BMW put on quite a display at this year's auto show. They brought the new Z8 and had it spinning on a carousel so that you could look but not touch, the sticker price was about $128,500 plus tax. They also had the new 3 series convertible up on stage as well as the new 3 series sport wagon. Out on the floor they had several motor cycles that many kids, young and old, could sit on. The new M5 took center floor. They kept this locked up but if you asked and looked like you could afford it they would let you sit inside take a look. Surrounding the M5 were various 3, 5, and 7 series sedans that you could freely jump inside and pretend that you were on the open road. BMW brought the standard X5 (with a 4L V8) but also brought the new 3L X5 with a manual transmission. The BMW section of the auto show was packed with people who were enjoying the BMW experience.

The economy was strong in 1999 and thetastes of the auto buyer have changed. As a result the manufacturers brought a wide array of vehicles as well as many new concept vehicles. You may notice that I called them vehicles instead of cars. This year's focus was on multipurpose 4 door 4 wheel drive utility vehicles. It appears if the manufacturers are trying to produce vehicles with a little bit of everything thrown into the kitchen sink. Is it a minivan, SUV, truck, car, wagon? How about all of the above. The approach of trying to be every car to everyone has been unsuccessful in the past. Only time and $2.00 per gallon will tell if these vehicles come into production. As I enjoyed the show I could not help but think of the episode of the Simpson's where "Unkie Herb" (voice of Danny DeVito episode 7F16) helps Homer create the car of his dreams.

"All my life, I have searched for a car that feels a certain way. Powerful like a gorilla, yet soft and yielding like a Nerf ball. Now, at last, I have found it." -- Homer, describing his car,

From concept...	To reality...

When Herbert learns the monstrosity costs $82,000, Herbert realizes he's doomed. Homer gives the horn a honk, and it plays `La Cucaracha'.

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