2015 New York Auto Show: 12 important vehicles to watch

The 2015 New York Auto Show kicks off next week, and the deluge of previews, sneak peeks, and teasers has already begun. Here's a sampling of the most important new vehicles to watch for at the 2015 New York Auto Show.

These are the most important new vehicles we'll be bringing you from New York:

2016 Cadillac CT6

Shown briefly in ads aired during this year's Super Bowl, the Cadillac CT6 is the GM brand's first real shot at global full-size luxury sedans like the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series. It will pack a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine good for 400 horsepower, and Cadillac says it's the only twin-turbo V-6 engine in the world with both cylinder deactivation and stop-start.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

After just three model years on sale, the Chevy Malibu gets a complete redo for the 2016 model year. The uprated Malibu promises to deliver more safety and space than the previous Malibu--up to four inches more in cabin space--while it weighs some 300 pounds less, thanks to extensive use of high-strength steel.

2016 Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is one of the smallest vehicles sold in the U.S., and it's one of the most pleasant to drive, too. We expect that to carry over as Chevy issues a new Spark for the 2016 model year. The Spark will make its New York show debut, but details are slim as of now.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai is set to replace its Tucson small crossover SUV, a model that's been with us since the 2010 model year. The new crossover gets a sleek new look closely akin to the bigger Santa Fe Sport--and for drivetrains, we do expect a a pair of four-cylinders to make the list, with an automatic and possibly a dual-clutch transmission.

2016 Jaguar XF

Jaguar's new XE compact sedan has been seen and even driven, but before it goes on sale in the U.S. (Jaguar is waiting on its new range of four-cylinder engines for the XE's sales debut), the new mid-size XF luxury sedan will go on sale. The new car goes on sale in the fall, with an aluminum body shared in part with the XE and the new F-Pace SUV. Engines should include a turbo four, a turbo six, and a supercharged V-8 in a high-performance XF SVR.

2016 Kia Optima

The new Optima's specifications haven't been released, but we expect it to share again most of the powertrains found in the new Sonata. That could include hybrid and new plug-in hybrid powertrains based around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as a naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a turbocharged four-cylinder, with automatic and dual-clutch transmissions.

2016 Lexus RX

Lexus has released only this teaser shot of the new vehicle, which has more sculpting than the current model--even some cues that remind us of the new Nissan Murano. No tech details have been issued, but we expect the powertrains to include a new V-6 coupled to a six-speed automatic, and an improved version of the RX Hybrid's gas-electric drivetrain, both with an all-wheel-drive option.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2016 Outlander's already been previewed in the form of a plug-in hybrid Concept-S, but New York will host the debut of the production version, which Mitsu says gets an improved interior, better performance, and better handling than the current edition. A plug-in hybrid Outlander is expected to join the U.S. lineup sometime in the middle of next year.

2016 Nissan Maxima

The Maxima looks very much like last year’s Sport Sedan Concept, right down to its split C-pillar and canopy-style roof, but we expect the running gear to be a lot less experimental: here's betting the Maxima draws power from a 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a CVT and spinning the front wheels only.

2016 Scion iA

The new carwill be Scion's first four-door with a trunk; it's essentially the sedan version of the upcoming Mazda 2, a body style that Mazda won't sell in the U.S. iA should be smaller than the compact xB wagon still in the lineup, though its very age suggests the xB will be replaced soon.

2016 Scion iM

The thinly-disguised concept will likely lose its boy-racer wheels and spoiler, retaining the outline of what is essentially the European market's Toyota Auris hatchback. The iM effectively replaces the Toyota Matrix in the company's lineup, and like that discontinued hatchback, the iM likely will share the Toyota Corolla's powertrains.

2016 Smart Fortwo

Already on the move in Europe, the new Smart Fortwo gets its U.S. debut at the New York auto show, with sales due to start here midyear. The new battery-powered Smart isn't due this year, and may not arrive until late 2016. In the interim, Smart will continue to sell the current electric car alongside the new model.

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