The time has finally come, the New York Auto Show came and went. The last major U.S. auto show of the season. If you ask many in the industry, you might hear a collective sigh of relief. Last week was a flurry of press conferences and vehicle reveals.

As you might expect, some were great, but there were definitely some winners and losers. Of course, we must mention the WTF section as well. So without further delay, let’s jump into it.

Some are calling the Scion FR-S Concept the absolute winner of the 2011 New York Auto Show. Frankly, I’m mixed. On one hand, this has to be the most aggressive sheet metal, concept or real, to come out of Toyota Corp in a while. This thing goes way beyond the LFA. Another win is when the CEO of a company uses the word friggin in his press conference. It was hilarious when the CEO was discussing the long standing history of Toyota’s sports cars. Somehow a flat-four boxer was mentioned. Huh, that’s part of Toyota? On the other hand, this thing is still a concept. Another concept. I’m so sick of concepts. Let’s see the real deal already.

Chrysler unveiled not one, but three new 300 models. The Executive Series is stunning, with leather everywhere and terrific fit and finish, it’s gorgeous. The S series is full of boom. Literally, it has Beats by Dre. Of course the main show was the new 2012 300 SRT8. With the same powertrain as the new SRT8s, this car is not all show. It definitely will have the go. With a more understated look than the new Charger SRT8, this will defintely be a car to have your shopping list. Oh, and now it’ll be able to handle. The new 300 SRT8 features the same adaptive suspension as the new Charger SRT8.

For 2012 the Jaguar XF model range gets a facelift. With a clear resemblance to the new XJ, this is one hot cat. Gone are the bug-eye headlights, replaced with sleeker units featuring LED daytime running lights (as is the trend these days). Pictures can’t truly describe how gorgeous this feline is.

Volkswagen has the new Golf R on display in a gorgeous shade of blue. I joked with VW PR rep Corey Proffitt that I might just steal it off the show floor. Luckily I decided to use my better judgement and left the car in New York upon my departure. Now that’s a hot hatch.

I’ve got to admit, the new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle isn’t ugly. I dig the new roofline and rear end. I kind of wish they took it even further, but that’s ok. Coming with a multitude of engine options, there is sure to be a bug that pleases everyone. Sadly, the vase is no longer standard, or even an option. Sorry kids, no more flower power here. The interior is a huge step forward as Volkswagen digs into the corporate parts bin.

You know, regardless of how I feel about the Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept I give Lexus credit. This concept is edgy (for Lexus that is) and has some kind of aggression to it. I feel that is something the brand is clearly lacking aside from the LFA. Sadly I’m confident in saying that by the time we see the next-gen GS, quite a bit of this aggression will be lost. It’s too bad really.

I’m actually still gathering my thoughts on the new 2013 Malibu. The car is clearly an evolution of its former self. I like some aspects of it but something is holding me back. I’m for sure over the fake wood that both the LTZ and Eco trim models “featured.” The interior design is nice and the rear of the LTZ is great. But the Eco (i.e. non-LTZ models) had a somewhat boring rear end with the taillights lacking LEDs. These two cars were hand built and far from production models, so judging fit-and-finish was not even a possibility. I’ll reserve judgement till a later date.

I’ve heard a lot of mixed reactions to the re-freshed 2013 Taurus, particularly for the SHO model. With that new big gaping mesh grille and flashier wheels, this car is no sleeper. It definitely has a lot more reason to get noticed. Is that what SHO owners want? I always thought current gen SHO owners wanted V-8 power with V-6 efficiency and to have the ability to fly under the radar. Regardless, I wouldn’t say it’s ugly, then again I didn’t have a problem with the current generation. MyFord Touch will be standard equipment in the 2013 Taurus SHO, so if you don’t like that, better buy a 2012 model.

Now for some losers. The new 2012 Subaru Impreza will kick this section off. Unfortunately it seems to have gone to bland school. Subaru has never been a mainstream brand, nor did it seem to have the want to be one. That is until now. The new Legacy kicked off this mainstream mania and the new 2012 Impreza is taking it to new heights. Sure an estimated 36 mpg rating and all-wheel drive is cool. But the styling is boring. We’ll have to see how Subaru fans react to this new compact. I’m interested to see what the upcoming WRX and STI versions will look like.

