After the rousing success of the Ford Shelby GT-H concept unveiled at the 2006 New York International Auto Show, Ford Motor Corp. has confirmed the production of the retail version of the Ford Shelby GT. The new Ford Shelby GT will be the newest member of the highly popular Mustang stable of performance cars. It is set to take its place between the Mustang GT and the powerful Ford Shelby GT500.

The Ford Shelby GT is powered by a 4.6-liter, 325 horsepower engine and is equipped for both street and track use. It is the third modern Shelby Mustang, produced through Ford’s partnership with racing legend Carroll Shelby. “It’s got the heart and soul of the Mustang GT pumped up with a great noise, strong motor, and nimble chassis,” Shelby proudly said in a statement. “It’s one of those rare cars that’s really easy to drive really fast.”

Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts will surely have their pulses racing as the Ford Shelby GT graces dealer’s showrooms in January. But they better hurry up since only fewer than 10,000 units of this coupe will be built.

Practically unchanged from the concept introduced at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Jeep Patriot made its global debut as a production vehicle, the newest entry-level SUV in Jeep’s lineup, at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The new Patriot arrives just three months after the debut at the 2006 NAIAS of another entry-level SUV from Jeep, the Compass. Both the Compass and the Patriot share a platform with the Dodge Caliber.

While the Compass looks more like a conventional SUV with a Jeep grille, the Patriot is more akin to the traditional Jeep design with elements of the original Jeep Cherokee evident. These include the square-ish lines, short overhangs and the trademark seven-slot Jeep grille. Also, the Patriot has already earned is ‘Trail Rated’ badge, unlike the Compass, because of its higher ground clearance and 4WD system.

The new Patriot will come with three available configurations: the standard front-wheel drive and two four-wheel drive systems (Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II). These drive systems make the Patriot a true off-road vehicle with its features such as added traction, continuously variable transmission with a low range capability, higher ground clearance, 17-inch all terrain tires and aluminum wheels, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lights, body sealing, etc.

Freedom II makes the Patriot at par with Jeep’s off-road capability prerequisites for water fording, traction, articulation, ground clearance and maneuverability. The Jeep Patriot will be powered by a 2.4 liter World Engine with variable valve timing and with an output of 172hp, and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The Patriot will be arriving at dealerships later this year with an entry-level sticker price at under $16,000.

The 2006 New York International Auto show, the last international auto show of the season, has just ended and it is a general consensus that the Big Apple show presented a most excellent lineup, with production and concept vehicles ranging from luxury to crossovers. One of the many crossover SUVs which made a mark at the 2006 NYIAS was the Saturn PreVue concept.

The aptly named PreVue provides a preview of future Saturn design direction. GM is currently in the process of revitalizing the Saturn marquee by shaking off its conservative and laid-back image for a more sporty and youthful design. The stylish PreVue concept is a three-door, four wheel drive crossover created in collaboration with GM’s Opel (the PreVue was first introduced at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show as the Opel Antara GTC concept.

The Saturn PreVue combines the design elements of a coupe such as a gracefully sloping roof, two doors, and missing B-pillars with the characteristic styling cues of SUVs such as prominent side shoulders, wheel cutouts, short overhangs and steeply inclined windows. The front features a stunning V-shaped aluminum radiator grille and stylish LED headlamps. The body comes in brilliant Everglade Mica exterior accented by contrasting dark bumpers, silver body strips and gleaming 20 inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Saturn PreVue features a two-tone interior with generous use of warm tones such as dark brown on the door liners and upper instrument panel combined with light beige on the roof, seats and floors. Stainless steel and aluminum accents complete the attractive dashboard design. The PreVue also has a panoramic roof system that features two large sunroofs with dark-tinted glass that provide a bright interior yet without too much sunlight.

The PreVue crossover concept draws its power from a two-stage turbocharged 212hp twin-turbo version of the Ecotec common-rail diesel engine with a six-speed transmission and a torque of 295 lb.-ft. Design elements of the Saturn PreVue will likely be seen in future versions of the Saturn Vue, currently a highly successful compact SUV.

Scion has already successfully established a name for itself by introducing hip and cool vehicle models that are geared towards the young mainstream buyer. Currently, Scion has three unique models in its vehicle lineup – the xA, xB and the tC. All three vehicles share the same appealing, youthful, and forward-looking design as well as renowned Toyota quality and high performance. At the recently concluded 2006 New York International Auto Show, Scion once again showcased its leadership when it comes to funky styling and cool youth-oriented features with the launch of what is billed as its newest sports coupe icon, the Scion FUSE Concept.

