Easter weekend traditionally brings the auto show to New York City. On the days preceding the show, manufacturers reveal their latest models to the press, a few of them concepts but the majority new cars due in showrooms later this year. Twelve manufacturers made debuts today, and another seven are due for revelation tomorrow.
Saying “small can be cool,” GM introduced a trio of Chevrolet concepts styled in Korea. The Groove is retro-styled, the Trax an urban crossover and the Beat a techno-hatchback. Audi’s newbie was the S5 coupe, and Ford had a double whammy. Carroll Shelby was on hand to unveil a new GT500KR on the fortieth anniversary of the first, and the Flex, an Element-fighting F-box, was trundled out for eager scribes.
While BMW was matter-of-fact regarding the new 5 series, and touted diesels and hydrogen over hybrids, Mercedes-Benz celebrated the new C350 and CLK AMG with pyrotechnics. Infiniti showed a new G37 coupe, due out in summer, as well as an EX concept coupe crossover.
Jeep tested the journos’ mettle by demonstrating the new 2008 Liberty’s Sky Slider™ vinyl sunroof in the pouring rain. Lexus outdid itself with a new LX570 Luxury Utility Vehicle, and Subaru atoned for past indiscretions with a new Tribeca which thankfully dispensed with the old model’s anteater snout.
Rounding out the roll-outs were a new Brooklands coupe from Bentley and a Volvo XC70. Hyundai finished the day with the luxury Genesis concept, a V8-powered sedan with six-speed Shiftronic transmission. A number of antique and classic cars are on exhibit from the LeMay Museum in Washington State, and a Taxi 07 exhibition outside the main lobby includes cabs of the past, present and future.
Prominent journalists at press days included the CarPort’s professional consultant Gregg D. Merksamer, seen taking notes and photographs, Jean Jennings, editrix emerita of Automobile magazine and recipient of IMPA’s 2007 Ken Purdy Award, and popular Connecticut television personality Dennis David. Auto industry veteran Steve Rossi conferred with show director Candida Romanelli after the Subaru press conference.
The 2007 New York International Auto Show runs from April 6th to 15th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 34th Street and 11th Avenue. C’mon down!