Smart didn’t really have anything new to show off at the show. So it decided to cover a Smart fortwo in tiny mirrors or something like that. All I could think about when looking a this car was, “Like a rhine stone cowboy……”

Now for your WTF: You know, MINI advertised that KISS would be at their presser. When someone tells you they will have KISS at their presser you’d think that at least one or two songs would be played. Nope, instead it was a five minute presser where KISS pranced on stage and announced a joint fundraiser with MINI. That’s it. End of the presser folks. I was highly disappointed. I’m not a KISS fan but c’mon. I knew MINI had no product announcement as did most of the other journalists. Had it not been for KISS most probably would have skipped this presser. MINI knew it, I knew it, most of the others knew it.

After four long days I left New York exhausted and hungry. My e-mail inbox seemed to be over flowing and I was ready for more than three hours of sleep in my own bed. Most of all, I just wanted a Monster Lo-Carb.

The show was good. It was interesting to see not only the push for efficiency, but the push for more power with greater efficiency.

Here’s to another great auto show season with some truly spectacular new metal. Of course there was some not so spectacular metal, but hey, who’s counting.

By no means did this mean I was not going, rather I just did not feel like taking the 300ZX out in the rain.  I went back to bed, because the reality is if you do not plan on showing a car, getting to the AutoMotorPlex ridiculously early is not a huge deal.  After getting a little more sleep, I found myself pulling into the event at 9 am.  Things were already hopping.  There was a line of cars still flowing into the complex, although a few Porsches were actually leaving.  As I was walking down the hill, a Carver County Sheriff pulled in and asked if he could show his car (jokingly of course).  Gotta love the panther cars!

The fact that the weather was not amazing did not stop car lovers and onlookers alike from flowing in and filling up the AutoMotorPlex.  In fact, certain cars ended up being turned away to park at the top of the hill due to the sections filling up.  Notably missing (at least I did not see it) was the Scion XB with the taped on LED strips to the headlights.  I also did not see the 240SX with the zip tied body kit.  That was all fine because the first thing I saw was a black BMW Z8 and I just love that car. The license plate on the Z8 read HOUSPMT, and while I did not meet the owner the car was in great condition.

Other notable cars included a terrific looking Saab 900 (I assume a Turbo but it was debadged and the hood was not open).  I was really digging the car – until I saw the rear which has what can only be described as – you know those aftermarket lights that can go on trucks, with four squircles to make it look similar to a Corvette?  Yeah, those!  Anyways, they were um …well ugly compared to the traditional taillights or even some other aftermarket options.  The rest of the car, I lust after.  A very nice R Design Volvo C30 was in attendance with the license plate BORK.  That is just classic.  I really loved the Audi GT Coupe with great blue paint.  A very nice black 300ZX Twin Turbo was there – and while it may be fast its not Uncs Z (that story is coming someday).

A 1964 Volkswagen 1800 convertible was being shown and it was just classic.  A true Michelle Naranjo vehicle if I have ever seen one – she probably dreams of it now that I sent her a picture of it.  Another cool car I had yet to see in the flesh was a Shelby GT500 Super Snake.  Blue with a black and white interior the car was just gorgeous.  Other cool appearances included the VW Bus that been at all three Cars & Café’s so far this year.  I spoke with the owner and he mentioned a new paint job would be coming towards the of the summer.  Sad, because I actually dig the current look.

Overall, the turnout was great.  Even though it rained the lot was packed.  Good times, donuts, coffee and great people – all with a common passion.  Maybe next month we will get sunshine instead of clouds and rain.  Until next month,  heres to good motoring and safe driving.

Ford GT

Another month of spring has come upon us and that means another Cars & Café gathering on a Saturday morning.  The coffee was flowing and everyone seemed very happy to see Kylee from Imola Motorsports pull in with the doughnut holes in the backseat of Kevin’s M5.  This month, rain was not in the forecast and the cars started flowing in early and fast.  By 8:30 the lot was full and people were already parking cars up on the hill.

