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Greetings everyone. I just came back from the Miami Auto Show and thought some people would like to read about it.
The show was packed, as always. Overall I must say that the quality of the automaker's showspace was lacking compared to previous years. The best showspace exhibition goes to Audi, who used beautiful displays all around their area and brought the best of their toys to the show. The worst booth has to go to Mitsubishi. It is like all they did was throw their ugly cars on soft, plush carpeting.
Anyways, here is are my thoughts based on manufacturers. I am only noting the ones us Saab lovers may care about, so you won't find any Pontiac info here.
Acura
Boring booth and presentation. Nothing new, just showing off their TL type S sedan. The NSX was there, and I like the new face Acura gave it. However, no car from 1990 is a value today if it is pretty much kept intact.
Audi
By far the best booth. All of their best toys were there. They even had the new A4 Cabrio, which I have already test driven. It is a beautiful car, the spectators seemed to agree, however the automatic mated to the V6 is pretty slow. Only the manual will be available on the 4 cylinder due in February, and that ain't no Saab 4 cylinder.
BMW
As always, BMW had a nice, very busy, floorspace. Nothing new to note. Their 5 series is all new in a few months. I should note that the current 5 series outclasses the all new Benz E Class in every way. The all new 5 series should put the pathetic new Benz E Class to sleep. The Z4 was there, which undeniably looks much better in person than in the pictures we've all seen. I was pretty comfortable in it too, and I have a 6'4" frame.
Cadillac
Cadillac's designs are really growing on me. I once thought the CTS was ugly, but I find it very attractive now and much better looking than most in its class. The Escalade was there. But I was upset that the all new XLR wasn't in display.
Honda
Honda has really nailed it with their all new Accord. The sedan is nice, but the coupe is downright spectacular. Looks so much better in person, it takes the rear of a CLK and makes it look good. I would much rather purcahse the Accord coupe than the all new 2003 CLK coupe. The interior is top notch and high quality use for its materials are evident throughout the cabin. The new Pilot SUV looks like a bigger CRV, boring. The booth looked nicer than its more expensive Acura nameplate.
Infiniti
The good years are back at Infiniti. The only vehicle lacking in its line-up is the I35, which will be discontinued in the summer. The G35 sedan is already a hit, and the coupe is simply stunning. They had a red and silver one, and this is the sexiest non exotic vehicle I have seen in quite some time. There was a line just to get into the coupe, so it was a crowd favorite. The Infiniti booth was a bit plain and not worthy of the vehicles on displays. The FX45 was there too, in concept form, but a mimic goes on sale in February. The Infiniti folks told me that the rumor mill continues with the G35 convertible, and that nothing is definite yet but that if it were to come out, it would be a 2004 model. If this is true, Saab is going to have a hard sell with me, and other people, for their all new 2004 9-3 convertible. When summer comes along, all Infiniti vehicles will have AT LEAST 260HP! Amazing.
Lexus
The Lexus booth was well designed as always, but it was empty. Honestly, who cares for Lexus anymore? The SC430 was on display, but everyone seemed to care for the G35 coupe which was strategically placed as close as possible to the Lexus booth and their SC430. They had the world premiere for the GX470, and Lexus is going to get nailed sooner or later in sales. The ES300 looks like the Camry more than ever, and the GX470 is VERY similar to the all new 4-Runner. The entire Lexus line was pretty boring honestly, the cars are showing their age, and the new models come from the Lexus school of design, which is nothing exciting.
Mercedes Benz
A beautiful booth with overpriced vehicles. I heard many people in disbelief at how the prices have increased slightly while the typical Mercedes quality has vanished. The C series is a complete rip off, aside from being overpriced and underfeatured, it is boring. The all new E Series was there too, which looked very C series to me. Some guy broke the cheap rear door handle of the car, and the radio didn't work. Not things you expect in a $55k car, which only gets you 220hp! I know it isn't always about the HP, but the torque figures are pretty pathetic too. The all new CLK looks downright cheap and outclassed by the Honda Accord Coupe. The only vehicles I like from Benz are the S Class, which is evidently worth every penny, and the stellar $100k roadster.
Saab
Saab can't afford to continue having among the smallest, and most boring, floorspaces at auto shows. Marketing has to look into this. Anyways, it was pretty busy. Last year I was talking with the Saab guy for a good 15 minutes and NOBODY even looked at the Saabs. It was very different this year. They had the Aero wagon on display and two 9-3SS, linears. People were very interested with the 9-3ss, and all of the comments I overheard were very good. In fact there were some BMW afficionados that were drooling at the new 9-3SS. I think Saab could've done better though. They had nice 9-3SS, but they had no Aero sedan. The 9-3 convertible was all alone in white.
Volvo
Volvo has once again outdone Saab at the auto show. The booth was busy and very well presented. They had the XC90, which is a stellar vehicle. The S60-R made its world debut, but I doubt anyone noticed since the only hint of "R" was on the freakin RIMS!!! I like what BMW does with the M series by placing evident "M" logos throughout the vehicle and making subtle, but evident, body changes to the vehicle. Volvo thinks it is enough to dress the S60-R in the exact same S60 sheetmetal and spoilers and just place an "R" on the rim. Sorry Volvo, people pay extra $$$ so that other people can see the logos all over the place, aside from the extra performance. I honestly think Volvo has a very strong lineup and wouldn't be suprised to see a huge spike in sales this year.
Well, if anyone wants info on a brand I didn;'t mention, let me know.
Jose
posted by 205.188.209...
, Mon, 18 Nov 2002 21:09:13, Tue, 19 Nov 2002 20:36:51, Tue, 19 Nov 2002 20:13:36
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