10 mean machines you should not miss

The New York Auto Show 2010 which opened at the Jacob Javits Center on April 2 has some of the hottest cars and trucks ever seen under one roof. The show will close on April 11.

The 'clean and green' concept remains persistent with automakers showcasing their hottest and sexiest electric cars, concepts, hybrids and fuel-efficient small cars.

Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro from the General Motors stable is classified as a pony car. It was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang.

The reborn Camaro has, since mid-2009, become the top-seller in this segment.

The car is available between $22,000 and $34,000, depending on styles and options.

It won the World Car Design of The Year Award at the New York International Auto Show.

Mitsubishi Outlander

It defies convention in more ways than one. Contrary to popular belief, this is one sports utility vehicle that doesn't ride roughshod over the environment.

The Outlander 2.0 DI-D has the lowest CO2 emissions of any 7-seat SUV, and fuel consumption of over 40mpg.

This is thanks to its compact size and the fact that it spends the majority of its time in 2 wheel drive, but has the ability to switch to 4 wheel drive when required.

Nissan Leaf

It uses a front-mounted electric motor driving the wheels, powered by a 24kW h/90 kW lithium ion battery pack. Nissan claims that the car has a top speed of over 140 km/h (87 mph).

The battery can be charged with 480 Volt, 220 Volt and 110 Volt sources. With 480 Volts, it can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in about 30 minutes.

With 220 Volt, it can be charged in 8 hours.

Users' mobile phones can be used to turn on air-conditioning, the heater and re-set charging functions even when the vehicle is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

Nissan announced on March 30, 2010 that the release price in the US will be $32,780.

2010 BMW Z4

It comes as a two-seat roadster and coupe. The roadster is equipped with a soft roof that can be operated manually and a rear window which has defrosters fitted on them.

The roadster comes in two types, the 3.0i and 3.0si. It sports 17 inch alloy tyres, mirrors that are heated from outside, a system to monitor tyre pressures, seats that can be adjusted in 6 different ways.

The BMW Z4 has a pleasant dashboard, where all the switches and knobs can be easily found.

The interior of the Z4 like its seats, door panels, kneepads and arm rests are all made of leather.

Infiniti Essence

It is a concept car built by Infiniti to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the brand. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

This hybrid electric vehicle was designed by Takashi Nakajima.

It included a 3.7L V6 gasoline engine with twin turbochargers. The electric motor was powered by lithium-ion battery at lower trunk area.

A three-piece Louis Vuitton luggage set fits in the trunk, and the floor slides out when the trunk is open to access the luggage.

The Infiniti Essence also contains safety features to prevent collisions in the back and side that are known as Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP).

Sensors on the sides and back warn the driver when it senses a vehicle, and brakes are activated if the warning is ignored.

MKZ Hybrid

This sedan is the firm's first hybrid vehicle and is expected to deliver at least 41 miles per gallon in the city.

MKZ is built off the same platform as the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrid.

The driver seat memory feature helps ensure personal seating preferences anytime, with the touch of a button.

Volvo S60

It is also without a doubt the most dynamic car model Volvo has ever presented - and its Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking safety feature.

The all-new S60 is sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo.

Chevrolet Volt

Plug it in, let it charge overnight, and it's ready to run on a pure electric charge for up to 40 miles - gas and emissions free.

With the new OnStar mobile app, Volt owners can use a smartphone to access their vehicle's current electric range and fuel efficiency.

Volt's retail price is yet to be officially announced, but is estimated to be near $40,000.

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

The first gas/electric Porsche will be a much cleaner, thriftier Cayenne, and maybe a sales booster for this cash-cow SUV.

The electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission can be decoupled from the engine for electric drive at speeds up 40 mph.

Even at speeds up to 97 miles per hour, the engine can shut down, allowing the Cayenne to cruise on electric power.

The new Cayenne is 1.9 inches longer than its predecessor, and an added 1.6 inches in wheelbase ensures extra space and greater versatility.

Scion iQ

The "mini-er, smart-er" iQ sports a 1.3-liter engine delivering its not-yet-divulged power through a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Mileage should be in the high 30s.

Its overall length is only 120.1-inches, and width is 66.1-inches. The iQ's functional "3+1" seating equates to the world's smallest four-passenger vehicle.

Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRAC).

The iQ will come standard with 10 SRS airbags, including the world's first rear-window curtain airbag.