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As you steer your way through the South Florida International Auto Show, it's easy to be reminded of the childhood awe that struck us at the giant toy superstores. That smile that doesn’t seem to fade. So much to see, so much to want.
But, alas, decisions must be made. So here it is, as promised, the Top 10 must-see attractions at the 37th annual auto show, which runs through Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center. (I will exclude the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid since I already told you about that gentler giant -- see Nov. 10 posting). Here goes:
* The Ford Flex will take you back, too. This is a 2009 model, coming out in the summer of next year. But what is it? Ford calls it a CUV, but it looks suspiciously like the station wagon has returned. Have we come full circle? Have we gone back to the future? Sleeker than the old Country Squire, it seats six or seven and is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic. Lots of interior flexibility, sayas Ford (hmmm... could that be where the name originates?) You can get a multi-panel sunroof and a refrigerated rear console. The Flex is available in either front- or all-wheel-drive.
* As long as you’re in the Ford area, don't miss the Airstream concept. It looks like a mini Airstream travel trailer with its smooth aluminum skin and, indeed, it was inspired by it. But this baby is much hipper. This futuristic crossover has stark red, lounge-like rear seats that stretch along the side window. They can be accessed by a bicycle-seat-shaped rear door, or a wide clamshell door on the side. The focal point is a cylindrical screen that can be turned to mood settings, like "virtual fire" or a lava lamp, and can be used for games. Best of all, this sucker is elecric -- it’s a plug-in fuel-cell vehicle that runs on electric at all times. While the airstream is something out of a sci-fi flick, the drivetrain is not. It is already being tested on a Ford Edge.
* Mitsubishi celebrates its 25th year in America with a better-than-ever Lancer Evolution. It has the look of a street machine with its sloping hood, air scoop and side engine-heat vents. Also has a stiffer platform this year and the front fenders, hood and roof are aluminum for speed and balance. Driving the new Evo is a new 295-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine.
* Sometimes you have to see where we've been to know where we're going. The show’s Memory Lane exhibit has always been among the show’s highlights for me, a different collection of classics every year, every model in top condition. The Antique Automobile Club of America, South Florida Region, has rolled in 19 beauties this year, the oldest a 1929 Rolls Royce, An original Polo White ‘54 Corvette roadster (at left) is on display, and intense muscle-men there’s a 1970 Chevelle SS 454. My favorite? Tossup between the 1952 Ford pickup and the 1960 Triumph TR-3. Sweet rides all.
* Suzuki thinks South Florida will be so excited about the ‘08 SX4 Sport that it not only leads the lineup this year, but the Japanese carmaker honored last week the first guy in the country to buy one: Jairo Rodriguez of North Miami. The SX4 gets its driving dynamics from the little Swift, and that’s a good thing: It has won a number of awards for its performance. Comes with 2.0-liter four-banger mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The SX4 should compile fuel figures of 23 mpg city, and 31 on the open road. The Sport, even with the convenience package, still checks in at only $15,270.
* Before moving out of Suzuki territory, be sure to check out their concept, which has some novel features that just may find their way to production. This baby is made for Florida -- not only a ragtop, but it has a rear deck that serves as an extension platform for surfboards, wakeboards and water skis. But wait, as they say on the late-night infomercials, there’s more. The “trunk” slides out to reveal a removable cooler and standalone barbecue. Great for the beach and tailgating, and the way the Dolphins are playing you just may want to stay out there a couple of extra hours. (keep the faith -- John Beck takes the reins this weekend).
* The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet makes its national debut at the Beach, and it has drawn lots of attention. It has the same high-revving 4.2-liter V-8 as the RS 4 sedan, producing 420 hp. For more growl, just flip on the sport-exhaust mode. Also gets a six-speed manual and the famous quattro all-wheel-drive system -- that's serious road grip. No options available but who needs them with standards like navigation system, satellite radio and Bose sound system, adaptive headlights and rear-parking assist. This is a limited edition model and will set you back $81,000 ready.
* If you haven’t heard about the newly redesigned Chevy Malibu yet, I can only guess you’ve been visiting relatives on an out island of Tahiti. GM’s massive marketing campaign speaks truth: This Malibu is sharper looking and has an intelligent new instrument panel. It offers a solid body and fimer ride for ‘08, too. It gets GM’s 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that develops 169 horsies. As Automobile magazine says, the Malibu deserves better now than rental-fleet duty. And it has a hybrid option, too.
* While it’s late out of the gate, the Tiguan is here for sneek peeks before it comes to market in May. It’s Volkswagen’s entry into rapidly-growing small, car-based crossover segment. The boxy little thing has a strong profile and presence. Its full-length sunroof makes it a bright and breezy outring car. Tiguan is powered buy a 2.0-liter, 2000-hp four-cylinder engine. On the horizon, though, buyers will be able to opt for a turbo-diesel which could get more than 30 mpg.
