Kia Sedona
The minivan is not dead: Not at Kia. The next-generation Sedona will have its global debut in the city where minivans are used only as taxicabs. The next Sedona will seat up to eight.
Land Rover's LR2 and LR4 names to be axed? In most of the world, the LR4 is known as the Discovery. The next-generation version will be called the Discovery around the world. What the next Discovery will look like will be highlighted in the Discovery Vision concept. As for the LR2, will it be globally badged as the Freelander? Without a shred of a doubt.
From two into one: The 2015 Acura TLX replaces the TL and TSX and now we know that it will be powered by a 3.5-litre V-6 and perhaps also a 2.4-litre four-banger. We've seen the TLX prototype and now it's time for the real deal. The four should get an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission, while the V-6 gets a nine-speed autobox.
Repolishing a gem: Nissan's Murano really was a pioneer in the crossover world, with its big glass areas and fuel-efficient CVT transmission. Now Nissan has released a teaser video showcasing the next-generation Murano. Nissan expects the new Murano to generate a lot of buzz for the brand. A Nissan concept of some sort is expected, too.
Put it on the roof: The redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang, that is. To help celebrate the 50th birthday of the 'Stang, Ford plans to plant a car on the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State building. We've seen this before with the original pony car in 1965. A little back to the future, then.
The model that saved Subaru gets a re-make: Those of us with long memories recall that the original Outback of almost two decades ago revived struggling little Subaru. Sales are healthy today, but back then Subie was on life support after a failed attempt to compete head-to-head with Toyota and Honda. Thus, an all-new Outback resonates with those inside Subaru who remember all too well the bad old days. This is Subaru's flagship crossover and its bread and butter.
Toyota feels the pressure: The Camry is a monster seller in the U.S., but has needed rich incentives to keep sales percolating. Thus, Toyota is doing a pretty big mid-cycle update to its mid-size sedan.
Odds and ends: Volkswagen's Jetta compact gets a midlife update and Mercedes will unveil the 2015 S63 AMG Coupe – all 577 hp of it. There will be more from The Apple, of course, but that's a good start.
For Part One of Jeremy Cato's New York International Auto Show preview, click here.