At The 2011 New York Auto Show, Exciting New Signs of Life

I'm finding little life in the Auto Show this year to tell the truth. Everything is nothing more than a bubble with wheels. You can seriously tell that all of these architects/designers all subscribe to the same magazines, went to the same schools, took the same classes, hang with the same crowds, listen to the same music, wear the same clothes, and eat the same foods. There is nothing innovative or stylish in any of the new models out this year. Even the concepts (Short of the Corvette Concept, the only life at the party) are boring and very uninspiring. It's almost like the world is being forced to accept mediocrity when it comes to personal transportation.

Where was the Cherokee Srt-8?

It's nice to see the auto companies are paying attention to what is happening in the world economies. With unemployment so high, and incomes low I'm sure the demand for vehicles like these will be huge.

Except for heavy machinery, the era of the car with V-8's is coming to a fast close... giving way to Turbo four's and six's with power to match modern day vehicles. The race is on to produce them as soon as possible, along with light-weight materials and great styling to enhance MPG's as much as possible. Electric's will be regulated mainly for local commuter transport, but the gas engine will still have some life left in it. The show drove home the point it will be a different world very soon... and the drive to change is just getting started !!

@joe_public1 - I would say your're right and it will probably happen faster than you expect. Fuel prices here in the UK have long been over taxed and mostly we've not got the luxury of affording to run your V8's; emmissions is another big issue for how much we get taxed; you say turbo 4s and six's may be the next thing well imo we're already past that era too, you only need to look as far as hondas R-type engine (4pot turbo) already shelved due to it not being able to meet the latest emission bands. Again imo, I'd suggest electric will be massive in the next 3-4 years with ranges already being quoted for ~100miles. The worry I have is that increasing amounts of fuel/oil is being derived from plants, I don't agree with turning nutrients derived from the soil into anything other than food.

@ Turbo Two Tone: your myopia and single-mindedness are amazing. Yes, cars today all look kind of bubbly, but it's not because all the engineers went to the same schools or read the same books. Obviously, we as a society are running out of natural resources, including petroleum and the fuels that provide us with electricity, and to stretch those resources as far as possible, we can't be using big fins, lots of chrome, and silly non-functional air foils and scoops. That's what you want, apparently, but when it comes to aerodynamics, you only have so much wiggle room: THAT'S why all the cars look so similar and bulbous. Fortunately, designers are starting to wake up and design vehicles with practicality and efficiency in mind.

If you want style, go out and buy a '63 Caddy, but don't complain about going broke over the MPG.

I kind of dig the bubbly cars.