Posts Tagged ‘Car show’

It’s the Year of Electric Cars and Micro Mobility Vehicles at the 2022 New York International Auto Show

After two years of virtual car exhibits, the New York International Auto Show is back. Even with the shortage of computer chips for new and existing cars, electric cars, SUVs, bikes and scooters are the stars of the show.Spokespeople  will tell you that EV vehicles are here to stay: charging stations are becoming more commonplace throughout the country and in more urban centers than ever as people recognize the cost savings versus skyrocketing gas prices. We can only hope.

Lamborghini ©Meryl Pearlstein

This show is all about innovation and adaptation. And some fun, too.

With cars, SUVs and EV driving tracks set up on the first floor, and test areas for micro mobility vehicles (e-scooters and e-bikes) and multiple EV driving areas on the lower level plus the ever-popular outdoor Camp Jeep off-roading course, you’ll have a lot of exploring ahead of you. Electric cars, concept cars, hybrids and exotic vehicles steal the show this year. From now through April 24, this show is a must for any car lover. Show hours are daily from 10am-10pm and Sunday from 10am-7pm.

Jeep Rubicon on Off-Roading Track ©Meryl Pearlstein

Among the trends at the Auto Show this year:

Electric vehicles are big news. Big ones, small ones, crossovers. Everyone seems to have a variety of versions in popular colors like “flat grey” and white. Among them are the new VinFast from Vietnam and new INDI from California; the exciting EV versions of Volvo’s luxurious SUV, the XC 40 Recharge; and the expanded line of Infiniti and Lexus EVs.

VinFast ©Meryl Pearlstein

Check out the fabulous Mustangs (including the electric Mustang Mach-E), Camaros, Chargers and Corvettes as well. The style options seem more exciting than ever.

Mach 1 ©Meryl Pearlstein

Perhaps it’s because we haven’t attended this car show in two years, or maybe it’s because the designers have put more time into introducing these stunning vehicles.

Corvette ©Meryl Pearlstein

In the exotics area, there’s a neon green Lamborghini on display and a white Bentley SUV for those of you interested in that sort of thing. But I’d prefer the sexy navy Bentley Continental GT convertible displayed next to it or Elvis Presley’s white 1956 Lincoln Continental, brought to the show from its home in Memphis.

Elvis Presley's 1956 Lincoln Continental ©Meryl Pearlstein

In striking contrast to Volkswagen’s playful electric take on their beloved VW Van, the ID.Buzz, the Rolls Royce SUV sits very proper and austere.

VW ID.Buzz ©Meryl Pearlstein

If you’re not in the market for a new car, or if you have kids in tow, there are plenty of fun activities as well. Try out the Hyundai racing challenge stimulator or let the kids stand on one of the smaller e-scooters. Subaru has partnered with the National Park Service to create a video landscape showing scenes from parks around the country.

Hyundai Racing Course ©Meryl Pearlstein

Hungry? Nearby Hudson Yards has lots of choices from casual to formal.

Courtesy Little Spain

Little Spain is a food hall with Spanish specialty stands hawking patatas bravas, churros, jamón ibérico and more. There’s also a bar, an all-day Spanish Diner, a sit-down grill restaurant (Leña) and the newly re-opened Mar. Conceptualized by superstar chefs Jose Garces and Ferran Adrià, El Mercado is a colorful place for refreshment after the car show

E-bikes and e-scooters ©Meryl Pearlstein

You can find more information for the New York International Auto Show at http://www.autoshowny.com/. Tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for children under 12, and can be purchased online or at the show.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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More than 1000 Cars and Lots of Surprises at 2018 Car Show in NYC

There are some pretty sweet cars and experiences waiting for you at this year’s New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center, Manhattan. From all-electrics, concept cars, and sportier SUVs, to new reveals, and virtual reality and robot simulators, you can spend many hours immersed in the world of automobiles from March 30-April 9.  You can buy your tickets here. Then, hop in your car, and drive to the nearest drive-in, Sonic Hamburgers in North Bergen, New Jersey. I’m still searching for one in New York City.

