Bernie's Top 10 Cars from the 2015 New York International Auto Show

Now that New York had another successful auto show, I can finally give my top 10 vehicles from the 2015 New York International Auto Show.  Although McLaren had a successful debut with the 570s, Aston Martin brought the Vulcan, Porsche brought the new Boxster Spyder, and the Ford GT finally made its way to New York, don't expect to see these cars on my list. This isn't a list solely based on performance, economically and enviromentally vehicles (although nothing on this list falls in the economically and environmentally categories). It's just based on what caught my attention, what made my eyes twinkle and what I would purchase. So in no specific order....

The Cadillac ATS-V Coupe. I fell in love with the Cadillac CTS-V coupe quite some time ago, because of the design and the power. But the ATS is the sportier, slightly smaller, will give better gas mileage (although if you get the -V option, I don't think you'll be worried about gas mileage) sibling of the CTS. MSRP: $61,500.

My favorite body type of all time from the Mercedes Benz family, the CL/CLS class. Nothing more to be said, except if I were to purchase one, I might as well go all the way and get one with the AMG trim level. MSRP: $106,500 for the CLS63 AMG.

The Ford Shelby 350R.... Better than the Ford Shelby 350GT. MSRP: Who knows, but rumor has it, it can not beat a Koenigsegg.

The Mercedes Benz S-600 Maybach. The back seats are uber luxurious. After sitting in one, you too would add it to your top 10 list. MSRP: $190,000

Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition. I absolutely love black vehicles and manufacturers have been coming out with their own special edition vehicles. This particular Vanquish has carbon fiber trim (including the roof), top speed of 201 mph, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, gives off 558 horsepower and 465 lb ft @ 5,500 rpm. But another feature I love about it...

The gear shift are the four buttons under the air vents. It's all in the details. MSRP: $319,000

 

Not sure if General Motors has given the green light for production, but I was honestly surprised with the Buick Avenir. Buick isn't exactly the most sleek, stylish, modern division of General Motors, and I'm definitely not in their audience's demographic. But there's something about the Avenir. As surprised as I was that Buick would create something like this, I would be as equally as surprised if this received the green light.

Audi RS7. The RS7 happens to be the most powerful RS model ever offered in the U.S, and it's even as fast as the Ferrari 458. MSRP: $106,500

Move over Dodge Challenger, there's a new Hellcat in town. Dodge rolled out the new Charger Hellcat. 707 horsepower with a top speed of 204 mph. Need any further convincing? MSRP: $64,000.

My favorite BMW- X6M. Plenty of space for shopping bags and plenty of horsepower- topping out at 567 horsepower. MSRP:  $103,000

And rounding out the list is this Rolls Royce Wraith. Not only is the Wraith the most sleek in the Rolls Royce family, it provides the most horsepower, topping off at 624. MSRP: $294,000

"Why isn't Bentley on this list?" Glad you asked. Bentley opted out of The New York International Auto Show to put their complete focus on the Bentayga. And also, I must pay homage to my dream Prius...

 

I had a great time at the New York International Auto Show, and I will definitely return next year. For more coverage from this show, check out Bernie's 2015 New York International Auto Show gallery.

Keep Up With Bernie at the 2014 New York Auto Show

It's that time of year again. April 16th 2014 marks the start of the 2014 New York International Auto Show, and I will be there for the press days. Follow me @CarShowBernie on Instagram where I will be posting sneak peeks of what I've been looking forward to seeing. From the new Nissan Murano to the Mercedes S63 AMG, to the Alfa Romero debut, to the 25 year retrospective of the Mazda Miata,  to the massive, all-new BMW lineup, I will be showing it all. 

And I will definitely make my way to the Empire State Building, where Ford will be displaying a 2015 Mustang on the top.

P.S. Based on the many articles I've read leading up to the event, the two most anticipated sites will be: BMW's entire lineup and the Alfa Romero.

Bernie's Car Show Coverage: Bernie's Top 10 Picks from the AJC Auto Show

After going to the 2013 New York International Auto Show, my perception of auto shows has changed. I went from the enormous New York Auto Show to the cozy Atlanta Journal Constitution Auto Show. Yes, you noticed the adjectives I used- enormous and cozy. 

Last week I went to the 2014 AJC Auto Show. It took me awhile, but I was able to come up with my top 10 picks based off the selection at this particular auto show. This is in no particular order, except for the last vehicle, which will always be my number one vehicle.

