NEW YORK - Considering the abundant attention paid to smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles at recent auto shows, New York was something of a surprise. Mini-size cars slipped into the background, eclipsed by a succession of performance cars, premium models, SUVs, and even a supercar or two. Hybrids and diesel engines got a few mentions, but horsepower hikes for coming-soon models appeared to capture more notice from the journalists and industry leaders who turned up for the media preview period.

Compared to the Chicago Auto Show this past February, New York's event also came across as a lot bigger. Show organizers counted 35 global or North American premiers of new models, presented by 16 major manufacturers and a couple of lesser-known companies. Many of the introduced models were bigger and more powerful than their predecessors - though typically promising improved gas mileage.

Stefan Jacoby, the president and CEO of Volkswagen of America, led off the first of two Press Days at the New York show, as keynote speaker for the annual breakfast hosted by show organizers and the International Motor Press Association. "All Americans have a stake in this industry's future," Jacoby said, while predicting that U.S. vehicle sales will fall below 10 million vehicles in 2009. "We cannot expect overnight improvements."

In their quest to develop the best vehicles a century ago, Jacoby recalled, "the early automotive pioneers tried everything." That sort of attitude is needed again today, when "we are re-inventing the automobile." Though Volkswagen is "in a race with our competitors to find a fuel for the future," many "affordable improvements" can be applied to conventional internal-combustion engines. including cylinder deactivations and variable valve timing. Viewing the situation from another perspective, Jacoby noted that "we can do more with traffic guidance systems."

After issuing a series of ambiguous "teaser" photos prior to the New York show, Acura unveiled a prototype of a brand-new model: a "luxury four-door sport coupe" that will go on sale this fall. Jeff Conrad, executive vice-president of sales, said the prototype is "extremely close" to the production ZDX. Described as "provocative" in design, its goal is straightforward: to "rekindle the passion of true automotive enthusiasts."

Displaying a decidedly chiseled appearance, the ZDX aims to blend merits of a coupe, sedan, and SUV. Below the panoramic glass roof, both the back window and the rear door glass are sharply tapered, and exterior rear door handles are absent. Acura's VTEC V-6 engine mates with a six-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, employing paddle shifters. A blind spot information system and multi-view rear backup camera will be available.

Bentley introduced its new Continental Supersports coupe, which had debuted early in March at the Geneva (Switzerland) auto show. Weighing 243 pounds less than the Continental GTC Speed model, the Supersports coupe contains a 621-horsepower V-8 engine that promises 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds. Bentley's new automatic transmission cuts gear-change times roughly in half. Price: $267,000, when the Supersports coupe goes on sale in October. In 2010, Bentley will offer a flex-fuel version that can run on bio-ethanol fuel.

BMW premiered the new performance-packed M edition of its X6 crossover wagon. A long series of "M" coupes, sedans and convertibles has been issued over the years. This is the first one with all-wheel drive. It's also the first M-model of any kind with a turbocharged engine, which produces 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The X6 M will reach U.S. dealerships later in 2009. Late this year, BMW plans to add an ActiveHybrid version of the X6.

BMW also exhibited its 2010 5 Series and 6 Series lineup, which have gained the latest iDrive system that first appeared in top-of-the-line 7 Series sedans.

Only one General Motors division had a new model for the New York show: GMC, which revealed its new Terrain crossover SUV. Built on the same platform as Chevrolet's Equinox, the Terrain can have either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V-6. Each engine works with a six-speed automatic transmission. Terrains will come with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, in SLE and SLT trim levels. Six airbags are standard, along with a rear-vision camera. Rivals include the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Stepping well up the size scale, GMC also promoted the new Hybrid version of its full-size Yukon Denali sport-utility vehicle. With its 2-mode hybrid system, the comparatively frugal Denali yields an estimated 21 miles per gallon around town, while seating eight and capable of towing up to 5,800 pounds.

Rather than conceal concerns about GM's depleted sales, Susan Docherty, vice-president of the Buick-Pontiac-GMC division, outlined several steps that the corporation is taking to attract customers. GM's Total Confidence Plan, for one, can guarantee loan payments for up to 9 months, for buyers who lose their jobs after the sale. To deal with the growing problem of "upside-down" car owners (who owe more than their vehicle is worth, secondhand), GM also offers trade-in protection.

