9,325 miles - The New York International Auto Show
For anyone who loves cars, the auto show is a 'must do'. Here you can check out existing vehicles, pre-production models, and the all-important concept vehicles. For anyone who is actually car-shopping, this event may very well be the perfect location to check out all the cars on your wish list... and quite frankly, who isn't car-shopping?
Many production cars on the floor are open to the public. Not all, but many. Attendees can climb inside and play with the controls, adjust the seating, check out the cargo room and passenger seats, and fantasize about owning the vehicle they are in. Of course I did my fair share of day-dreaming. Of the many cars I sat in were the Chevy SSR, Volvo C70, Chrysler 300 and the Honda Ridgeline. Best surprise? The 2007 Hyundai Sante Fe for its incredible interior appointments and well finished looks.
The pre-production cars are vehicles which should be available to the public in the not so distant future. The models on display are very close representations of what the automakers will eventually churn out. But since nothing is certain, the pre-production units are usually locked and/or roped off. But still, one can gaze from a distance...
And then there are the concept cars! In my opinion, these are the true stars of the show. These unique models give us a glimpse of what automakers have in store for us in terms of style, drive-train and technology. For the manufacturers, the auto show circuit gives them unprecedented public feedback regarding their 'vision'. Currently there is mad talk about the new Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger, both of which I am certain will move from concept to production. Other notables? Well, there is the Toyota Fine-T. This strange little car utilizes fuel-cell technology and incorporates independent motors for each wheel (thus allowing all four tires to turn). Or how about the Ford Reflex? This car has a diesel/electric hybrid drive-train (60+mpg) and unique butterfly doors. And then of course, you can count on the high-end vehicles to showcase cutting edge technology. For example, the Lexus LS 600H is a luxury hybrid sedan offering parallel-parking assist. This technology will analyze a potential parking spot for the car, calculate its 'path' and -- now get this -- drive itself into the spot with perfect accuracy! Honestly now, where's the fun in that?!?'
The New York show actually is the last big show in the North American Auto Show circuit. The show season kicks off in Detroit in January of each year. I think next year I will make the drive out to Michigan to attend it. I hear the show is awesome.
So, now that we know what the 2007 models look like, why not take your pick and place an order. I'd love to get my hands on the new Volvo C70 or Toyota FJ Cruiser or BMW Z4 Coupe... well, its time to go online and starting spec'ing out my next car. Yeah right! I am in no position to buy a new car now. But as I said, one can always fantasize...
... and who isn't car shopping??
Let's motor.
T - 5 days
For anyone who loves cars, the auto show is a 'must do'. Here you can check out existing vehicles, pre-production models, and the all-important concept vehicles. For anyone who is actually car-shopping, this event may very well be the perfect location to check out all the cars on your wish list... and quite frankly, who isn't car-shopping?
Many production cars on the floor are open to the public. Not all, but many. Attendees can climb inside and play with the controls, adjust the seating, check out the cargo room and passenger seats, and fantasize about owning the vehicle they are in. Of course I did my fair share of day-dreaming. Of the many cars I sat in were the Chevy SSR, Volvo C70, Chrysler 300 and the Honda Ridgeline. Best surprise? The 2007 Hyundai Sante Fe for its incredible interior appointments and well finished looks.
The pre-production cars are vehicles which should be available to the public in the not so distant future. The models on display are very close representations of what the automakers will eventually churn out. But since nothing is certain, the pre-production units are usually locked and/or roped off. But still, one can gaze from a distance...
And then there are the concept cars! In my opinion, these are the true stars of the show. These unique models give us a glimpse of what automakers have in store for us in terms of style, drive-train and technology. For the manufacturers, the auto show circuit gives them unprecedented public feedback regarding their 'vision'. Currently there is mad talk about the new Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger, both of which I am certain will move from concept to production. Other notables? Well, there is the Toyota Fine-T. This strange little car utilizes fuel-cell technology and incorporates independent motors for each wheel (thus allowing all four tires to turn). Or how about the Ford Reflex? This car has a diesel/electric hybrid drive-train (60+mpg) and unique butterfly doors. And then of course, you can count on the high-end vehicles to showcase cutting edge technology. For example, the Lexus LS 600H is a luxury hybrid sedan offering parallel-parking assist. This technology will analyze a potential parking spot for the car, calculate its 'path' and -- now get this -- drive itself into the spot with perfect accuracy! Honestly now, where's the fun in that?!?'
The New York show actually is the last big show in the North American Auto Show circuit. The show season kicks off in Detroit in January of each year. I think next year I will make the drive out to Michigan to attend it. I hear the show is awesome.
So, now that we know what the 2007 models look like, why not take your pick and place an order. I'd love to get my hands on the new Volvo C70 or Toyota FJ Cruiser or BMW Z4 Coupe... well, its time to go online and starting spec'ing out my next car. Yeah right! I am in no position to buy a new car now. But as I said, one can always fantasize...
... and who isn't car shopping??
Let's motor.
T - 5 days
