What's Hot In New York? - "Carz for Yoots" and "Uder Tings"

NEW YORK, March 11 -- In New York, youth is 'in', max-power sports cars are back, segment busting 'crossovers' are all the rage, and recession resistant luxury cars are riding high as the 2002 New York International Automobile Show gears-up for the most exciting and diverse show in its 102-year history.

``Show visitors will have the automotive treat of their lives at this year's show,'' said Show Director, Candida Romanelli. ``In my eleven-years of running this show, I have never seen a more diverse and crowd-pleasing group of vehicles and new technology.''

Here are some of the trends at this year's show:

Youth-mobiles: Check-out these fun, funky and affordable new products aimed at the teen to twenty-something generation. *Mini Cooper S, Pontiac Vibe, VW Beetle Turbo, Hyundai Tiburon, Ford Focus, Mazda Protege5, and Toyota's all-new SCION badged vehicles

Crossovers: If it's not a van, a wagon, or an SUV, then what is it? It's a 'crossover'. The latest 'buzz' product from virtually every manufacturer in almost every price category, is set to take the country by storm. The 'crossover' can be a car-like mini sport utility, a luxury sedan, wagon, minivan and SUV all in one. Whatever the combination, the 'crossover' category is providing some of the most innovative and exciting vehicles ever seen. *Jeep Compass, Mercedes Vision GST, Acura RD-X

Recession Resistant Luxury Cars: Real estate prices may dip, and stock prices may take a tumble, but there's always room for a little automotive luxury. Here are just a few of the most technologically advanced and luxuriously appointed cars at the Show. *Mercedes SL, Maserati Spyder, BMW 7 Series, Bentley Arnage T, Lincoln Continental Concept

Wild Roadsters and Coupes: Like the British MG and Triumph sports cars of the 50s and 60s, the low-slung, inexpensive two-door roadster and coupe is another fashion fixture at this year's Show. *Pontiac Solstice, Dodge Razor, Chrysler Crossfire

SUVs Based on Cars, Not Pickups: Mean't more for on-road safety than mountain climbing, these smooth riding, cool looking, car-based SUVs are a must-see.

Volvo XC90, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento Max-Power Sports Cars: Another development, this time at the far end of the power spectrum, is the return of the Supercar. High performance cars with 500 horsepower V8, or 7.5-liter V-12 powerplants are zooming to the Javits Center. Blink and you'll miss them. *Ford GT40, Nissan GT-R, Cadillac Cien, Lamborghini Murcielago

Hybrids on the Horizon: Hybrids are the most popular alternatively fueled vehicles at this year's Show. See how cool 40..50..60..even..70 miles-per-gallon can be.

Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, Ford Escape (2003) SUVs Get Swankier: SUV could stand for Simply Unbelievable Vehicles when applied to these magnificent new luxury off-roaders. *Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator, Lexus GX470.