NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Agent 001 EJECTED From Show Because Of Hot Acura Scoop!

The biggest news at the 2009 New York Auto Show so far was the ejection of Agent 001 from the show floor this morning, by two security guards and show PR honcho Chris Sams.

As he was taking photos the security guards approached and Sams asked him to relinquish his media badge because a couple of our readers somehow got in yesterday and got photos of the Acura ZDX!

AutoSpies.com World Exclusive On The Acura ZDX



Rumors are circulating that after the leak yesterday Honda and Acura threatened to PULL OUT of the show because the photos being posted by a couple of our readers!

You would think in the current condition Acura and the auto business in in right now they would WANT excitement and hype surrounding their products!

Can you BELIEVE, SPY PHOTOS on the internet?

And HEY, it's an AUTO SHOW, not a convention about our national security!

Lighten up!

After all, we ARE the number one website for auto shows in the WORLD!

Were they right to eject 001 for what non-AutoSpies.com employees did?

Tell us what you think after you check out the first photos our favorite Agent took BEFORE he got his game misconduct.

Keep checking back often as we will be adding photos often to the 2009 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery of the next few days

2009 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery

The 2009 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery is sponsored by Lexus.































2009 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery

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_43LE - 4/8/2009 11:24:30 AM

+8 Boost

LOL, what a funny story!!

001, did they tie you to a chair in a dark room?

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 11:30:33 AM

+4 Boost

Could happen soon!

It's a socialistic plot to remove FREE SPEECH!

;)

001

Agent004 - 4/8/2009 11:54:38 AM

+6 Boost

Do we get a refund on the photos???

Agent009 - 4/8/2009 12:04:13 PM

+7 Boost

Hey I was in Dallas, can't blame me....

B7FAN - 4/8/2009 12:43:04 PM

+2 Boost

the ZDX looks like crap anyway how was the weather in NY i miss my hometown

budfrogS4 - 4/8/2009 12:43:30 PM

+3 Boost

I guess there goes the saying "Guilty until proven innocent." Or "shoot now, ask questions later."

LACMAN - 4/8/2009 12:45:57 PM

+5 Boost

Whoever leaked that weak *ss ZDX did us a favor. We didnt have to waste our precious Wednesday looking at that garbage. Anyways, yes they were wrong for that! They were wrong even if it was an Autospies employee that leaked the pics. If they wanted it to be so "Top Secret", they should have delivered the vehicle on show day. As a matter of fact, they should actually fire the security they hired so that this didnt happen. This is what "spies" do. Get over it. It was a slip 100% on the event staff and Acura's booth staff.

Brembo - 4/8/2009 1:33:41 PM

+7 Boost

Hey 001,

I thought socialist means that everyone gets a share. Since they didn't want you to have those pictures wouldn't it be more like dictatorship.

America - 4/8/2009 3:49:08 PM

+6 Boost

It is just a marketing gimmick. Now everyone is yapping about it. Well Done Acura.

VISO - 4/8/2009 4:30:59 PM

+1 Boost

Didn't realize you were so important in the automotive world.

inspirion7 - 4/9/2009 9:09:10 AM

+1 Boost

"AutoSpies Booted From New York Auto Show." Jalopnik seems to be having a fields day at the expense of Agent 001.

Apparently Acura didn't find AutoSpies posting a "reader-submitted" image of the Acura ZDX ahead of yesterday's unveil all that funny. As a result, New York Auto Show security tossed AutoSpies' Don Buffamanti from the show.

According to Autospies, their properly credentialed on-site "Agent 001," a.k.a. Don Buffamanti, was approached by auto show PR representative Chis Sams with security officers in tow and asked to relinquish his media badge. He was then escorted off the premises. Pretty funny if you ask us. Maybe next time he'll realize that when you do stupid things, you have to deal with the consequences. We know we realized that a long time ago.