The Scion FUSE was developed jointly by Toyota and Five Axis, the creators of most of Scion’s avant-garde concepts. It is inspired by the Hako Super GT racecars that compete in the JGTC series in Japan. It features a sweeping wraparound windshield inspired by a race helmet, funky styling akin to other Scion vehicles, sensor-activated Lambo doors, dual exhaust outlets that include reverse lamps and fog lights, programmable headlamps and fog lamps, two 10.5 inch LCD screens on the dash that conveniently turns off and stays off while the car is in motion and many more high-tech thingamajigs.

Yup, the Scion FUSE is definitely one cool concept. However, there is such as a thing as too much technology and this concept is a blatant example. It is simply not practical. Also, it is unlikely that most of the FUSE concept will be seen in future production vehicles. Well, the concept did succeed in its primary objective which is to be, to quote from Scion, “a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Scion owners and other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe”.

Volkswagen’s new Passat was unveiled at the 2006 New York International Auto Show with a more aggressive, aerodynamic and racier look inspired by the Passat R GT that was exhibited at the SEMA annual exhibition last year. This concept drew positive, enthusiastic response from people which drove Volkswagen to introduce the package as an option in new Passats. The package is part of VW’s Moonraker project, which aims to develop vehicles and options more attuned to the unique trends in the U.S. automotive market.

The package transformed the typically tame Passat into a racy and aggressive-looking car through front and rear skirts with color contrasting elements, a honeycomb-designed grille, side sill kit, harmonically-integrated tailgate lip, oval-shaped tail pipe trim and 18 inch titanium colored alloy wheels complete with 235/45R18 high-performance summer Pirelli tires. Performance lowering springs also lowered the Passat’s stance for a more aggressive look. In terms of performance, the aerodynamic package also enhanced the Passat’s downward force when driven.

The VW Passat aerodynamic package will be available as an option for $4,500 starting this fall and will be installed at the port of delivery. Passat owners can also purchase each of the parts individually at Volkswagen Dealerships across the country.

Acura took the cover off of a record three new exciting vehicles in its lineup at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. The Javits Center saw the world debut of the new Acura MD-X Concept SUV as well as a production version of the all-new RDX performance luxury SUV. Acura also heralded its upcoming participation to the 2007 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with the launch of an Acura-powered race car.

The MD-X concept SUV and the RDX premium entry-level SUV represented Acura’s all-new light truck lineup. The aggressively-designed MD-X concept gives an advanced view of the upcoming MDX luxury performance SUV due to go on sale this fall. Meanwhile, the RDX features Acura’s first turbocharged engine and breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The RDX promises the agility and handling of a sport sedan combined with the utility and versatility of an SUV.

Meanwhile, the Acura-powered race car will carry Acura’s marquee at the 2007 American Le Mans Series. The Acura ALMS will participate in the 10-race domestic series which will include 12 hours of Sebring and other road circuits such as Road America, Laguna Seca, and Lime Rock Park along with Audi, Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Lexus, Aston Martin and Chevrolet.

The Porsche Cayman S emerged victorious and beat two other finalists chosen from an impressive list of 29 contenders when it was named as the 2006 World Performance Car of the Year at a press conference held in conjunction with the ongoing NY Auto Show. The new Porsche Cayman S bested two others contenders, the Audi RS4 and the BMW M5 to win the coveted award. This accolade comes in the heels of another win for the Cayman S, which also snagged this year’s Playboy Car of the Year award. The Cayman S was also a finalist for the World Car of the Year award but lost, however, to the BMW 3 Series.

The Porsche Cayman S coupe is set between the wildly popular Boxster and 911. Peter Schwarzenbauer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America said that “[The Porsche Cayman S] selection as the 2006 World Performance Car is an early indicator it will take its place alongside these two famed models as yet another benchmark sports car from Porsche.” In fact, the Cayman S combines the balance of the Boxster’s mid-engine placement and the chassis stiffness that characterize the legendary Porsche 911.

The Cayman S also boasts of a visceral 3.4 liter Boxer six-cylinder engine that delivers an impressive 295 horsepower and a super-responsive steering. Add to that the voluptuous curves of this stunningly-designed coupe and we really have a winner here. The Porsche Cayman S debuted in dealerships throughout the US only early this year at a retail price of $58,900.

