Cars Hit the Stage at the New York International Auto Show

Automobile makers are flexing their muscles at this year's New York International Auto Show.

Companies are showcasing some of their most beloved designs with a few new twists.

"This year New York is really about the return of some classics, so we are talking about the Chevy Impala, the Toyota Avalon, the Lincoln MKZ, these are all core vehicles for all of those companies," Editor of Automative News, Jason Stein commented.

A luxury classic is also in the field as a new Dodge Viper is on display, but features a different look. Ralph Gilles, Senior Vice President of Design at Chrysler Group LLC, emphasized that the Viper has been renovated.

"What we've decided to do with the Viper is evolve the car deliberately," Gilles said.

MPG, or miles per gallon, is also an important aspect of the event. With high fuel prices, many consumers are searching for vehicles that don't need to visit gas stations frequently.

"You look at four or five dollars a gallon, there's no question that they [buyers] are trying to stretch every mile out of those gas tanks that they can, and car companies have been responding... You don't have to go into a hybrid now to get great results," Stein stated.

Another interesting feature at the auto show is the "flying car," designed by the Terrafugia Transition, which can be driven on public roads, and also has the ability to take off from thousands of airfields in the United States. The drivable airplane is priced at $279,000.

The New York International Auto Show takes place at the Jacon Javits Center from April 6-15.