New York International Auto Show on MyFoxNY.com

The 2008 New York International Auto Show on MyFoxNY.com
*Produced by **Arun Kristian Das**/MyFox New York*

The New York International Auto Show is at the Jacob Javits Center from March 21-30, 2008. The hottest cars and trucks and coolest concepts will be on display for car lovers. To buy tickets, go to AutoShowNY.com/tickets.

I spent a few hours at the show during the press preview period. That's a lot of fun because the show floor is free of crowds and I was able to check out a number of models. As usual, I love how these auto shows display the ultra-expensive luxury cars I'll never afford (but I can climb into for a minute, like the new BMW X6) while also introducing me to some cool and affordable cars and SUVs that I might actually consider buying (like the Mazda CX-7). Check out photo galleries showcasing concept cars and production vehicles.

Hybrid This year's show definitely felt like the car manufacturers' PR departments were in overdrive, so to speak, regarding their respective companies' "green" vehicle efforts. Various makes showcased vehicles with hybrid (Saturn VUE video), electric (Mitsubishi iMiEV photo), fuel-cell (Toyota FCHV video), and ultra fuel-efficient (Smart ForTwo video) drivetrains. All that is great, I'm all for it. But let's not pretend that these models are anything but a small fraction of each company's lineup. The entire lower level of the Javits Center is devoted to huge, gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs.

Fox 5 tech and environmental reporter Brett Larson checked out the Auto Show's gas-saving vehicles. Watch his video reports on "green" offerings: part 1 and part 2. But he also got a look at the gas-burning Lamborghini Murcielago and the Hummer H2.

The good news is the number of models of hybrid or alternative-fuel trucks is increasing (with offerings from GMC, Toyota, Ford and more) but I think we're still years away from trending away from gas. It will happen when car makers take a chance and expand their R&D, leading to more models at lower costs. Aggressive marketing is good, though, because consumers have to be convinced to get on board, too. Check out the photo galleries. Also, here are some short videos I shot of some of the more interesting vehicles:

LAMBORGHINI AND PORSCHE

OK, that's my mug up there... I take a look at a Lamborghini. Then I get a 'taste' of a Porsche press conference (snore). When the Porsche exec was done talking, reporters made a mad dash for free cake and booze. How corrupt is that? (OK, I had some, too.)

BMW X6

The BMW X6 is a 'sport activity coupe' (whatever that means). It looks awesome, but the back seat it cramped. The $64,000 car features V8 twin turbo and all-wheel drive. For that money it should park itself, do the dry cleaning and make espresso, too. But damn, it's gorgeous.

SATURN FLEXTREME CONCEPT

The Flextreme is a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid. It runs electric-only then the diesel engine kicks in when the charge runs out. Plus the car comes with two Segway scooters, too. But no cupholders. Kidding.

CHRYSLER 300C HOLLYWOOD

Britney Spears needs to buy this car and hire a chauffeur. The 300C Hollywood is an elongated 300 featuring luxury back seat with integrated champagne station and dual video screens.

SATURN VUE HYBRID

Saturn's new VUE 2-mode hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, the company claims. It's a really nicely designed compact SUV. Saturn is banking on more SUV buyers being willing to pay a premium up front for long-term savings on gas costs while not sacrificing performance.

SMART FORTWO

Europe famously teeny tiny Smart car has finally arrived in the United States. It's the most fuel-efficient gas-powered car on the market. Although it doesn't have much cargo space, the cabin is much roomier than it looks -- with a ton of headroom, too. I thought I wouldn't fit inside, but I did.

Check out the photo galleries.

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