Rather than a new vehicle, Honda focused on a "Dog Friendly" variant of its Element crossover SUV. When sales begin this fall, the special-edition Element will probably include a cushioned pet bed with an elevated platform, second-row and cargo-area pet restraint system, and an extendable load-in ramp.

When you think of gullwing doors (which swing upward), the Hyundai name doesn't fall readily to mind. Still, that's the most noticeable design feature of the HCD-ll concept crossover vehicle that the South Korean automaker revealed in New York. Noting that "there's not a single line on this car that is standing still," design manager John Krsteski added that the California-created concept represents a "new vision for a future crossover."

Will those stylish gullwing doors, first used on the Mercedes-Benz SL coupe way back in the mid-1950s, remain on a production Hyundai? Not likely, but Hyundai definitely plans to make use of the concept's bluedrive Hybrid system. When Hyundai first exhibited bluedrive, which is meant to employ lithium polymer batteries, the system was mounted on a bare chassis. This time, it sat within a full-scale vehicle, also known as the Nuvis. No one is promising real-world production, but the concept captured a lot of attention in New York as its doors raised high.

Chrysler's Jeep division unveiled the next-generation Grand Cherokee sport-utility vehicle, but not as a 2010 model like other manufacturers. No, this Jeep is a 2011 model. That's an intriguing decision, in view of Chrysler's severe financial issues. The company is currently working on a connection with Fiat, the Italian automaker - a choice directed by the Obama Administration as part of the acceptance of bailout funds.

"This would be a perfect car to get around New York City," said Jim Press, Chrysler's vice-chairman and president, pointing to a little Fiat 500 that could eventually wear a Chrysler badge. Company executives are "working around the clock" to meet the requirements set forth by the Obama Administration, Press advised. Among the many cuts undertaken by Chrysler, employment is now at a level unseen since 1934. Warranty claims are said to be down 30 percent in the past year, reaching the lowest point ever. Chrysler intends to issue a full-electric automobile next year.

Meanwhile, the 2011 Grand Cherokee contains a new Quadra-Lift air suspension that provides five levels and offers up to 11 inches of ground clearance. Three distinct four-wheel-drive systems will be offered. Quadra-Trac I and II, plus Quadra-Drive, which includes an electronic slip differential. Body structure of the Grand Cherokee is said to be 146 percent stiffer, due to additional welds. Door opening are bigger, and 20-inch wheels will be offered. A new Phoenix V-6 will replace seven current V-6s, producing 280 horsepower (up 33 percent) along with fuel-economy improvement of 11 percent. Chrysler's Hemi V-8 also will remain available.

In February at the Chicago Auto Show, Kia introduced a successor to its Spectra sedan, named the Forte. New York served as the launch pad for a two-door companion. Evolved from the concept coupe that was exhibited a year ago, the 2010 Koup will reach dealerships in late summer. Particularly large rear quarter windows give the two-door a noticeable look. Says chief designer Tom Kearns: This is "a Kia with attitude. Get use to that phrase." Referring to Kias in general, Kearns added that "you can see a visual narrative starting to take place."

As with the Forte sedan, two four-cylinder engines will be available: a 2.4-liter that develops 173 horsepower. or a more modest 2.0-liter. With a six-speed manual transmission, the 2.4-liter engine gets an EPA estimate of 22 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway; automatic drops those figures to 23/31 mpg. The 2.0-liter gets a 25/34 mpg rating with either manual or automatic. Side-impact airbags are standard, along with curtain-type airbags and active front head restraints. Also standard are antilock braking and Electronic Stability Control. A decklid spoiler is optional.

Land Rover introduced a trio of 2010 models - the British SUV-maker's full lineup, in fact: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and new LR4. Replacing the current LR3 model, the new LR4 is the fourth-generation SUV in that line. In addition to gaining modified suspension architecture along with its model-designation change, the LR4 contains a 375-horsepower V-8.

Range Rover, the biggest SUV of this British lot, comes with a choice of two new 5.0-liter V-8s. Direct fuel injection helps the regular V-8 deliver 25 percent more power than the prior 4.4-liter V-8, according to the company. Supercharging gives the Range Rover engine a boost to 510 horsepower. Identical engine choices are offered for the Range Rover Sport, which exhibits a fresh look outside, along with a reworked interior that includes new paddle shifters for the automatic transmission. The Range Sport also contains an Advanced Active suspension .

Land Rover is planning an additional model, based on the LR3 concept that appeared at Detroit's auto show this past January. "As the recession eases," said managing director Phil Popham, Land Rover "will be in a strong position to move forward again."