10. An Audi A7. What I like most about this particular Audi is the body. Aside from the R8 and the uber tiny TT, it doesn't have the traditional Audi body. Specs: 3.0 L V-6 engine, 8 speed automatic transmission, 310 hp with 325 lb-ft of torque, MPG: 18/28, 0-60 mph: 6.19 seconds, and MSRP: $65,500

9. MINI Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works. What I like most about this Mini Cooper Countryman is (I know I'm about to sound girly, but...) that it's a cute, small car. It's a fun car that you would use for perfect weather locations, it's roomy, and it has a lot of options in it. Specs: 1.6 L I-4 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, 208 hp with 192-ft lbs of torque, MPG: 25/31, 0-60 mph: 7.83 sec and MSRP: $35,000

8. Maserati Ghibli Q4. For a entry level Maserati, the Q4 packs a punch... Specs: 3.0 L V-6 engine, 8 speed automatic transmission, 404 hp with 369 ft-lbs of torque, MPG: 15/25, 0-60 MPH: 5.45 seconds and MSRP: $76,900

7. Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. I've been in love with the body and the performance. I like the boomerang rear, and the amount of horsepower/torque isn't too shabby. Specs: 6.2L V-8 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission, 556 hp with 551 ft-lbs of torque, MPG: 14/19, 0-60 MPH: 4.35 seconds, and MSRP: $63,600

6. Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe. I like the performance, plain and simple. Specs: 7.0 L V-8 engine, 6 speed manual transmission, 505 hp and 481ft-lbs of torque, MPG: If you're worrying about this, this isn't the car for you, 0-60 mph: 4.50 seconds, and MSRP: $72,700

5. BMW M4 Coupe. Again, it's another performance pick, although I'm not a fan of the loud color. Specs:  3.0 L I-6 engine, 6 speed manual transmission, 425 hp and torque is not yet released, MPG: is not yet released, 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds, and MSRP: $65,125.

4. Nissan GTR Nismo. Somehow, Nismo found a way to improve the Nissan GTR, and raised the MSRP an extra $50,000. Specs: 3.8 L V-6 engine, 6 speed auto shift manual transmission, 600 hp and 481lbs-ft of torque, 0-60: 3.52 seconds, and MSRP $150,000. Notice how I didn't include the gas milage...

3. Dodge Challenger: This was definitely going to be my next car, but my insurance would have been through the roof. My insurance is expensive and I drive an Envoy. Specs: 6.4 L V-8 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 470 hp and 470 lbs-ft of torque, MPG: 14/23, 0-60: 4.75 seconds and the MSRP: $44,700

2. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Now this is a strong contender as my next vehicle. Drove it from Boston to Providence, RI and although I need a running board to help me get in and out the vehicle, I enjoyed driving it. Specs: 3.6L V-6 engine, 5 speed automatic transmission, 285 hp with 260 lbs-ft of torque, MPG: 16/21, 0-60: 7.06 seconds, and MSRP: $35,000

And the number one pick... the 2015 Ford Mustang. Basically, see this post highlighting the specs. But he looked great in person.

Trust me, I'll have an easier time picking my top picks from the 2014 New York International Auto Show. P.S. Notice how Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, and Land Rover wasn't in the lineup, that's because they didn't come. 

Bernie’s Favorite: Victoria Beckham and the new “Posh” Range Rover Evoque

(Photo: Land Rover)

Victoria Beckham teamed up with Range Rover and finally unveiled the special edition Range Rover Evoque in Bejing, China. Borrowing style hues from her husband, David, this particular limited edition Evoque is as equally stylish as she is.

I said that Victoria borrowed the design aspect from David because she did say that “I wanted to design a car David and I would want to drive. I want everyone who gets in to feel special.” Also, the customization specs equal to what David has done to his vehicles in the past (i.e. The Porsche 911 and Rolls Royce Phantom).

The customization specs goes as follows: the first-ever Land Rover to feature hand-finished matte paint – offset by Santorini gloss black details and special 20-inch gloss-black forged alloy wheels with rose-gold accents. There’s also a rose-gold plated grille surround and badging.

Inside, Land Rover Spices it up with semi-aniline leather seats, door inserts and armrests and, yes, more rose-gold accents. The look is complemented with black lacquered veneers, textured aluminum and soft-feel black finishes.
 Basically it’s matte black paint, with black wheels, and a black interior.



Vanity Fair Magazine was lucky enough to sit down with Victoria and asked her a few questions about cars.

Why is the Range Rover Evoque the right choice for a Victoria Beckham special edition?
Victoria Beckham: I’ve driven a Range Rover for as long as I can remember, and I have a lot of respect for Range Rover as a brand and for their heritage. So I think it feels very natural. I think that people will look at the car, and they’ll obviously see Range Rover, but they’ll also see me. It looks like me. I joked the other day—I had a matte-black crocodile structured handbag with me, and I looked at the bag and I looked at the car, and I said, “The car looks like a bag on wheels.” It’s very me. It’s very, very me.

