Audi did not seem to put much effort into their area. Their effort was rewarded with a well-desereved response -- only a small number of people in their section and throngs of people next door at the BMW section. When I asked about the TT and the S4, an Audi representative (a salesman from Rusnak Audi in Pasadena) told me that there was a "delay" and the TT would be there on Tuesday ... nothing about the S4. I guess I didn't learn my lesson from last year. Last year, like everyone else, I was excited to see the new VW Beetle only to find out that it wouldn't be there until Monday. Once again, I made the mistake of going to the show on the opening weekend. What is it with these manufacturers? Don't they realize that the opening weekend is the most popular weekend? Arguably, Los Angeles is considered the car capital of the world -- more higher end automobiles are purchased in L.A. than anywhere else. However, L.A. is still treated like a stepchild by the world's automanufacturers.<p>Oh well ... sorry. I had to vent. On to something more positive.<p>The aftermarket section, as always, was the best part of the show. Although I looked at all of the big sport utilities with their mega-audio/video systems ... I had the most fun looking at the wonderful things these companies have done to our beloved A4. AMS had their AS4 proudly on display, recently painted using the Audi S4 blue paint. Needless to say, the car looked incredible. (AMS also had their 240hp Passat and yellow A4 racer) I had an informative conversation with Mark from AMS about all of the wonderful things that I could have done to my A4. Needless to say, I spent the most time at the AMS area, checking and re-checking the 285hp AS4 and the 240hp Passat. What a sight to see both those cars side by side.<p>CEC had it usual impressive display of BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche cars. However, they only had one A4 ... and it was the wagon. However, it was the best looking wagon I had ever seen. Talk about being the envy of everyone at the supermarket.<p>There were many other displays worth seeing and I recommend that you go see them. If you don't have much time, you'd be better off going directly to this aftermart section.

North American introductions for TT and New Beetle are occuring in Detroit. Once they've been introduced there they will be introduced at the other auto shows.

I was not impressed with this year's offerings at the show in general, and you are right about the Audi area. D-u-l-l. But then again, there is really nothing new to show except the TT. If they were smart-er, they would have had an S4 and an S6 to lure away the BMW crowd drooling at the M5. And an Allsport to lure all the SUV lovers at the show.<p>Here's the poop on the no-show TT - the Detroit show is going on at the same time, and they had to be given the opportunity to do the American premiere. Supposedly the TT will appear at the LA show after tomorrow (or Weds). I went last week on a preview night and the Honda S2000 was under cover and guarded. Same silly reasoning, I'm sure.

I hope that I remember this lesson learned (again), and choose not to go until the last weekend. You're right, they do make a big deal about whether this or that show will be the first to premier a new model. Who gives a $#%@!<p>VW deserves a dishonorable mention as well. One would figure that the new Jetta would have given VW a reason to spruce up their display as they did with the Passat last year. The new Jetta is a fantastic looking car this year. I heard nothing but positive comments from people taking serious looks at the car.<p>In any event, I was pleased with AMS's more prominent appearance at this year's show.

I would make an educated guess that the population discrepancy accounts for L.A. still having more "higher end" cars. Per capita would most likely yield different results ... however, that would be comparing apples and oranges ... or should I say movies and oranges. In any event, my point in saying all of this was, be it L.A. or South Florida, these car manufacturers should pay more respect to where their bread is buttered.<p>The BMW booth clearly showed that they knew who their market was. They introduced the M5 at the show and had the M Coupe there as well. BMW was by far, the most popular at the time that I was there. Speaking of the M Coupe, I think it's great. I could tell that many people didn't like it ... at least that was their initial gut reaction. It is definitely a design that grows on you ... you either love it or hate it. In any event, I predict a short life for this car as it is definitely a car for the enthusiast. If I had the money, I would take it over the M3.<p>Oh well...

LA rules !!!!!!!!!!<br>

Sorry fellas...<p>Nothing can compare to N. Federal Hwy (the Gold Coast) in Florida. It runs from South Beach all the way up to the Fort, and is covered with High-line and Exotic stores, some of them the Largest in N. America. Then you have the Gulf side. Naples, Sarasota, Clearwater ect., it seems like there can't be a city without an Exotic/ High-line store...<p>Also, you can't forget about Atlanta. If you own a Ferrari, Ferrari of Atlanta's phone # should definitely be in your rolodex. And, if any Exotic/High-line store around you said they got a car from an auction, it was in Atlanta...<p>And finally, Detroit. Yes, the car capitol of the world. You may not think they have the Exotics and High-lines here because of the Big Three, but they do. We house some of the world largest companies here in Detroit, that means there's money, lots of it. They city-suburbs outside of Detroit bring in some of the highest per capita income ratios in the country. We have the most Ferraris per one zip code in the country, 48302. The Exotics are here, just name any car, no matter how rare, and I could get it locally...<p>Face it. People outside Caly don't want to buy from there. The locals don't own them for the right reasons, they're status symbols. You think Mrs Perfect in her Ferrari knows how to maintain it properly. Sure she may take it in, but do you think she knows when or for what. No way! And what about Cal. emission standards, I don't want any of that crap choking my Porsche...<p>That's the reason Caly isn't what it used to be. No sales from outside the state. South Florida, Atlanta, and Detroit supply the rest of the country. Hell, I know of two Diablo VT's that want to Aspen from Detroit last month. Why wouldn't people from Aspen buy from Caly??? L.A. just dosen't have it anymore...<p>From Detroit<br>Jason C.