[alee]

Went to the 2002 NY Auto Show today, and have to say it was a GREAT show this year. If you're anywhere near NY, it's worth going to see it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I took a ton of pics today (147 total, but probably will be around 120 after I weed out the bad ones), but I won't be able to upload them until Sunday when I get back home.

Here are a few immediate impressions though...

Well, the Ford GT40 concept was incredible. They obviously put a huge amount of thought into it, and if it weren't for the massive expected price tag, we'd all be driving one.

The 350Z is an absolutely incredible piece of metal, and will definitely go like gang busters. Nissan's design team is really doing some great things. The G35 coupe is also a very slick looking car, although I prefer the 350Z lines.

The Saleen supercar is absolutely gorgeous. :thumb: It was the first time I saw it in the flesh and while it looked overdone in the car magazines, it looked really incredible in person. The Mazda RX-8 is mega fugly -- don't like it.

The Mini drew serious crowds, and I am most certain that I am going to try to get a Cooper S. I will definitely wait until the madness dies down a little though. By the look of the crowd, this car will easily sell over the 100,000 (?) a year they plan to sell. Fit and finish felt fine, not cheap at all... and were quite good considering you're talking about a car that costs only $20k.

BMW was the most disappointing. I didn't spend much time there. The CS1 is just plain ugly. Took a bunch of pics of it. E65 had a small crowd, but most of the reactions were like the Fest. It was either love it or hate it. I don't think anyone liked the rear. The I-Drive was a love it/hate it affair. Same with the front. Whatever... I still hate it. :thumbdwn:

The new Mercedes SL... absolutely stunning. :thumb: IMHO, a real winning design... people instantly took to it, and fell in love with it. That to me is a sign of a car that will sell exceptionally well.

I think the pics I took came out really well this year. Can't wait to upload them. Watch for my post on Monday.

-Al

 

[jdlsc]

Can't wait to see 'em. Good writeup. :thumb:

 

[ALEX325i]

F*ck! Totally forgot about the NY autoshow this year... :bawling:

Well, with my travel schedule, I'm lucky if I'm home over the weekends.

Thanks for the write up Al :thumb: I think that's as close as I'll get to the NY Autoshow this year...

 

[Kaz]

I agree about the SL. Saw my first one on-road last night (I've seen it at the LA show already), and I didn't recognize it at first because it has a totally non-MB taillight pattern (its LED, as well). It's hard to decide if its a big car (which it is) or a small one, as its not bulky in any way, especially in comparison to the previous SL.

 

[SONET]

I've seen a couple SL's on the road... aside from the overly-large triangular tail lights, that is one classy car.

But I keep thinking to myself, if I had that much to spend on a car, I really doubt that I'd be buying an SL... maybe it would be more fitting later in life? :dunno: In the meantime, that kind of pricetag seems almost close enough to justify the leap to something a little more... Italian.

--SONET

 

[bmw325]

Cool. I'm leaving for the show right now! I agree- Nissan is really getting their act together! If BMW really goes ahead w/ something like the CS1- they're going to be in big trouble.

 

[Wingboot]

It looks better than the crappy show I went to in D.C.

That show was laughable when compared to the Frankfurt IAA that I attended in 1999, 2000 and 2001