Considered by many to be one of the most important automotive events, the New York International Auto Show always brings us a bevy of new models, concepts and general information from world’s most popular car brands.

The 2015 New York International Auto Show kicked off earlier this week, where we had one of our friends, a highly talented automotive photographer Cristian Guamanzara, visiting the NYIAS and taking a couple of interesting shots from the event itself.

Plenty more from the 2015 New York International Auto Show is coming up later today, with detailed information about several new models and concepts being released, all covered on our site in detail.  Take a look at the media gallery below the jump and feast your eyes on some rather exciting vehicles from one of the important annual events from the automotive industry.

2015 New York International Auto Show gallery

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While many will consider the Chevrolet Camaro a remnant of the past, the highly successful modern day muscle car is destroying that backward thinking all over the place. Equipped with either a V6 or V8 engine, this daring muscle car looks and resembles a perfect intro into a lifestyle many cherish. The Camaro (NYSE: GM) , in its fifth generation, has been a darling of the automotive world.

Its parent company, Chevrolet, was been founded in 1911 in Detroit. It is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. The Camaro, albeit a big part of its success, still is only a small part of it in general. This generation of the Chevrolet Camaro went on sale in August 2009. Camaro sales passed Mustang in 2010, to become America’s best-selling performance car – a title Camaro has retained for five consecutive years. In the process, the Camaro has helped build the Chevrolet family – with 63% of retail buyers new to GM.

“The fifth-generation Camaro has clearly resonated with both long-time Camaro fans, and first time performance-car buyers,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager, in a press release. “That sets the bar high for the next chapter of the car’s history.”

Remarkably, the Camaro continues to gain momentum, even as the fifth-generation Camaro nears the end of production this year. In 2014, Camaro total sales increased 7.1% for its second-best year of sales since its introduction. What will its successor bring, still remains to be seen. But as the car industry takes a turn to the green and eco-friendly motoring, the Chevrolet Camaro may well be on its path to glory, still touting a pure bred muscle car V8 engine – with some possible hybrid technology employed.

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The well-known tire company Goodyear Tire (NASDAQ: GT) unveiled a very interesting prototype at the Geneva Motor Show.

The concept behind this prototype — which is far from going into production — could radically change the way we view car tires and car travel in the future. This concept, named “BHO3” – offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into electrical energy. This means, that under certain conditions, the car’s tires could actually charge the batteries of the vehicle. While the whole technology is rather new, the concept sounds profoundly promising all together.

The role of the car tires has always been to provide the safety and performance by adding better traction. Tires also allow for a smoother ride and take the hard hits of variable driving conditions the cars may encounter. In a nutshell they are the contact surface that the car has with the road. On the other hand, the technology of the tires remained stagnant in a lot of ways. Now, with Goodyear releasing its concept tires, dedicated to charging electric vehicles, we might see a big shift of focus for this often neglected part of the automotive culture entirely.

“These concept tires re-imagine the role that tires may play in the future,” said Joe Zekoski, Goodyear’s senior vice president and Chief Technical Officer, in a statement. “We envision a future in which our products become more integrated with the vehicle and the consumer, more environmentally friendly and more versatile.”

These tires would generate electricity through the action of materials in the tires themselves, reacting to the driving surfaces it encounters. The energy is created by heat when it flexes as it rolls during normal driving conditions, creating energy that can be transformed from one state to another, providing electricity. The materials used would optimize the tire’s electricity generation capabilities as well as its rolling resistance.

While Goodyear hasn’t released that much information about this potential groundbreaking technology, it is easy to see how such a solution would benefit would be range anxious drivers and help their electric vehicles achieve better range as well. Take a look at the video we’ve added below to find out more about this revolutionary tire concept. We’re sure some high-profile car manufacturers will take a rather compelling interest in this technology as well.

Now the question is, can Goodyear make this 3D rendering a reality? Only time will tell.

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Volkswagen’s (ETR: VOW) Sport Coupé Concept GTE got its first debut at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, heralding a new and progressive Volkswagen design language.

