Posts Tagged ‘Auto Show’

It’s the Year of Electric Cars and Micro Mobility Vehicles at the 2022 New York International Auto Show

After two years of virtual car exhibits, the New York International Auto Show is back. Even with the shortage of computer chips for new and existing cars, electric cars, SUVs, bikes and scooters are the stars of the show.Spokespeople  will tell you that EV vehicles are here to stay: charging stations are becoming more commonplace throughout the country and in more urban centers than ever as people recognize the cost savings versus skyrocketing gas prices. We can only hope.

Lamborghini ©Meryl Pearlstein

This show is all about innovation and adaptation. And some fun, too.

With cars, SUVs and EV driving tracks set up on the first floor, and test areas for micro mobility vehicles (e-scooters and e-bikes) and multiple EV driving areas on the lower level plus the ever-popular outdoor Camp Jeep off-roading course, you’ll have a lot of exploring ahead of you. Electric cars, concept cars, hybrids and exotic vehicles steal the show this year. From now through April 24, this show is a must for any car lover. Show hours are daily from 10am-10pm and Sunday from 10am-7pm.

Jeep Rubicon on Off-Roading Track ©Meryl Pearlstein

Among the trends at the Auto Show this year:

Electric vehicles are big news. Big ones, small ones, crossovers. Everyone seems to have a variety of versions in popular colors like “flat grey” and white. Among them are the new VinFast from Vietnam and new INDI from California; the exciting EV versions of Volvo’s luxurious SUV, the XC 40 Recharge; and the expanded line of Infiniti and Lexus EVs.

VinFast ©Meryl Pearlstein

Check out the fabulous Mustangs (including the electric Mustang Mach-E), Camaros, Chargers and Corvettes as well. The style options seem more exciting than ever.

Mach 1 ©Meryl Pearlstein

Perhaps it’s because we haven’t attended this car show in two years, or maybe it’s because the designers have put more time into introducing these stunning vehicles.

Corvette ©Meryl Pearlstein

In the exotics area, there’s a neon green Lamborghini on display and a white Bentley SUV for those of you interested in that sort of thing. But I’d prefer the sexy navy Bentley Continental GT convertible displayed next to it or Elvis Presley’s white 1956 Lincoln Continental, brought to the show from its home in Memphis.

Elvis Presley's 1956 Lincoln Continental ©Meryl Pearlstein

In striking contrast to Volkswagen’s playful electric take on their beloved VW Van, the ID.Buzz, the Rolls Royce SUV sits very proper and austere.

VW ID.Buzz ©Meryl Pearlstein

If you’re not in the market for a new car, or if you have kids in tow, there are plenty of fun activities as well. Try out the Hyundai racing challenge stimulator or let the kids stand on one of the smaller e-scooters. Subaru has partnered with the National Park Service to create a video landscape showing scenes from parks around the country.

Hyundai Racing Course ©Meryl Pearlstein

Hungry? Nearby Hudson Yards has lots of choices from casual to formal.

Courtesy Little Spain

Little Spain is a food hall with Spanish specialty stands hawking patatas bravas, churros, jamón ibérico and more. There’s also a bar, an all-day Spanish Diner, a sit-down grill restaurant (Leña) and the newly re-opened Mar. Conceptualized by superstar chefs Jose Garces and Ferran Adrià, El Mercado is a colorful place for refreshment after the car show

E-bikes and e-scooters ©Meryl Pearlstein

You can find more information for the New York International Auto Show at http://www.autoshowny.com/. Tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for children under 12, and can be purchased online or at the show.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
Print |  0 Comments

Post-Easter Activities in Manhattan: Car Show, Egg Hunt, Gauguin and Broadway

Despite the chilly weather, Easter marks the start of some pretty wonderful New York City events this year.

