Your Car Care REPs are right outside. Are you ready for your next ride with us? As they say good things come to those who wait. Here is part III of our New York International Auto Show roundup. If you missed our previous articles E-Mission talks about the multitude of EV’s, hybrids and other alternative fuel rides. Click here to read the article E-Mission. The DUB Auto Show also joined forces this year to pack the Javits Center to the gills with car culture enthusiasts. To find out what went down at the DUB Auto show in New York read the article DUB Plate. Today were going to discuss some of the various concept cars that were present in this years show. So strap in Your Car Care REPs are ready to take you for the victory lap.
Concept cars have always been a huge part of the New York International Auto Show. Concepts are cars that are engineered by a particular manufacture but may never see the production line. They are designed to let auto engineers be as creative as they can with few limitations. Although many concept cars never see the light of day, sometimes the parts and technology used are put into production elsewhere.
This year I noticed a trend with most of the concept cars at the New York International Auto Show, the majority of them were small, dare I even say…compact. Is this the look, in preparation of future rides? Are cars destined to have that mini cooper stature? Time will only tell. I realize that this trend is in response to the economic climate we now live in. With gas rising daily auto engineers sketch out designs of vehicles with less overall weight, great gas mileage and seating capacity that’s comfortable for its occupants. When I critique a concept car it’s from a standpoint of imagination meshing with reality. What does this mean? Some engineers design concept cars that are out of this world. The question, is the technology practical in today’s world?
Two well-known car manufactures Cadillac & Mercedes-Benz brought in smaller concepts this year. The “Concept A” by Mercedes has sweeping flowing lines from nose to tail. The shiny sterling silver grill was rather unique, contemporary and stylish. Its side panels had a built-in skirt that helps move the air around the car better. The rear has a sloping edge with a lip spoiler that fits perfectly above its hatch trunk. The exhaust is cat-backs with a rear exhaust sterling silver grill to match the front. There are no door handles and the side view mirrors are wicked cool. The headrests look ergonomically designed and the dashboard interior looks like Bobby Digital produced it. This concept was definitely designed with the city dweller in mind. I give Mercedes 3***WGP STARS (WE GOT PULL) for a superior design and stylish look.
Next up on our list of concept cars is the Cadillac ULC or Urban Luxury Concept. Right off the bat I noticed the trend in size. It was comparable to the Mercedes (even in color). Even though dimensions of this concept baby are small the engineers chose to go with an oversize grill to give it more presence. The hood of the Cadillac ULC is short but the windshield is oversized and gives the occupants a wider perspective of the road. The side profile of this vehicle looks like it should be roving on Mars (Red Hot!). I really love the Lambo style doors on this concept car as well. The interior looked like it had no problem seating 4 adults comfortably. Holding their luggage…. that’s another question. I gave the Cadillac ULC 4 WGP****. Based on their use of existing technology and their use of size. When it comes down to it, it’s not the size of the concept it’s how you utilize smaller dimensions that counts.
By the time I made it over to the Toyota Prius-C concept I thought I was having Deja vu it had a familiar look as the other 2 concept suspects, small hatchback type with long sweeping lines from nose to rear. The front of the Prius had a fierce-looking grill with its built-in 3 side vents for better cooling and airflow. I especially liked the look of the rear doors and its shaved door handles. The exhaust seems as if it’s housed within the trunk door, which gave it nice rear to look at. Overall I thought the Prius was a good concept but lacked originality I gave them 3 WGP***.
