It should come as no surprise that red-hot crossovers dominated this year's New York International Auto Show, with innovative entries such as the new one from Jeep and Mitsubishi's all-new Outlander. But trucks and SUVs continue to have a big presence--Jeep revealed the four-door Wrangler and Ford showed a cool new version of the F-150. There were also concepts that displayed technology coming to future production vehicles. Here are some of the best vehicles coming your way.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
With the all-new 2007 Wrangler comes the Unlimited, the first-ever four-door Wrangler. It seats five, and, like the standard-length Jeep, comes with a 205-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6. The Unlimited, with a 20.6-inch-longer wheelbase, receives all the improvements found in the 2007 two-door, including next-generation four-wheel-drive systems, an electronic-disconnecting front anti-roll bar, a refined suspension, and a 100-percent-stiffer frame. There's also a Rubicon model, with electric front and rear lockers, NV241 transfer case, and 32-inch BFGs.
2007 Jeep Patriot
Jeep is ready to tread unfamiliar waters with the Patriot, a compact, entry-level crossover. Though car-based, the Patriot will have best-in-class off-road capability. Freedom Drive II, the optional full-time four-wheel-drive system, has a type of low-range--and it's good enough to be Trail Rated. Patriots equipped with Freedom Drive II sit an inch higher than non-Trail Rated models, have nine inches of ground clearance, and come with skidplates, tow hooks, and extra body seals. Power is derived from a 2.4-liter four, producing 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It's backed by a five-speed manual or a Gen-II CVT with a special "low" gear.
Land Rover Land_e
Not much to look at--literally. The Land_e concept was created to showcase the company's e_Terrain system, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions without sacrificing trail capability. The biofuel-capable Land_e uses a unique starter/generator, power-shift automated manual transmission, and Terrain Response e-Mode. The hybrid can run on electric power around town, but off-road, the motor works with the engine to increase torque or pulse to limit loss of traction. The prop shaft is disconnected when 2WD is all that's needed, but when it senses slip, rear drive is reconnected. The technology displayed here could be available on production models in the near future.
Acura MD-X Concept
Acura displayed the MD-X concept, with a wider track and longer wheelbase than the outgoing MDX. The company remained tight-lipped about details of the production version, which will go on sale this fall, but expect styling to be close to the prototype you see here. Power will still come from a V-6, but it should offer more power and more refinement. Also, Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive will be a part of the next-gen MDX.