One of the ways that we can chart the various stages in a person’s life is through their cars. So tell me about your cars. What was your first car? 
My first-ever car, my parents bought me a red Fiat Uno. I was 17 and just so happy to have a car, so I was very fortunate that my parents were in a position to get me one—it was a secondhand car, but I was just so happy to have it. And my mum, to make it extra special for me, sprayed the hubcaps red.
And what do you drive now? 
I drive a Range Rover Sport. I love things that look great, but I love the practicality as well. I’ve got four kids. [Brooklyn, 13; Romeo, 9; Cruz, 7; Harper, 9 months.] I’ve got to put a stroller in the back of my car. I drive my kids to school every day; I drive everywhere. I love my Range Rover. But David’s trying to make me sell my Range Rover.


Each of the limited run of 200, English-made, four-wheel-drive coupes will cost around $90,000, and sadly, only 5 will be sold in the US.

I love it. Now I’m just waiting for Kimora Lee Simmons to come out with a special edition vehicle.

What happened at the 2012 New York Auto Show?

First and foremost... I know I talked a good game about attending this car show, but financially I couldn't attend. Yes, New York is my hometown and I'm typing from Atlanta, GA. But I do have financial common sense- meaning I wasn't going to piss away my money to pay my mortgage to attend an auto show where I knew that Auto Blog (the top automotive blog out- which means they hire photographers who know the difference betweeen manual and automatic) This year, I'm being a bit smarter with the shows I attend, meaning I won't attend smaller shows or auto shows. I rather put money towards attending bigger car shows and automotive rallies where you have to search hell and high water to get the photos. And unlike blogs that have automotive sponsors but can't write an original automotive post to save their lives (Think of a certain DJ that has sponsorship from Ford), I won't plagerize Auto Blog's words. Paraphrase- yes. Plagerize- no. You might ask what's the difference- plagerizing is a glorified word meaning "stealing". Paraphrase means to borrow aspects from the original source, and giving them credit.

The famous Auto Show tour made it's stop in one of the most important cities. Besides the fact that I'm from New York, New York is one of the most important cities because the manufacturers do have special unveilings at this stop, and every manufacturer shows up to New York, even if they're based out of the country, and even if they don't have anything new to show.

The 2012 New York Auto Show fell a little short this year. Every car that was shown either had minor enhancements or the major enhancements has been shown previously this year at another auto show (except Atlanta's auto show).

(If you're wondering- the guy kissing the vehicle is the reason why the Viper is back. His name is Ralph Gilles, President of SRT and obviously a great salesman)

The biggest debut of the entire show was Dodge bringing back the Viper and it will be available later this year. It has 640 horsepower with a V10 engine. Autoblog says that it is not as powerful as the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F12, however it is more powerful than the Lamborghini Aventador. The previous two statements summed up everything that you need to know about the Dodge Viper. The MSRP will be announced soon, but until then, just drool over the photo.

Honerable mentions include...

New Yorkers got to see what their new yellow taxis will look like

Porsche unveiled the Cayenne Diesel. It was originally available overseas, and this is the first time it arrived in the United States. Auto Blog says the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, rated at 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the automaker says it will run to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 135 mph. The Cayenne Diesel is rated to tow a segment-leading 7,716 pounds and boasts a highway range of 740 miles thanks to its 28 mpg highway rating.

Fisker showed off their Fisker Atlantic- a more affordable version of the Fisker Karma. Fisker thinks the Atlantic is a more family friendly car. This isn't the type of vehicle where you'll allow your four year old to drop juice in.

Chevrolet made the Impala attractive again, by borrowing the looks of the Camaro and applying it to the once drab midsize sedan. Great move of Chevy's part, and that would definitely increase sales, especially if they still offer the Impala in the SS trim level.

Hyundai released TWO editions of their popular Santa Fe CUV, and it looks sooo much better. The sport edition can fit 5 people and the Hyundai Santa Fe LWB can fit 7 people. It's like when GMC released the Envoy and the Envoy XL.

Jeep presented the Altitude trim level for the Grand Cherokee, the Compass and the Patriot. The Altitude trim level is a blacked out trim level. Black exterior, black interior, with black wheels. Purrrrfect.


But the most important unveiling from the entire auto show...

