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The New York International Auto Show opens for a 10-day run on Friday. Seeking pre-show publicity, automakers have offered an early glimpse of many of the vehicles we’ll see there. "With American car sales falling and some automakers predicting the numbers could be the lowest since at least 1998, the industry is looking toward 2009," according to the New York Times. The emphasis in New York won’t be on concept cars and technologies for the distant future, but instead, models "arriving at showrooms this year.&quot.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima will debut in New York. The Times says it "will become larger and more luxurious in its seventh generation." Autoweek offers early photos, and says "details of the car are still under wraps, for now. But what the pictures show is a sedan that is is larger…taking some design cues from the Infiniti luxury division."

Mercedes will display its updated 2009 M-Class SUV. The Birmingham News says "the vehicle features a new look, coming and going. A redesigned front bumper, along with a recontoured rear end, are among the changes aimed at giving it a broader, stronger stance." The German automaker will also premier "the latest diesel versions of the M-Class, R-Class crossover and GL-Class full-sized sport utility," featuring its BlueTEC diesel engines.

The 2009 Honda Fit is in New York. TechnoRide says "the 2009 rework is modest, with a new four-cylinder engine that’s a little more powerful in a tiny car that’s a little bigger." The New York Times reports, "A new 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 118 horsepower, 9 more than before."

Acura’s 2009 TSX will make its first U.S. appearance. The New York Times says the U.S. version of the TSX is "a revised version of the European-market Honda Accord." TechnoRide reports that the TSX offers "an available 2.4-liter, 201-hp four-cylinder engine," unusual in a luxury sedan. However, the little engine "will be followed in a year by the first U.S. Acura or Honda diesel, in 2010."

Hyundai will show the production version of its Genesis coupe. Kicking Tires reports, "As far as competitors go, Hyundai names various FWD coupes as targets - like the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Honda Civic Si - all the way up to the Infiniti G37." Mobile Magazine, however, says the Genesis is just "the next-generation Hyundai Tiburon."

The Genesis won’t be the only sporty offering. In contrast to the recently closed Geneva Motor Show’s emphasis on small and fuel-efficient vehicles, automakers plan to show off their highest horsepower offerings in New York.

Research the best 2009 cars with U.S. News’ rankings and reviews.