“Evolution and revolution come together in the Sport Coupé Concept GTE. This concept is based on Volkswagen design DNA, which has been visibly sharpened even more. It shows how the highest-volume brand of our Group is shaping the immediate future,”Walter de Silva, Head of Design of Volkswagen AG,” Walter de Silva, Head of Design of Volkswagen said in a press release.

It is the next step in VW’s evolution of hybrid high-performance models, coming with a distinctive design language. Part of its push to make a statement in the automotive world, the recently showcased concept provides us with a glimpse of the German car maker’s future. It also shows us in what direction may we expect the four-door coupe models will head for as well.

Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Development, elaborates:

“This breathtakingly dynamic coupé is unlike any other to appear in this class. The design of the Sport Coupé Concept GTE is an impressive alternative to the classic sedans of the B and C segments—it has the style of a sport coupé that is enriched by the functionality of a large hatchback and the interior space of a sedan.” Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design of the Volkswagen Brand, adds: “The Sport Coupé Concept GTE is another milestone of expressive design. With this concept car, Volkswagen is not only showing a new model’s design, but also initial glimpses of a new design era.”

You will immediately notice the VW’s current design philosophy implemented with this concept. While the front grille and headlights have been connected in design cues on many models by different car makers lately, the whole sleek profile of this vehicle is seldom seen in production form. On the other hand, the large rear boot opening, similar to five-door sedans of the past does provide a healthy dose of utility and practicality. The larger wheels added to the concept will probably be lost in entry-level trim levels of the probable production model. On the contrary, we believe that the frameless doors, particularly sleek door handles and the elongated hood will find its way into the production model sketches later on. Overall, the German car maker is providing yet another alternative to the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW when the four-door coupes are in question.

The Sport Coupé Concept GTE is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system that is both economical and sporty. The current concept car uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre TSI V6 direct-injection engine that produces 295 horsepower (220 kW) and maximum torque of 369 pound feet. The electrical components consist of a lithium-ion battery that’s housed in the center tunnel and two electric motors. The 54-hp (40 kW0 front motor is integrated in the 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and the rear electric motor develops 114 hp (85 kW). The total available system power is 374 hp (279 kW).

If necessary, the system’s power can be distributed to all four wheels thanks to the rear electric motor and an “electric driveshaft”. In the sporty GTE mode, the 155 mph coupé accelerates from zero to 62 mph in just 5.0 seconds. Despite this dynamic performance, the concept car has an EC combined fuel consumption of 118 mpg. In addition, the Sport Coupé Concept GTE can be driven all-electrically, with zero emissions, for a distance of at least 32 miles. The total driving range on one tank of gasoline is more than 745 miles.

There are several driving modes to choose from: hybrid, e-mode, GTE, battery charge and battery hold, and finally, the electric drive all-wheel drive system can be engaged, fully utilizing the power available for the driver.

The interior design is probably the most appealing part of this vehicle. It showcases an abundance of options, but keeps it clean at the same time. Current Volkswagen owners may recognize several design features, but also have the interior design grow to them in matter of seconds as well. The elongated front face of the car’s dashboard provides us with an onlook to current VW Passat. The four-seater option allows all the space and interior comfort to be used. Generally, the technological aspect mix well with business like personality of the concept, providing both the driver and their passengers plenty of comfort. We’ll just have to see how much of this concept’s design cues and solutions makes it to the production version.

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A few months earlier, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi (ETR: NSU) presented the Audi Prologue concept car. A glimpse into the brand’s future. That’s what everybody in the automotive business thought about this concept. It showcased what design language will Audi employ in the forthcoming years. Only four months later, the premium manufacturer is showing a variant of its visionary concept at the Geneva Motor Show. With a length of 5.11 meters (16.8 ft) and a width of 1.97 meters (6.5 ft), the five-door car with its pioneering body concept positions itself clearly in the luxury class.

