As the New York International Auto Show gears up for 2005, many of the world's
auto manufacturers are adding the final touches to some of their hottest concept
cars for display at this year's show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from
March 25 to April 3.
And for those of us interested particularly in the glass, it is a good opportunity
to see what we may be facing in the near future. Glass plays an important role
in a number of the vehicles which will be on display.
"This year, we have some of the most amazing concept cars ever created,"
said show director Candida Romanelli. "We're the only show where you can
see the best concept cars that have been revealed over the past few months at
auto shows from Los Angeles to Geneva, plus all the New York debuts as well,"
she continued.
"We're thrilled that so many auto companies have chosen New York to display
their most exciting concept cars alongside the nearly 1,000 production models,"
remarked Romanelli.
Here's a run-down of some of the exciting new concepts which prominently feature
glass that are expected at the show:
Ford Fairlane
The Ford Fairlane concept is a six-passenger, three-row vehicle with a unique
shape that creates a new type of people-mover that explores a blend of upscale,
modern design with safety, interior spaciousness and functionality.
Fairlane features a well-defined hood, a large cabin with upright A-pillars, four
side doors with low step-in height, and a rear door with an industry-leading three-way
tailgate. The rear door opens to the left or right, while the upper glass section
flips up.
Ford
SYNus
Taking its inspiration from bank vaults and armored cars, the Ford SYNus concept's
exterior design immediately communicates that it takes security seriously. When
parked and placed in secure mode, SYNus deploys protective shutters over the windshield
and side glass. Small windows on the flanks and roof are non-opening and bullet-resistant.
The rear hatch has no window at all. The rear hatch is operated via a vault-style
four-spoke spinner. Flat glass in a slightly raked windshield furthers the armored-car
look of this
concept.
Kia KCD-II Mesa
The KCD-II is a modern, rugged body-on-frame SUV that features three rows of seats,
dual full-length sunroofs and an expansive 116-inch wheelbase. The Mesa's highly
usable interior design leans toward minimalism, while the exterior portrays a
go-anywhere, do-anything attitude. The custom-built 22-inch alloy wheels at each
corner of the vehicle help to maximize interior space while simultaneously creating
stable, responsive handling characteristics.
Toyota FT-SX
The FT-SX concept is a concept aimed at young families looking beyond the traditional
passenger car or SUV that combines the ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency
of a sedan with the utility, spaciousness and visibility of a car-based SUV. The
FT-SX features a powerful V6 engine, all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, four doors,
a large, and a multi-function glass roof.
Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is a super utility truck that features an open-air canvas roof,
removable doors and fold-down windshield so driver and passengers can get in touch
with the outdoors, and an expandable pickup-truck bed. Gladiator is powered by
a 2.8-liter, 4-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine that provides 295 lb-ft
of torque and 163 hp.
Infiniti Kuraza
The Infiniti Kuraza Concept is a design exploration of future luxury utility vehicle
interiors. Focusing on the next level of interior design, where all passengers
will be provided with equal comfort, roominess and amenities, the Kuraza is marked
by six doors -- with the 3rd row doors on each side operating from rear hinges
-- and three rows of large, luxurious side-by-side pairs of individual seats.
For more information, or to purchase tickets for the New York International
Automobile Show online, visit http://www.autoshowNY.com.