Mazda featured three products, led by the global debut of the facelifted 2010 CX-9 crossover. Also on tap: the North American debut of the 2010 MazdaSpeed3, and the U.S. debut of the facelifted 2010 CX-7 wagon. A new, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine is available for the CX-7, though the 244-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder remains available, too. Not only have CX-7 prices been lowered, Mazda, but the crossover's gas mileage has improved.

As part of its "sustainable zoom-zoom" visioin, by the year 2015, Mazda intends to improve average fuel consumption by 30 percent, helped by creating a new family of gasoline and diesel engines. Lighter-weight platforms and slicker aerodynamic shapes also are expected to help in the fuel-mileage quest.

Mercedes-Benz focused on the redesigned E-Class coupe and sedan, even employing the talents of Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Diane Reeves to entertain the media group. Seen for the first time in North America, the E-Class will come in three forms: E350 with V-6 power, E550 with a V-8 beneath its hood, and the diesel-powered E320 BlueTEC model. Performance-car fans might prefer the new E63 AMG sedan, which made its world debut at the New York Auto Show. Equipped with a 518-horsepower V-8 engine, the E63 delivers what AMG chairman Volker Mornhinweg described as "hair-raising response." Fuel economy is claimed to be 12 better than the prior AMG-developed E-Class sedan.

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is launching a hybrid-powertrain model. Introduced in New York was the ML450 Hybrid SUV, a "full" hybrid with two electic motors and combined 335-horsepower output. Mercedes-Benz says it uses barely more than half the fuel of a comparable V-8 model. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives the ML450 Hybrid an estimated 21 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway. Raising the fuel-economy bar higher yet, Mercedes-Benz also exhibited a prototype Vision E250 BlueTEC model with a four-cylinder diesel engine.

Mitsubishi hosted the world premiere of a prototype for a GT version of the company's Outlander crossover wagon. John Koenig, executive vice-president of operations, noted that the New York prototype suggests a "strong hint of the future of Outlanders." Fitted with Super all-wheel control and a 230-horsepower V-6 engine, the Outlander GT has an aluminum roof, a 40-gigabyte hard drive, and a new LCD gauge cluster.

Shin Kurihawa, president/CEO of Mitsubishi America, provided an update on the status of the i MiEV electric car that's expected to reach American dealerships before too long. Testing of the four-seat minicar is currently underway in Japan and Europe, as well as the U.S. Sales begin in Japan this summer. When it goes on sale, the i MiEV will have a range of 75 to 100 miles, and may be charged using either 110 or 220 volts. Kurihawa recalled that Mitsubishi's history with electric-car development dates back to the late 1960s. Today's "auto industry is at a crossroads," he said, and some manufacturers "may not survive."

Likely responding to criticism of Mitsubishi's ambiguous position in the marketplace, Koenig asserted that the company will establish a tighter focus. "We've been all over the map," Koenig admitted, "trying to appease everyone."

In addition to offering the regular line of 911 coupes and convertibles, Porsche has issued a series of GT2 and GT3 editions in recent years. At New York, the German premium sports-car maker revealed the next rendition of the GT3 coupe. In its new installation, Porsche's rear-mounted 3.8-liter engine develops 435 horsepower - sufficient to yield 0-60 mph acceleration in 4 seconds. Porsche engineers also have doubled the coupe's aerodynamic downforce. New magnetic fluid engine mounts are installed, and the GT3 may be equipped with ceramic brakes. Those brakes "beg to be abused," said factory driver Patrick Long. "The hotter, the better."

For everyday commuting, the new Porsche Active Safety Management system delivers a gentler ride. Switch it off, and the GT3 reverts to its true, vigorous nature. What does Porsche expect in these perilous times for the auto industry? "There will always be a demand for sports cars," according to Detlev von Platen, president/CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

Long known for developing high-potency supercars, Steve Saleen has a new automotive venture under the SMS nameplate. "SMS" stands for Saleen's initials, and his latest vehicle is the SMS 570X Challenger coupe. Based upon the recently-launched Dodge Challenger, the SMS offshoot retains the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine, but supercharging and other modifications boost its output to a whopping 700 horsepower. Saleen noted that the new supercharger uses six intercoolers (actually cylinders), and the engine features what he calls "Red Butterflies" induction. A 500-horsepower Challenger also is available under the SMS brand. "Performance will never go out of style," Saleen concluded at the SMS media presentation.

