Topic: AutoPuzzles Live, Exclusive coverage of the 2016 New York Auto Show

[Stephen M]

As your general automotive host, I am pleased to announce I will be bringing you live (1), exclusive (2) coverage of the New York Auto Show, starting tomorrow and ending also tomorrow. Witty commentary and the finest photos a 3-year old cell phone can muster! I will be there shortly after the doors open, and will be staying until I get hungry or my train leaves. So post your picture requests, and accommodation will be attempted!

(1) I will be alive while there. Coverage may be delayed depending on wifi availability and assorted technology roadblocks.
(2) Exclusive, because the laws of physics ensure no one else will be standing in the exact same spot as me, at the same time.

[Paul Jaray]

Wow! Thank you!!

[Ultra]

Exclusive, also, as no other AutoPuzzles host will be offering the same coverage.  I look forward to your unique perspective.

[Stephen M]

So we'll start with the new Ford GT. It was at NY last year, but still drew the largest crowd at the show. Maybe because it was close to the front, and benefited from first impact. I felt a little sorry for the sales associate who said "if you'll turn your attention to the Focus SE over here....." No one did.

[Stephen M]

Lots of orange this year. I think the new (facelifted) GT-R wore it best with a more copper-metallic take. Didn't seem to draw much of a crowd, though.

[Stephen M]

Fun fact about the Challenger: It blared a burst of static through the audio system anytime you adjusted the driver's seat. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume this was a result of the way they wire up the floor models to provide  power accessories without the battery.

[Stephen M]

I suppose audio branding isn't a new thing, but the Beats Audio subwoofer in the trunk of the Chrysler 300 jumped out at me. If I were to bet on a car that you were most likely to end up in the trunk of, probably a little worse for wear, the 300 would pay even odds. For what it's worth, the Fender branding on the VW GTI was on the A-pillar tweeters.

[Stephen M]

Kia is proud to offer their 2017 lineup in the complete spectrum of gray and sometimes red.

[Stephen M]

As a current owner of a retractable hardtop miata (PRHT NC MX-5, in alphabet speak), I was a bit underwhelmed by the new one. It seems to be effectively a targa top, and the smoked glass panels to continue the window line are stylistic elements only, and don't improve over the shoulder visibility. The articulation is sure to entertain parking lot onlookers, however.

[Stephen M]

Toyota displayed a concept fuel cell car complete with a Mr. Fusion. No word on availability of a Mr. Fission version.

[Stephen M]

Lincoln Navigator concept. I'm pretty sure there was a Saturday Night Live sketch several decades ago about a car with one big door.

[Stephen M]

Metaphor alert: Mitsubishi was all the way in the back, in an annex-like space down a corridor. It was a sure place to beat the crowds.

[Stephen M]

...and in the back corner of this back corner, the last Evo. The doors were locked. A bit of a sad scene.

[Ultra]

That copper on the GTR, Born to Be Wild!

[Stephen M]

The Fiat version of the MX-5 platform. The Japanese styling is better than the Italian take. Not sure that's often said.

[Stephen M]

Also under styling misses, the new AMG C63 cabriolet. Small car + big engine + removable roof should add up to so much more.

[Stephen M]

To finish on a positive note, the Acura NSX looks good in red and in person.

[nicanary]

As a current owner of a retractable hardtop miata (PRHT NC MX-5, in alphabet speak), I was a bit underwhelmed by the new one. It seems to be effectively a targa top, and the smoked glass panels to continue the window line are stylistic elements only, and don't improve over the shoulder visibility. The articulation is sure to entertain parking lot onlookers, however.

One of my pet hates, the inability of drivers in modern cars to see over their shoulder. Massive C-pillars, or in this case smoked glass. Yes, I know cars in future years will all have parking assist, and I know we can all use the door mirrors, but I like to do it the old-fashioned way, looking over my shoulder.

Problem is, there's always the seat head restraint in the way, and then the C-pillar, and then stowed airbag containers in the bodywork, it goes on........If I was given a choice, I'd take 1960s-style all-round visibility over safety any day. Even if it meant paying a higher insurance premium.

[Allan L]

As a current owner of a retractable hardtop miata (PRHT NC MX-5, in alphabet speak), I was a bit underwhelmed by the new one. It seems to be effectively a targa top, and the smoked glass panels to continue the window line are stylistic elements only, and don't improve over the shoulder visibility. The articulation is sure to entertain parking lot onlookers, however.

One of my pet hates, the inability of drivers in modern cars to see over their shoulder. Massive C-pillars, or in this case smoked glass. Yes, I know cars in future years will all have parking assist, and I know we can all use the door mirrors, but I like to do it the old-fashioned way, looking over my shoulder.

Problem is, there's always the seat head restraint in the way, and then the C-pillar, and then stowed airbag containers in the bodywork, it goes on........If I was given a choice, I'd take 1960s-style all-round visibility over safety any day. Even if it meant paying a higher insurance premium.

Yes, agreed.
On a test drive in a new car earlier this year, the smoked glass rear door window blocked my over-the-shoulder vision when I needed it for joining a roundabout. Mirrors don't point that way and it's not parking.

[Otto Puzzell]

Lots of orange this year. I think the new (facelifted) GT-R wore it best with a more copper-metallic take. Didn't seem to draw much of a crowd, though.

Refresh notwithstanding, it's still a fright pig.

[Stephen M]

Problem is, there's always the seat head restraint in the way, and then the C-pillar, and then stowed airbag containers in the bodywork, it goes on........

About that....you have a kindred spirit in my household. One of my ulterior motives for attending the NY show (other than to bring you all world-class reporting) was to pre-scout potential new cars for my wife. We are about to upgrade/consolidate the fleet, and her biggest concern is rear visibility. Here's an over-the-shoulder shot from the inside of the BMW I3. Despite having wrap-around glass and what would appear from the outside to be a decent green house, visibility is poor. Because of the head restraint, thick pillars, stowed airbags, and such. Just as you said. 

[Carnut]

Also under styling misses, the new AMG C63 cabriolet. Small car + big engine + removable roof should add up to so much more.

You forgot + loadsamoney...