On the other hand, Audi was always a company that put a lot of emphasis on sporty performance. The same has been applied to the Audi Prologue Avant Show car concept as well. The Audi prologue Avant uses technology which is close to series production. It is equipped with the plug‑in hybrid drive from the Audi Q7 e‑tron quattro which achieves even higher performance in the show car. 335 kW (455 hp) of system power output by the 3.0 TDI engine and the electric motor in combination make the car sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.1 seconds. The purely electric range is 54 kilometers (33.6 mi). The chassis is equipped with adaptive air suspension and the dynamic all‑wheel‑drive steering system – thus combining comfort, sportiness, handling and stability on a new performance level.

“With our show car for Geneva, we now translate the design language of the Audi prologue into a new, dynamic and stretched form. We are merging it with a concept of high variability”, said Board Member for Technical Development, Ulrich Hackenberg in a statement. “The Audi prologue Avant is progressive, emotion-filled and versatile, it reflects Audi’s technological competence and quality claim perfectly.”

The Audi Prologue Avant is an elegant car. It shows us the elongated lines seen on various newer models. But with a touch more style and sophistication. As we know, the car wont enter production in its current form. But it still gives us a rather remarkable view of what could be achievable if the bean counters were not running the show. Hybrid technologies coupled with some great design cues, fabulous interior solutions – that’s what the market wants. While just a concept car, it still shows us the creativity focused on style, sophistication and design that is needed in today’s car world. If only Audi would not stray much from this concept in the production car. It would make a lot of petrolheads rather happy.

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Viewed by many as the most daunting racing event in the world now, the LeMans 24 Hour race has always brought the best in the automotive world.

The most impacting feature of the LeMans racing are the technological breakthroughs that empower car companies to produce some rather impressive racing solution with viable applications in day-to-day driving and street legal cars. For this years LeMans race, Audi (ETR:NSU) received ann approval from The Selection Committee of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) which has accepted all nominations submitted by Audi for the 83rd running of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

As a result, three Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars will be competing in the world’s major endurance race on June 13 and 14, 2015, for which Tom Kristensen has been appointed as ‘Grand Marshal’ by the organizer. This will allow Audi to once again run their Quattro powered hybrids in a competition that’s more about endurance and fuel efficiency together with performance than anything else. Cutting fuel runs, allowing for more driving time and affording better range is key to success in this racing series.

The Audi R18 e-tron quattro is a hybrid version of the R18 ultra, with a 500 kJ flywheel accumulator system designed by Williams Hybrid Power. The R18 e-tron comes with two two 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) Bosch Motor Generator Units driving the front wheels with water-cooled integrated power electronics, powering all four wheels through the Quattro drive system. The car comes with a smaller fuel tank, affording just 58 litres. This, on the other hand, keeps the weight low. The hybrid system allows for better fuel utilization, more mileage and better performance overall. The quattro system, as per the regulations, is available only at speeds above 120 km/h (75 mph).

“We’re delighted that the ACO has accepted our three nominations,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who attended the event in Paris together with Chris Reinke, Head of LMP. He also added: “Audi will be competing at Le Mans for the 17th consecutive time and has been unbeaten with its hybrid drive so far. This year, we’re welcoming a new competitor. This provides further proof of the positive development that prototype racing and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) have seen since 2012.”

Last year’s winners Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) are set on battling for their fourth victory this year in the number ‘7’ Audi R18 e-tron quattro. This will mark another chapter in the quest for the title at LeMans, one of the most highly prestigious racing events. Now, with the advent of hybrid and electrical power, this will give many car manufacturers the perfect testing atmosphere to run their newly invented and reinvented solutions in the car production, performance, fuel efficiency and other areas.

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City traffic has become so bad these days that it has become impractical to drive a big SUV with boat-like handling characteristics. It’s much easier to zip around town in a subcompact or small hatchback, after all. The fact that fuel prices falling to record lows due to the drop in oil prices is just icing on the cake, especially if your daily commute to work involves inching through parking lot-like traffic jams.

For Hyundai, its small cars are the top sellers in Asian markets like India and the Philippines, where the Korean company’s Eon and i10 lines are common sights on the street. Even as the more formidable Starex, Sta. Fe, Tucson, Elantra and Accent are also popular, nothing beats a low price tag, especially in emerging markets.

