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2011 New York auto show (wrap-up)

We take a look in our rearview mirror and recap the best cars of the 2011 New York auto show.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
2 min read

We take a look in our rearview mirror and recap the best cars from the 2011 New York auto show.
We take a look in our rearview mirror and recap the best cars from the 2011 New York auto show. Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Our time at the 2011 New York auto show has come to an end, but the show still goes on when it opens to the public this weekend. So, let's take a look back at some of the cars that we found most interesting and that you should look for as you navigate the massive show floor.

Clearly sick of being called a boring, beige brand, Toyota had two of the most interesting concepts at the New York show under its Lexus and Scion sub-brands. The Lexus LF-Gh concept previews a new, more aggressive direction for a brand best known for its very understated design. Meanwhile, the Scion FR-S concept was rivaled only by the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class concept as the hottest car of the show. You'll also find the full line of Prii (Prius, Prius V, and Prius C concept) on display.

The compact car segment was also a hotly contested battle ground in New York with the unveilings of the 2012 Nissan Versa, the 2012 Hyundai Accent, the 2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv, the 2012 Kia Rio, and six variants of the 2012 Honda Civic including a 44 mpg hybrid model. With Hyundai nipping at its heels, Honda's even stepped up to the plate and updated its cabin technology suite.

Chevrolet surprised everyone with the Malibu ECO, a lightly electrified sedan that's not quite a hybrid.
Chevrolet surprised everyone with the Malibu ECO, a lightly electrified sedan that's not quite a hybrid. Sarah Tew/CNET

Don't miss the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, the fastest Jeep ever.
Don't miss the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, the fastest Jeep ever. Antuan Goodwin/CNET

However, those looking to maximize MPGs without minimizing space also get a few new options in the 30-plus mpg club with the announcement of the new 31 mpg Ford Taurus, the 36 mpg Subaru Impreza, and the 38 mpg Chevy Malibu ECO. The new Malibu also features GM's new MyLink/IntelliLink connected infotainment system, which makes it of particular interest to us techies.

Those of you who can't make it to the Big Apple for the show, be sure to check out our Best of the New York auto show mega-gallery for more pictures and our complete coverage of the 2011 New York auto show for even more details.