept vehicle in tow.

The Toyota FT HS is a hybrid sports car which comes combining the fuel economy of a hybrid electric vehicle with the high performance and good looks of a sports car. The concept is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated with an advanced hybrid system and a powerful battery pack. The concept vehicle is estimated to rocket to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in less than four seconds. Aside from that powerful acceleration, the concept vehicle is also estimated to have a very high top speed, thanks to its power output of nearly 400 hp. That amount of power and torque in a hybrid vehicle is unheard of before and only EBC Greenstuff brake pads can provide good stopping power to.

These concept vehicles are proof of the competition between the two Japanese car makers and their drive to increase their foothold on the U.S. auto market. Both the Honda Accord Coupe Concept and the Toyota FT HS will be showcased at the New York International Auto Show which will open its doors on the sixth of April and will end on the fifteenth of the same month.

By Tracy Dawson

The Los Angeles Auto Show is already raring and preparing to start. Everything seems to be all set. After all, the organizers behind this international auto show sure have made everything quite just right before they open their doors. Who would want to have an international event with mishaps here and there?

Anyhow, it is not only the organizers of the Los Angeles Auto Show who have made all things prepared before heading out towards the opening of the event. All auto makers who would be showing their wares are also ready and prepared to face the public and show off what they have got. For example, if you were Jaguar the brand, you would have made sure that the vehicles that you would be showing off would be in top notch condition - the engine is ready to go, the Jaguar car parts are all shining and gleaming, and only the person behind the wheel would have to be ready.

General Motors has also prepared much for this event. In fact, some experts have said that GM is very much ready to take on this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The company even did state that for this year, they would be showcasing cars and sport utility vehicles that would very much be a model when it comes to sophistication and global design. Their vehicles would also be models of technologies that are not only advanced but would also give show goers the chance to learn more about saving on fuel.

Rick Wagoner, the chairman and CEO of GM, even mentioned, "We always look forward to the LA Auto Show because Los Angeles is such an important market for trend setting cars and trucks. Besides launching a number of exciting new production cars, trucks and crossovers, we'll also demonstrate our commitment to addressing fuel economy and environmental concerns with several very important advanced technology vehicles." Wagoner would also be at the LA Auto Show to serve as a keynote speaker.

So what GM vehicles would be available for you to view? According to GM, their list of vehicles at the LA Auto Show would include the 2008 Buick Enclave, the 2008 GMC Yukon hybrid, the 2008 Saturn Vue, the Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid, the 0th anniversary editions of the Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5, the Hummer HO 2 concept design, Cadillac vehicles Platinum series and DTS-L, and the Equinox Fuel Cell and Sequel from Chevrolet.

By Thomas Morva

International car shows offer car manufacturers a platform for showcasing their latest cars to an international audience. All the international car shows held all over the world serve as a common platform for manufacturers to get together, share knowledge and expertise, and announce their plans to an eager world audience.

There are many international car shows that have become extremely important and prestigious over the years. Many of these international car shows are held in the United States. Some of these shows include the Chicago Auto Show, Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Greater Minneapolis and Saint Paul International Auto Show, the New York International Auto Show, the North American International Auto Show, the Seattle International Auto Show, the South Florida Auto Show, and the Washington Auto Show.

In these shows, many of the cars that have captured the imagination of the world are unveiled for the world to see. This also becomes the place where dealers from the world over come together and have a live talk with the manufacturers. Negotiations take place during the days of the show and agreements worth millions of dollars are signed by various manufacturers with international dealers.

Additionally, these international car shows put the city on the international car map. Such shows are revered the world over, and people mark their calendar every year to visit their favorite international car shows.

The dynamics of car shows over the many decades when car shows first began has changed. Not only existing and new cars are shown, but also concept cars that never see the commercial light of day and futuristic cars are also showcased for the general public and international media to see and write about. This kind of convention of many diverse technologies in car manufacturing and development has done a great deal to promote the development of new technology and architecture for better cars the world over.

