Fuel efficiency became the theme at the 2011 New York International Auto Show that began its press preview on Wednesday with nearly 1,000 stunning new 2011/2012 vehicles on display.


Scion's FR-S Concept is introduced by the company's VP Jack Hollis at the media preview of the New York Auto Show in New York, the United States, April 20, 2011. The 2011 New York Auto Show will open to the public from April 22 to May 1. (Xinhua/Wu Kaixiang)
With the price for premium gasoline racing to near 4 U.S. dollars a gallon in many parts of the U.S., carmakers around the world are trying to lure consumers with fuel efficient vehicles. The updated and redesigned Ford Taurus SHO debuted at the Show features the unique blend of a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, enhanced driving dynamics and performance-inspired design.


Hyundai unveiled its 2012 Accent subcompact car at the Show. Its highway fuel economy of 40 mpg is "an 18 percent improvement over its predecessor's 34 mpg highway manual transmission fuel economy rating," according to the company statement.


Chevrolet revealed the 2011 Cruze Eco, a fuel-efficient version of its compact Cruze. Powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged, four- cylinder engine, Cruze Eco is expected to get 40 mpg on the highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.


Also joining the fuel-economy bandwagon, Lincoln, Porsche, Kia, Volkswagen all introduced fuel-efficient, hybrid models.

"Attracting over one million visitors a year, the New York Auto Show is one of the most important automobile consumer events in the world, so it is no wonder that the automakers will go all out to make the 2011 Show a one-of-a-kind experience that is both informative and fun," said Show chairman John LaSorsa.


The 2011 New York International Auto Show runs from April 22 to May 1 at Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.


VietNamNet/Xinhuanet