Autoblog Podcast #29 - NY Auto Show Edition
Our
feet have recovered and we're back on a normal sleeping schedule after returning from the 2006 New York Auto Show, which
gave us an opportunity to sit down and knock out a podcast. There were lots of vehicles to discuss in this episode,
including the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350H, Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang, Nissan Altima, Infiniti G35,
Saturn Aura and a convention center's worth of other great rides. Being the unofficial closer of the auto show season,
this year's NY event was impressive and we rank it right behind Detroit in terms of its importance to the industry.
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Hosts
John Neff and Chris Paukert
Producer
John Neff
Length
45:21
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
adb 8:27PM (4/23/2006)
Hey, guys--interesting commentary on NY, but please take off your anti-GM glasses...
1. You complain the Aura doesn't have as much power as several of its competitors. 2hp less than the Altima? 6hp less than Camry? And yet 22hp more than Accord and 42hp more than Fusion? Is that really a relevant complaint?
2. You expect Chevy to take on every single mainstream brand in the market? That shows an unfamiliarity with the reality of today's market. As much as people in the business hate to admit, domestic brand shoppers look primarily at other domestic brands, and import brand shoppers look primarily at other import brands. Saturn's relative newness--and its self-proclaimed status as an import fighter--puts it in a much better position to take on Honda and Toyota. Trying to be all things to all people is a recipe for turning into vanilla.
3. You complain, among other things, that Saturn is losing its plastic body panels. And yet I'm sure you'd be the first to complain if the Aura used plastic panels, given the frequent criticism leveled regarding quality and execution.
4. To expect a standalone Saturn franchise to be repositioned as a standalone Mini fighter (30,000 units a year) or Scion fighter (120-150,000 units a year) would represent a 25-30% or more reduction in volume, driving a lot of those dealers out of business.
5. The only exterior difference between the Aura and the 'concept' (check the photos) are the 19" wheels and exaggerated wheelarches. To be disappointed in what you saw on the show floor suggests you were looking for reasons not to like it.
Are things perfect? Of course not. But you guys are usually a little more astute; give a little credit where it's due.
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Joe Vatican 10:23PM (4/27/2006)
What happened to the ready made links for all the cars discussed. I miss that.
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