2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Lexus LX 570

When we heard about the new Lexus LX 570, we had some guesses on what it would be. We guessed correctly that it borrows the 5.7-liter V-8 from the new Toyota Tundra, for example. We just didn’t know what it would look like. 

Now that we’ve seen it, we’re not blown away. The styling is more than subtle — perhaps “nondescript” would be the right terminology. Maybe that’s so the folks sharing the road with you won’t notice what a large luxury SUV you’re driving. That’s just a guess, and a wild one.

Regardless, people shopping for a large luxury SUV will appreciate the 381 hp and six-speed automatic transmission. It can also tow up to 8,500 pounds. The suspension is radically upgraded; it even lowers the LX 570 by an inch when it hits highway speeds in order to reduce drag. We’ll have more on the LX 570 later today on our main Cars.com auto show page, but for now, check out the photos below.

2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Honda S2000 CR

Honda didn’t even have a press conference for it, and the company gave it a “prototype” designation instead of the more popular term “concept.” What does all that mean for the S2000 CR? Not much. The slow-selling — but beloved by owners — S2000 will indeed get the club racer trim shown here. It will arrive at dealerships this fall, lighter and stiffer than the standard S2000.

Fans of the S2000 love it for its track prowess, and the CR should only heighten that devotion. The suspension settings have been set to be “highly aggressive,” and all the weight-saving and aerodynamic work is to reduce lift. But the biggest news of all is that an aluminum hardtop replaces the convertible soft-top as standard equipment. 

Some club racing circuits require a hardtop to get on the track, and the CR delivers that option. It also sports a huge spoiler and nifty nacelles behind the seats. Engine, transmission and interior all remain the same. More photos below.

2007 New York Auto Show: 2009 Ford Flex Unveiled

First the good news: The Ford Flex looks as good as a production version of the Fairlane concept could have looked. We still have to go check it out up close, but from the shots below it looks nice. The bad news? The 2009 Ford Flex won’t go on sale until the summer of 2008. That’s more than a year after its debut here in New York, and Ford could use a hit long before then.

It’s powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Edge crossover and many others in the Ford family. Here it’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission; Ford says it will have more than 260 hp.

There are side airbags and curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, as well as standard stability control. Ford is touting the Flex as a safe family transport with style. For now, we’ll agree. We just have to wait a while to make a final judgment. More photos below.

Unnecessary Sequel: The 2008 Touareg 2

Another automaker seemingly wasting our time is Volkswagen. The company’s big news this morning is that the slightly updated 2008 Touareg will be called the Touareg 2. This might be the worst naming idea we’ve seen since the Taurus X. The Touareg 2 goes on sale later this spring and will start at $39,320.

There will be three upgraded engine choices, including a V-6, a V-8 and a monstrous twin-turbo diesel V-10.

Related:
VW Unleashes V-10 Diesel Touareg on U.S. Today
New 2007 VW Touareg Gets Pre-Paris Expose

Volvo C30 Prices Announced

There is news going on at the New York Auto Show. This morning Volvo announced the pricing of its upcoming C30 two-door hatchback. Prices for the C30 Version 1.0 will be $22,700. The C30 Version 2.0 starts at $25,700. Prices do not include a destination charge of $695. Both models feature the same 227 horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but come equipped with different levels of equipment.

The 1.0 comes standard with 17-inch wheels and that’s about it outside the standard Volvo safety equipment like whiplash protection, side airbags and curtain airbags. The new blindspot warning system will also be an available option. Moving up to the 2.0 adds a 650-watt stereo, 18-inch wheels, larger spoiler and a body kit.

Fans of compact sports hatchbacks will be able to get their hands on the new C30 in October.   

Related:
The New Volvo S80's Blind Spot Detector
All-New Volvo C30 Hatch Coming to U.S.