By Kate Tee

A round-up of the hottest cars on show in Motor City

One of the biggest showcase events in the car calendar is the North American International Auto Show, held in 'Motor City' itself - Detroit. It's a place where car makers can flex their muscles and grab headlines with their latest offerings of hot new metal.

Here are some of the best new cars from this year's show...

Toyota Prius

The latest version of the world's most popular hybrid was unveiled at Detroit, with the wraps coming off the third-generation Toyota Prius. At first glance it looks similar to its predecessor, but underneath, there's a new platform designed to give a more exhilarating drive. The petrol engine's new and the clever electric motor system's been tweaked to give better performance.

And Toyota also claim the new Prius is more economical than before, which makes it one of the greenest cars money can buy. Expect to see it nipping silently through city traffic over here from spring 2009.

Dodge Circuit/Jeep Patriot & Wrangler EV

Chrysler isn't normally known for producing green cars. But the group pulled a series of aces out of the bag in the form of their EV range.

Short for Electric Vehicle, the Dodge Circuit, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler EVs all use a combination of electric and petrol power to offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. They also offer the ability to run for 40 miles on electrical power alone. They're not cheap to buy, but driving to work without petrol has got to be good on the bank balance.

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is the latest and most exclusive version of the sexy Italian saloon. It's already one of the most stunning cars money can buy, but this Sport GT S version adds subtle interior and exterior changes to make it even more appealing.

With a powerful 4.7-litre V8 engine, it's fast and thirsty, with emissions that will put it in the highest tax band when it's released over here in spring 2009. However, if you're thinking of buying one of these Italian beauties, you can try and reduce running costs by comparing car insurance to see if you can find a good deal.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

A long-time favourite of the well-heeled, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was unveiled in an all-new guise in Detroit. Looking like a mix of its C-Class and S-Class siblings, the new E-Class is a world away from its conservative predecessor, packed with advanced technology.

Available with driver drowsiness monitoring, automatic emergency braking and infra-red night vision, it promises to be one of the safest cars ever made, which could help reduce the cost of your car insurance. The new E-Class is available from March 2009.

Jaguar XFR

Muscling in on the act in Detroit is Jaguar's meaty XFR. The high performance version of the acclaimed XF saloon adds pumped-up styling to the mix, with chunky alloy wheels and a muscle-bound body kit.

Giving it a big-cat roar underneath the bonnet is a supercharged 5-litre V8 engine, making it the most powerful Jaguar since the XJ220. It's not the cheapest way to go motoring, but this handsome beast promises to be fantastic fun when it hits our roads in March 2009.

By Freddic Clay

Being held since the year 1907, the LA Auto show has been the center of attraction for the whole of auto industry including auto part suppliers. With the show being only the second International Auto Show in the US to be officially recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, there's the anticipation that it would feature some truly pulsating exhibits.

The international automobile exhibition is an annual event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. Back in 1907, the first show was held at the at Morley's Skating Rink in downtown Los Angeles, just a few blocks away from the present venue. Historically held during early January, it now takes place in November, after it celebrated its 100 years of success in 2006.

The LA Auto Show usually conjures up images of scintillating concept cars and world debuts of many autos. However, there's a lot more for the aftermarket part suppliers and buyers as well. The show is a useful event as you can find most automotive parts which are associated with trucks, vans and SUVs.

Here are some examples to the fact that its not just an event showcasing dazzling cars only.

Wheels, Tires & Suspension: Wheels are an important automotive part that not only enhance the look of the vehicles but ensure a good fuel economy too. A lot of wheel components such as Automotive Wheels, Automotive Tubes, Linkage Parts, Radial Tires, Tires and Wheels Accessories, Tubeless Tires make it possible. In 2007, a couple of wheel manufacturers and suppliers who exhibited included Lorinser, Diablo, Center Line Wheels, and many more.

