We took advantage of our press pass this morning to pre-view the Orange County Car Show - opening tonight at the Anaheim Convention Center. If you are looking for something to do this weekend and cars are your gig…this year’s show is pretty darn nice.

A few manufacturers have brought some pretty interesting concepts cars and a few new production cars as well. Hyundai brought the very interesting looking Nuvis and Lincoln brought their “C” ….we are not sure if “C” stands for “concept” or Citroen….it is rather interesting and quite frankly it does look like something the French manufacturer would do…..it is just quirky enough…Hyundai also brought their new 7 series, S class competitor: the Equus…..careful guys….this car is pretty damn nice and for a whole lot less money. We must also admit that Buick has done something really nice with its Lacrosse…We hate to admit it, but, it is a damned nice looking car.

Cadillac had something interesting on a revolving table as well; something that they are calling the “Converj” It is a rather interesting looking concept. There are certain lines on the car that are actually quite good. We are still of the opinion however, that the Brand ought to consider making a more elegant statement. The angular design and sharp edges don’t work for us- Cadillac’s cars, in our opinion, simply look like the box they came out of. This is a Marque, that at one time, built some of the most luxurious automobiles in the world. Perhaps if they went back to those very roots, they may attract more buyers; our .02 cents.

Lotus bought a great looking new car called the Evora – loved it! The car has fantastic lines and though aesthetically “similar” to its current smaller brother, the Evora is a much bigger car. Its wheel base is nearly 11” longer and the car is much wider. The car is powered by Toyota’s 3.5 liter V6 with modifications made by Lotus. The car, according to the “man from Lotus” should be available in February or March of next year; brilliant! We really want to drive this car!!!

Not wanting to be out done by anyone, Gemballa brought what just may be the ultimate “Super Car”. We would have a difficult time believing that anyone could make a Porsche Carrera GT any better than it was to begin with…..but…..The guy from Gemballa says this thing will do 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds. Knowing that the clutch pack on this car is VERY light indeed…we’d wager good money that it would not accomplish that 0-60  more than a couple of times before someone would have to spend $30,000 plus for a new clutch… , but, then again of you have this kind of dough….it ain’t your last $30k is it J

Chevrolet is presenting a rather neat design study in the “Stingray”; neat car….in a Bruce Wayne kind of way…kind of cool actually…

We must make a comment here. Of all the displays, Audi did the best job if creating an inviting and absolutely elegant environment in which to view their product line. All of the cars are white and staged very nicely; it looks sensational. It also speaks volumes about just how serious they are about kicking butt. Audi, as a company, has proven itself to be one class act….what the hell happened to everyone else?

All in all a pretty nice show…and a special thanks to Uncle Don for the Coffee, Thanks Don!

O.C.C.E.