The 2007 Buffalo Auto Show revved up the excitement for local car enthusiasts this weekend at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center as the leading automobile manufacturers gave a sneak peek of new designs and concept cars.
Hosted by the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association, the event gave General Motors and its offspring companies Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and Saturn an opportunity to captivate onlookers, while Japanese carmakers Toyota and their Lexus luxury line generally disappointed.
The Chevrolet Cheyenne is a concept truck that promises to dominate the road. The 6.0-liter, 8-cylinder engine puts out 500 horsepower. Javon Frater, a freshman aerospace engineering major, was particularly impressed by how the truck combined "power with luxury."
"It's beautiful," Frater said. "The interior is just great - it is not like the typical truck. If they were to sell this truck commercially, I would buy this exact one."
Buick's new crossover SUV, the Enclave, also mixed a certain extravagance with efficacy. A representative of Buick who spoke on condition of anonymity said that it is Buick's goal to compete with the crossover vehicles of BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
"It's a great car, priced very well, and it will be out in June," the representative said. "We're just really excited about this vehicle, and it's going to be about $20,000 less (than the Mercedes crossover SUV)."
Buick's new goal is to appeal to a younger demographic. The continuing marketing campaign with golf superstar Tiger Woods should increase that prospect - Woods has already begun to market the new SUV.
Similar to the Enclave are other crossover SUVs like the Dodge Caliber. In particular, the Dodge Caliber is priced far less than luxurious competitors at $16,265, and also gets reasonable gas mileage, with 26 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway.
Ford's new crossover finds a financial middle ground, at a starting price of just under $26,000. However, the Edge, as it's called, finds its edge weakened as it trades good gas mileage for a more powerful 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine.
General Motors' new convertible sports cars, the Saturn Sky and the Pontiac Solstice, have spurred some increased competition for superiority in the category.
The Sky and the Solstice are relatively affordable, both with a base price under $26,000. Nevertheless, power isn't sacrificed, as both have 177 horsepower.
In opposition to these established vehicles, Dodge has developed a concept convertible called the Sling Shot, which was developed to be "practical, adaptable, and above all, affordable," according to a mission statement by Dodge.
The Sling Shot combines a sports car look, feel and speed with the gas mileage of a hybrid - getting from zero to 60 miles per hour in about 10 seconds, in addition to receiving 45 miles to the gallon on the highway.
For those looking to carry more than two passengers, however, other options are available. The Pontiac G6 and the Ford Mustang both carry four passengers and have base levels of 224 horsepower and 210 horsepower respectively.
On the other hand, a foreign convertible, the Lexus SC 430, priced at $67,207, seemed unpopular.
"There's no seat space in the back, so I wouldn't buy it even if I had the money," said Eric McCannon, a freshman automobile enthusiast and undecided major.
McCannon went on to say that, as a car buyer, he wouldn't sacrifice comfort for power.
"Two hundred and eighty-eight horsepower is all nice and great, but if you're not comfortable, the car is no good," McCannon said.
Often-popular luxury rides had a somewhat dwindling audience. Specifically, the Infiniti QX56 4x4 sat alone in the corner of an otherwise bustling room.
Sam Avery, a freshman media studies major, criticized the enormous Infiniti SUV's appearance.
"It would have to be one of the ugliest pieces of machinery on the road," Avery said. "The backside of the car is so hideous."
Linda Evers, a self-proclaimed "dedicated Chevrolet buyer," came to the conclusion that American cars were best at the show, while she and her husband looked at a Chevy Suburban.
"It's very impressive," Evers said.
Evers added that she found American carmakers like Chevrolet dependable, which is why she looks forward to purchasing one in the future.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