But even then, small does not necessarily mean cheap. Our review model for this automotive feature is the 2015 Hyundai Grand i10, a subcompact hatchback directly competing with the Suzuki/Maruti Swift, and recent market entrants, the new Mitsubishi Mirage and Toyota Wigo. Price-wise, however, the Grand i10 is a bit on the steep side, which means the choice might come between this subcompact hatch or a bigger — although lower trim — subcompact sedan. Even Hyundai’s own Accent has a lower starting price than the top-spec Grand i10.

Hyundai often attaches the “Grand” moniker to significantly-upgraded models, and for the i10, this marks the car’s second generation, first launched in late 2013. The Grand i10 is 100 mm longer than its predecessor, and the top-spec variant also offers features and amenities that one might find more at home on more expensive and larger vehicles, such as safety and electronics packages.

Specifications

Our review model is the top-of-the-line L variant, powered by a 1.2 liter Kappa motor delivering a maximum power of 87 ps @ 6,000 RPM and torque of 12.2 nm @ 4,000 RPM, with 0-100 Kph acceleration rated at 15 seconds. Motor-driven power steering makes turning light, with a tight turning radius. LxWxH is 3,765 mm x 1,660 mm x 1,505 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,425 mm. Cargo space is measured at 1,202 liters.

The Grand i10’s Kappa motor comes in a mostly aluminum construction to minimize weight, resulting in the car’s having a curb weight of 941 to 998 Kg. In the Philippine market, the Grand i10’s starting price is PhP 538,000 (US$ 12,155) for the base model, climbing up to PhP 688,000 (US$ 15,544) for the top-spec model. The difference comes mainly in the following:

• 1.2 L vs. 1.0 L displacement
• Alloy wheels vs. Steel with full wheelcap
• Electrically-actuated folding side mirrors
• Rear parking assist (Camera- and radar-assistance)

Note that Hyundai actually had to reprice the Grand i10, perhaps to better compete against the 3-cylinder Toyota Wigo and Mitsubishi Mirage, which have taken over Manila streets of late.

Design, comfort and amenities

The Hyundai Grand i10 has more than the usual small-car amenities that you would wonder why these don’t already come standard even on bigger cars. The touchscreen LCD makes navigating the entertainment system a breeze. Shift to Reverse and you get a rear-view camera. You even get push-to-start ignition.

Inside the cabin, space is what you would expect from a subcompact hatch — it will surely feel a bit claustrophobic if you’re more used to bigger sedans or SUVs. However, the ride is comfortable enough, with adequate NVH insulation and a supple suspension. Comparing the Grand i10 with the Honda Jazz, which we reviewed a few months back, I can say that the Grand i10 is surprisingly more comfortable.

I’m not too fond of the resistive nature of the 7-inch touchscreen, however, as it is sometimes inaccurate and would require repeated presses to register a touch. With the popularity of capacitive displays even on cheap tablets today, I wonder why Hyundai has to settle with a resistive screen. The lack of audio controls on the steering wheel can also be concerning, especially since Hyundai has already put in this level of kit on the Grand i10.

Unlike the Honda Jazz, the Grand i10’s seating design is more conventional, with the fuel tank situated right below the rear passenger bench. The rear backrest folds in full (no split), but it doesn’t fold flat. This can be quite limiting in terms of carrying big cargo like boxes or furniture. Legroom is comparable to most subcompact sedans — it’s evident that Hyundai put in the extra length into extending the rear passenger space.

Audio quality is acceptable, and you can plug in your phone or USB thumbdrive for MP3 playback. The car’s head unit also supports Bluetooth audio, enabling music playback from your smartphone and handsfree communication while driving.

The Grand i10 also comes standard with a navigation system. While apps like Waze and Google Maps are already formidable alternatives to a car-bound GPS navigation system, it’s good to know that Hyundai has incorporated a feature once reserved for more premium models (even the Nissan Altima that VR World reviewed in November did not have this feature).

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