Automobile Accessories Most Trucks, Vans & SUV owners can expect a wide array of automotive accessories to customize and style their autos as the wish. Accessories such as Automotive Body Polishes, Automobile Maintenance Supplies, Automotive Seats , Car Care Products and Tools, Audio Devices, Video Devices , Security Devices don't power an automobile but the surely enhance our comfort and safety in addition to making the vehicle appealing.

Other notable exhibits during previous shows have been specialty vehicles and tuners & performance, electronics & technology, appearance, supplies for automobiles.

Most major automobile manufacturers display at the show.

By Levi Quinn

For any automobile enthusiast the year cannot possibly come to an end without the highlight of some of the most popular auto shows that put on display with some the latest cars from manufacturers. Each manufacturer aims to outdo the competition by coming up with the most outstanding design forms with mix of comfort and integrated technology, which includes but is not limited to hybrid engines to counter the effects of fuel guzzling machines.

With the effects on the environment being of great priority to consumers nowadays, buyers are looking to go green. One location that is considered the home of the auto production and assembly in North America is Detroit, USA. The annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit is among the largest international auto shows that is organized globally and has come to gain immense popularity among auto enthusiasts.

In the past such shows were seen as an exaggerated staging that failed to meet the key goals of the consumer. Most of the stands that were erected by the major manufacturers at Cobo Hall were, over the top budget wise and were also enormous taking them months to complete setting them up. However, now manufacturers such as Kia, Volkswagen, Land Rover and others have included angular graphical lines and architecturally led concepts into their stand construction. They are increasingly developing cars that are inline with the consumers needs across a wide spectrum of choices. Manufacturers have also spent huge sums of money on researching technology to be utilized in reducing the fuel consumption rate of their designs. For instance, Toyota currently reigns with the Prius model while Honda has unleashed the Honda Insight.

Another popular auto show is the Mondial de l'Automobile also known as the Paris Auto Show. It is important to note that this cars show is the oldest motor show that exists in the world, with it roots dating to back to the nineteenth century, in eighteen ninety eight. This is a luxury affair as the city of Paris always is when it comes to design and fashion. The automobiles that were on show during latest Mondial de l'Automobile in the French Capital included such models as the 2008 Citroen GT Concept, the 2008 Peugeot RC Concept, the 2009 Aston Martin One - 77, 2009 Ferrari California, the 2008 Lamborghini Estoque Concept, the 2009 Renault Megane Trophy, 2009 BMW 7 - Series, among a myriad of other luxury models all competing for the top spot.

It is also of importance to note another notable auto show, the Frankfurt Auto Show, which is the single largest auto show occasion in the world. It is known also as the Frankfurt Motor Show or simply as the International Motor Show. It is an annual affair in German city of Frankfurt. Additionally, there is also the International Geneva Motor Show, which is held in Switzerland a country widely known for its exclusively wealthy especially in the banking sector. In the Geneva Motor Show held in Geneva there were new models on display like the Bentley Brooklands Coupe.

By Ethan Williams

Did you notice that the number of auto shows is on the rise every year? Starting from January, you will find car shows, regional or international, take place almost every month in a year. Those who missed the car show of January need not bother as car show February 2009 is still to come.

Why:

Some people may wonder what the big deal about cars is. It is only a vehicle to take you from one place to the other. After all, a new model today will become old tomorrow. But that is not the case with car enthusiasts and car dealers. They just eagerly wait for this event. To them it is an opportunity to see next new model and get all the details. For engineering students the car show will be an excellent learning opportunity. As for auto makers and dealers car shows serve as a platform to promote their business.

Where:

Chicago is getting ready for 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Enjoy the auto exhibition in a relaxing atmosphere with complimentary food and beverages available. With a rich tradition of auto exhibitions Chicago is a center for automobile pioneers to showcase their latest vehicles.

Car shows February also include 2009 Philadelphia Auto Show at Pennsylvania Convention Center and 2009 Motor Trend International Auto Show at Baltimore Convention Center.

As in other auto shows in February car manufacturers from all over the world is going to bring their finest travelling innovations to display at the 2009 Michigan International Auto Show. Range of vehicles includes sedans, coupes, vans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids and sports cars.

