I went to the Auto Show this year (like I always d0). The one difference is that I didn’t take as many pics, or pay attention to as many cars. It was a slow year. Many manufacturers were not introducing any exciting, new cars. The tuner cars were the biggest draw for me. Honda had once of the nicest ones there with the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept. This turbocharged race concept at least increased my interest in the CR-Z.

Honda also had a Civic Si Concept on display. The looks are better than they were, but the engine is still a bit of a let down. Honda needs to introduce a Type-R version for people that want more power.

The biggest surprise was probably from Toyota. The brought out a stretch Sienna minivan. The Swagger Wagon Supreme was the ultimate minivan.

Overall, my two favorites were the Infiniti Essence Concept and the Lexus LS 600hL by VIP Auto Salon. The Essence is an amazing luxury, performance, hybrid coupe. It sounds too futuristic, but Infiniti M35h makes me think this may be possible one day.

The Lexus LS 600hL from VIP Auto Salon was more of what we’ve come to think of with Japanese Luxury Performance. It follows the formula of dropping a big VIP car on stylish wheels. It has been done before, but we keep doing it because it looks great.

You can see the rest of my pictures here.