We were fortunate enough to have been invited to the preview of the Orange County Auto Show this year by our good friend Michael Caudill. This is Michaels “baby” as he is the spokesperson for the show and we thank him for his gracious invitation. Mr. Caudill is also the president and CEO of Driven Media.

Viewing this years Orange County Auto Show on early Thursday morning was sensational; camera and coffee in hand, no crowds and some great cars. This year’s show was nicely presented, just as always. We still have a difficult time understanding why this is not the premier Auto Show on the west coast, it ought to be, the demographics are certainly right.

Along with the usual displays of current model year cars, there were some fantastic specialty and concept cars as well.

Ford displayed the Shelby GR1, a rather old school Cobra/Daytona looker, as well as the Turbo Diesel/hybrid Reflex; a surprisingly good looking car externally, the interior…well; let us just say it is not our taste.

General motors presented the new Camaro. According to the GM representative at the show, the body design is final and will go into production in the first quarter of 2009, initially in coupe form and then convertible guise as well. The car will be made available with both 6 and 8 cylinder engines and a real transmission option will be offered as well. Great news!

Europe was also well represented, Mercedes-Benz displaying their new C class and a terrific old 300SL that belongs to the company museum. This was the same car that John Fitch had driven to a class victory; nice touch.

Saab brought along their Aero X concept car. Interestingly, the car is sans a windshield “A” pillar, giving the car a very stylish and clean look, the car screams Sweden.

Audi has performed brilliantly in the last few years and the R8 is just magnificent. One can see the racing heritage of the amazing R8 and R10 racecars that it emulates so very well indeed. The car is simply stunning. We have not yet had the good fortune to drive this car just yet, but cannot wait to do so. If it performs anything like it looks, the car will give some of the more recognized exotics a big run for the money and deservingly so; the lines of the car are about as perfect as one could want, they are simply spot-on. This car has presence.

Mazda had a great looking concept car on display as well, the “Kabura”.

Surprising to us, is what we have considered being the star of the show. Chrysler brought out the heavy metal, quite literally, in the Imperial concept car. The car is a massive 4 door sedan, rear doors suicide, neat. The Imperial concept car is stately, well proportioned (for a huge car) and perhaps what Mercedes-Benz should have considered doing with the Maybach. The car has Rolls-Royce like dimensions and looks of absolute opulence. Though a show car, the fit and finished looked surprisingly good and the interior is gorgeous. “If you build it, they will come”.

All in all, a great show and we again want to thank Michael for allowing us the opportunity to view it in comfort.

O.C.C.E