Anyone heading to PRI this year? My pass is on its way. Last year the new Camaro was the king of the aftermarket world. It was interesting.

I know I'll probably go to the Auto Show in Orlando as well but every year its a bit of a disappointment. I mean why doesn't Orlando get the cars that Detroit and L.A. get For example, when the CRZ was coming out Orlando didn't get it at the Auto Show. In fact I don't remember seeing the BRZ or FRS at last years show.

 

Still waiting for my chance to go to SEMA

 

Yeah, me to. I need to check into that show for next year to see if I can go. It might be the first time I go to Vegas and do something other than play craps or blackjack all night.

 

I'm curious to see how many companies will be offering BRZ and FRS aftermarket parts.

 

My thoughts from the Int'l Auto Show today in Orlando. Cadillac CTS Sedan and CTS-V Coupe I didn't like the steering on either. I have muscles let me use them. The braking on the CTS-V - well done.

The Mazda 3 Hatch was a very enjoyable ride and I didn't mind the suspension not giving me the floating couch ride.

The Chevy Spark. Really your going to bring back the painted dash and door panels? The ricer kids finally quit ruining Honda interiors, let's not encourage them again. Plus why are you putting me in the seat above the steering wheel, its a small car and no matter how much you want the driver to feel as tall as an SUV your still in a small car but now in a horrid driving position. And how does a 1.2 liter engine with only 84 horsepower get less mpg than my 92 Honda Civic Hatch with a B20 motor with Stage 2 Crower cams? Uh, hello?

The Chevy Volt. I like. The seating is sporty but the suspension in a sweeper at 32 mph had me feel like the back end was going to take a walk. Curious, does one have to perform an oil change for the generator motor?

The Chevy Camaro SS. Not bad. I'm just not used to the big hood so I didn't have a feel for where my right front wheel was. Thankfully I didn't do a curb check. Nice throttle response as well.

The Honda Fit thank you for finally moving the seat into a non-SUV position. I finally felt like I was sitting in the car becoming part of it as one should.

The Scion IQ is another seat monstrosity. 11 air bags? Really?

The Fiat Abarath wins for the best explanation of how to put the car in reverse in laymans terms so you won't hear that "grinding" noise. Thanks for the good laugh!

After sitting in the BRZ and the FRS I choose the BRZ, I felt like I was sitting in the car and being held in. Also I like the interior better, the FRS felt cheap - no offense to anyone with one - and I know they are basically if not the same which just made it odd. Nice oil filter relocation on both. Looking forward to seeing how these cars fair this year in autocross.

The Ford Focus Hatch. Nice styling for a hatchback but the interior design is not a win. The seat is a flat piece of foam with some wings on each side to give the illusion one would be held in. When a soccer mom sat in it and said she loved it I knew my thoughts were on course. The ST was there but one could not sit in it. For the love of whatever please change the gauge cluster pattern tribal looking thing. It's just dumb.

Next up PRI and I cannot wait. I have my pass and am ready to go

 

Cool to go for the 1st time, but after going every year for more than 10 years, Fuck that! lol

I turn down to go this past year! lol

 

"why doesn't Orlando get the same cars that Detroit and L.A. get"?
The bigger shows get more press coverage IMHO.

Thanks for posting up you reactions to the cars you saw.-Bob