New York International Auto Show (2)

As promised, here is the conclusion of our New York International Auto coverage.

Among the many production cars unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show, Acura stood out with their bold MDX Concept vehicle. Featuring bold lines and an aggressive stance, the next generation MDX, when it goes on sale in the fall of '06, will be scaring away many of its mid-size luxury SUV competitors. It will be powered by a new, more powerful V6 with rumored horsepower topping 260 coupled to the company's revolutionary Super-Handling-AWD which can transfer power not only front-to-back, but also side-to-side along the rear axel. The new MDX will not disappoint and will surely revitalize the segment as it did when first introduced back in 2000.

Mazda held quite a showing as it introduced two brand new vehicles for the 2007 model year. First, Mazda exposed its new MAZDASPEED3. This variant of the basic 3, on sale since late 2003, has proven one of the best small cars on the market today. The MAZDASPEED version can only get better. First, Mazda dropped in its relatively new 2.3L Direct-Injected turbocharged I-4 from the MAZDASPEED 6 and new CX-7 here putting out upwards of 250HP and 280lb-ft of torque through the front wheels. A slick 6-speed manual makes rowing your own gears a joy. The exterior has been enhanced with larger front and rear fenders as well as aerodynamic side skirts and 18" wheels. The inside will feature new bucket seats with contrasting stitching as well as an optional pop-up navigation system.

The second Mazda offering on the show floor was the new CX-9. Mazda took time to make sure the CX-9 is as brand loyal as possible (i.e. soul of a sports car in every model). When it goes on sale this fall, a 3.5L V6 turning out 250HP with a slick 6-speed automatic transmission will get you moving. This power will hit the ground via your choice of FWD or AWD. Mazda took painstaking measures to make sure the CX-9 was injected with some of that Zoom-Zoom DNA and it seems they have succeeded. The suspension is more taught without being punishing making for less body roll. As for the interior, Mazda has come a long way towards a more refined riding experience with soft touch dash materials as well as a beautiful instrument panel and soft leather seating should you check that option box. The rear features a 60/40 split second row and a 50/50 split third row making for loads of cargo space (17.2 cu. ft. behind the third row!). The standard Roll Stability Control (RSC) as well as Traction/Stability Control make sure you will always be safe. The most basic CX-9 will be fitted with A/C, power everything, cruise control, and 6 airbags. Such highbrow options such as a high-end stereo system, a power liftgate, HID headlamps and the aforementioned leather will make this one of the best luxo cruisers around.

Finally, Jeep uncovered a second form of its totally new for '07 Wrangler -- the Unlimited. But this is more than just the stretch it was last time. For the first time since the Wrangler's brother's (Willys Jeep) inception during WWII, the Wrangler will have 4 doors! The Wrangler Unlimited will feature all of the new Wrangler's equipment including the new 3.8L V6 generating 205HP and 240lb-ft. of torque and Sunrider soft-top with 3 different positions (closed, sunroof, and full convertible). Jeep also promises many safety upgrades to keep their passengers secure both on and off-road.

If you have any comments about what you saw at the NY Auto Show or any general comments, PLEASE send them in. Just click on the comments button at the bottom of this entry and let me hear you!

If you want to see video footage of the cars you've just read about from the NY Auto Show, scroll down and click PLAY 6

Thanks,
Ben

Hot Import Nights / Tuner Market

Recently, I attended a type of auto show that many are not familiar with. One with loud, thumping music and hot models standing by their cars. But this is no ordinary auto show. This is Hot Import Nights (HIN), one of the premier tuner auto shows that tours the country allowing companies and individuals alike the opportunity to show off their pride and joy.

Over the past few years, the light vehicle automotive aftermarket has grown at a steady rate of about 3.2% and the market demand is predicted to reach $53.6 billion dollars by 2008. While there have been rumors of a decline in this trend, there was no evidence of this when I went to HIN.

The tuner car culture is one unlike any other with members so passionate about their vehicles, that they will put life savings into creating their dream. This kind of culture also brings together people from every social class, every race. It is a zone where people are able to put aside their feelings and put everything into their cars. And you'll see cars alright. For one night, HIN took over all 275,000 square feet of the Bayside Expo Center in Boston, with hundreds of cars from mildest Honda civics to the wildest Honda S2000's and Toyota Supra's donning full carbon-fiber bodies and producing upwards of 800HP!

One of the most impressive vehicles on display was one of the HIN tour cars, a 2003 Honda S2000 created by C-West, one of the premier suppliers of JDM body kits. While this beast may have looked pretty tame with just 280HP, it wore an beautiful custom made C-West body made entirely out of carbon-fiber taking the weight of this racer down hundreds of pounds, making this the perfect track fighter.

One of my other favorites was a 2004 Lexus IS300 built and owned by David Huang. This was definitely one of the prettiest cars to look at with an incredible paint job consisting of a purple/teal pearlescent paint and a full body kit making it look like a slick jet about to take off. But not all of the jazz was outside. Under the hood sat one Garret turbo as well as new headers and pipes.

Tuner owners are like no other people you will meet. Many have joined or created clubs to organize groups of people just like them. There are now even organized track days for these groups so they can strut their stuff. Like any other art form, tuning is just an expression of their creators being. While many may not understand the fun of having a ear-piercingly loud muffler or outrageous body kit, these people do it not for others, but to express themselves.

