Ferrari Disappoints, Mastretta Excites at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Ferrari Disappoints, Mastretta Excites at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show:

Last Saturday I got a text message from Nick, my 21-year-old son: “No Ferrari?” I responded “No.” And he replied “Weak.” Nick, along with two of his friends, was visiting the LA Auto Show after it opened to the public. I thought it’d be interesting to get their feedback, as the public’s perspective is often different from that of the media.

My son said his favorite cars were the Mastretta (especially the chassis sans body) and the Mechatronik AMG conversions of classic old Mercedes-Benz cars. His favorite display was for the BMW i8 and i3 concepts as well as the hands-on cutaway drivetrain of a NASCAR Camry on Toyota’s stand.

His friend Marcus was star struck by the floating seats in the Volvo Concept You, but he liked Audi’s impressive display best. Ari, the other friend, said his favorite was the Mastretta. He also liked the Nissan GT-R and the upcoming Subaru BRZ STI.

After he got home, my son said: “Ferrari left a hole in the show as well as my opinion of the show itself.” I have to agree with him. Until a couple of years ago Ferrari had an impressive exhibit in a key area between two halls. Since they have decided against displaying at the LA Auto Show this area has been left empty.

I remember as a teenager attending the London Motor Show and seeing exotic cars was more important than looking at everyday cars. McLaren, Lamborghini and Bugatti were other exotics missing this year. In their absence Aston Martin, Lotus, Bentley, Porsche, Rolls Royce and even Morgan garnered those key impressions. Seeing cars in the flesh is important. If they are not on display, how can anyone dream about them?

Related posts:

1. Who Left the Keys in the Mastretta MXT? – 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show
2. Mastretta MXT: Mexican Supercar Thrills – 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show
3. 2011 New York Auto Show Preview – WCOTY Top 3 Finalists Announced

Source: Google Reader