Ask Patty takes a bite out of the Big Apple at the New York Auto Show

April 02, 2007

The New York Auto Show opens to the Media on Wednesday, and thanks to our host General Motors, I will be there on behalf of Ask Patty to blog on all the new production models and fun concept cars. I'm looking forward to getting a sneak peek at all the vehicles to be unveiled at the international show, meeting some of the people behind the scenes of car design, and attending the Women's Automotive Association International breakfast.

It's going be a new adventure for me to shed the heavy-duty kamikaze autoshow producer persona I had developed after years of covering auto shows for Motor Trend, and adopt a new perspective as a woman consumer for AskPatty. But this will allow me to really participate in the event, as opposed to diving in and grabbing a photo before dashing off to snap pictures of the next car on the floor.

In addition to debuting dozens of new cars and trucks that have never been seen before anywhere in the world before, auto shows like the New York Auto Show also double as the world's largest new vehicle showrooms. Nothing makes it easier for women consumers to research and evaluate different makes and vehicle types all at one time. You can get in and out of the cars, compare storage space, evaluate back seat room, and consider color palates without the pressure of a salesperson at your elbow, because NYIAS allows consumers the chance to talk to product specialists in an informal and fun atmosphere without any pressure to buy. And, by highlighting important subjects such as alternative fuel technology and developments in vehicles designed for motorists with disabilities, the 2007 Show provides all consumers with the practical information they need to make informed choices. I have a friend who attends the Los Angeles Auto Show every couple years just to pick out her next car. She's a busy mom with a big family, and she tells me there is no better way to shop and compare what will serve her needs best.

Placing an emphasis on new styling, technology, and the environment, the New York auto show also displays a variety of concept cars which offer a glimpse into the future, and perhaps a look at what we might be driving in the years ahead. In addition to the surprises waiting to be unveiled at the show, we already know we'll get to see a long list of early peeks including the Chevy Volt electric vehicle and Camaro convertible, Chrysler Nassau luxury coupe, Dodge Demon roadster, Ford Airstream Minivan and Interceptor E85 sedan, Honda Accord Coupe, Hyundai Genesis Sport sedan, Infiniti EX crossover concept, Jeep Trailhawk, Kia Rondo SX SUV concept, Lexus LF-A sports car concept, Lincoln MKR four-door coupe, Mazda Nagare hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle and Hakaze crossover SUV, Saab Bio-Power 100, Suzuki ZUK and Flix SUVs, and Toyota FT_HS hybrid sportscar.

As far as production models go, we know we're going to get to see General Motors' 2008 Cadillac STS, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne Super variants, a HUMMER Alpha Performance Model, Saab BioPower 100 Concept, and a Callaway C16 Convertible; We also hear we will see the Infiniti G37 coupe, Ford Shelby GT500KR Mustang, 2008 Honda S2000 roadster, 2008 Lexus LX 570 SUV, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG, and a 2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z performance coupe.

That's a lot of cars! Are there any that you are specifically interested in seeing? Be sure to comment and I'll do my best to post pictures and information on the models you want to see.

The New York International Automobile Show (NYIAS) , North America's largest publicly-attended Auto Show, will open to the public on Friday, April 6th and run through Sunday, April 15th. Hopefully, our presentation here will help arm women consumers with advance information on vehicles they want to see when they attend, or when they hit the dealerships to shop on their own.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get ready to catch a plane to New York...

By Brandy Schaffels, auto show 'woman consumer'!