The Spies pick the 'Best in Show' in New York

This New York show had some great cars, lots of debuts.

MY 'Best in Show' award goes to

LS600h.

JUGNU

MY 'Best in Show' award goes to

LS600h.

JUGNU

Well, I do have to agree that the Fuse is a new and refreshing design (something that escapes most auto manufactures), I am not so sure about it being the best of show.

The exterior really does give someone a one two punch with the curves, lines, the electronic [or whatever] headlights......but the rear hatch just seems unusable to me. Does that rear piece fold down or are you not able to load/unload from the [direct] rear? It looks like you have to stand to the side to get into the back. And the suicide door probably won't fly as production (yes I know the MB SLR has them, but that's a five bill exotic).

And the interior I just don't get. Saturn does it with the Ion, Toyota does it with one [or two] of their models....I don't get the information display not right in front of the driver. Controls on the steering wheel are nothing new, a screen is, but that won't happen with auto regulations. The interior is bland, boring, almost without effort in the design. And what is with the shag like carpet! That was a nice touch. It might be my screen but it looks brown.

The rest of the picks I would agree with, but not being in New York I can't comment on what others might be. I really hope Saab makes that Aero.

It's hard to pick a best of show. There were many entries this year. I think companies that made the biggest statements were Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti, and Saturn.

The New LS600h will sell very well with its conservative yet stately design. Plus all the technology doesn't hurt either. The hybrid appeal will work in Lexus' favor.

Infiniti wants to take down the 3 series and I think they are two steps closer to doing that with the upcoming G35. Say what you want about its exterior styling but the more pics/vids people see, the more they like it. The interior has been vastly improved. Edmunds even called the materials of the interior "worthy of an BMW or Audi". Infiniti claims "best-in-class" acceleration and handling but that has yet to be determined.

Saturn is the surprise lately. GM is actually taking its forgotten line seriously and are doing a great job. The sky, although very similar to the solstice, looks 5 times better and appeals to many. Plus with a 260 hp, the redline roadster flys to 60 in 5.5 sec, I think GM has a winner.

My list is based on timing and importance in the industry:

1. Lexus LS600h (Further solidifying a true luxury brand)
2. Saturn Sky (Absolutely gorgeous roadster when GM needs a couple of home runs.)
3. Infiniti G35 (On a mission to take down the 3 series. Redesign to strengthen brand identity.)
4. Bentley GT Conv. (Not of great importance to most but just drop dead gorgeous)

You cannot deny that the plain-jane Toyota and Lexus cars are pound-for-pound the best on the market. They pack in the best technology and best reliability for the best price. The time from introduction until you see it in the showroom sucks! I think it had a negative effect on the GS sales too...

Of the debuts and concepts...the Bentley is hot. The Fuse shows Toyota has Scion on a very trendy and cool path. The car had some neat ideas. And a fresh take on a coupe style. The Lexus to me is nice, SOOO much better than the outgoing model and Toyota is trying to be green with the hybrid. More a novelty for those with the money to buy it (people who can afford these luxo-cruisers don't worry too much about gas prices and such) I still wish Lexus would get away from some of the Toyota look, and the side profile has a bit too much BMW look too it... but the IS is a promising sign and this LS is definately a nice looking vehicle. I thought the Saturn Sky Redline is a good effort from American makes to spice things up a little bit, I am sure it will be a hit. And Saab....please build that car!! You need so much to have a "halo" car that will invite people to the showrooms and if GM can dump their made over versions of other GM cars, maybe Saab will have a future.

"Can't wait to see what Infiniti replaces the Q with. Their flagship should be a stunner, just like the M, which owns the market (not in terms of sales, but every other category)."

Doesnt matter how great it is if no one buys it. It certainely doesnt rule the road as far as resale.

My favorite was the Saab Aero X