The BMW 3 Series added another feather to its cap, or shall we say fender, when it was adjudged as the 2006 World Car of the Year besting two other finalists, the Mazda MX-5 and the Porsche Cayman S. The award-winning BMW 3 Series received its latest accolade in a ceremony held in conjunction with the ongoing New York International Automobile Show. The World Car of the Year award is chosen by an independent panel of automotive journalists from all over the world. Contenders for the award must be available in most markets of the world. They are evaluated according to style, performance, handling, comfort, and utility. Other criteria include value, safety, environmental responsibility, and significance.

The BMW 3 Series, long considered around the world as an automotive icon, has met these criteria and emerged as the clear winner in this year’s competition. The BMW 3 Series is considered as the quintessential luxury sports sedan and a true world car. It is sold in over 140 countries worldwide and is available in four different body styles: sedan, sports wagon, coupe and convertible. It also has a wide variety of engines ranging from 4-cylinder diesel to high performance 6-cylinders. The BMW 3 Series is also noted for its excellent value due to its free scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles and the outstanding residual value.

The current model of the 3 Series boasts of such high tech features as aluminum inline six-cylinder engine with Valvetronic technology and advanced Dynamic Stability. Tom Purvis, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America received the award. “We are delighted to receive this recognition for the 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series is the true embodiment of a world car, he enthused. Other winners of the car of the year awards where the Citroen C4 as 2006 World Car Design of the Year, Porsche Cayman S as World Performance Car and the Honda Civic Hybrid as World Green Car.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is set to redefine the notion of a crossover SUV when it unveils the new 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander at the upcoming 2006 New York International Auto Show, opening this weekend. The 2007 Outlander will join other models in Mitsubishi’s reinvigorated lineup including the 2007 Mitsubishi Gallant Ralliart sport sedan, the Mitsubishi Concept-X, the hybrid Mitsubishi Concept CT-MIEV, the 2007 Eclipse Spyder and many more.

The new 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander will feature a trademark passionate design as well as deliver an excellent driving experience and innovative features. Offering top notch versatility, technology and value the 2007 Outlander is poised to be a top contender in the crossover segment. For the 2007 version, the Outlander will feature an all-new 3.0L V6 MIVEC engine with a standard 6-speed Sportronic automatic transmission, one-touch manual shifting and adaptive electronics.

All Wheel Control (AWC), an advanced version of all-wheel drive is also available in the new Outlander. Meanwhile, a Sportronic rally-inspired steering wheel paddle shifters for shifting control at the driver’s fingertips provide a sportier feel for the Outlander XLS version. Other impressive features include an innovative two-piece flap-fold rear tailgate that makes cargo loading easier as well as an in-floor stowable third-row seat that makes the Outlander XLS all the more versatile.

Tech-savvy drivers will find a lot of exciting new features such as standard Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface, advanced FAST-key access system, optional 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system and DVD entertainment, and an optional state-of-the-art hard drive navigation system. With all these impressive new features, we have every reason to check out the 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander display at the Javits Center when the NYAS opens on Saturday, April 14.

Luxury automaker Lexus is set to break new ground this year when it whisks the covers off the new Lexus GS450h, the first hybrid luxury sedan. The Lexus GS450h joins the RX400h SUV as the only luxury vehicles offering improved fuel economy and eco-friendliness. The hybrid sedan will be available in rear wheel drive and will be powered by electric motor mated to a 3.5L V-6 engine with an output of 339 hp and acceleration pegged at 0-60 miles in 5.2 seconds. As a hybrid vehicle, the GS450h offers stellar fuel economy up to 25mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway.

Lexus aims to market the Lexus GS450h not only for its excellent fuel mileage and environment friendliness but more for its high performance characteristics. The current luxury vehicle market is now dominated by the Lexus brand. The luxury market is generally divided into two categories according to comfort and sportiness. The Lexus GS450h promises a potent combination of both comfort and high performance that Lexus owners seek. “[Lexus] Hybrid performance is ‘chocolate with no calories’” Says Bob Carter, group VP, general manager of Lexus.

The Lexus GS450h will be introduced at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Afterwards, it will be available in dealerships across the country by May. Lexus plans on making only 2,000 GS450h models per year to test consumer interest. The Lexus GS450h will be available at an MSRP of $54,900.

For our previous report on the Lexus GS450h, click here