Shelby presented the most powerful production car ever to come out of Carroll Shelby's mind- the 1000. The muscle coupe comes in two options – the 950 horsepower street version and the track-only 1100+ horsepower S/C. Shelby is only willing to produce 100, each of them at the MSRP close to $200,000. Some say that this is too much power for a Mustang- but you have to remember- the Shelby edition has been around as long as the Ford Mustang, although Shelby took that 37 year hiatus, folks are still buying them. Ford Mustang fans are as hardcore as New York Yankee fans, Dallas Cowboy fans, and Los Angeles Lakers fans. It's not for everyone to understand but Shebly fans and Mustang Fans will understand.

Bernie's Test Drives from the 2012 AJC Car Show

Last week the annual Atlanta Journal Constitution Car Show rolled into town. When I moved to Atlanta back in '07, I remember how big their auto show use to be. In '08, they held the show in two rooms at the Georgia World Congress Center and it was a week long. Now.... it's five days long and confined into one room without all of the auto makers there (Mercedes Benz/Smart Car didn't show up).

I'm not gonna lie, I had fun this year. I spent more time outside of the show than I did inside, because the AJC made the show more family friendly. Six automakers- Cadillac, Dodge, GMC, Toyota, Kia, and VW offered test drives for those who wanted to feel the experience. And my crazy self decided to take advantage of the offers.

I test drove 10 vehicles. And it took me a little over 4 hours to do so. I tested in the exact order of driving: the Jeep Wrangler, Fiat Cabriolet, Dodge Charger R/T, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius-V, VW Bettle, VW Tiguan, and Kia Optima Turbo. Originally, I was going to rank the cars from which one I like from the lowest to the highest. But instead, I'll go by the order that I listed the vehicles above.

To kick off the test driving experience, I went with the Jeep Wrangler first. It was the blue, two door one pictured above with my test driving friend. I chose this particular vehicle first because the Jeep Wrangler will be one of my next vehicles (the Ford Mustang 5.0 GT is the other. I didn't forget about that one). I've previously mentioned how I fell in love with the Jeep Wrangler in Boston when I had the pleasure of driving a four door one. The blue one was fun, I liked how it goes into Eco mode to allow for the best gas milage, the removeable hood, plus that shade of blue pops *makes popping noise*. But with my vehicles, I like room. The two door was cute, but the four door is more ideal for me.

(Photo from thearticlewriter.com)

The Fiat Cabriolet was sooooooo fun to drive. The difference between the Fiat Convertible and most other convertibles is that you can put the top down while the car is in motion, up to 65 mph. I drove the Fiat Lounge Cabriolet, which is the second most expensive one, behind the Gucci Edition. Of course, Dodge was super excited, referring to the car as the J-Lo car. I'm still bitter with Jennifer Lopez because the commercial appeared to be in the Bronx, but in reality, she shot the commercial in Los Angeles and in the commercial she talked about what she loved about New York. I love Los Angeles and all, but it's not New York.

The Dodge Charger R/T was the type of vehicle that my lead foot needed. I like my vehicles to have power, and the Charger had pick up. The guy who was in charge of the Charger was happy, yet surprised that I tested the 370 horses. If I presented with a vehicle with a decent amount of horsepower, a dry road, and no cops around, of course I'm gonna drive fast. But the car will be returned exactly how I got it, just with a few more miles on it. But I could have continued living my life without knowing that there are 164 lights involved with the Dodge Chargers tail lights.

Then I shimmied over to the Cadillac area. My first vehicle was the biggest one they had to offer, yet no one was driving it, so that's why I asked to drive the Cadillac Escalade ESV. The size wasn't intimidating at all and I'm all of 5'2 and a half. What I liked the most about it, besides the fact that it's a full size SUV that offers 400 horsepower, but there's sensors on it that tells you when a vehicle is in your blind spot area- a feature that should be available on all vehicles.

Next, I hopped behind the wheel of the Cadillac CTS-V. Yes dears, the same one that Justin Beiber purchased. But there was a huge conspiracy involving this car. So we pull out of the lot, and it starts to rain. Not drizzle, but RAIN. I was pissed!!!! Because of the rain, I wasn't about to try out the 500+ horsepower. I love to speed, but I have great judgment. I didn't tell you the best part. When it was time for me to give the car back, it stops raining. Just my luck....

I ran back inside to register with Toyota and VW, then headed over to the Toyota area to select the "redesigned" 2012 Camry. Toyota failed to realize that minor changes doesn't warrant them to call it a redesign. The redesigning of the Camry was back in 2007. It was fun to drive, but I honestly didn't see any major difference between the 2012 one and the one my dad has- which is an '07. The 2012 one offers a lot more options, and who doesn't love options? As far as the standard equipment, there's no difference. The best part about the test drive was when the test drive guy started playing Young Jeezy since I mentioned I liked rap music.