My Father & My 300ZX

Some of the notable cars from last month made repeat appearances including the VW Bus and the Scion XB with the LED lights.  In fact, the XB parked next to our 300ZX.  On Friday night I saw a Subaru WRX that looked like it was on its way to a rally but, in fact, it was being pulled out of where it is kept for Cars and Café.  The WRX was literally kitted out and looked rally ready.  Two really nice last generation Toyota Supra’s were in attendance along with two Ford GT’s that seem to be regulars at the event.  Two Audi R8 V10′s pulled in along with two 4.2 V8 models.  Of course the myriad of Porsches, Audi’s and Mercedes were lined up.  Two BMW 8 Series made it out along with an M Coupe.  A custom 1978 Porsche 924 was revealed at the show and I must say it looked terrific.

Audi R8 V10

Custom 1978 Porsche 924

The AutoMotorPlex has been hard at work on newest build out of new buildings.  They are in the process of building out new garages currently.  As you can see in the picture, it looks like the heated floors are being laid out now (that is just a guess).

This month the organizers had something special in store. Many left the AutoMotorPlex for the first annual drag day immediately after the event.  The group traveled to Eau Claire, WI to Rock Falls Raceway.  Sadly, I could not attend due to a prior commitment though I heard it was a blast.

With more cars than last month and terrific weather, we are already off to a great start to the season.  Next month promises to be even better as the weather warms up more.

• Hyundai Hands Equus Owners iPad Instead of Car Manual/ Hyundai Plans Revamped Dealership Experience for Equus Customers
• Mazda Sky Engines Promise Diesel in 2012/ Mazda licenses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive
• March Sales numbers: Toyota way up

Next came our main topics which their were quite a few but they all centered on the New York Auto Show.  This week the topics included discussion on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid & Sonata Turbo, 2011 Kia Optima/Forte Hatch/Sportage, Scions, 2011 Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Cruze Eco and RS, 2011 Hyundai Equus, and last but certainly not least the 2011 Infiniti QX56.

Last we discuss the past week on our respective blogs, Cheers and Gears,  AutoBird Blog and Accelerate Mpls.  The week in review included- my updated  Name That Car: Sebring or 200C, Innovative Ford Fiesta Movement Campaign Stirs Interest, and Name That Car: Dodge Durango or Magnum.  Justin had a post on the March sales numbers along with a short recap of the New York Auto Show.  Colin had posts on Top 20 Vehicles in March and a post about Craigslist Confessionals by the one and only William Maley.

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Our 1990 300ZX

It was a chilly 42 degrees at 7:38 am when I rolled into the AutoMotorPlex.  Gates opened at 6:30 am and only a few tuned up Audi’s and a lonely (read awesome) BMW Z8 were there so far.  I parked in the Japanese parking area and started mingling.  Cars started pouring in around 8 am and it just never stopped.  The sun started warming things up and we reached a nice 57 degrees.  It turned into a huge turnout with couples, families and enthusiasts alike, all coming together with the passion of automobiles.

Some of the more notable (read interesting) rides included a first generation Scion XB that was white with plain steel wheels.  What made it really interesting was it was lowered, had the windows tinted, and had strips of LED lights taped (yes, taped with black duct tape) directly above the headlights.  Parked next to that was a Nissan 240SX with a broken up body kit that was held on with zip ties.  Yes, you read that right zip ties.  The 240SX was painted green with John Deer graphics.  The owner commented on how the zip ties break all the time and he replaces them constantly.

LS1 Shoved into a mid 80's Mazda RX7

All was not lost though because many really awesome cars where there as well.  There were more Corvettes from all different eras than I could count.  Some Corvettes were heavily modified some were plain stock though most were tasteful (save for a few).  A Volkswagen bus showed up and was in really good condition.  When a mid 80′s Mazda RX7 pulled in, I knew something interesting was under the hood mainly because of the sound coming out of it.  Upon further inspection the owner had shoved a LS1 engine under the hood with a custom exhaust system.  One of the most questioned cars was the original Mini Cooper but it was a stretch limo version.  The owner informed people it was originally owned by the Spice Girls and was actually signed by them on the rear.

