2009 NY Auto Show

Spent the day at the show yesterday with my son. The show was pretty good but you can tell that the poor economy has had an effect on things. Attendance seemed down from past years and there was a definite lack of real special debuts and concepts. That being said the show was still enjoyable and the lack of crazy crowds was more than welcome. Lets get into the good and bad from the show.

The Good:

Cadillac CTS-V - simply awesome. They had one on the floor open to sit in. Already impressed with the performance and exterior, I was happily surprised to see the very nicely done interior. GM hit a home run with this one.

Pontiac G8 GXP - Just a bad ass performance sedan. Too bad it may disappear along with the rest of Pontiac if GM files for bankruptcy.



Nissan 370Z, 370Z NISMO and 370Z Roadster - Much nicer looking inside and out compared to the 350Z. Got rid of the big butt look from the 350 and the interior is night and day.



Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Great looking, good performance, reasonable price = winning combination. Interior a bit cheap but livable for the price.



Chevy Camaro SS - WOW. Stunning in person. Interior not great but OK enough. Visibility could take some getting used to but I'd try to live with it for the performance and looks it offers. Huge crowd around it.



Chevy Volt - Good looking and one of the most important cars of at least the last 20 years, if GM can get it to market.



Chevy Cruze - Impressive new small car from the General. They really are starting to get things right. Hopefully, it's not too late.



Audi R8 V10 - One word, awesome.



Porsche - Showed the new GT3 and for the first time I can remember, let you sit in the 911, Cayman and Boxster they had on display.



Mercedes - They had most of their latest AMG models available and open to sit in. All except for the awesome McLaren SLR 722 Convertible and sinister SL63 Black Series.



Fisker - Stunning cars. Enough said.

The Bad:

BMW - They had a 135 Coupe decked out with every available option including new appearance and performance bits. Nice looking to be sure but with an indicated price of around $70,000, ridiculously laughable. Most people gathered around the car mumbled something to the effect of "$70,000 for a 1 series!" and walked away.

Mitsubishi - Always relegated to the lower floor, they had a new Lancer Ralliart open to the public but the Ralliart Sportback and EVOX were both locked. Why? Even Porsche let the unwashed masses molest their cars.

Subaru - Another basement display and no WRX STI. The only WRX they had was the sedan. The new Legacy was on display but it's looks may have to grow on me.



Mazda - After seeing the new Mazda 3 in person, I think they ruined it. I'm not a fan of the new design on the nose of the car. The Mazdaspeed version is still an awesome little hatch though.