I got out of the Camry, and ran into a guy I met before at one of the previous auto show. He was in charge of the Prius V and that's why I tested it. I asked the famous question- how much horsepower does it have? His answer- 138. I died laughing. Here's the thing- I've been followed before in my car, and the one thing I need is horsepower to get away from stalkers. 138 horsepower isn't gonna help you get away from anyone except if they're driving a Smart Car, which only offers 71 horsepower. The highlight to this test drive- Cam'ron came on the radio.

Then I ran to the VW area, when I jumped into the candy apple red Beetle. Oh my goodness, this car surprised me the most. When I turned onto the main road and the test driving guy encouraged me to test the tubo engine, I was in lust. It was cute,and it packed enough punch to leave folks in the dust. This was fun, and the redesigning of the Beetle is very roomy in the interior.

From there, I had to try VW's SUV- the Tiguan. The crazy name intrigued me, but I learned that a child entered a contest and came up with the name since they liked tigers and iguanas. It was fun to drive, and it was equipped with the same Turbo engine with a panaramic moon roof. It was cool, but I felt bad for the woman who was riding with me.

Finally, to round out the test drive, I ran over to the Kia section and jumped into the Optima Turbo. I tested the Optima Turbo last year, but the one I drove this year seemed a little different. But before I get into that, I want to get into something else. The test drive guy- forgot his name, but he was beyond knowledgable about auto shows, and all things automotive related. It was weird, he was like Rain Man of the automotive world. He did have an aspect of my dream job and I respected him for it. So while I was driving, Rain Man told me that Kia brought on someone from Audi to join Kia's design team, and the interior looked so much better. I forgot I was driving a Kia for awhile.

I hope the AJC Auto Show allows the test driving program next year. That way, it gave consumers a more intimate feel with a car. Auto Shows are good because they allow consumers to get in the car and feel the comfort level. But it's one thing to sit in a car, it's another to drive it for a few minutes. I didn't go to the GMC area, they provided a bunch of compact and midsize cars, plus the GMC Arcadia that I test drived before, and the Chevy Camaro which I test drove before. I know one thing, I wish Ford would partake in the test driving program.

Did'ya hear about the Bentley SUV Concept?

You know this is major news if non-automotive outlets are reporting this- even if they don't have the slightest clue of what they're talking about.

The only thing about the Geneva Motor Show that everyone is talking about is the Bentley EXP 9 F (the correct name for the Bentley SUV). Bentley was nice enough to send out a press release, and with that- I will enclose the meat-and-potatoes of the release.

Unmistakably a Bentley – yet a Bentley like none before it – the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.

A new class of Bentley allowed the styling team to adopt a more progressive design approach. The exterior is a bold, dynamic statement, combining clean, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power – a pure Bentley.

Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The ‘hewn from solid’ design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.

The designers were inspired not only by the more functional nature of EXP 9 F but by the ‘visible engineering’ of the famous Blower Bentleys. For example, the day-time running lamp apertures also act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W12 engine, each with a dramatic, mesh-covered turbine fan design and ‘rifled’ inner surface finish.

The turbine theme continues with the stunning 23-inch alloy wheels, the design of which complements the sculptured coachwork. The multiple spokes are reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades while the centrally mounted wheel nut is a visual reference both to Bentley’s Le Mans racers of the 1920s with centre-lock spinner and to the single nut found on the modern-day Speed 8’s high-tech racing alloys.

Soft-touch leather contrasts with highly durable surfaces with the concept car design experimenting with the use of saddle leather for the seat backs, top roll and loadspace – while analogue bezels and dials are paired with TFT ‘virtual’ instrumentation.

Even the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible – with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are dressed for the great outdoors.

Although the EXP 9 F concept is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine with an 8-speed transmission, both the company’s recently-launched 4.0 litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements of a pinnacle luxury SUV.

Watch the video, and then I'll give you my two cents...



The interior lives up to its name- plush and uber luxurious. However, that exterior needs work. First of all, a boxy front end doesn't look good on a SUV. It's like they took the Bentley Arnage front end and slapped it on a SUV. Wrong, wrong, wrong. The rear looks like the Range Rover Sport, but with different tailpipes and lights. This SUV looks like two different vehicles- Boxy in the front, curvy in the back. If anything, Bentley should have taken the front end of the Continental GT/Flying Spur and kept the rear.

I hope that Bentley will fine-tune this concept before it hits the production line.