If you are one of these tuner crazy people, shoot us a comment or even a picture showing us your car and what you've done to it as well as what draws you to the tuner culture. We also always love your suggestions and input so...LET'S HERE FROM YOU!!

Thanks,
Ben

New York International Auto Show

New York. The place where so many dreams have come true. And this past April, that trend continued. Today I start a 2 part series on cars we saw at the 106th NY International Auto Show that grabbed our attention.

One of the most important cars, in our eyes, to debut at the show, is the 2007 Infiniti G35 sport sedan. Since it came on the market in 2003, the G35 has become a favorite of magazines because of its rear-wheel drive (optional AWD) and optional 6-speed manual mated to a 298 horsepower 3.5L V-6. The G35 epitomizes everything we love about a sedan from engine, to luxury, to everyday usability and rolls it into one spectacular package. For 2007, the G35 is being completely redesigned with a body more akin to the svelte looks of the current coupe as well as a more powerful engine. At least 300hp, regardless of transmission, will be channeled through either RWD or AWD as is today. Also, the interior has been redesigned to fix many of the quality issues that customers complained about. The new G35 will certainly not disappoint when it is released in fall of 2006.

Acura revealed its production version of the RDX concept shown back at Detroit. A brand new 2.3L turbocharged I-4 (Acura's first turbo) will produce 240hp and 260lb-ft. of torque through a standard Super-Handling AWD system first put to use in the Acura RL. Also from the RL is the real-time traffic updates integrated into the optional navigation system and wonderful DVD-audio supporting ELS-Audio system that kicks out sound that will make you think you are in a concert hall. The 2.3L I-4 will come standard with a 5-speed auto-manual with optional paddle shifters for those sporting types among us. Plus, its chiseled lines and overall smaller size will surely impress at the valet. You will be able to see this car in dealerships starting this fall.

New York only proved another display for the automotive star of the East; Hyundai. They showed off their new Elantra stickering for close to $14,000 with the usual long list of standard equipment including ABS, 6 airbags, 2 12v outlets, power windows and more interior space than the Acura TL, making the Elantra a mid-size car according to the EPA. One can quickly step up from the base GLS into the sporty SE, and finally the luxurious Limited. A 2.0L 138HP I-4 is offered across the board but can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. This Elantra will be yet another great new car in Hyundai's young lineup.

Nissan displayed their new Alitma, Nissan's sales leader. When the Altima goes on sale this summer, it will be offered with either a more refined 2.5L I-4 kicking out 165HP and 170 lb-ft of torque or a spunky 3.5L V-6 putting out 265HP and 255 lb-ft of torque through a choice of a 6-speed manual or a new CVT that will replace the automatics. Nissan did painstaking work to remedy to the issues that customers had with the previous edition's interior. Now with softer touch materials and better fit and finish, one will feel rich. You can pick one up this July 2006.

Finally, Mitsubishi unveiled its redesigned Outlander. It grows many sizes to accommodate a new 3rd-row seat making it significantly larger than the SUV's Mitsubishi compares it too. It will be offered with a new 3.0L variable-valve-timing (VVT) V-6 with 220HP and 204 lb-ft coupled to a 6-speed automatic with manual capability. No 4-cyl engine will be offered, no doubt due to the size increase. The Outlander will come standard with FWD (selectable 4WD system will be offered), traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and a 140 watt stereo system with CD and MP3 capability. Look for the new Outlander soon in Mitsubishi dealerships.

If you would like to see some of these cars in video, just click play below and see our live NY Auto Show coverage. Also, please leave us a comment or two and let us know how you feel about what we're doing. What was your favorite car at the New York Auto Show? What was the best automotive innovation you saw at the show? Let us know!

Thanks,
Ben

Chinese Automakers eyeing the US Market

Over the course of the last 10 years, the Chinese economy has been growing exponentially leading to new businesses and new needs for the Chinese people, notably, transportation. While still a very small percentage of the population owns a vehicle, the market is growing along with the country. There have been a couple new auto manufacturers popping up across China but only a few have been able to dig themselves in and hold on. One of those is a company called Chery Automobile.

Chery seems the most likely candidate to become the first Chinese automaker to export vehicles to the biggest automobile market in the world. Just this past January, Geely (the brand name) revealed it's first passenger car in the largest auto show in the USA. While it was seen by some as the perfect small car, many throughout the industry have concerns about the company's reliability and craftsmanship. Then again, just 20 years ago, a small Korean car maker called Hyundai brought it's Excel to our shores for the first time. Now they are one of the top 10 automakers in terms of sales in the US with some of the most well made and stylish (not to mention cheap) automobiles on sale.

At the moment, there are still so many questions left unanswered that will only be answered as time progresses. Chery will need a lot more testing time and is already planning to bring their first car to US shores by early 2008. They have plans to begin sales 6 months in advance in Puerto Rico to judge public reaction. But there is nothing like the real thing. We can only wait for Chery Automobiles

to lend us a copy and put it through its paces!

Hey there readers. We're still looking for you comments and suggestions on our content and otherwise. Just leave us a comment on the blog. Mouth off about your opinions about the advantages/disadvantages of the Chinese entering our market. Let us know what you think!

Also, check out our new website. It's has been redesigned and we hope you enjoy.

Thanks,

Ben