"It didn't stop us, but we're certainly prepared for the consequences". Silly AutoSpies.

bonde111 - 4/8/2009 11:40:38 AM

+4 Boost

Pictures are now up on Acura's website!!!

mme1979 - 4/8/2009 11:46:11 AM

+5 Boost

Acura needs to change front end styling !

0to60 - 4/8/2009 2:11:28 PM

+5 Boost

And rear end styling

NISSANINFINITI - 4/8/2009 2:41:22 PM

+2 Boost

I agree 100%

Breako - 4/8/2009 11:47:29 AM

0 Boost

If Agent 001 wasn't willing to respect Acura's wish to maintain secrecy until the actual press conference, then he certainly deserved to be kicked out! Maybe you should be a little less aggressive next time, 001!

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 11:54:03 AM

+9 Boost

But I didn't shoot the photos...They were submitted by a reader.

You're saying we should not have let the reader post his shots?

001

inspirion7 - 4/8/2009 12:15:05 PM

-2 Boost

Then the shots should have waited past the embargo. Autospies do adhere to the embargo requirements right Agent 001?

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 12:32:50 PM

+10 Boost

We were not under embargo.

If we were, we would have adhered.

001

Agent009 - 4/8/2009 1:24:13 PM

+12 Boost

Acura should have covered the vehicle immediately after parking it.

inspirion7 - 4/8/2009 1:47:45 PM

+3 Boost

Then what is the big deal? What did anyone do so wrong specifically to not have tossed anyone else out?

America - 4/9/2009 2:24:47 PM

+1 Boost

001, just cut off all of Acura's exposure on your site. If they want to be pricks about their cars on your site, then give them what they want. I, for one, wouldn't miss those beaks and boombox interiors on front heavy platforms.

answer - 4/8/2009 11:51:11 AM

+4 Boost

Fight the power!!!

NItePhire - 4/9/2009 10:16:45 AM

+2 Boost

Actually I think the site TTAC is anti car. They only seem to like Germans and talk about the bailout more than cars...they suck..

roundwego - 4/8/2009 11:52:23 AM

+10 Boost

I don't blame them!! I wouldn't want pictures of that ugly POS leaked either!!

Agent004 - 4/8/2009 11:54:09 AM

+5 Boost

OMG - now that's funny.

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 11:58:08 AM

+7 Boost

I second that!

001

inspirion7 - 4/8/2009 12:01:28 PM

-2 Boost

Well, the reason autoshows exist is to gauge public reaction and to see models in the flesh, the right should be reserved to the company that worked hard to bring the product to development. Agent 001 wanted all the glory but none of the work. On one site they were less that flattered. It is what it is.

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 12:14:49 PM

+6 Boost

No.

001 created a site that cares about the readers and what THEY want.

NOT what manufacturers want.

And the people WANT the info.

NO ONE controls AutoSpies.com.

That can't be said for most other prominent auto sites.

YOU should know better than anyone.

001

inspirion7 - 4/8/2009 12:18:00 PM

+1 Boost

Then so be it. If Acura wants to take action again Autospies, are they within their legal rights?

inspirion7 - 4/8/2009 12:22:40 PM

+3 Boost

This could be the same as putting up copyright material. If you are allowed into the autoshow, then you need to be mindful like other companies and reporters are. Do other sign and reporters with higher standing just show what the have whenever they feel to release their information? From what I remember when I went to a function such as this, I had to sign a disclaimer not to release information until the embargo period had expired.

PlanB - 4/8/2009 12:11:32 PM

+7 Boost

Really??? Ejected???

Over an Acura???

LACMAN - 4/8/2009 12:49:30 PM

+3 Boost

LMAO!

tango - 4/8/2009 12:34:19 PM

+3 Boost

Frankly, I've never been a fan of Honda and believe Acura is washed up anyway. It's an irrelevant brand. Secret design? Where? An everlasting grille that looks like it belongs on a wall of an old medieval castle is a secret? Gimme a break. Acura belongs in the same place as that castle, actually. In the pages of history books. In case those morons never noticed, it was spy photos that kept the Mini, the Challenger, and the Camaro alive during their gestation periods. As annoying as spy photos can be to manufacturers I am sure they do acknowledge the benefits they come with. As men, we know what a skimpy bikini does to our imagination. If she's running around naked then she's either a slut or crazy, right? If she leaves a little to our imagination we'll stay interested longer. Sex and mathematics, fellows.