2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Liberty

For 2008, Jeep is giving the Liberty an all-new look inside and out, along with a radical, optional retractable roof. If the Liberty resembles the Dodge Nitro, that’s because they’re largely the same vehicle. The Jeep sports a 210-hp V-6 and two 4x4 drivetrains, and comes in Sport and Limited trims.

We’d get into all the changes from the past generation, like all the added space and comfort inside, but we’re a bit bummed there aren’t more Jeep-specific touches.

Unlike the Nitro, the Liberty has an optional retractable canvas roof that Jeep calls a Sky Slider, and it looks to live up to its name. We’ve seen similar roofs offered by prominent aftermarket companies on vehicles like the Hummer H3, but this is the first time we’ve seen one from a manufacturer. You’ll also be able to add a rear seat DVD system and the new MyGig entertainment system.

We’ll have more on the 2008 Jeep Liberty later today from the show floor, but for now check out the photos below, including a comparison shot of the Dodge Nitro so you can judge for yourself.

2007 New York Auto Show: Chevy's Three Minicar Concepts

We told you about Chevrolet’s plans to debut three minicar concepts at the New York Auto Show last week with a look at one of them called the Trax concept. Now, we get our first look at all three, including a lot more photos and information.

GM wants the public to pick which one of the three they’d like to see in production at www.vote4chevrolet.com. To that end we’ll give you a brief breakdown of each one with more information coming tomorrow. Lots of photos of each concept are below.

Chevrolet Beat: Designed by GM’s South Korean design studio, the Beat is a two-door hatchback aimed at the Scion crowd with a decidedly import look. It’s powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and rolls on 17-inch wheels.

Chevrolet Groove: The Groove again looks to steal customers from Scion with its four-door design. It too runs on 17-inch wheels but features a 1.0-liter diesel engine for power.

Chevrolet Trax: The first minicar we saw still seems the most original and features more American styling. It runs on 16-inch wheels and a 1.0-liter gasoline engine.

2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Subaru Tribeca

When Subaru debuted its first traditional SUV its radical front-end literally scared off potential customers. The company even attempted to alter the grille just last year. Today, the company announced the 2008 model that not only addressed the cosmetic issue of that eye-offending grille, but also the vehicle’s engine and transmission.

Those major sore points might have offended automotive journalists more than the Tribeca’s looks. The new engine is a 3.6 liter six-cylinder with 256 horsepower. The new five-speed transmission promises faster shifts and reaction times. There are other interior improvements including a new third-row seat. Tomorrow, well have a full report on the main Cars.com auto show page. For now, check out the photos below.

2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i, WRX

The intrepid web surfers out there might have already seen images of the all new Subaru Impreza WRX sedan and wagon elsewhere on the internet. Today, we’re bringing you everything we have on the highly anticipated — and somewhat controversial — new model.

Car enthusiasts loved the WRX’s turbocharged 224-hp boxer engine powering all four wheels; the look of the vehicle was something of an afterthought. Now Subaru has delivered a dramatic new look, especially in wagon form, for the totally redesigned model. The signature hood scoop is much more subtle, the grille flows into the headlights and the beltline is quite high. Unfortunately, the engine and transmission setup remains exactly the same as the old model.

We’d guess the overhaul to the chassis, body and interior were more important for Subaru at this time and that improvements to the engine and transmission can be dropped in as the design ages a bit. That would be a wise move. Even more importantly, the interior looks vastly improved. The base Impreza 2.5i’s 170-hp engine remains as well, but the important model is the WRX.

We'll have more on the WRX tomorrow from the New York auto show, but for now click below for more photos. 

Get Ready: 2007 New York Auto Show

The last major auto show of the season is here. Tomorrow we'll be on the floor and reporting live from the 2007 New York International Auto Show. Check out the official Cars.com auto show page here for our staff's full coverage of each new concept and production car.

Come back to KickingTires tonight at midnight EDT for the first look at a new production vehicle. We'll also be blogging live from the show floor over the next two days so you won't miss a thing.