The last car on my list of conceptions is the Lexus LF-GH. It was one of the few concept cars that did not follow the 2011 concept trend and broke free from the pack. It was larger in size than the other 3 and would be considered a luxury sedan on the market. The grill on this bad boy was striking to say the least. It flared out from top to bottom and it looks as if its grill is inside of the bumper and the hood, this unorthodox look made it seem futuristic but not over the top. The headlights gave it a stance that says, (Jay-Z voice)“Come and get me”. The Lexus LF-GH has some of the best profile lines I’ve seen on a concept. The rear spoiler lip is integrated into its trunk that gives it a prestigious executive look. The cat back hidden exhausts exude luxury and sport car at the same time. While listening to the REP rundown the car’s details I was intrigued by the technology it utilized. “If you notice there are no side view mirrors. That’s because the Lexus LF-GH uses digital video camera technology to display what’s going on around you on your windshield display”, he says. Whoo…. They brought in the heavy artillery with that kind of tech. My only complaint…what happens if your side view camera mirrors goes out? What’s your back up? Now you got to turn your neck 90 degrees every time you change lanes on the expressway? I think we may see this type of technology used in other production vehicles if they can solve some challenges. I gave the Lexus LF-GH concept 4 WGP **** because they didn’t follow the proverbial pack in their size of concept and their use of technology, which could possibly reduce vehicular accidents (or cause them) in the future.
These were some of the concept cars that were on display at the 2011 NY International Auto Show. When it comes to concept cars GoJu it’s sometime like a fashion show for a well-known designer. Some of the outfits might be sheik, stylish even outlandish. Will it go into production? The answer remains with the practicality of the times. That’s it for this week. Your Car Care REPs just hit the switches, cause its time to bounce. Keep shining.
Your Car Care REPs are right outside. Are you ready for your next ride with us? As they say good things come to those who wait. Here is part III of our New York International Auto Show roundup. If you missed our previous articles 
Two well-known car manufactures Cadillac & Mercedes-Benz brought in smaller concepts this year. The “Concept A” by Mercedes has sweeping flowing lines from nose to tail. The shiny sterling silver grill was rather unique, contemporary and stylish. Its side panels had a built-in skirt that helps move the air around the car better. The rear has a sloping edge with a lip spoiler that fits perfectly above its hatch trunk. The exhaust is cat-backs with a rear exhaust sterling silver grill to match the front. There are no door handles and the side view mirrors are wicked cool. The headrests look ergonomically designed and the dashboard interior looks like Bobby Digital produced it. This concept was definitely designed with the city dweller in mind. I give Mercedes 3***WGP STARS (WE GOT PULL) for a superior design and stylish look.
Next up on our list of concept cars is the Cadillac ULC or Urban Luxury Concept. Right off the bat I noticed the trend in size. It was comparable to the Mercedes (even in color). Even though dimensions of this concept baby are small the engineers chose to go with an oversize grill to give it more presence. The hood of the Cadillac ULC is short but the windshield is oversized and gives the occupants a wider perspective of the road. The side profile of this vehicle looks like it should be roving on Mars (Red Hot!). I really love the Lambo style doors on this concept car as well. The interior looked like it had no problem seating 4 adults comfortably. Holding their luggage…. that’s another question. I gave the Cadillac ULC 4 WGP****. Based on their use of existing technology and their use of size. When it comes down to it, it’s not the size of the concept it’s how you utilize smaller dimensions that counts.
The last car on my list of conceptions is the Lexus LF-GH. It was one of the few concept cars that did not follow the 2011 concept trend and broke free from the pack. It was larger in size than the other 3 and would be considered a luxury sedan on the market. The grill on this bad boy was striking to say the least. It flared out from top to bottom and it looks as if its grill is inside of the bumper and the hood, this unorthodox look made it seem futuristic but not over the top. The headlights gave it a stance that says, (Jay-Z voice)“Come and get me”. The Lexus LF-GH has some of the best profile lines I’ve seen on a concept. The rear spoiler lip is integrated into its trunk that gives it a prestigious executive look. The cat back hidden exhausts exude luxury and sport car at the same time. While listening to the REP rundown the car’s details I was intrigued by the technology it utilized. “If you notice there are no side view mirrors. That’s because the Lexus LF-GH uses digital video camera technology to display what’s going on around you on your windshield display”, he says. Whoo…. They brought in the heavy artillery with that kind of tech. My only complaint…what happens if your side view camera mirrors goes out? What’s your back up? Now you got to turn your neck 90 degrees every time you change lanes on the expressway? I think we may see this type of technology used in other production vehicles if they can solve some challenges. I gave the Lexus LF-GH concept 4 WGP **** because they didn’t follow the proverbial pack in their size of concept and their use of technology, which could possibly reduce vehicular accidents (or cause them) in the future.