Embargo my ass. When was the last time ANYBODY camped out outside anywhere to see an Acura? And I think those people were just there because the camp-out line to see the Milli Vanilli concert just stretched around the block. I just hope they didn't harm you or damage your camera.

LACMAN - 4/8/2009 12:53:32 PM

+3 Boost

Ditto

henbmw - 4/8/2009 7:08:51 PM

+2 Boost

Well, lets be fair. This would be wayy different if it was the new NSX...

pennfootball - 4/8/2009 12:41:14 PM

+6 Boost

JA!! If you are going to Compete with Zee Germans you have to act like Zee GESTAPO JAAAA!!!!!!

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 12:55:10 PM

+4 Boost

LOLOL!!! I love it!!!!

ceric - 4/8/2009 12:51:35 PM

+5 Boost

Finally, Honda has a 6-speed transmission.
And, the "hi-tech blind spot information system" cracked me up. Volvo, Mazda, Ford had it for several years already for $200.

EL34 - 4/8/2009 12:51:43 PM

+5 Boost

You mean to tell me Acura had 001 thrown out because he took photos of that ugly jacked up Accord coupe SUV?

The only thing original about it is that goofy grille.

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 12:56:02 PM

+8 Boost

Damn straight!

Thrown out by orders from the Beak Nazi's!

001

ThierryHenry14 - 4/8/2009 12:54:09 PM

+5 Boost

Like it or not, the NYIAS cares more about getting revenue via Acura's displays than 1 media man...

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 12:59:23 PM

+3 Boost

True dat!

001

Brembo - 4/8/2009 1:35:16 PM

+4 Boost

Hey 001,

I thought socialist means that everyone gets a share. Since they didn't want you to have those pictures wouldn't it be more like dictatorship.

And are you crying to the Autospies community because you're getting nervous and want to defend your action?

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 2:29:35 PM

+2 Boost

No, I just like keeping my homies in the loop!

001

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 2:31:00 PM

+3 Boost

Press days started today.

The pics were taken by two readers yesterday during setup day.

001

LACMAN - 4/8/2009 2:32:51 PM

+1 Boost

Thats what I dont understand. Oh well. They probably want to physically "create" buzz for this vehicle. Other than this article, Im pretty sure there is no more interest in anything else related to the ZDX.

investor27 - 4/8/2009 3:21:59 PM

+3 Boost

I don't like the agents here being so bias towards the BMW brand, but on this issue I am with Agent 001 all the way. This is pure censorship. Acura made an ass out of themselves for holding Agent 001 responsible for someone else posting leaked pictures. Anyone can post articles and pictures here. Lots of spied pictures are posted here and everywhere else. If Acura didn't want any publicity, then they should have embargo everything, and definitely covered up the ZDX. But they didn't. They should have fired their PR person. I can't believe they had threatened to pull out of one of the biggest auto shows in the WORLD. I say let them put out. Both Honda's and Acura's sales numbers are in a free fall here in the US. And they don't have any other ideas to stop the bleeding than to threaten to pull out of the New York Auto Show??? Are these guys from Mars????

0to60 - 4/8/2009 3:46:59 PM

+1 Boost

was 004 the unknown person that did it?

Agent004 - 4/8/2009 8:12:46 PM

+2 Boost

Negative. I didn't make the trip this year.

My photos would have been in focus.

thstone - 4/8/2009 3:45:41 PM

0 Boost

I love the demented, irrational, and child-like behavior of grown, educated, professionals when something out of script happens! Sounds like Honcura just about threw a temper tantrum!