New York Auto ShowIf you love cars, this is the time to get into gear.  The New York City International Auto Show runs through Sunday April 27.  This year’s show has a number of showstoppers with a wide range of electric cars, the 50th anniversary Mustang cars, and the 25th anniversary Miatas.  The second generation Rolls Royce Ghost is a stunner as are the new Mercedes-Benz C Class and BMW four-door 4 Series, both due to arrive in the US later this year.  You can also take a test drive over an off-road course with Jeep (Camp Jeep Outdoor Off Roading Ride Along), shoot a selfie with Nissan for a chance to win a free car, and enjoy other pop-up contests.  The show is an annual favorite and takes place at the Jacob Javits Center, 11th Avenue between 34th and 40th streets, in Manhattan.  Show hours are 10am-10pm through Saturday and 10am-7pm on Sunday.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.autoshowny.com.

Fabrage EggsIf you missed the Big Faberge Easter Egg hunt that took place over the past couple of weeks throughout New York City, you still have a chance to see all the eggs in one giant nest this week.  Visit Rockefeller Center, with your camera, and you’ll see the 282 eggs that made for a great scavenger hunt high and low in all five boroughs.  If you’d like one for your very own, you can bid on the Great Egg auction at www.paddle8.com, with all proceeds going to charity.  Download The Big Egg Hunt app or go online to www.thebigegghunt.org for more details.  Books of all the eggs are sold at Saks Fifth Avenue’s pop-up egg shop.

Moma ExhibitMOMA’s Gauguin: Metamorphoses exhibit is in full swing, now through June 8.  The artist’s paintings from 1889 through his death in 1903 displays rare prints and transfer drawings related to his better-known paintings.  Exhibit is located on the sixth floor of the museum. Ticket lines can be long, but the exhibit is worth it. 11 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, 212.708.9400. www.moma.org, The Museum of Modern Art.

Plays on Broadway in New YorkAnd, for those of you who want to be “in the know” about the theater scene before the Tony’s (Sunday, June 8 this year at 8pm), there’s a crop of interesting shows worth seeing.  Some of my favorite plays are “Of Mice and Men” starring the prolific actor James Franco with his apt sidekick Lennie, played by Chris O’Dowd of Bridesmaids fame. At the Longacre Theater, 220 West 48th Street. Tickets via Telecharge, or 212.239.6200.

Also, intriguing is The Realistic Jones, an odd but thought-provoking show with Marisa Tomei, Toni Collette, and Tracy Letts. At the Lyceum Theatre, 149 West 45th Street.  Tickets via Telecharge, or 212.239.6200.  If you prefer musicals, “Cabaret” will give you a hearty Willkomen at the Kit Kat Club at Studio 54.  The revival of the revival features one of its previous headliners, Alan Cumming, as Emcee.  Studio 42, 254 West 54th Street. Tickets through Roundabout,  or 212.719.1300. Also designed to envelop you in a musical haze is Audra McDonald’s one-woman depiction of Billie Holidayas Lady Day in her final days at the Emerson’s Bar and Grill.  Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 West 50th Street. Tickets through Telecharge, or 212.239.6200. For all listings, visit www.playbill.com.

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
Print |  1 Comment

Escape from Manhattan: Drive a Race Car in April or May

SCC ExoticsI’m thrilled that I got to experience the VIP “before-the-show” tour of the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center for the past two years.  It’s a fabulous way to see all the new models and concept cars…without all the crowds.  If you’re lucky, you might even get invited to one of the prestigious cocktail events that surround the launch of the new cars.  My favorites of these pre-parties?  Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz are the consummate hosts with their pear martinis and chocolate-covered strawberries, and their gorgeous cars and SUVs.  If you missed the show, which ended on April 7, you still have another way to get your fix of exotic cars and even try one out yourself.  

For as low as $275, Signature Car Collection will put you in the driver’s seat of a Lamborghini, Audi, Ferrari, or Maserati, on April 30, May 14 or May 28 at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, breakfast or lunch included.  Four laps of pure ecstasy.  I did it as a passenger in a race car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but this is a heck of a lot closer, and you can be the driver.  It makes for a wonderful way to escape Manhattan and you’ll be able to smile in silent understanding the next time you see those cool cars cruising down Park Avenue. Still not enough for you adrenaline junkies?  You can drive nine laps for just $450.  Book this by April 21 – you don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. 877-511-1876 www.signaturecarcollection.com

Posted by Meryl Pearlstein
Print |  0 Comments

Planning a trip to NYC?