The 2008 New York International Autoshow
WORDS Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera  | 24 July 2008

Photos by:Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera As hardcore car enthusiasts,we often look forward to motor shows. All around the world, people throng to regional shows, bursting with excitement to see the newest cars on the market. But some shows are more special than others. Geneva, Tokyo and Detroit, to name a few.But one in particular still stands out, the New York InternationalAuto Show. This year, I got a chance to attend this prestigious event and I'mthankful to be able to share this experience with our readers here in the Philippines.I wasn't really expecting to attend this show. While planning my US trip, I had concentrated on other places and sights I would be seeing. While talking to a good friend of mine from New York, who is also a hardcore car enthusiast, he mentioned that I would be there in timefor the NYIAS.I rejoiced!!For 2008, NYIAS was held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on afloor almost double the size of the World Trade Center in Manila. Theground floor and the first half of the basement housed the newproduction cars, trucks, vans, concept vehicles and sport utilityvehicles. The second floor showcased performance parts and other enhancements for your car, while the second half of the basement featured modified cars. All in all, the auto show featured more than athousand cars. Entering the main exhibition area, you won't know which way to go. You feast on all of that eye candy, most of which you have never seen before or might never see again. Cars that make your jaw drop, concept cars that make you drool, cars that you wish were available here in the Philippines. Some of the eye-catching cars featured include the all-new Honda Jazz/Fit, the Jaguar XF, the Toyota Venza, the Nissan GT-R, the BMW 1-series Coupe and Convertible, the Ferrari Scuderia, the Volvo XC60, the BMW M3 Convertible and the controversial X6, the all-new Mercedes SL, the all-new Audi A4 saloon and wagon, the all-new Subaru Forester, the Ford Edge, the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan and coupe, the Audi R8, the Dodge Journey and Challenger, the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit GTi, the Passat CC and the Tiguan compact SUV. Don't worry dear reader, some of these cars will be coming to our shores. Like the all-new Honda Fit/Jazz, which, hopefully, we willbe seeing here before the end of the year. It looks good, and the design is not that far from the out-going model.Kia Motors of America on the other hand, also displayed their latest offering for the North American market: the gargantuan Kia Boreggo SUV and the updated Optima. Kia's sister company, Hyundai featured their lavishly feature-packed Genesis saloon, which mimicked the BMW 5 series. While the saloon was a crowd pleaser, the Genesis Coupe was simply stunning. I miss having the Volkswagen brand here. The Golf/Rabbit GTi is a real looker while the Passat CC is plain sexy. The Wolfsburg-based carmakeralso gave a preview of the Tiguan and the Routan van. I was speechless when I saw the all-new Nissan GT-R and I mean it! I was s-p-e-e-c-h-l-e-s-s!! This Corvette-killer is powered by a ferocious 3.8 liter twin turbo V6 engine generating 480 horses and 430 ft-lbs of torque and it is equipped with the world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive system. The most talked about new Dodge, the Challenger SRT8, was present at the show. This iconic muscle car is brought back to life by a 425horsepower 6.1 liter HEMI V8 engine. The Subaru Forester made its debut here. In person, it somewhat resembles the Mitsubishi Outlander from some angles (but what?). Subaru also featured the R1 electric vehicle. A platform that emphasizes environment awareness.Invading America thru the Saturn brand is Opel. The Opel Vectra is sold in the USA as the Saturn Aura, of which a hybrid variant is also available. Another US-specific car is the Nissan Rogue, which is similar in size to our local X-trail. The Rogue is powered by the same 2.5 liter engine churning out 170 horses. While the X-Trail looks like a box, the Rogue actually looks like a small Nissan Murano. Sportscar lovers and Mercedes Benz fans will truly love the updated SL. It sports a new face and is ready to skirmish with the BMW 6-series with its V8 and V12 powerplants. Speaking of German cars, I mistakenly identified the Audi R8 as a concept car.It has arrived here in the Philippines and all units are already sold. Another stunner is the Volvo XC60. Its fluid design makes it very interesting indeed. Who could resist those sexy rear tail lights and curvy body? There are rumors that Viking Cars will be selling the XC60 locally before the end of 2008. NYIAS also showcased numerous concept cars. Suzuki's Kizashi 3 Concept car may be the basis for an exciting sedan in the near future. BMW flaunted their Concept CS, which sports a sexy coupe-like design, while the Dodge Zeo Concept 2+2 sports wagon embraces the audacious look of the brand. The Zeo is powered by a lithium battery capable of lasting at least 250 miles. The gorgeous Ford Verve sedan also made it to the show. The Ford Verves are concept cars in both four and three door body styles that emphasize the new levels of design and quality of compact cars. If you find the Cadillac CTS sedan sexy, I am sure CTS Coupe Concept will tickle your libido. The CTS Coupe concept will soon become a production car and the concept itself looks nearly production-ready.Going to the NYIAS was like going out on a five-hour date with a beautiful girl. My whole body ached, but it was memorable! I just wish our motor shows here in the Philippines could be as great as this one.In the future, perhaps. There are still more cars and more exhibits, but there isn't enough space to talk about them. Instead, why don't you visit the International Autoshow Thread for more pictures. Enjoy!

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