Sorry to see 001 pay the price, but kudos to the folks who got the pic's a day early!That's what we pay for! What? We don't have to pay? Then what have you guys been doing with the money that I send each month?

investor27 - 4/8/2009 4:13:56 PM

+1 Boost

I'm in agreement with you this time. We all should boycott the beaking Acuras and Hondas. They must think they are the hottest selling brands in the world right now. Come back down to Earth, why don't you? Your new Honda Insight is unsightful when compared with the segment leading Toyota Prius. Your European's Honda Accord masquerading as the Acura TSX is way over priced ($30,000 dollars for a 4-cylinder), and your Honda Accord sedans sit on the dealers' lots, because nobody wants to buy them. Acura and Honda are not segment leaders, but they sure have an attitude and arrogance of one. I think they owe Agent 001 an apology for the embarrassment by accosting him and escorting him out of the auto show in that manner.

dupree - 4/8/2009 4:17:41 PM

-1 Boost

I think it's ridiculous that 001 is claiming readers did this when the talk of the town is that he was spotted (sneaking into the venue) last night by many other manufacturers. This is his typical behavior.

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 9:46:16 PM

+5 Boost

Well, all those who know me realize a guy of my size and stature would have a hard time SNEAKING in anywhere! LOL!

001

pchera01 - 4/8/2009 5:52:03 PM

-1 Boost

recent years Acura/Honda are making some wrong decisions

Chaos29 - 4/8/2009 7:02:37 PM

-1 Boost

LMAO! That accura is fugly!

Chaos29 - 4/8/2009 7:02:52 PM

0 Boost

acura

mikels - 4/8/2009 7:16:56 PM

0 Boost

I'm glad he got ejected. Dude's a jackass for leaking photos and violating the press agreement. I hope they press charges.

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 9:46:53 PM

+2 Boost

Cool...More pageviews!!!! $$$$$$

001

Agent001 - 4/8/2009 9:56:31 PM

+2 Boost

And there WAS no agreement with us and NO embargo.

001

RNeekChic - 4/8/2009 9:45:04 PM

-1 Boost

Let the deboosting begin BUT I'm going to voice my opinion. The acura's direction of design is actually growing on me minus the plenum on 2 certain models. I think it's regreshing that someone is making a statement on design, good or bad, but is thinking outside of the box. I'm starting to get sick of just evolution of the same concept lines over and over again. I think it's about time ppl be more avant garde with car designs. AND regardles if ppl hate or love the design of the ZDX, I BET U this CUV will have a lot of road presence.

TauronB2G - 4/8/2009 9:45:59 PM

+1 Boost

Sooo not news.
T

Audiphile - 4/9/2009 10:45:53 PM

+1 Boost

001,

My advice to Honda/Acura and to the NY Auto Show management would be to heed the advice of Shakespeare: "Don't shoot the messenger". (Henry IV, Part 2)

Their decision to evict you can also be best summarized by Shakespeare - "Much Ado About Nothing".

Seriously, what is so exciting about Acura's answer to the X6? Granted, the ZDX's lines are sleeker than the X6's - but that isn't saying much. And the less said about that beak the better.

I've yet to figure out all the hubbub about the X6 in the first place. If BMW wanted to build a better-performing SUV, it should have put all those performance goodies in the X5 body. Purchasers of this super-X5 would get more cargo capacity and rear-seat headroom than in the X6. Besides, the X6 doesn't look any better than the X5 anyway.

DiamondJim - 4/9/2009 11:46:39 PM

+3 Boost

i respectfully request 001 be let back in to take timeless photos of this years auto ahow like no other website does.

he is unrivaled when you compare photos from other websites.

plus i wan to see my NY Autoshow girl models!

06TLDude - 4/10/2009 9:11:59 AM

-3 Boost

While I appreciate the early pictures of the ZDX, the pictures should have been pulled by one of the moderators immediately. If you want to be respected like some of the other sites out there you can't pull stuff like this at an Auto Show. Maybe you didn't take the pictures but you do have control over if the pictures are allowed to stay on your site.

Is losing your Media status really worth it? 0.02