New York show: US-market models revealed

SEVERAL car-makers including Kia, Acura and Volkswagen have shown new vehicles at the New York motor that are destined for US showrooms only and are unlikely to end up in Australia.

Ford’s luxury brand Lincoln revealed a pre-production version of its latest model, the Aviator, a three-row large SUV set to launch in America next year.

The Aviator is being hailed by the luxury brand as its “quietest, smoothest drive yet”, thanks in part to its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which teams an electric battery to a twin-turbocharged petrol engine of unspecified displacement and output.

As its name would suggest, the Aviator’s design is inspired by aeronautical themes including birds and planes, while inside, the American manufacturer has gone for a more minimal look with a long, streamlined dash and 12.0-inch infotainment system.

Other features include 30-way adjustable and massage seats, the latest version of parent company Ford’s Sync multimedia interface, and a full suite of driver assistance technologies.

Cadillac used the New York show to unveil two new vehicles, including the twin-turbo V8 CT6 V-Sport sedan, which ushers in a refresh of the entire CT6 line-up and the introduction of new V-Sport-branded models for the manufacturer.

Under the bonnet, the CT6 V-Sport packs a mighty 410kW/850Nm 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8 mated to ten-speed automatic transmission, representing the first time the brand has used a twin-turbo bent-eight.

Hinting at its performance credentials are Brembo brakes, a revised all-wheel-drive torque split, tyres developed specifically for the CT6, re-mapped steering and track-focused stability controls.

Its styling, which marks a new iteration of Cadillac’s design language, draws inspiration from the Escala concept shown at the Pebble Beach Concors d’Elegance in 2016, with narrow headlights, a large mesh grille and angular tail-lights.

The American manufacturer also used the New York show to reveal the XT4, its all-new medium SUV built on an exclusive platform that gives Cadillac its first entrant into the booming segment.

All versions are powered by a 177kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with three different specification levels on offer.

Features on the XT4 include an 8.0-inch infotainment system, active safety features, four USB and three 12V charging ports, and the brand’s latest multimedia interface.

Fellow GM brand GMC revealed the all-new version of its Sierra full-size pick-up, an off-road version of the Chevrolet Silverado-based ute that adds a number of extra rough-terrain goodies over the regular version.

The AT4 version gains a two-inch suspension lift, two-speed all-wheel-drive transfer case, locking rear differential, skid plates, off-road-tuned shock absorbers, all-terrain tyres with mud-terrain rubber as an option, hill descent control, traction select system, red recovery hooks and a number of other visual flairs.

Three engine options are available on the AT4, consisting of two petrol V8s – 6.2- and 5.3-litres respectively – and a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel unit.

Honda offshoot Acura unveiled its new RDX medium-to-large SUV, with revised styling, a new platform and a VTEC turbo-petrol engine.

The new platform means the RDX has grown over the outgoing model both inside and out, while its styling carries forward the design language presented on the concept revealed in January.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that replaces the old V6 unit, with 202kW/380Nm driving all four wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

A 10.2-inch infotainment system, 16-channel sound system and a full suite of AcuraWatch safety systems are included.

Kia’s second-generation K900 flagship sedan broke cover at the New York show, boasting revised styling, additional refinement and technology, and the same turbo V6 powerplant in the Stinger sedan.

Its styling refresh gives a more stately look with an expansive take on the brand’s ‘tiger nose’ grille, squarer headlights and a rear end reminiscent of European upper-large luxury sedans.

Premium materials such as wood and leather are used throughout the interior, with features such as 12-way adjustable front and rear seats, mood lighting, a strengthened chassis and improved vehicle dynamics helping aid occupant comfort.

A wide array of technologies are available through driver-assistance systems and the 12.3-inch multimedia system, while power comes from Kia’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 that sends 272kW/510Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

And Volkswagen unveiled a five-seat Cross Sport concept version of its Atlas large SUV, with the production version expected to land in 2019.

The Atlas Cross Sport concept uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of two electric motors teamed to a 3.6-litre V6 for a combined output of 265kW, with a number of different on- and off-road driving modes available.

Styling has been tweaked for a more coupe-like appearance, while a two-bar grille, revised LED headlights and different bumpers separate it from the seven-seat production version.

Inside, occupants benefit from a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof.