New York Auto Show Ready to Open

The New York International Auto Show is ready to open to the public tomorrow. Today is the last of two days when the event is open to the press.

Like all the important auto shows in the U.S., this one, at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center, is awe-inspiring. The vehicles have been staged to within an inch of their lives and all the major vehicle manufacturers have taken huge booth spaces to show their latest and greatest.

The big theme on the show floor seems to be hybrid, as in not a gas guzzler. But, I'm happy to report, that does not mean any less glass. Almost all the vehicles are utilizing nice pieces of glass, very raked windshields, that enhance the sleek aerodynamic designs.

Among the most eye-catching of the new models, all featuring glass prominently, are the Audi R8, very sporty, the Dodge Avenger, the sort of mid-size sedan that vehicle makers seem to think a lot of people will purchase, the Saturn Vue compact five-door crossover vehicle, and the BMW 3 Series convertible, which anyone would look like a VIP driving.