Day 1: Tampa International Auto Show

As a longtime Tampa resident I have been to many Tampa "International" Auto Shows. Today it seems the show got its swagger back.

This Way To Lamborghini Heaven! 

You can see that the investment in what is a marginal regional showcase for the OEM's has picked up: nicer displays, more spokespeople, even some "mic'd" up walk arounds (thank you Buick and GMC --- quite impressive). Traffic (which ultimately is all that matters) was outstanding for a Friday launch. Shortly after noon the halls of the Tampa Convention Center were packed.

Where else can you go and see nearly every available model seen in 90% of the dealerships in the area? Well only the #TampaAutoShow apparently.

First of all I am a cut to the chase kind of guy. Many who attend the Auto Show will be real gear heads. You are readers of Motor Trend, people who google spy shots on the internet, those that know more about my car than I do. You read about concept vehicles and reach first for the automotive section of the weekend paper. You know your stuff the only negative about the auto show is you can't drive each car right down the escalator and onto Channelside Drive.

The All New 2013 Toyota Avalon 

The Ford Fusion Really Doesn't Have a Bad Side

In the past my biggest disappointment was that even for a large auto show you hardly ever see anything that you couldn't find on the lot at a local dealership.

Well this year Buick has broken the streak. You can actually check out the 2013 Buick Encore months before you will see it in North American showrooms. I believe that that compact SUV is an absolute home run. It will be released in January/February and will be a tremendous volume piece inside of the Buick/GMC world.

Actually Detroit is making many positive strides in my opinion --- in more ways that one.

Finally a Taste of the Future - the 2013 Buick Encore (Small SUV)

GENERAL CONVENTION WRAP UP FROM DAY 1: TAMPA BAY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW


Worst display: 

Ferrari 

Tucked in the corner behind an RV? Not only did Ferrari get the worst placement --- they positioned their models in a way that the least attractive is first. I don't know much about Ferrari volume but I am guessing that their Panamera competitor has made some sales?

Best display: 

Buick & GMC 

Sorry kids. But it is true. With great audio/visual displays and active "walk-arounds" lead by GM employees --- it rocks. Not to mention the only display with a vehicle you CAN'T ACTUALLY BUY RIGHT NOW. Maybe GM is putting our tax dollars to work properly...finally. :)

Oh and they have a Maxim model working their display. Well done Buick.

Worst behaved spectators: 

Dimmit's Exotic Display

I felt very bad for the folks working the Land Rover, Bentley, McLaren, Aston Martin (& more) display. There was one Dimmitt employee and she had told us that people were sneaking through on all sides (avoiding the one controlled gate) being rude and profane and frankly touching cars that they weren't to touch. This world makes me sad.

Car You Shouldn't Miss:

The Scion FR-S 

Tampa Bay Times Convention Edition

The Scion FR-S recently took home Top Gear's car of the year. For $26,000 dollars it is a rear wheel Mecca of "fun to drive." The Scion FR-S is also the Subaru BR-Z as it was a joint venture. So you will have two chances to see this beautiful, inexpensive piece complete with boxer engine. Please check this sweet piece out.

As you can see the Scion FR-S made the TBT Auto Show cover --- as well it should have.

More to come...