Probably the last car show available to us for 2013, the Seattle International Auto Show. It's been about seven months since our trip to Vancouver for the VIAS, so I was curious to see if any new models would be on display. Being that we're in Seattle, which as far as I can tell has the highest Toyota Prius concentration in the world, I was expecting to see more hybrids than anything. But, I was pleasantly surprised to see more flagship models and exotics than we'd seen in Vancouver. And of course, my dream car was on display right as we walked in the front door.
The Jaguar F-type S. I've been waiting for this car since I saw the concept on the internet about three years ago. In my opinion, the perfect design to succeed the E-type.
I don't think it's possible to find an un-flattering angle on this car.
Unlike Vancouver, the F-type was on general display, which means I got to step inside. Despite Michelle telling me I'm not going through my midlife crisis yet, I felt like the car was a great fit.
Then there was the Jaguar XJ LWB. If I were a rich man, and was in the market for a true full size luxo-cruiser, it would be a tough choice between this and the Audi A8. This car has quite the presence.
A lot of shiny.
Down from the Jags, they had the Rolls Royce Ghost. Gangster.
Biggie-size me please, Rolls Royce Phantom.
After the RR was the Bentley Continental GT Speed.
Just look at that butt. I love those lines.
From Bentley, we head downstairs to BMW. How appropriate is that. This was my first look at the 4-series.
Not a bad looking coupe, but I think I'd prefer the 3-series based on aesthetics alone.
If it had to be a BMW, it would be this one. The 6-series Gran Coupe. Easily my new favorite BMW.
Nothing else really exciting from BMW, but I did spot this. The new i3. I guess if that's your thing...
Naturally, Mercedes was next door.
I love the super sleek back end of the CLS.
Next up were the new Porsches. These are new right? They all look the same.
Why change what works though, right?
Volvo came next. I wasn't crazy about the color, but I'd drive that wagon any day.
The flagship of Volvo, the S80. This is a full size luxury model, but it just doesn't do much to stand out. Aside from not looking the part, it also ended up looking more like a midsize. Not very commanding.
Nissan was tucked in the back, but nothing really noteworthy here. Love the raw carbon wing on the GT-R though.
Mini had this little guy. I don't know why, but I really like the Coupe. Around the corner was the exotics collection.
Ferrari 458 Italia.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
SRT Viper GTS. I don't care what anyone says, that's still a cool car.
Aston Martin Vanquish.
Lotus Evora.
Porsche 356 if I'm not mistaken.
After the exotics we came across this. The Fiat Abarth. Cool car, and great commercials.
What a happy kid.
Audi had a cool backdrop behind the R8 Cabriolet. I like the coupe better, except for the accent stripe. The Cabriolet doesn't have the stripe, but isn't as sexy a car either. They just don't make an R8 for me.
Luckily, Audi makes this. The RS7. This would definitely be the Audi I would choose.
Of all the manufacturers making fastback sedans, I think Audi did it the best.
Back to the US, but staying in luxury, we have Cadillac. The new ELR is a really cool, definitely an electric car I wouldn't mind plugging in to my garage at night.
Interior of the Buick Enclave. The leather tone is a nice change from the typical beige, black, or grey.
Mustang Cobra. Not a big Mustang guy, but good stuff going on under that hood.
I agree, just not right. Luckily the classic car section was next.
LeMay headed it off with this '63 split window Vette. The paint wasn't in the greatest shape, which almost makes me wonder if it was original and this things just been sitting in a showroom its entire life.
Not the same as my Phaeton.
Sweet Dino.
This Hudson was pretty cool.
And that was about it. Not a bad show overall. I was pretty stoked to actually get seat time in the F-Type. The classics at the end were a really nice change in pace. It's fun getting to check out the new models, but for an enthusiast, the classics and exotics are what it's really about. Hopefully this is typical of the Seattle show, and we'll see more in the future. Until then.
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