Chicago Auto Show
Chicago Auto Show
Well I attended the auto show this morning in Chicago and I figured Id give my views on whats out there at this point. By the way, for anyone that wants go and doesnt like huge crowds, get there when it opens, its not too bad at that point.
For starters, Id have to say this years show was one of the better ones in my recent memory. The first car that actually grabbed my interest was the new Scion Tc. The car looks a lot better in person than in the pictures on the web. Great little car that has quite a few interesting styling elements to it. (Nose faintly sculpted like an R34, side view has some G35 Coupe in it, rear is completely different and very nice)
Of course there are always those cars you can never dream of affording, which I dont really make a point to look at. (Why tease youself, lol) I did take a quick trip to the Lamborghini / Lotus display to see the Elise, and I must say the new Lambos are quite impressive. The paint in itself is worth a post just to describe how nice it is. It seems Audi has done alot of good with that company, in my eyes at least. I remember when I was a kid I got to sit in a Countach, and the doors on that thing shut very poorly, and the car had little regard for comfort or ergonomics. While I was at the display a person opened and shut the doors of one, and it sounded solid. (Quite a feat for scissor type doors)
Anyway, back to the affordable cars. I checked out Subaru next because my girlfriend was looking at AWD cars to replace her 325 IX. We looked at the new Legacys and Outbacks, which are kind of nice, but the STI caught my eye. This was the first time I got to actually sit in one, because the one time I went to the dealer they wouldnt let me sit in the car. At any rate, I dont know if it was the blue color (how can you not love that Subaru WR Blue) or my lack of sleep, but I honestly think based on looks / interior I prefer the STI over the Evo. Im basing this on looks, since I have driven an Evo but have yet to sample an STI. I think a test drive is in order.
On the domestic side, Id have to say the Big Three are slowly starting to get it. First off, the new Mustang is a very impressive car. They did a very nice job translating the concept into a real production vehicle. Same thing can be said for the Pontiac Solstice. I was also impressed with DC's new big cars, the Magnum and the 300. They show a mark of quality often lacking from Dodge/Chrysler vehicles. Also, I still cannot rave enough about the SRt-4. Yes its ugly, yes its a piece of crap, but you have to love a cheap fast car that has a solid engine. The Pontiac GTO was also ok, but for the money I think I would buy a G35 Coupe. Oh, and the new Vette? Yea, that one is a winner too. If you go to the show do yourself a favor and look at the skeleton verson ofthe car. It offers a rare glimpse of the car under the sporty skin. Almost forgot the Saturn Ion Redline, another example of a step in the right direction.
Well, as for Mitsubishi.....
I have this theory that Mitsu can design a great car in terms of the side and rear, but it cannot do a good front fascia. Honestly, I grasp the concept of a corporate image, but that front triangle grill split is the thorn in the side of both the Lancer and the new Galant. I looked at Mitsu last, so it was really crowded at that point and I didnt bother to sit in a car I have already sat in many times before. Heres something interesting though, by the Evo and the Ralliart Lancer, there were glass cases with Ralliart parts in them. (Strut tower braces, shift knows, plus some nice looking coil overs and air filters) I wonder if Mitsu finally will start selling these parts here. (Mainly the coilovers, they looked very nice)
Well, theres my review, I could go on further, but I mentioned what caught my eye. The show if definately worth a look.
For starters, Id have to say this years show was one of the better ones in my recent memory. The first car that actually grabbed my interest was the new Scion Tc. The car looks a lot better in person than in the pictures on the web. Great little car that has quite a few interesting styling elements to it. (Nose faintly sculpted like an R34, side view has some G35 Coupe in it, rear is completely different and very nice)
Of course there are always those cars you can never dream of affording, which I dont really make a point to look at. (Why tease youself, lol) I did take a quick trip to the Lamborghini / Lotus display to see the Elise, and I must say the new Lambos are quite impressive. The paint in itself is worth a post just to describe how nice it is. It seems Audi has done alot of good with that company, in my eyes at least. I remember when I was a kid I got to sit in a Countach, and the doors on that thing shut very poorly, and the car had little regard for comfort or ergonomics. While I was at the display a person opened and shut the doors of one, and it sounded solid. (Quite a feat for scissor type doors)
Anyway, back to the affordable cars. I checked out Subaru next because my girlfriend was looking at AWD cars to replace her 325 IX. We looked at the new Legacys and Outbacks, which are kind of nice, but the STI caught my eye. This was the first time I got to actually sit in one, because the one time I went to the dealer they wouldnt let me sit in the car. At any rate, I dont know if it was the blue color (how can you not love that Subaru WR Blue) or my lack of sleep, but I honestly think based on looks / interior I prefer the STI over the Evo. Im basing this on looks, since I have driven an Evo but have yet to sample an STI. I think a test drive is in order.
On the domestic side, Id have to say the Big Three are slowly starting to get it. First off, the new Mustang is a very impressive car. They did a very nice job translating the concept into a real production vehicle. Same thing can be said for the Pontiac Solstice. I was also impressed with DC's new big cars, the Magnum and the 300. They show a mark of quality often lacking from Dodge/Chrysler vehicles. Also, I still cannot rave enough about the SRt-4. Yes its ugly, yes its a piece of crap, but you have to love a cheap fast car that has a solid engine. The Pontiac GTO was also ok, but for the money I think I would buy a G35 Coupe. Oh, and the new Vette? Yea, that one is a winner too. If you go to the show do yourself a favor and look at the skeleton verson ofthe car. It offers a rare glimpse of the car under the sporty skin. Almost forgot the Saturn Ion Redline, another example of a step in the right direction.
Well, as for Mitsubishi.....
I have this theory that Mitsu can design a great car in terms of the side and rear, but it cannot do a good front fascia. Honestly, I grasp the concept of a corporate image, but that front triangle grill split is the thorn in the side of both the Lancer and the new Galant. I looked at Mitsu last, so it was really crowded at that point and I didnt bother to sit in a car I have already sat in many times before. Heres something interesting though, by the Evo and the Ralliart Lancer, there were glass cases with Ralliart parts in them. (Strut tower braces, shift knows, plus some nice looking coil overs and air filters) I wonder if Mitsu finally will start selling these parts here. (Mainly the coilovers, they looked very nice)
Well, theres my review, I could go on further, but I mentioned what caught my eye. The show if definately worth a look.
