LAST week’s New York International Automobile show may have focused mainly on the American home market, but there were a few cars launched which we’ll be seeing on this side of the Pond.

Leading the way was Lexus with its LS600h (pictured) – a hybrid version of the all-new LS luxury saloon. With a 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine and two electric motors, the LS600h delivers 435bhp and Lexus claims its hybrid technology offers V12 engine performance with V8 fuel economy. The LS600h is due to arrive in the UK in June 2007.

BENTLEY took the wraps of its stunning new convertible Continental GTC (below). Based on the existing Continental GT coupe, the GTC offers a fully-electric roof, four seats and a 195mph top speed thanks to its twin-turbocharged W12 engine. Prices will be announced later this year when the car goes on sale.

JEEP unveiled two new off-roaders at the show – a four-door version of the evergreen Wrangler (below) and the Patriot mini-SUV. The Wrangler maintains its rugged looks and soft-top roof but adds two small rear doors for greater accessibility. The Patriot is a Toyota RAV4-sized model with four-wheel drive and, when it arrives in the UK, will use smaller engines than its bigger stablemates to boost fuel economy.