The 2013 New York International Auto Show kicks off tomorrow, bringing with it flashy new cars and a level of vacuous and yet brilliant marketing that only the automobile industry can deliver. The Chevrolet Spark, which is a mini car meant for city driving, was promoted under the slogan, “Soon to be an urban legend.” As in, soon to be a myth? Nonexistent? Confusing, but oddly mesmerizing.
Down the hall there was a Camaro hanging on the wall, which marked the beginning of the Chevrolet showroom in the North hall of the Javits Center. Through the massive doorways that had been cut out in the shape of the Chevrolet logo, free coffee and lunches were being distributed to the well-heeled car enthusiasts and assorted media. A group of finely-dressed older men chatted and joked with the horribly retro models next to the 2014 Cadillac ELR. It is kind of a sexy car, but bizarre (it seems like too many elements seem borrowed from a golf ball). Further into the showroom was the 2013 electric Chevrolet Volt, a beautiful car that was marketed as being “pure electric fun.”
The big commotion in the Chevrolet showroom, at the far back, was the reintroduction of the Z/28, a $55,000 street-racing car that had a devoted gaggle around it murmuring sentences like “very impressive,” and “ItΆs the real deal,” to one another, while stroking their chins. Car enthusiasts, it seemed apparent, are also goatee-enthusiasts.
In the less-crowded main showroom, Toyota is displaying a Seqouia that has been turned into a drag car (called, in another marketing miracle, the “Dragqouia”), as well as the actual Toyota Endeavor that pulled the space shuttle. Attendees can take turns throwing paper airplanes through a target on the back of this vaunted, historic, brave Toyota.
Off-beat car offerings included the LogDog, a “revved-up superhero that is half-truck, half-tree, with the personality of a faithful dog,” who stars in his own childrenΆs book. There was also a car that was working to raise awareness about PTSD among veterans.
“I canΆt pretend IΆm arresting you,” state trooper Phil Fouche told a German tourist who approached him on the other side of the hall, next to one of New York StateΆs new Chevrolet CapriceΆs. The Caprice is one of three models of cars that the state police are trying out to replace the Crown Victoria, which stopped production in 2011. “I love the way it drives,” he told us.
Subaru, which looked to cement its reputation as the car of choice among Northeastern hippies (good gas mileage, relatively cheap, and 4-wheel drive) set up a silk-screening station that was giving out free t-shirts when you download the “Subaru Discover App”. Once you download the App, you can take a picture of your new shirt, unlocking special features. We live in a time of marketing wonders.
Nissan, which also discussed itΆs taxicab of the future, reiterated its new commitment to leading the way in emission innovation, and declared that we are now living in “the era of electrification.” Across the convention center, most companies have already rolled out their next generation hybrid model, with nothing particularly innovative on display this year. Nissan touted record-sales for its all-electric Leaf, the most efficient electric car in America.
Shrouded in mystery was the Scion showroom on the 3rd (and most likely haunted) level of the Javits Center. A security guard blocked our access, leaving us wondering what was behind the black curtains (possibilities: aero-car, car that runs on good vibes, car that produces gasoline... but it was actually a "sporty coupe").
The NY International Auto Show runs through April 7 at the Jacob Javits Center; tickets are $15 for adults.
New York International Auto Show....
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Αρχικό μήνυμα απο A8hnaios;384188
οποτε δεν μπορω να τις χρησιμοποιησω.... αλλα προβλεπω να ξαναπαω μια και ερχονται φιλοι απο Ελλαδα......
