It used to be, spending most of my teen years in New York City, that I could not wait for April. Not only to be rid or our sometimes ridiculous winters and get the chance to enjoy the big apple more in the warmer months, but because April meant the arrival of the New York International Auto Show. For those of you that have attended it, and have gotten to experience all it has to offer, you know what a big deal it is. The sheer size of the show, along with the Javits Center that hosts it, is utterly breathtaking. This show is a delight for any car guy as it gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your favorite rides, and really get to learn from some of the industries leaders about their respective model lines and visions for the future of their brands.
It is held yearly with nearly all major automakers showcasing their new lineups, concept cars, and platforms. The portion of the show held for the general public features spectator activities, on site course demonstrations, and if you are lucky new car unveilings. Making NYIAS the place to be in New York between the second and third week of April.
Not just a blown up showroom, the show has many make experts willing to answer any questions you may have about the models being featured and give you insight on where each brand will be going in the years to come. Even automaker executives cruise the show and often host unveilings to discuss what’s new from their company. I had the chance of witnessing Mike Accavitti, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Acura, release the new Acura TLX showcasing the companies patented SH-AWD system.
Camp Jeep usually prepares an on location road course they will put you in the vehicle while one of their drivers drives through various all terrain obstacles, from a 30 degree tilt to a staggered off camber ramp for testing vehicle articulation. Also a 35 degree/decline hill showcasing their vehicles brake assist, that helps in preventing the operator from burning out there brakes on steep inclined hills and terrain.
On the lower levels of the center you will find many local shop sponsored vehicles, with many custom cars and shop projects from all walks of the car tuning scene. Also present are various aftermarket parts manufacturers showing off their shop cars and projects, like HRE and their stunning matte orange Porsche 996. Or TRD with the nascar 850 hp race engine on display, and awesome dry sump set up. To a crazy paint scheme Ferrari F430. It’s unlikely you’ll find any Volvo S70′s down here anymore.
Now every year I attend I usually have a “B-Line” car, something I really get excited about, something I just have to see. This year I did not hear of anything that really would be it for me, so I figured I would see what it would have to offer. While walking the show I came across one of my favorite manufacturers, the Porsche booth. Now I don’t kid myself, the likelihood that I can ever afford one of these beauties is unlikely, but a guy can dream right? Tucked away in there booth corner was this amazing specimen, the 918 Spyder. Now you do not need to know anything about Porsche’s to appreciate the automakers trait for making some of the most gorgeous roadsters and sports cars around, the 918 being no exception. This car is shaped in the infamous Porsche body lines and curves that scream supercar. It took me five minutes of gazing at this cars splendor before the car’s most unique feature was pointed out to me, as standing next to the car was its plug in battery charger. This thing is powered by a 4.6l V8 dishing out 610 horses, to put that in perspective, the Honda S2000 upon initial release boasted a claim of 118.5 hp per liter, an amazing accomplishment for any motor. This thing puts down near 140 per liter, and to top it off has two additional electric motors cranking out an extra 279 HP, like you will ever need it!
Now I will admit that the show has lost a bit of its glamour throughout the years (mainly since 2008, but let’s admit it, what hasn’t since then?), and though it is a bit toned down from years past it is truly a pleasure to experience it. I mean how can you pass on the opportunity to sit in a few millions bucks worth of cars! But aside from that it lets you truly experience what each automaker has to offer the enthusiast and consumer.
About The Author: Mike Rivera
Mike Rivera is a ASE Certified Technician and Senior Sales Account Executive at FCP Euro. He can be reached at mike@fcpeuro.com