The World's Most Exciting New Cars & Trucks Take Center Stage at the New York Auto Show

NEW YORK, March 29 -- The world's automakers have pulled out all the stops to make 2004 the most amazing year ever for new vehicle introductions. Moreover, where can you see them all under one roof? The 2004 New York International Automobile Show from April 9 to April 18.

"There are more all-new cars and trucks coming to the 2004 Show than we've ever seen before," said auto show chairman, John LaSorsa. "From the bold, new Ford Mustang, and Pontiac Solstice to the fun and flexible MINI Convertible, the Javits Center will be overflowing with completely new and re-styled 2004, '05, and even '06 model year vehicles," he continued.

Here's a look at some of the latest production models at this year's Show:

Aston Martin DB9 -- The all-new DB9 2 + 2 sports has V12 power, a smooth ride, beautiful design and hand craftsmanship. Using a radical new aluminum- bonded body frame, the DB9 is one of the most sophisticated and technically advanced sports cars in the world. It is powered by the latest version of Aston Martin's 6.0-litre V12, producing 450bhp and a top speed of 186mph.

Scion tC -- The all-new 2005 tC is powered by an all-aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will produce 160 horsepower. Standard features will include the panorama moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels with graphite appearance finish, air conditioning, cruise control, and a high-output Pioneer sound system.

Mercedes CLS -- Mercedes-Benz' new CLS-Class is an all-new model that blends the style and character of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. With its modern styling, exclusive appointments and ground- breaking technology, the CLS-Class appeals most strongly to drivers for whom cars and motoring are a true passion.

Chevy Cobalt -- The 2005 Cobalt is an all-new premium small car that offers a diverse selection of body styles, interiors, Ecotec four-cylinder engines, smooth-shifting transmissions, precision-tuned suspensions and dynamic wheels. The Cobalt family includes two models, sedan and coupe, and a total of eight trim levels.

Chevy Corvette -- Marking the sixth generation of its legacy, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette delivers more power, passion and precision to reach a new standard of performance car excellence. A new LS2 6.0-liter small-block V-8 delivers an estimated peak output of 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.

Audi A6 -- The A6 features the trapezoidal design of the single-frame radiator grille that will be seen on future Audi models, and offers many new features including headlights that follow the course of the road ahead as a function of steering angle and road speed.

BMW 6 Series Convertible -- With the 6 Series Convertible, BMW is returning to the luxury segment of the four-seater high-end convertible market. Through its innovative fin-design roof, the 6 Series Convertible retains its coupe-like elegant look also with the roof closed.

Mercury Montego -- The 2005 Montego midsize sedan, offered in Premier and Luxury trim levels, features distinctive exterior design, contemporary, roomy interior and available all-wheel drive. Its all-new, continuously variable transmission and six-speed automatic transmission combine performance with fuel economy.

MINI Convertible -- The MINI Convertible is a full-fledged four-seater clearly standing out as a MINI regardless of whether the roof is up or down. The steeply raked windscreen and the optimum seating position enjoyed by the driver ensure unforgettable fun-in-the-sun motoring when the top is droppped.

Volvo S40 -- New from the ground up, the Volvo S40 has a choice of innovative 5-cylinder engines: a normally aspirated unit producing 170- horsepower, and a 220-horsepower high-pressure turbocharged engine found in the T5. The S40 includes Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), a unique approach to building a car that integrates everything from its crashworthiness, to its design and exciting driving characteristics.

Toyota Solara Convertible -- The open-top Solara is available in two distinctive model grades: SE, highlighted by sporty metallic-finish interior trim and SLE, with greater content and a woodgrain-style interior trim. The Convertible's standard all-aluminum, 3.3-liter VVT-i V6 engine produces 225 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM.

Pontiac G6 -- This all-new sports sedan with its contemporary styling and athletic proportions is powered by a new family of performance oriented powertrains. G6 also boasts a market-exclusive panoramic roof, which features four sliding glass panels to create a convertible-style open-air driving experience.

Ford Mustang -- For 2005, Mustang combines an all-new, fully modern architecture with all the soul that makes a Mustang a Mustang -- bold style, a brawny engine and rear-wheel-drive excitement. Tire-smoking power is delivered through the rear wheels by a 300-horsepower, 24-valve MOD V-8 or 200- horsepower SOHC V-6 engine.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible -- PT Cruiser Convertible is designed to be a convertible you can actually do things with. The seats can be configured in nine different ways, including a position that creates a pass-through trunk opening with enough room to store two golf bags or similar lifestyle equipment.

