BlackEnterprise.com previews the New York International Auto Show as more cars are unveiled and awards are bestowed on the hottest vehicles to hit the asphalt. The Volkswagen Polo was named the2010 World Car of the YearThursday at the auto show. The Polo (above) was recognized for its value, safety, environmental impact, significance, and emotional appeal, says the automaker. Though not yet sold in the U.S., the German automaker plans to make a version available in North America sometime this year. The Polo GTI, which is not sold in the U.S., is available in a three-door and a five-door version, weighs 2,632 lbs, accelerates to 62 mph in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 142 mph. It is also the most fuel efficient and lowest emitting GTI ever. (Image source: Volkswagen)more
Hyundai debuted the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the South Korean automaker’s first hybrid vehicle for the U.S. market. Sonata comes with a Hyundai-developed hybrid blue drive that is a full parallel hybrid-drive system, which can operate on an electric motor, gasoline internal combustion engine, and a combination of the two depending on driving conditions and driver demands. The Sonata Hybrid has a highway fuel economy of 39 mpg and a city fuel economy of 37 mpg. It can achieve speeds of up to 62 miles per hour, and has a total output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, exceeding all mid-size competitors. (Image source: Hyundai)more
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a two-seat coupe with gullwing doors and will go on sale in May with an MSRP of $183,000. The AMG SLS has a V8 engine with a top power of 571 horsepower. (Image source: Mercedes-Benz)more
In an attempt to add sexiness to the traditional image of a Volvo being “the safe, but boring car,†Volvo Cars of North America LLC unveiled its 2011 Volvo S60 sport sedan in what it says is signals a revolution in Volvo design. Calling the S60 a “jawdropping†car that has “smile-inducing features,†Volvo expects it to eventually become its top seller in the U.S. The S60 has the slim coupe-like roof line and a new contour on the shoulders on either side of the lower body of the vehicle. Though sleek and aerodynamic, the S60 wouldn’t be a Volvo without increased safety measures. This car comes with a pedestrian detection with full auto brake feature that helps the driver avoid accidents. The car’s radar- and camera-based system can detect pedestrians in front of the car, warn the driver if anyone walks out into its path - and then automatically activate the S60's full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time. The five-passenger Volvo S60 arrives at dealerships later this fall. (Image source: Volvo) ##### The 2011 Infiniti QXis a full-size luxury SUV has been completely redesigned for the new model year. The QX is available in two models QX56 2WD (MSRP $56,700) and QX56 4WD (MSRP $59,800) and features a 5.6-liter V8 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. With 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, the QX has a 8,500-pound towing capacity , while also offering more than 10% better fuel economy than the previous generation QX. Both models come with hill start assist, which prevents the driver from rolling back if the driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal. The feature allows drivers to switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator on steep inclines without worrying about tapping the car behind them. The Infiniti QX is slated to go on sale this summer. (Image source: Infiniti)more
Last, but definitely not least, here's the hottest of the hot. Jaguar proudly debuted this SS Jaguar to grand acclaim. The SS Jaguar has a 3.5 liter engine and is just one of 118 made in this model. The automaker did not give a price for the car, but considering its scarcity, it is sure to be in the higher range. Check back with Jaguar for more details of what will surely be a highly sought after vehicle. (April Fool's!) Actually, this 1937 SS Jaguar is being displayed for just the second time in 50 years. According to Jaguar, the car sat unused in a barn in South Carolina for 47 years. The 2010 New York International Auto Show runs from April 3-April 11 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Click here for more details.more