Toyota's youth-focused Scion division unveiled a new subcompact concept vehicle called the iQ. Naturally, it's no coincidence that the iQ model designation also appeared on a concept car introduced at the Paris Motor Show last October. In New York, that minicar wound up as one of the three contenders for World Car of the Year honors.

Scion pulled no punches when painting the iQ, whose yellow-green exterior (dubbed "radioactive") practically dared the eyes to look closely. Exhibiting a decidedly energetic personality, though standing motionless on stage, the iQ is a tiny little thing: more than two feet shorter than a typical subcompact car. If Scion elects to produce this vehicle, the iQ would target what vice-president Jack Hollis referred to as "young city dwellers who embrace the new urbanism," as they participate in "progressive lifestyles." Inside, the iQ is just about as bright, sporting iridescent gray/green upholstery.

Nine airbags are installed in the iQ show car, including the first application of rear-window curtain-type airbags. Driver information appears on a retractable 10-inch LCD screen.

Many motorists have never even heard of Spyker, but the limited-production sports-car maker is a perennial exhibitor at the New York Auto Show. This year, the company introduced a second-generation model called the C8 Aileron. First unveiled at the Geneva (Switzerland) Motor Show, the second-generation Spyker model features scissors-style doors along with a selection of aircraft-derived stying cues. Dimensions have increased, too - especially track width (distance between wheels), which has gained 6.1 inches.

Subaru used New York as a launch pad for its 2010 Legacy, as well as the related Outback series. In this era of emphasis on compactness and fuel-efficiency, it's a bit surprising to see that Subaru has enlarged the Legacy, bringing it up to true midsize dimensions. Overall length has increased by only 1.4 inches, but the car's wheelbase is 3 inches longer. Legacy models are 3.2 inches taller than before, and 3.6 inches wider. Trunk space for the sedan gets a 30-percent boost. As a result of the expansion, rear occupants enjoy 4 additional inches of leg space.

Three "boxer" (horizontally-opposed) engines will be available for the Legacy: a 170-horsepower 2.5 liter, mating with a six-speed manual transmission or a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT); a 265-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder; or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that produces 256 horsepower to a five-speed automatic transmission. History-minded motorists might recall that Subaru used a CVT before: in the tiny Justy, marketed in 1989-94.

Only two engines are offered for the Outback, which skips the turbo. Though the Outback's wheelbase has grown by 2.8 inches, overall length has actually shrunk a bit. Both models will reach dealerships this summer. Subaru claims to be the only brand in the U.S. whose sales rose in 2008.

Earning a major award for a new product, right on the premises of a foremost auto show, is more than most manufacturers could hope for. That's what happened to Volkswagen in New York. Just hours after VW gave its media presentation to promote the redesigned Golf and GTI hatchbacks, the sixth-generation Golf VI was named World Car of the Year.

First introduced at the Paris Motor Show last fall, the 2010 Golf and GTI have earned notable facelifting at the hands of an Italian designer. As in the past, two- and four-door hatchbacks will be offered. Volkswagen recently discontinued the Rabbit nameplate, in favor of the Golf designation that's used elsewhere in the world.

During Press Days, the winner of the 2009 World Car of the Year award was announced. Finalists were the Ford Fiesta, Toyota IQ (seen at the Paris Motor Show last October), and Volkswagen Golf VI. VW took home the prize. Awards also were issued for the World Performance Car (Nissan GT-R), World Green Car (Honda FCX Clarity), and World Car Design of the Year (Fiat 500 minicar, pictured at right).

New Yorkers could also get a look at the four-door Fisker Karma, made in California with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. According to Fisker Automotive, the Karma runs for 50 miles on electricity alone after a full charge from a 110- or 220-volt outlet. After that point, a generator (powered by a small gasoline engine) takes over, producing energy to drive the car's two electric motors.

Auto-show visitors also had an opportunity to try out Volvo's new City Safety feature, which can help avoid low-speed collisions in heavy traffic. The City Safety Experience took place during the full public period of the show, on the Inner Roadway at the Javits Center.

The New York Auto Show opened to the public at the Javits Center on Friday, April 10 and runs through Sunday, April 19. Detailed show information is available at www.autoshowNY.com. Serving as the last major American auto show of the 2009 model year, the New York extravaganza has a history dating all the way back to 1901.