
New York International Auto Show: Day 2
A new Ram 1500, Toyota Avalon, and concepts from Honda and Infiniti.

Day two of the 2012 New York International Auto Show press preview has wrapped. Here are some of today's top stories:
Ram rolled out a revamped Ram 1500 with, well, more. More technology, increased fuel economy and a host of other upgrades -- including offering the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which bests the outgoing 3.7-liter V6 with 42 percent more horsepower and 13 percent more torque (305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft, respectively) all while delivering 20 percent better fuel economy. And no worries, Hemi fans: The 5.7-liter 395-horsepower Hemi V8 with 407 lb-fit of twist is still available, though the 4.7-liter V8 won't be. Maximum towing capacity, courtesy of the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty package, is rated at 11,500 pounds.
Toyota unveiled a new-look Avalon slated to go on sale this year as a 2013 model. The new model is shorter, narrower and lighter by 115 pounds, and it now has three drive modes: normal, eco and sport. (Powertrain specifics have not been released.) The exterior styling changes make for a noticeably different silhouette, with a lowered beltline, wider grille and flared front fenders. There are also projector-style headlights and LED taillights. Inside, the Avalon boasts a 6.1-inch standard touch-screen (a 7-inch navigation screen is an option), radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and 10 airbags.
On the concept front, Infiniti looked to take the electric vehicle upscale with its LE concept, a conscious decision to move the EV out of Nissan Leaf territory and into a proper luxury segment, though the two vehicles do share a platform. The 4-door sedan -- nearly a foot longer than the Leaf and almost 2 inches wider -- boasts Infiniti's signature flowing style and a host of cutting-edge technology, including inductive charging capability that uses Nissan's Around View Monitor, electric power steering and self-parking technology to align the vehicle over a floor-mounted charging pad. There were hints that the inductive charging capability could be included on a production version of the LE.
Honda's 2013 Crosstour concept has evolved from the initial Accord Crosstour as less a mash-up of sedan and hatchback and more a mash-up of crossover and sedan, with a more rugged stance, longer through-lines and, in the front, a decidedly more SUV-like appearance thanks to a blacked-out lower fascia and aggressive fog lamps. Honda says two engine options will be available: a revised 3.5-liter V6 and a 2.4-liter 4-banger with 192 horsepower. V6 buyers get a 6-speed automatic with flappy-paddle shifters and Honda's Real Time 4-wheel-drive system (optional); 4-cylinder customers are limited to a 5-speed automatic with front-wheel drive.EXPLORE NEW CARS
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Ford will add buttons, knobs to its much-maligned MyFord Touch system.
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