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.

Forgiato Wheels Shows Off a Mercedes CLS63

The guys at Forgiato released photos of a gorgeous black and gray Mercedes Benz CLS63 wearing their even more high end F2.01 Wheels.

Forgiato itself is high end, and their F line is even higher than their original line. Needless to say,  this Mercedes is gorge.

ADV.1 Wheels Shows off a Mercedes CLS63

ADV.1 Wheels got their hands on some photos of a Mercedes Benz CLS63. Customized by ATT-TEC in Germany, this CLS63 was dipped in matte grey paint and they added ADV.1's new 2 piece monoblock ADV6's- the ADV6MV2-SL. This set is finished in Veyron Stainless and featres exposed hardware, but if you don't want the exposed hardware, you can get that option as well.

Still my favorite Mercedes body... But it wouldn't have hurt for them to show this car in different angles.

Vossen Wheels Presents a Short Film For Your Viewing Pleasure

So the guys at Vossen Wheels released a short film featuring a Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG wearing their VVS-CV3 Wheels. Check it out, it's great...






I love her way her apartment was designed. Very Miami. However I do love the body of the CL models. Always have, always will. I hope she was driving off to get a sandwich. I'm sorry, I just had to say it. 

ADV.1 Wheels Shows off a Mercedes CLS63

ADV.1 Wheels relesed shots of a Mercedes CLS63 (My favorite body type). According to ADV.1, "The ADV10 Deep Concave was one of the first major wheel designs that we pushed out onto our own ADV.1 CLS55 years ago and 3 years on with a new generation of CLS63 this photoshoot illustrates just how timeless our designs are. This 21″ staggered setup finished with a brushed aluminum center and chrome lips looks just as bang up to date and fresh today as it did 3 years ago. Why buy a wheel that looks dated in 6 months when you can invest in one that will look amazing 5 and 10 years down the road?"

But ADV.1, the average guy scuffs their wheels. I've seen so many curb marks on wheels, even on vehicles newer than mine that have parallel parking assistance.

ADV.1 Wheels Shows off a Mercedes CLS63

ADV.1 Wheels released photos of a gorgeous Mercedes Benz CLS63 sitting on it’s new Monoblock SL’s. These 19X9, 19X11 ADV5.2.1SL’s are wrapped in sticky R888 rubber and finished in a gorgeous titanium finish. Check out the photos...

These photos look GREAT!!!!!!

Playboy Picks Their 2012 Cars of the Year

In the latest issue (January/February 2012 aka the Lindsey Lohan cover), iconic magazine Playboy has picked their choices of their 2012 Cars of the Year. The list isn't just limited to only SUVs or only luxury cars. This list is a solid, well rounded list, and I do love the particular car that's in the photo above.

Per Playboy, here's their picks for the top 2012 cars...

2012 Lamborghini Aventador; MSRP: $387,000

Fiat 500; MSRP: $15,500

Range Rover Evoque; MSRP: $41,145

Lexus CT 200H; MSRP: $29,120

BMW 1 Series M; MSRP: $46,135

Bentley Continental GTC; MSRP: $205,600

Audi A7; MSRP: $59,250

Mercedes-Benz CLs63 AMG; MSRP: $94,900

Hyundai Veloster; MSRP: $17,300

Jaguar XKR-S; MSRP: $132,000

And I saved the best for last...

Ford Mustang Boss 302; MSRP: $40,310

Noticed how all of the cars are black? I still think all cars look great in black. Pick up Playboy's January/February 2012 issue on newsstands now...

CEC Wheels' SEMA Recap

CEC Wheels released their SEMA recap, giving more details about specific wheels and how it compliments the car that's wearing them. I actually stopped by their booth and took a few photos, but I didn't have the opportunity to speak with someone. That's how popular their booth was. Maybe next year...

The star of the booth was Fisker Reserve by CEC tuning program for the Fisker Karma, making its North American debut. The Reserve by CEC package, as exhibited on a stunning pearlescent white Karma, combined an aggressive yet stylish aerodynamic package with exclusive, lightweight 22” staggered forged wheels finished in an exquisite matte white/matte machined finish. The Reserve styling options were tasteful and complemented the car's already dramatic styling perfectly. The white Karma gleamed on stage while surrounded by four additional show cars, all draped in contrasting black. The overall effect offered by this contrast was dramatic and left a lasting impression.

CEC was proud to unveil the World Premiere of the ACS6 by AC Schnitzer based on the 2012 BMW 650i Coupe at SEMA 2011. This beautiful work-of-art illustrated the attention to detail that only a tuner like AC Schnitzer can appoint. The subtle craftsmanship was appreciated and very well received by show goers. The ACS6 sat on 21” ACS Type VIII Forged wheels with 21" Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires also donning front and rear ACS spoilers. The car also featured the ACS exhaust system and the chrome front grill treatment.



CEC is renown for making premium light alloy wheels and this is made apparent by the other three cars on display. These cars were outfitted only with CEC wheels, showing the dramatic distinction the right set of wheels can make on a car. CEC showcased a new 2012 Bentley GT Mulliner fitted on one side with our 21” CEC C883 Forged Italian wheels, utilizing the factory tires. On the other side was a more aggressive setup showcasing our 22” CEC C881 wheel in the matte black/machined finish.

The next car was a 2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid with our new for 2012 CEC C883 SUV wheel, sized 22"x10", wrapped in 295/30-22 Michelin Diamaris rubber . We chose to show the C883 on both sides of the Cayenne, featuring two different finishes, matte black/machined and our cutting edge, trend setting Magic Black/machined finish. Magic Black looks and feels like black chrome, but is actually a very special paint process, combined with diamond-cut, machined face lines, creating a unique and brilliant finish that is more durable than chrome. It looks amazing and is best appreciated in person.

The final car featured in the CEC booth was a 2012 Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG with 20" staggered CEC C883 in matte black/machined on one side and 20” staggered c882 in matte gunmetal/machined on the other. Both sides were outfitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires in 255/30-20 and 295/25-20 sizing. The unique finishes complemented this car nicely and all agreed that this CLS looked phenomenal with nothing more than a wheel and tire upgrade.

It always helps when companies bring cars to show how their products look on a vehicle.