That’s just what I did today on the intro media day filled with press conferences, demos and car intros.

Here are some of the interesting reveals that you can expect to see at the show.

Camaro:  It’s the 50th year of Hot Wheels and Camaro is celebrating it.

Essentia:  Genesis unveiled its groundbreaking Essentia Concept. The all-electric, high-performance concept elevates and re-imagines Genesis’s “Athletic Elegance” design.

Toyota RAV4: The all-new 2019 Toyota RAV4 gets a sporty re-do that’s both attractive and practical for the this small sports utility vehicle, the creator of the small SUV segment.

Cadillac XT4: Cadillac unveiled its new XT4, an all-new compact luxury SUV, powered by an all-new 2.0L Turbo engine.

Nissan Altima: Nissan revealed a newly designed, very stylish version of its popular Altima, the first Nissan sedan to have available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in the U.S.

Acura RDX: The 2019 Acura RDX debuted a sportier version of its SUV, the RDX A-Spec sport with larger wheels, gloss black accents and distinctive interiors including an available two-tone red and black interior.

Hyundai Kona Electric: For the eco-minded driver, Hyundai unveiled its new U.S. version of the Kona Electric crossover.

Audi RS 5 Sportback: This new Audi arrives in the US with distinctive styling and a distinct sound from its V6 biturbo engin

Mercedcs-Benz-AMG: The ever-popular C-Class shines with the addition of C 63 now  available in sedan, coupe and cabriolet versions with extended individualization options.

Alfa Romeo: Expanding the Giulia and Stelvio lineup, Alfa Romeo’s new Nero Edizione package seductive and striking dark exterior accents.

BMW introduces a sleeker version of its X1 small luxury SUV, the new X2 with more angled lines and slightly smaller interior space.  (No, that’s not the X2 in the top photo, but I can still dream).

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Hurry! The New York International Auto Show Ends This Weekend

Schedule your time this weekend to spend at least a few hours of the 2017 version of the New York International Auto Show.  With cars and SUVs set up on the first floor, and trucks and a few SUVs on the lower level, you’ll have a lot of exploring ahead of you. Electric cars, hybrids, new SUV models, concept cars and luxury vehicles are all on display. From now through April 23, this show is a must for any car lover. Show hours: Friday and Saturday, 10am-10pm. Sunday, 10am-7pm.

Among the trends that are apparent this year:

SUVs are big news. Big ones, small ones, crossovers. Everyone seems to have a variety of versions in popular colors like blue and red. Of particular note, Alfa Romeo has joined in with the stylish Stelvio. Who knew that you could  up the raciness quotient started by Porsche’s Cayenne with an Alfa Romeo? The Stelvio is quite striking and will be available in the US in 2018.

Smaller cars are getting a visible style makeover. Just take a look at the Toyota Camry and the Honda Civic, and you’ll see what I mean. Add leather, trim, and some stylized exterior appointments and bright colors, and, poof, you have an affordable alternative to higher-priced BMW 3 series of the Mercedes C-Class. Well, almost.

Speaking of BMW, the all-new 5 Series has a dedicated area so you can decide for yourself whether the changes are significant or not. The styling doesn’t seem all that radically different, but under-the-hood shows the improvements.

Hyundai’s high-end division, Genesis, displays their attractive sedans, soon to be introduced in the US.

The new Lincoln Continental is luxurious as ever but markedly different from the Continental of yore, with sleek door handles and lines.

If you’re not in the market for a new car, or if you have kids in tow, there are plenty of other fun activities as well. Try out the Hyundai racing challenge stimulator or the Nissan interactive GTR Driving Experience.

Virtual reality stations are offered by Jaguar, Ford and Acura.

And, of course, there’s the ever-popular outdoor Camp Jeep off-roading experience. Line up early and put your driving gloves on!