Canadian International Auto Show is another big hit in the list of international Auto shows. The car show is held every February in Toronto. Its Classic Car Collection and Leisure World sections are popular attractions among car enthusiasts. With all major auto makers taking part in Montreal Auto Show the debut list is quite long.

What:

2009 February car shows are important as many of the renowned auto brands still have cards up their sleeves. Audi is present with a host of brand new models and concept cars. 2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI with 'clean diesel' technology is a strong contender for future cars. Along with its signatur5e LED head and back lights and enhanced interior and exterior design it can be a good choice for urban drivers. Audi A7 Concept, popular as Sportback, already has its debut at Detroit Auto Show. Sportback conceptualizes Audi's upcoming A7 4-door coupe.Volvo S60 Concept and Kia Soulster Concept are among other concept cars that you can take note of. They can give you a good idea about progress of automobile technology in Europe and Asia respectively.

You will also get to see a series of production cars this February including 2010 Cadillac SRX and 2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed. Those who prefer luxury cars to muscle cars must hold their breath. 2009 McLaren SLR Stirling Moss is coming to sweep you off your feet. This million dollar ultimate luxury car is any car lover's fantasy. In addition, pioneers in American automobiles, Ford will be present with its 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe & Convertible and 2010 Ford Taurus super cars. So, car lovers have good reasons for celebration this February.

By Harriet Shugarman

For some people, it's the moment they have been waiting for all year, for others, it's a passing fantasy and then it's back to reality. But if you are one of the thousands of individuals shopping for a new car this year, or interested in the latest new auto gadgets and technology, the opening of the largest auto show in the US is a big deal. This year's North American International Auto Show, which opened on January 11th in Detroit Michigan and runs through January 24th, includes a 37,000 square foot Electric Avenue, showcasing the latest in electric vehicles and battery technology. While some of these electric cars are still just prototypes, many of the electric cars showcased this year will be in dealer showrooms as early as this spring. Why are there so many electric vehicles this year?

In the USA, sales of hybrids were brisk when gasoline was over $4.00 a gallon, but since the summer of 2008 sales have been sluggish at best. Why the push then by automakers to introduce electric hybrids and pure electric models to their fleets? New found concerned for the environment? Maybe, but these are mostly bottom line companies, in many cases, companies trying to climb out of the "red." So it is still likely that the bottom line is more important to them than carbon emissions. What is most likely driving many of these companies is the need to meet new US "fleet" requirements for miles per gallon which were introduced in 2009. The new requirements call for cars to average 39 miles per gallon by 2016, and for trucks, 30 mpg. By comparison, in 2009, the average mpg for cars in the USA was 27.5 and for trucks 23.1 mpg. Cars and trucks in the mix that use little if any gasoline help bring up the fleet average, and in order to get to the 2016 requirements automakers need to start now!

We could question however, why the average Japanese and European automobiles already meet a "fleet" average of over 40 MPG. Why can these countries do this and yet many American industry executives insist that the US can 't possibly be competitive if it is "forced" to meet these new targets! Could it have anything to do with the high gasoline prices in these countries - in many cases more than triple those found in the USA! Legislative change is important and can have a significant impact on our environment. Another reason we all need to pay attention to what is happening in Washington these next few months as a new climate and energy bill is debated. Separate and distinct from the climate change bill is a question we need to ask ourselves, if it went back to $4.00 a gallon would consumers demand more fuel efficient vehicles from car manufacturers?

Many of the electric cars on display in Detroit this year can be "plugged" into a regular electric socket for recharge. Office and residential buildings in places like Manhattan, LA and Chicago are installing "charge banks" in their garages in anticipation of a many new electric cars. If you live in a place like Minneapolis or Edmonton, Canada, the cold climate makes electric outlets for vehicles commonplace, most malls and office buildings already have these outlets in place. For more info on the Detroit show and some to the things they have to offer, check out the North American International Auto Show website.

http://www.naias.com/electric-avenue/electric-avenue.aspx