Time once again for my annual report on the New York Auto Show, as always, with my daughter, now 16 years old, and anticipating getting a license and a car, in tow.

First, Mazda business. Saw the 2009 RX-8- it’s not so objectionable in person and the two circular plastic cutouts for the tow hooks in the plastic fascia above the grille don’t look so bad- in fact, they’re barely noticeable. Having said that, the front end still looks ungainly. I’ll take my 2006, thanks. The interior is spruced up, but not what you would call a quantum leap from what we own now. This was a blue sport model on display. The side fender vents with signals look awful, IMHO. Should have just left it in sheet metal, but that’s Japan- tack it on everywhere, even when it doesn’t do anything. The 19” wheels are gorgeous, and would look good on anything! Surprisingly, few concept cars were there, just the Furai- which was pretty cool. And a Mazdaspeed RX-8 racer. Other than that, standard fare- the CX’s get the most attention from the crowds. Too bad the revamped 6 was not here in time.

The Cadillac CTS coupe concept was beautiful- hope they build it. Either I’m getting too old or Cadillac is really getting on the beam, but that car looks great. Slick piece. The new Challenger was there in several guises, including the 425 HP (what else) Hemi. So was the new Camaro, but not ready for prime time yet. The Solstice coupe looked great! Reminds me of the old Cobra coupes, but I guess that’s the point.

Buick issued a Riviera concept car- if you don’t like suicide doors, this sucker has one big-*** gullwing door that allows access to the front and rear seats at once- open wide! Introduced in Shanghai, where Buick is popular, the car featured Chinese letter scripting on the rear, which seemed to delight the Chinese immigrant population here in New York. Buicks actually look quite good- sort of like Lancias.

Saw the 1 series BMW, which I looked forward too- the price is not gonna cut it, guys- it’s too much, especially if you’re not intending to trade up from the RX-8 price point. As some others have pointed out, you’re rubbing up against the 3 series anyway. One neat idea for us back-seat conscious guys is the power adjustment rocker button just over the shoulder of the front seat passenger- the person in the rear seat can move the front one forward to gain egress from the car. Good idea. The BMW CS four door concept is beautiful, and looks ready to go live. Yet another “Sports Activity Vehicle” was introduced. Yawn.

Don’t know what to make of this, but a well preserved 1980s vintage Mercedes 450SL 2 –seater garnered more attention than the new models at the Mercedes stand.

Suzuki released two concept cars which I think were meant to show people they’re not sticking to pipe rack sedans. Pretty good efforts.

Surprise line-up was Saturn, which is actually Opel these days - for $19,000 to start, the Astra coupe is a hell of a well built piece to satisfy anyone’s needs in a car- comparing it to the similarly priced Chevy Cobalt, this is bringing much more in quality for the same dollar. Nice paint, trim and design at a reasonable cost. I was really impressed at the value shown here.

This was what you would call a transitional year- there was nothing really earth shaking, and since the Internet takes all of the surprise out these events, nothing really hits you too hard. The sense of discovery on seeing a new model for the first time is gone, for better or worse.

 

Sweet, i'll be going on saturday!

 

Goin on friday woohoo

 

Lucky bastards. I want a car show to go to.

You sound spot on with your comments on each car mentioned and even though I haven't seen an '09 RX-8 in person, I would have to agree to everything you said. I think the CTS coupe would be a brilliant car for Caddy and I'm sure due to all the positive response it will get built. Do you remember the price of the BMW? Because if you can get anywhere close to the starting price (which probably won't happen) then it doesn't sound too pricey for what you get according to BMW USA. I haven't priced a 335i so I don't know the price difference.

I think the best thing Saturn can keep doing is sourcing Opel for small cars but I would like to a see a performance version of the Astra stateside as I think for now they only offer one powertrain in the US. How about a diesel too, GM?

 

Well, at a STARTING price of near 35k, I think it's a lot to ask. You're only 5K away from a 3 series. I'm not saying it's not a desirable car in itself, but the value question is gonna come up.

 

Just go as early as possible, and buy your tickets on line so you don't have to wait in the Javitz Center to buy them- same price.

 

going wednesday.....got vendor tickets

 

i loved the seats in the 09 nothing else tho. i also met another 8club member waiting to get in the 09 but couldnt really hear what his name was.

 

Yeah, me and my girlfriend is going to wait outside for the door to open. Go early, leave early.

 

Are you bringing the 8? I decided to go tomorrow with my friends and AGAIN on Saturday with the GF.