Hungry? Check out Clyde Frazier, Walt Frazier’s massive basketball and sports restaurant around the corner. Cocktails are named after some of Frazier’s signature basketball quotes: “Loosey Goosy,” “Stumbling and Bumbling” and “Moving and Grooving.”  Main courses span the U.S. with mac and cheese, burgers, and blackened Scottish salmon, and add Asian accents with Thai lobster curry with jasmine rice.  While you wait, you can duck into the half court at the end of the bar and shoot hoops in this tribute to one of the Knicks’ greatest players. 485 Tenth Avenue. arkrestaurants.com/clydefraziers/

Where to go:  Jacob Javits Center, 11th Avenue between 34th and 40th streets, New York City.  Hours:  10am-7pm. http://www.autoshowny.com/.   Tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for children under 12, and can be purchased online or at the show.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Easter Vacation with the Relatives: Go to the New York International Auto Show Instead

Schedule your time this weekend to see what’s in store on the automotive horizon.  If you love cars, as I do, you’ll find this year’s selection at the New York International Auto Show filled with technological advances that will make your head spin, as well as some other concept cars and prototypes that seem truly space age. Plan on spending a few hours to see nearly 1000 of the latest new cars and trucks. From now through April 3, this show will wow any car lover.

Among the news that was revealed at the show this year:

The 100th anniversary of BMW will be celebrated in the US in the fall. Stay tuned for big happenings countrywide.

Mercedes-Benz’s 2017 C-class line-up will hit the US in a big way this summer along with facelifted and less-pricey CLA models.

Jaguar is poised to take on its BMW and Mercedes counterparts with a new entry-level model, the stylish XE.  Service is included, as is for BMW, in the pricing.

BMW’s luxe 7 series models include wireless charging stations for your phone, gesture control, and headrest-mounted tablets for back-seat riders.

If your hands are full with bags and groceries, Maserati lets you open the trunk by waving your foot beneath it, provided you have the key in your pocket or bag.

Single-person vehicles designed by Elio Motors (www.eliomotors.com/team) will be manufactured in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a starting price of $6800.  Sunroof extra, of course.  Toyota has a concept car that’s similar.  Both seem very odd to me, and much like a car version of a Vespa. They seat two people, but in tandem.  Projected MPG for the Elio is 84, based on a 3-cylinder version.

The hand-built Dutch Spyker sport car returns to the show this year with the new C8 Preliator.  Only 50 of these cars will be produced worldwide. The car is sold through its first US dealer, Manhattan Motor Cars.

There’s a kids’ play area that might come in handy as you meander through the two floors of cars, trucks, SUVs, and vintage cars.

Where to go:  Jacob Javits Center, 11th Avenue between 34th and 40th streets, New York City.  Hours:  10am-7pm.  www.autoshowny.com.  Tickets are $16 for adults and $7 for children under 12, and can be purchased online or at the show.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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Escape from Manhattan: Drive a Race Car in April or May

SCC ExoticsI’m thrilled that I got to experience the VIP “before-the-show” tour of the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center for the past two years.  It’s a fabulous way to see all the new models and concept cars…without all the crowds.  If you’re lucky, you might even get invited to one of the prestigious cocktail events that surround the launch of the new cars.  My favorites of these pre-parties?  Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz are the consummate hosts with their pear martinis and chocolate-covered strawberries, and their gorgeous cars and SUVs.  If you missed the show, which ended on April 7, you still have another way to get your fix of exotic cars and even try one out yourself.  

For as low as $275, Signature Car Collection will put you in the driver’s seat of a Lamborghini, Audi, Ferrari, or Maserati, on April 30, May 14 or May 28 at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, breakfast or lunch included.  Four laps of pure ecstasy.  I did it as a passenger in a race car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but this is a heck of a lot closer, and you can be the driver.  It makes for a wonderful way to escape Manhattan and you’ll be able to smile in silent understanding the next time you see those cool cars cruising down Park Avenue. Still not enough for you adrenaline junkies?  You can drive nine laps for just $450.  Book this by April 21 – you don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. 877-511-1876 www.signaturecarcollection.com

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
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