The 115th New York International Automobile Show (NYIAS) opened its doors from 3-12 April. The Jacob K Javits Convention Center in Manhattan played host to over 60 new car and truck debuts – GreenFleet reports on the most siginificant new environmentally-friendly vehicles that were displayed in the New York halls
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept
Chevrolet once again displayed the striking Bolt EV concept in New York. A five-door hatchback similar in size to the BMW i3, it promises a 200-mile range and looks set to cost $30,000 (£20,000).
Constructed from lightweight materials including aluminium, carbonfibre, magnesium and woven mesh, front and rear overhangs are small, while the interior focuses on space efficiency.
Driving styles are catered for by various driving modes, while DC fast‑charging features, too. The Bolt EV Connect app can be used on smartphones and allows ride‑sharing and autonomous parking.
HYBRID VEHICLES
Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet also showcased its new Volt at the Jacob K Javits Center. In the UK, the previous version was sold as the Vauxhall Ampera. For now at least it would appear that the latest version will only be available in the US.
An improved range-extender powertrain consists of a 192-cell/18.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a new 111kW two-motor drive unit and a 1.5-litre petrol engine developing just under 100bhp. Official range is said to be more than 400 miles between fill‑ups – pure electric range is said to be 50 miles. Performance is improved: the 0-60mph dash takes 8.4 seconds, while top speed is 98mph.
The engine can power the front wheels only, too, which allows for more power and range. Four different driving modes will be available: Normal, Sport (providing more acceleration), Mountain (for steep gradients) and Hold, which stores battery power.
Lexus RX
New York was the first appearance of the all-new RX, the fourth-generation of Lexus’ luxury SUV. The best-selling model in the Japanese company’s history, the latest RX has a longer wheelbase, improved cabin space and ‘higher levels of comfort and luxury’. Initial engines will include a 3.5-litre V6 petrol, but a V6 petrol-powered full hybrid powertrain will be available after the model’s introduction.
New sharper styling features Lexus’ new chrome ‘spindle’ front grille, while darkened rear pillars create a ‘floating’ roof effect. Laser-cut wood ornamentation features in the cabin along with a head-up display and a 12.3-inch ‘information zone’ monitor.
The full hybrid powertrain will feature an improved, Atkinson-cycle 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. As with the non-hybrid V6, system output will also be around 300bhp.
Lexus states that both engines have been tuned to achieve high fuel economy and low carbon emissions.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the UK’s best-selling PHEV, with 10,000 sold by the Japanese company in the past year. In New York, a face-lifted and refreshed Outlander made its worldwide debut on Booth 260 in the North Hall.
The 2016 Outlander features the new Mitsubishi design language – including the company’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ front end – as well as over 100 engineering and design improvements. Noise levels, ride, handling and throttle response have all been tweaked, while there are also detail improvements to the interior. No dates on availability or information on pricing was given at the show.
ALTERNATIVELY-FUELLED VEHICLES
Toyota Mirai
Toyota’s new hydrogen fuel-cell saloon, the Mirai, was shown in New York, following a display at the Geneva motor show in March. It will enjoy a staged introduction in the UK and other selected European markets from autumn 2015.
In its first month on sale, Toyota amassed over 1500 orders, dividing roughly 60:40 between government/fleet customers and private individuals. The Mirai’s motor is powered by electricity generated through a chemical reaction between air-borne oxygen and hydrogen in the car’s on-board fuel cell. The only tailpipe emission is water, and Toyota hopes to further accelerate energy diversification and help build a future society in which hydrogen is a core energy source.
To help achieve this aim, it recently made available thousands of its global hydrogen fuel cell patents, free of any royalties.
CONVENTIONALLY-FUELLED VEHICLES
Kia Optima
The all-new 2016 Kia Optima hopes to continue the model’s success. Kia Motors America’s best-selling car for the past three years, the new Optima has a longer, wider and stiffer chassis which makes for both improved ride and handling as well as a more spacious and comfortable interior.
The US market has a choice of three engines, including a new 1.6-litre turbocharged four‑cylinder coupled to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Five US trim levels – LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo and SXL – will be offered when sales begin in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Jaguar XF
The second-generation Jaguar XF enjoyed its worldwide debut at the Jacob K Javits Center. Jaguar states it will be the lightest, most fuel‑efficient car in the premium D-segment and will offer the class-lowest CO2 output (104g/km), helped by its high-tech aluminium‑intensive architecture.
Buyers will be able to choose 160bhp, 177bhp and 297bhp diesel engines as well as a 377bhp petrol unit. The XF’s construction helps keep weight down – the 160bhp diesel model is 80kg lighter than its nearest rival according to the British firm.
Inside, an all-new 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system – InControl Touch Pro in Jaguar-speak – offers door-to-door navigation, seamless iOS and Android connectivity, and a 17-speaker, 825W Meridian digital surround sound system. A reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster features four visual themes and full-screen navigation. UK prices start at £32,300 for the 160bhp Prestige diesel model.