Infiniti QX56 -- The all-new Infiniti QX56, powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine, provides luxury on a grand scale with eight-passenger seating (seven- passenger with 2nd row captains chairs), progressive styling, advanced technology and exceptional on-road and off-road performance.

Dodge Magnum RT -- Dodge Magnum RT provides amazing performance with the 340 horsepower, 390 foot-pound HEMI V-8 engine mated to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick(R). All Dodge Magnum RT models feature 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual exhaust, large performance disc brakes, fog lamps, exterior chrome accents, leather seats, and Boston Acoustic Premium Sound System with six-speaker 288-watt digital amplifier.

Buick LaCrosse -- The 2005 LaCrosse, with a totally new look, a powerful new engine and notably improved ride and handling, debuts in three versions -- the well-equipped CX, elegantly appointed CXL and performance-oriented CXS.

Lotus Elise -- As the first all-new Lotus in the U.S. in nearly 15-years, the two-seat convertible Elise is a tour de force of engineering and design. Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder 16-valve engine, the Elise is built on a revolutionary chassis constructed with aluminum alloy extrusions and aerospace bonding techniques, the first of its kind in the world.

Nissan Pathfinder -- The all-new 2005 Pathfinder is larger, more powerful and for the first, offers standard three-row seating. The third generation Pathfinder features enhanced off-road capabilities and performance driven by the use of a new 4.0-liter V6 engine and a new fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Armada.

Suzuki Reno -- The 2005 Suzuki Reno is a versatile crossover vehicle designed to offer a generously sized five-passenger interior. Powered by a standard four-cylinder, 2-liter, DOHC, 16-valve engine, Reno pushes performance output to 126 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 131 foot-pounds of torque at a low 4,000 rpm.

Ford Freestyle -- The Ford Freestyle is a purpose-built crossover vehicle that blends the looks of a sport utility vehicle, the versatility of a minivan and the agility of an all-wheel-drive sedan. Freestyle can carry seven adults in comfort, and includes a fold-in-floor third-row seating.

Chrysler Crossfire Convertible -- The new 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is low-slung with a sculpted appearance. Under the hood is a 3.2-liter 90- degree V-6, 18-valve SOHC engine available with a six-speed manual or a five- speed automatic transmission.

Hummer H2 SUT -- The 2005 H2 SUT (sport utility truck) features a reconfigurable Midgate that provides a unique blend of capability, functionality and versatility in an off-road vehicle. The SUT also offers a new dimension of fun and freedom, with an express down button that lowers all four windows, plus the Midgate glass. A separate switch opens the standard sunroof, giving the SUT the open-air quality of a convertible without a loss in structure

Mercedes-Benz SLK -- The new SLK-Class Roadster displays impressive sporting prowess. Underpinning these outstanding performance credentials are the powerful new engines, a sporty suspension set-up, more direct steering and a precise six-speed manual transmission.

Saab 9-2X -- The new 2005 Saab 9-2X premium compact model is offered in two models: the 227 hp 9-2X Aero and the 165 hp 9-2X Linear. Both offer standard full-time all-wheel-drive for improved handling, traction and versatility.

Ford Five Hundred -- The all-new Five Hundred is the flagship sedan in the Ford stable featuring a contemporary upscale design, both inside and out. Five hundred features cargo room with versatile, fold-down seats and the largest trunk of any Ford vehicle.

BMW X3 -- Representing the first premium offer in the Sports Activity Vehicle segment beneath the X5, the X3 offers BMW's innovative, intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system that results in a substantial increase in agility, driving pleasure and safety.

Lexus GS -- The all-new, more powerful GS utilizes the latest in advanced technology to improve both performance and handling. The new GS will also feature all-wheel-drive, the first such application in any Lexus car.

Pontiac Solstice -- Bringing the popular concept car to life, GM announced production of the Pontiac Solstice roadster as a 2006 model. Power will come from a new 2.4-liter variable-valve version of the Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine.

Chrysler 300 -- The well-equipped Chrysler 300 four-door sedan features a fuel efficient 190 horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 engine, with a four-speed automatic transmission. All Chrysler 300 models include an 17-inch wheels, eight-way power driver's seat, manual tilt/telescoping steering column, a premium cloth interior and body color mirrors, door handles and moldings.

                           Important Show Dates

                      Press Preview              April 7 & 8
                      Dealer/Industry Preview    April 9
                      Public Sneak Preview       April 9 (1 pm - 9 pm)
                      Public Show Dates          April 9 - 18