Spice Girls Mini Cooper Limo

De Tomaso Pantera

The cars garnering the most attention were the Ford GT, Lamborghini Murcielago, De Tomaso Pantera and the Aston Martin(s).  A ton of American cars showed up and they even had their own (decent size) section.  Three Pontiac G8′s were in attendance all parked next to each other.  Two were GT’s and one was a GXP.  The GXP had a Holden badge on the rear and one GT had a custom hiding (flip down) front license plate.

The turnout was terrific. The weather held out and really ended up being beautiful.  I am not sure we could have asked for a better Cars & Café to kick off the season!  Here is looking forward to the first Saturday next month.

2010 Lexus HS250 Hybrid

The new Lexus HS250 is a departure for Lexus and its hybrid line. The LS600 hybrid is meant to have the power of a V12 with the fuel economy of a V8, utilizing a hybrid system in conjunction with a V8 which gives it decent fuel economy. The same can be said for the GS450 hybrid. These are hybrids that are standing for something other then being green but more for performance in a different way than the competitors. The HS250 is the Lexus that is meant to be your step up into Luxury while still being “green.”

So you have had a Prius and you are now a little older, a little wiser, and want a vehicle that is a little more luxurious. What is your next move for a new car? Well, you could go and get a new third generation Prius and load it up with all the optional tech toys. Though the Prius does not have the luxury badge, and you still want to be a little green. Enter the Lexus HS250 which is all new for 2010. At first glance you think Toyota took and rebadged/restyled a Prius and slapped a L badge on it. The HS250 is actually based on the Scion tC platform and the foreign market Toyota Avensis platform. This front wheel drive platform is a fine base, but people still assume naturally this is a rebadged Prius.

With a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four cylinder putting out 147 hp and adding to that a 40 hp electric motor, you get a grand total of 187 hp and 180 ft-lb. This is essentially the powertrain from the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This is good for a rated 8.7 second jaunt from 0-60 which is almost a full second quicker then the new third generation Prius. Driving is more engaging and much more “Lexus like” than the Prius. With much more sound deadening and a lighter to the touch steering feel, this car feels more luxurious. This is all good because this car is quite a bit more money then the Prius. The car is refined and overall enjoyable to drive. I was taking corners faster than a hybrid usually wants to go, and the car handled comfortably without complaint. Although this is definitely no sports car. Once going, the wind noise and more importantly highway noise is noticeably quieter then the Prius. Something to note, the engine does not require premium fuel. It is content with regular 87 octane gasoline. The car is rated at 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for a combined 34 mpg overall. I have heard reports of people getting mid 50′s, which if you harp on it constantly you can fall into the very low 30′s. These are all respectable numbers, though the new Prius is rated at 50 mpg combined which you can easily beat when trying. One reason for the huge gas milage differences is the Prius’s engine is a smaller displacement putting out less total power.

The interior is a nice place to spend time. The car I had was “stripped,” no optional equipment was on board. The sound system was OK but definitely not as good as the optional Mark Levinson sound system. The controls all operate silky smooth and are great to the touch. The “buttons” on the steering wheel are not as they appear. The actual buttons are under those icons which are covered in a membrane like material. The trunk is a mere 12.1 cubic feet because the battery pack is sandwiched between the backseat and the trunk. There are a lot of tech toys that are available on this car that were not on the car I tested. If you are into tech this car can be completely loaded up.

The base price for this car is $34,200 and if you option it out with technology, you could be knocking close to the $50k door. Keep in mind you are deep in entry level luxury range here competing in price with the Infiniti G37, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and others. This car does get much better gas milage, and after all, is that not what Hybrids are all about? Lexus is saying this car falls between the ES and IS line and is for young technology savvy people that care about the environment. Notice they did not say green because we all know they have the lower level Toyota Prius for that. In this price bracket I would have a hard time recommending this car, personally I would go with one of the aforementioned competitors. I am into driver engagement and fun-to-drive factor, and in those departments, this car can not compete. If you want an entry level hybrid luxury, car this is the only place to look in town because there is no real competition, yet.