New York Auto Show - Pontiac ST & Solstice Coupe

I'm sure a lot of interesting cars are going to be debuting during this year's New York International Auto Show but here's just a couple from Pontiac that caught my attention:

Pontiac Solstice Coupe: I'm not a real big fan of the Solstice but I will admit that it is a significant car if only because it's one of the few real competitors to the ubiquitous Mazda Miata. Call me a romantic but for some reason I tend to like my sports cars to have that traditional look. A long bonnet over a front engined configuration, a covered cabin just big enough for two and a nice solid haunch over the rear driven wheels. Which is why this particular car turned my head. In my eyes the coupe body form gives the Solstice more credibility as a 'guys' car... a driving tool rather than a the piece of automotive jewelery. Which brings me to the real reason I noticed this car. The Solstice Coupe gives a good argument that its sister car, the Saturn Sky Coupe won't be far behind. A much nicer, literally sharper body style in my opinion. ...I just wish it wasn't so cute.

Pontiac ST: For me this El-Camino wannabe's time has already passed. All the reasons for buying a truck seem to be missing: the utility, the road presence, the specific 'tough' persona..., and then you're left with a car with two fewer seats and a bed that can fit, and probably will be used for, the junk that you usually keep in that weather protected trunk. But maybe that's just me. I'm not a big marketing guy from one of the biggest companies in the world. I mean, if i were i'd probably be right there.. totally agreeing with this move,.. i'd probably create a top selling vehicle and make millions for my company. I'd probably make something very similar to this: for example take the Subaru Baja. (...No, really. Please,.. take it...) When's the last time, if ever, you saw one of these?! Subaru Senior Designer Peter Tenn who penned the Subaru Baja has said: "It's not like anything else on the road. And that's important to a lot of people." I think Peter had it right but he forgot the end bit that would go like: "... as long as it looks good." But again, maybe it's just me.

And finally... I really like the look of this truck.. but when did Tonka get into the automobile manufacturing business?

Hummer HX concept