* For No. 10 I tip my Dolphins cap to the show's novelties, the eye-catching displays that inform while they entertain. Where else can you see a Corvette suspended high from the rafters, a Hummer climbing a 20-foot ramp? Toyota illustrates the toughness of the Tundra by lifting the cab and bed clean off for a revealing look at its Triple Tech frame, boxed only up front, and its 5.7-liter iForce V-8. At GM, learn the innerworkings of the Volt, Chevy’s plug-in electric prototype. At Buick, walk through -- literally -- and Buick Enclave. A precision cut enables visitors to see the interior components -- seats, materials -- and what it is that makes the Enclave so quiet on the highway.
So what grabbed your eye? Let us know. Again, the show runs through Sunday. One tip: Avoid the convention center parking (would you believe $15?). Cheaper lots are nearby. For show info, visit sfliautoshow.com
Going green is getting very big these days. The signs are clear at the 37th Annual South Florida International Auto Show in Miami Beach.
Not talking "big'' in terms of popularity here, but big in terms of, well, big. General Motors, not the first to go hybrid, is leading the way this time around. GM realizes not all green-seekers are going for the Jetsons-looking Toyota Prius. But truck and SUV guys and gals want to do their part to save the planet, too, right?
So GM’s Cadillac division is using the Miami Beach stage this week to introduce -- to the world -- the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the first hybrid application to a large luxury SUV. Bling without as much gas-pump sting.
This gentle beast, which will be available in the summer of '08, has what is called a two-mode system, currently used in hybrid city-bus fleets: The first mode moves the vehicle with the electric motor or engine or both; the second cranks up the 6.0-liter V-8 engine for highway driving and hauling.
To boost economy even more, the Escalade has active fuel management, which shuts down four of the cylinders when they are not needed.
Overall, fuel economy will improve by 50 percent, Cadillac claims.
Escalade is just one big guy in GM’s grand new push: "Gas friendly to gas free." The Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon SUV duo and goes hybrid and, also for 2009, Chevy’s Silverado pickup will come in hybrid form.
Green is everywhere at the auto show this year, but there's plenty more to see and do (about 1,000 vehicles). Stay tuned for my Top 10 attractions -- what not to miss.
The show runs through Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It is sponsored each year by the South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Associaton, and is a great place to see it all under one roof. No salesman!
Admission is 10 bucks, kids are 6 bucks. More information: sfliautoshow.com
Vogue: The fashion at any given time, says Webster's.
VOGA: The latest fall fashion to sweep into Miami Beach.
It's the trendy new entry from Mercury and will be unveiled today at the South Florida International Auto Show, which opens its doors tonite and runs through Sunday Nov. 18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Mercury says its high-style 2008 Mariner series was runway-inspired. The VOGA series will reach other Mercury models over time.
VOGA came to life on a Mercury Milan concept during Miami Fashion Week in 2006. Reaction to the vehicle and the idea of a more fashion-focused series resonated with consumers, making a dedicated production series a choice move, says Mercury.
"It's great to be back in Miami to announce the new series and show off the Mercury Mariner VOGA," said Eric Peterson, Mercury Mariner brand manager. "Given the sophistication of the South Florida market and the enthusiasm around the launch of the Mercury Mariner last year, it made perfect sense to debut our first production application of the VOGA styling here."
The VOGA grabs your attention with a Moss Green metallic paint, special chrome work on the grille and VOGA badging. The interior is striking with a Tarragon metallic instrument panel. Then check out the cashmere leather seats.
If you do not have plans to visit the 37th annual car show, reconsider. Among the new models (1,000 of them from more than 40 makers), the oldies at Memory Lane, and the world's top exotics at Million Dollar Alley, there truly is excitement at every turn. I haven't missed one in 20 years!
See the front of today's Miami Herald coverage for more details on the show -- plus a special advertising section, too. And I'll have more right here on the Driven blog.
If you happen to see a VW bus full of Libyan terrorists chasing Marty McFly this weekend in Fort Lauderdale, don't panic. And if you see a dozen or more stainless steel DeLoreans cruising A1A and the interstate on Sunday, enjoy.
Sparks will fly -- though not the 88-mph kind -- when the Florida DeLorean Festival hits town tonight for the first of what may become an annual event, says show organizer Dan Harris, of Lauderhill.
It kicks off tonight with a public-park showing of the original "Back to the Future" movie, introduced by actor Jeffrey Weissman, who played George McFly in the second and third versions.
Saturday is the main event, the car show at Huizenga Plaza at Andrews Avenue and the Riverwalk. Harris expects some 15 to 20 DeLoreans, but other classics that founder John Z. DeLorean had a hand in will be there, too: chevys, Pontiacs and Chryslers.
On Sunday, it's a DeLorean cruise along the ocean to Delray Beach and back again for brunch.
I’ve had my DeLorean for seven years but show guy Harris has 16 years with his gull-winged beauty. “I took it off the hands of JM Lexus,” he said. "They didn’t know what the heck to do with it.”
He uses it as a daily driver and has compiled 200,000 miles since he bought it with just 20 grand on the odometer.
One couple, Terry and Oliver Holler, are said to have the best DeLorean time machine in the nation. A 15-minute ride “to the future” in their car will be raffled off. Some of the events require entry fees, others -- like the movie and car show -- are free.
For details, call 954-486-3104, or visit deloreancarshow.com/florida
