Overall thoughts:
The show is on the upswing along with the industry, but has a long way to go.
To me VW had the best car. The NCC was amazing in fit and finish, design, and would make a fantastic daily driver.
Hybrid/electric was a main conversation point, but it seemed like technology and ease-of-use was the main feature. Ford's new MyTouch is a great application for the cars. I really want to see it in use by consumers.
Ford is miles ahead of the other domestic brands. GM is alive, but seems to be missing any clear direction. GM's conferences were quick with no flair or panache. Ford's conferences were much more involving and exhibited commonalities throughout all brands. Chrysler didn't bother with a press conference. It could be because the merger with Fiat happened too soon, but it still seems like a really bad sign. Chrysler, with the proper infusion of cars and technology from their new partners, could flourish, but they are in real danger of dying before they have a chance to recover. The key thing here is that the government probably will not allow Chrysler to fail before they can reinvent themselves.
The Fiat 500 looks like a fantastic car. I heard quite a few people talking about it, and they always had a large number of media people around it. If it takes off like it should, it could be the first step of bringing Chrysler back from the brink.
Kia showed a refreshed Sorento and Hyundai showed a refreshed Tuscan. The Tuscan shits all over the Sorento. Hyundai really is a big time player.
Honda's CR-Z is dogshit. It was being talked about as the future of Honda. I'm really afraid that it actually might be. If this is the most exciting thing Honda can produce, they will gain little to no market share. Hyundai is poised to take their place as an asian brand that produces inexpensive, reliable, fun cars. The CR-Z will have its fans, of course, but it's not near the car that Honda used to be capable of producing.
The Fiesta and Focus look great. The Fiesta feels kinda cheap inside, but that's not surprising give the price point. It's miles beyond what Ford had available previously. It's great that we are starting to get some of the cars designed for Europe available to us here in the states.
Did I mention how great the VW NCC concept was?
There are some really ambitious individuals trying to push their shed-built electric vehicles. Kudos to them for trying, but $25k for a poorly built electric three wheeler with a bulbous body is not going to fly.
The CTS-V coupe looks and feels great. Great fit and finish. When the vehicle starts getting tested by the media, it's going to put up some very serious numbers. Cadillac also mentioned that all future models from this point on will be available in a V-series and a Platinum series. The Platinum editions are just extra-luxurious.
Expect a new "baby Prius" from Toyota, and there is a decent chance there will be a comparable unit sporting the Lexus badge.
Is Scion even relevant? NO ONE was in their booth.
The MBZ E-class vert looks like a Seabring with an E-class grill. That said, they are very comfy, and loaded to the hilt with technology including a powered "unibrow" windshield header designed to direct airflow up over the cockpit to allow top-down driving in cold climates.
The Mercedes SLS looks better in person than in any photo I've seen. The ass end looks too much like an Acura CL, but it's still a great car.
The Lotus Evora is BRILLIANT. If you have the means, I highly suggest you pick one up. It's so choice. I'm smitten with everything about the car but the price, and that's just because I'm broke like whoa. Transmission feels very notchy too.
The Tesla sedan looks kinda bloated, but promising. The giant screen that dominates the center stack will make aftermarket audio near impossible, and seems like a suspect idea on an all-electric vehicle. Standard hvac controls seem like a better idea, but what do I know...
Smart is launching a new car rental service for their cars called Car 2 Go. It's a good idea, and close to what is being done by zipcar. I believe it's starting in Austin, but will be expanding beyond that. Cost is .35/mile, and includes free gas and parking.
And now the pics. I'll post a few. If you want more of any given car, just ask as I have multiple shots of just about every vehicle there.
The show is on the upswing along with the industry, but has a long way to go.
To me VW had the best car. The NCC was amazing in fit and finish, design, and would make a fantastic daily driver.
Hybrid/electric was a main conversation point, but it seemed like technology and ease-of-use was the main feature. Ford's new MyTouch is a great application for the cars. I really want to see it in use by consumers.
Ford is miles ahead of the other domestic brands. GM is alive, but seems to be missing any clear direction. GM's conferences were quick with no flair or panache. Ford's conferences were much more involving and exhibited commonalities throughout all brands. Chrysler didn't bother with a press conference. It could be because the merger with Fiat happened too soon, but it still seems like a really bad sign. Chrysler, with the proper infusion of cars and technology from their new partners, could flourish, but they are in real danger of dying before they have a chance to recover. The key thing here is that the government probably will not allow Chrysler to fail before they can reinvent themselves.
The Fiat 500 looks like a fantastic car. I heard quite a few people talking about it, and they always had a large number of media people around it. If it takes off like it should, it could be the first step of bringing Chrysler back from the brink.
Kia showed a refreshed Sorento and Hyundai showed a refreshed Tuscan. The Tuscan shits all over the Sorento. Hyundai really is a big time player.
Honda's CR-Z is dogshit. It was being talked about as the future of Honda. I'm really afraid that it actually might be. If this is the most exciting thing Honda can produce, they will gain little to no market share. Hyundai is poised to take their place as an asian brand that produces inexpensive, reliable, fun cars. The CR-Z will have its fans, of course, but it's not near the car that Honda used to be capable of producing.
The Fiesta and Focus look great. The Fiesta feels kinda cheap inside, but that's not surprising give the price point. It's miles beyond what Ford had available previously. It's great that we are starting to get some of the cars designed for Europe available to us here in the states.
Did I mention how great the VW NCC concept was?
There are some really ambitious individuals trying to push their shed-built electric vehicles. Kudos to them for trying, but $25k for a poorly built electric three wheeler with a bulbous body is not going to fly.
The CTS-V coupe looks and feels great. Great fit and finish. When the vehicle starts getting tested by the media, it's going to put up some very serious numbers. Cadillac also mentioned that all future models from this point on will be available in a V-series and a Platinum series. The Platinum editions are just extra-luxurious.
Expect a new "baby Prius" from Toyota, and there is a decent chance there will be a comparable unit sporting the Lexus badge.
Is Scion even relevant? NO ONE was in their booth.
The MBZ E-class vert looks like a Seabring with an E-class grill. That said, they are very comfy, and loaded to the hilt with technology including a powered "unibrow" windshield header designed to direct airflow up over the cockpit to allow top-down driving in cold climates.
The Mercedes SLS looks better in person than in any photo I've seen. The ass end looks too much like an Acura CL, but it's still a great car.
The Lotus Evora is BRILLIANT. If you have the means, I highly suggest you pick one up. It's so choice. I'm smitten with everything about the car but the price, and that's just because I'm broke like whoa. Transmission feels very notchy too.
The Tesla sedan looks kinda bloated, but promising. The giant screen that dominates the center stack will make aftermarket audio near impossible, and seems like a suspect idea on an all-electric vehicle. Standard hvac controls seem like a better idea, but what do I know...
Smart is launching a new car rental service for their cars called Car 2 Go. It's a good idea, and close to what is being done by zipcar. I believe it's starting in Austin, but will be expanding beyond that. Cost is .35/mile, and includes free gas and parking.
And now the pics. I'll post a few. If you want more of any given car, just ask as I have multiple shots of just about every vehicle there.
