sixate

Has anybody else gone to the auto show, or plan on going? I live near Cleveland so I always go to the Cleveland show, but this year I also decided to head up to Detroit for the big one. I'm glad I went because they have more concept and high end stuff than what Cleveland gets at it's show, but the venue is small compared to the IX Center in Cleveland. They should move the NAIAS to Cleveland because they can handle more exhibits.

Anyway, I was glad I went because it was a pretty good show. A few of my favorites were the Audi E-Tron & R8, Lotus Evora, Ferrari 599XX, Volkwagen NCC, and Lexus LF-CH. My favorite cars that I could afford were the Forte Koup, Subaru Legacy, new Focus hatchback, and Audi A3. I put up a bunch of pics on my flickr page so take a look if you want to see what they had at the show.

Biggest disappointment was Honda. I used to love Honda vehicles. I owned a 90 Prelude si and a 99 Civic si, and I loved both, but now I hate everything they make. The new Civic si is OK, but the interior is way too small for me. The new CR-Z is a fucking joke. They need to burn that car and forget about it. I don't know what happened to them building fun and sporty little cars. And why the hell could they build a car 20 years ago that could average 40mpg, but can't do that today?

I think the GMC Granite is a great looking concept. Too bad they'll never build anything this cool because it's way better looking than the Kia Soul or Scion xB.

BadNick

The Philadelphia Auto Show this year starts on Jan. 30th and runs thru Feb. 7. I think I'll go this year and take my two boys along. We skipped the last two years, but went to shows before that. The reason I skipped years is because I don't have much interest in most new cars and the show in Philly has a more limited presentation of other types of concept, custom and show cars compared to the bigger shows like NYC, etc....sounds like Philly is more on par with the limited presentation in Cleveland.

I'd love to see the Lexus LFA in person but it isn't on the list of cars being displayed here. In fact, I just looked at the list of cars on the show's website and it makes me think twice about even going. I see way more cool, interesting cars at a typical track day than at these shows.

Thanks for the nice pics on your flickr page. That cool little 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro sort of reminds me of the '84 BMW 323 that we half-ass "elektro-fied" late last year and is sitting in our shop now (why?...because we can), this is ours:

laconic1

I wish I could go to the naias. The Denver auto show isn't such a big deal, to see all the extra stuff they get in Detroit would make it worthwhile. I have to agree that Honda has lost it's way. I loved the looks of the 04-08 TL, but the new TL just looks stupid. That comment could really apply for the rest of their lineup.

MSD

Holy shit, you're back!