LOOK: Carmakers unveil new SUV, luxury models in NY

NEW YORK - Japanese carmakers revealed their new and redesigned sedan and sports utility vehicles at the annual New York International Auto Show, which opened on Wednesday.

Toyota Motor Corp. debuted the 2015 Camry with a revamped exterior, a quieter passenger cabin and three engine choices, including a hybrid option. The slightly longer car has almost 2,000 new parts and a retuned suspension.

"Our customers expect more and we will give them more," Toyota group vice president Bill Fay said at the unveiling event Wednesday about why the carmaker redesigned their best-selling vehicle. "Put it all together and you have a car that will continue to set the pace for the industry."

Honda Motor Co. will reveal a new compact SUV on Thursday that is expected to be based on its subcompact car Fit.

Honda's luxury brand unveiled the production model of the 2015 TLX sedan after showing a concept version at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new TLX will have three models with different engine options and will be up to 230 pounds (104 kilograms) lighter than some versions of the outgoing TL.

"This new TLX lineup will serve as the backbone of Acura's sedan lineup, delivering new levels of refining comfort, technological innovation and dynamic performance," American Honda vice president Mike Accavitti said at the unveiling.

The automaker expects the new sedan to add "volume" to the luxury brand and forecasts sales to be about 50,000 units annually, the American Honda executive vice president told a group of Japanese media earlier on Wednesday.

 

Nissan Motor Co. debuted the 2015 Murano SUV Wednesday based on its Resonance crossover concept that the automaker showed in Detroit last year. Nissan said the crossover's styling, such as the V-shaped front end, is a glimpse at how the automaker is revamping the brand's design.

"The 2015 Murano debuts our new Nissan design direction," Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer said at Manhattan auto show. "It sets the stage for Nissan's crossovers and sedans."

Mazda Motor Corp. revealed a special edition of its iconic MX-5 Miata roadster to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the car's launch. Only 100 models will be available in the U.S.

Among U.S. automakers, Ford Motor Co. announced a special edition of the 2015 Mustang to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the sports car. Ford will only make 1,964 models, which will be available in either "Wimbledon White" or "Kona Blue."

 

Meanwhile, Chrysler Group LLC and General Motors Co. used the show to unveil small SUVs--Chrysler's 2015 Jeep Renegade and GM's 2015 Trax.

About one million people are expected to visit the New York show, which will open to the public from April 18 to April 27.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com