New York Auto Show: Carmakers hope to make a big splash

The New York Auto Show will be thrown open to the public on Friday. The auto show comes at a good time for the US auto industry which posted its best ever monthly sales since 2007 in March, with 1.4 million vehicles sold.

Ford Motor Co has already raised its forecast for the US auto sales this year, citing improving consumer confidence, employment, low interest rates and other factors. It now expects full-year US sales in the range of 14.5 million to 15 million. That's up from 13.5 million to 14.5 million at the beginning of this year.

Chrysler's 2013 SRT Viper was introduced on Wednesday at the New York Auto Show. It is the fifth generation of the iconic two-seater, which first went on sale as the Dodge Viper in 1992.

General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet brand is trying to resuscitate sales of big sedans with a sleek, new version of the Impala.

The 'flying car' will also be on display at the show. Around 100 people have already put down a $10,000 deposit for it.

Woburn, Massachusetts-based Terrafugia Inc. on Monday said that its prototype flying car has completed its first flight, bringing the company closer to its goal of selling the flying car within the next year. The vehicle - dubbed the Transition - has two seats, four wheels and wings that fold up so it can be driven like a car.