2009 International Auto Shows – Fantasy of Car Lovers

Why International Car Shows?

International auto shows are of immense importance today with their increasing popularity as well as growing need of cars and vehicles throughout the world. These international car exhibitions provide excellent platform for automobile manufacturing companies to come together to display their crafts and share their technologies and expertise. In one way or the other, the objective is to promote the business of car manufacturing and production.

What’s the Outcome?

Automobile companies go global with audience swarming in from all over the world. International car shows introduce car dealers and buyers with the newest car technologies as well as the latest car models and concept cars that the manufacturers are willing to present. In today’s commercial world, a car show provides manufacturers ample opportunity to advertize their products in front of global buyers.

A number of auto shows are taking places all over the world. City that organizes an international auto exhibition instantly make its place in the world car map. It becomes a center for car sale and purchase. Million dollar agreements are signed between car manufacturers and dealers during the exhibition.

The Evolution of Car Shows

The nature of international car exhibitions has evolved to a great extent since its beginning. In the beginning it was only the existing models and newer models that were to be launched in the market were showcased in these exhibitions. But gradually the style changed. Now the trend is to display the concept cars that were not meant for selling or marketing along with production cars. These concept cars are only to bring new technologies, innovation and creativity in the spotlight. They are not for sale.

When it comes to international car show the name of Detroit comes first. The city has a rich history of organizing successful auto exhibitions. The first auto show was held in 1907 at Detroit, North America. The show was a hit. Since then Detroit did not have to look back. Gradually the venue shifted from Riversdale Park to the city’s business precinct, Metro Detroit area.

Paris is the host of the first car show in the world. Paris Auto Show started way back in 1898. Since then Paris has witnessed the debut of several car models. Since 1988 Paris international motor show took the name Mondial de l’Automobile. Before that it was known as Salon de l’Auto.

Well-known International Auto shows

Although you will find two types of auto shows – national and international, we will talk about international auto shows here. We have watched the 2008 Paris Motor Show ended recently. The exhibition showcased a series of concept cars as well as production cars. 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon has already caught the eye of auto dealers.

Detroit Auto Show has come up as one of the oldest and most prestigious car shows of the world. Presently it is officially known as North American International Auto Show where you will find most of the leading automobile companies of the world present with their newest car models to turn the audience into buyers from visitors. The 2009 Detroit Auto Show that is going to be held this January, 2009 has already pepped up the mood of the city. Some of the most talked about concept cars that are to be displayed at Detroit are Audi A7 Concept and Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO. In addition, Toyota Auto Show [http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=5964], Frankfirt Motor Show and Los Angeles Auto Shows are some of the names automobile enthusiasts wait for.

So, get ready to catch all the excitement as a number of international car shows are coming up your way throughout the year.

Cool Concept Cars

Automotive companies generally release concept cars every year at numerous car show events. These autos are not for sale but only for display; many are futuristic and utilize outrageous design and incredible technology. Even though many may appear unrealistic; they give us a small peek into the future. Some companies even have contests where university students can submit their ideas and sketches. Building a concept vehicle is a great opportunity for a designer to really let loose and get extremely creative.

Many cars throughout automotive history were actually inspired by concept cars. For example, the General Motors Le Sabre is a concept vehicle that was also designed by Harley Earl in the nineteen fifties. It was used to introduce 12 volt electrics and an eight cylinder engine for General Motors. Concept cars are generally outrageous but some of their more usable features are generally incorporated in autos that are made available to the public.

Did you know that the Corvette was actually inspired by a concept car? The idea came from a concept auto called the Chevrolet Corvair Monza back in the 60′s. This may seem a bit crazy nowadays, but Ford actually had a concept vehicle that was based on nuclear power; the Nucleon. We all became familiar with the Pontiac Bonneville as a family car, but the name first appeared on Pontiac’s first two-seater concept showcased in 1954 called the Pontiac Bonneville Special. Mini vans are now everywhere but they used to be unheard of back in the seventies; the first mini van was also prototype back in the 70′s; it was called the Lancia Megagamma.

Currently the trend appears to be vehicles that can serve more than one purpose. This can be seen in the Bugatti Altess Concept car. What’s different about this auto is that it’s not only a tourer but also a racer; it combines the best of both worlds. It’s almost like a real-life Transformers car; just a few quick fixes and it turns from a tourer to a hot rod!

Many designers are also focusing on cars produced for the city. Many futuristic city cars are made to be super small and efficient. Citroen is showcasing its E-3Pod Antistatic concept, another three-wheel electric car created by a student designer. It seats only the driver who is situated in the third wheel and features two smaller wheels at the front. As you can see, many current cars were actually inspired by concept cars. If you want a glimpse into the future, all you need to do is attend one of the big international auto shows. Who knows, perhaps one of the cars you’ll see there might end up becoming a common sight on the roads twenty years from now. You’ll never know!

Nissan Displays Its Pathfinder Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show

Nissan has recently displayed one of its latest vehicle models and this is what the company is referring to as the “Pathfinder concept” at the 2012 Detroit auto show. Although Nissan is considering this vehicle as the concept of their next-generation Pathfinder SUV, a lot of car experts are arguing that what was actually seen on the auto show was the same exact vehicle that would be carrying the 2013 model year and will probably hit the market this fall. The arguments provided by the various car experts who were able to take a closer look at the Pathfinder that was displayed on the auto show were based mainly on the series of spy photos of the vehicle that were released last month.

Although Nissan refused to reveal some of the basic information about the upcoming 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, a lot of rumours and speculations regarding the features of the SUV have been spreading and many automotive experts are confident that most of these are true. In fact, a number of the vehicle’s characteristics that were previously mentioned on these rumours were actually seen on the Pathfinder that was placed on display at the auto show.

One of the most popular speculations is that the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder was designed with three-row seats and could accommodate up to seven passengers. This might probably be true since the vehicle shown on the 2012 Detroit auto show is large enough to seat up to seven passengers.

In addition to this, the exterior design of the upcoming 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is more refined and attractive compared to its predecessor. The latest model is less boxy and more aerodynamic. It is also equipped with angled front fascia and flared fenders. Aside from that the vehicle’s contour looks handsome even at the first glance. Due to these, a most car experts expect that the next-generation Pathfinder would probably establish a lead in its segment.

Under the hood, the Pathfinder concept flaunts a refined version of the V-6 engine used by its predecessor and this engine would most likely be carried over when the vehicle hits the production line. The engine found on the concept was actually a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder that pumps out up to 265 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. This is mated to a continuously variable transmission or CVT. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder would surely be offered with a standard front-wheel drive system and an optional all-wheel drive system.