We learned a couple more details about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T today in New York. First, unlike the standard 2.4-liter Sonata, the 2011 Sonata 2.0T will come with a six-speed automatic only.

The reasoning for that? "We primarily think of the 2.0T as a V6 replacement [rather than an enthusiast's special]," Hyundai's Michael Dietz told us. He noted further that the take rate on the manual transmission has been less than 2 percent on 2010 Sonatas.

The 2.0T engine will be offered only on SE and Limited versions of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai expects it to statement for 20 percent of Sonata income — a typical take rate for the similarly powerful V6s on competing midsize/large sedans.

More details on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata can be found in our auto show write-up. And after the jump, you'll find a video of the animated model of the twin-scroll turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-4 on display in the Hyundai booth, plus more photos.

From the maybe-650-hp-was-enough-after-all department comes this shameful display.

That mass of carbon fiber strewn crossways the B14 Autobahn near Stuttgart, Germany is none other than a image for the Pagani C9, the replacement for the Zonda. Why Stuttgart, you ask? Well, like the Zonda, the C9 uses a Mercedes-Benz motor. Instead of the 7.3-liter AMG V12 that amply powered the Zonda, the C9 apparently uses a twin-turbo version of Mercedes' 6.0-liter V12, making somewhere in the neighborhood of 700 hp.

Of course, in the SAE horsepower standard that we use in the United States, that 700 hp converts to "too much."

Volkswagen of America's president and CEO Stefan Jacoby opened the automaker's press conference with a healthy dose of German confidence by saying VW is "investing $4 million in the U.S. market. The recession did not slow us down."

After Jacoby assured us that VW will continue to grow its market share, Walter de'Silva, head of design for the entire VW group, talked briefly about what to expect from VW's future design direction.

De'Silva described the VW Touareg Hybrid, shown here for the first time in the U.S., as a true VW. "Not arrogant or aggressive," he said. "But a good combination of performance and elegance."

De'Silva also said consumers will immediately recognize a VW on the road, while experiencing the distinct personality that comes with apiece vehicle.

To read more about the Touareg Hybrid, check out our First Drive.

If there were any doubts which cars are the targets of the 2011 Scion iQ, there weren't any once today's press conference was over. This pint-size two-door has been on understanding in Europe for some time and starting next year it will finally go on understanding in the U.S.

Not much changes from the various iQs we've seen in the past. It's front-wheel drive, powered by a 1.3-liter, 90-horsepower engine and should get around 38 mpg on the highway. Think it'll catch on where the Smart failed?

2010 New York Auto Show: 2011 Scion iQ

Scion introduced the redesigned 2011 tC Coupe today at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Here's what it looked like.

#NYIAS Hyundai's booth at the Javits Center was packed with journalists this afternoon. We observed equal amounts of love being given to the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sonata 2.0T. John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor USA CEO, says the Sonata Hybrid will be at U.S. dealerships "in time for the holiday shopping season." And the maker expects it to statement for just under 10 percent of all 2011 Sonata sales.

The hybrid Sonata uses a 169-horsepower, non-direct-injected version of Hyundai's 2.4-liter gasoline engine combined with a 40-hp front-drive electric motor. It then adds such oddities (as hybrid go) as a 6-speed automatic transmission and a lithium-polymer battery pack. Hyundai expects final EPA fuel economy rating of 37 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, 38 mpg combined.

Read full details on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid in our full New York Auto Show writeup.

From that hotbed of specialty-car builders and great drivers, Boston, comes this newest pointy-nosed supercar, the Rapier SL-C Superlite.

We can only adopt that the guys at Rapier Automotive forgot that Boston was no longer part of the British Empire when they opened shop in Massachusetts. In jolly-old England there are literally great swarms of independent sports-car builders who announce a new project moments before insolvency. But we digress.

Rapier has apparently been developing its 2375-pound, 222-mph mid-engine widow-maker for some five years. It's now ready to take your order. Prices start at $179,000 for a Rapier powered by a 480-hp LS3 small-block. The company will be happy to drop an LS7 from the Corvette Z06 or a supercharged LS9 from the ZR1 into your car, should you want a little more juice. The company wants 50 percent upfront and then expects that you will have sent your final check to them by the time the car is finished, something that will happen in nine months says Rapier.

If this sounds a lot like a Mosler MT900, that's because it kind of is. And then there's the recently unveiled Hennessey Venom GT from a company that we've actually heard of and with a body that doesn't look like a kit car. But we digress again. It's about the same price as the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but as Rapier points out, the SL-C is the "most exclusive hand-built supercar on the planet." We reckon that might be literally true.

Have a look at Rapier's Web Page.

#NYIAS Here are a couple quick and dirty videos of the Hyundai booth before the unveiling of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sonata 2.0T, so you can get a sense of the festive mood. As you can see, it's the hybrid that gets the bigger fanfare. It's under the lights. Meanwhile, the 274-horsepower Sonata 2.0T, which is poised to slay some giants, is under a sheet.

2010 New York Auto Show: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2010 New York Auto Show: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

#NYautoshow Mercedes released details and photos of its new SLS AMG GT3 car last week, but that didn't damp the crowd's enthusiasm for the new racecar. Especially when the driver revved the engine on stage.

The new car retains the visual flavor of the road-going SLS AMG but has been extensively reworked for the FIA's latest GT3 regulations.

Mercedes says the new GT3 car will be ready for the 2011 race season.

Suh-weeeeet.

#NYautoshow Mazda announced its 2011 Mazda 2 will finally arrive in the U.S. this July, with a base price of $13,980 plus a $750 delivery fee.

Two trim levels will be available, both powered by a 100-horsepower 1.5-liter engine. The base level Mazda 2 Sport comes wtih a five-speed manual transmission, or an optional four-speed auto that adds $800 to the car's bottom line. Standard equipment includes ABS, stability control, traction control, electric power-assist steering, power windows, door locks and mirrors, plus air-conditioning and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo.

The uplevel Mazda 2 Touring starts at $15,435 for the manual tranny-equipped car, or $16,235 for the automatic. It adds better seat artifact with red trim, alloy wheels, foglights, a rear roof spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, a trip computer and a six-speaker stereo system.

Additional options are limited to a rear cargo net ($40); auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass ($295); and wheel locks ($50) for the Touring. Crystal White Pearl paint will cost you $200 extra.

Nice long list of standard equipment for the new little hatchback.