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From YourSITE.com Events Coverage New York isn’t the typical auto show. The last major industry gathering until things pick up again in September, the Big Apple event generally spells the beginning of spring and takes a slower and more social tack than other shows. For Audi, the all-new A4 Avant made its North American debut on the stand at Javits Convention Center though Audi of America chose to skip the usual pageantry of a media presentation and instead spent its efforts on a reception at the brand’s Audi Forum New York.
Nestled between banks and exotic car showrooms, and not far from the advertising mecca of Madison Avenue, Audi’s Park Avenue facility is an embassy for the brand. It’s also become Audi’s headquarters when the Auto Show comes to town - where executives, celebrity brand ambassadors, journalists and guests gather for more than just a model intro.
Faces like Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, actors Tyson Beckford, Will Arnett and members of the cast members of the television show Gossip Girl chatted with Audi of America and Audi AG exectives and guests while the Audi showcased its R8 V12 TDI design study and an A5 art car painted by Hunt Slonem. The latter is set to be auctioned as a benefit to songwriter Denise Rich’s G&P Foundation for Cancer Research.
The morning following the event, the diesel-powered R8 was trucked over to Jacob Javits Convention Center for limited test drives, laps of the Javits facility block, for a few members of the automotive press. With three Q7 3.0 TDIs as designated “camera” or “tackle” cars, the R8 braved the streets of Manhattan dodging potholes and cabs for several hours as it did endurance laps of its own between West Side Highway and 11th Avenue. Look kids – the Circle Line tour… Parliament. Within the convention center, the A4 Avant was joined on the stand by Audi’s most current lineup: a B8 A4 sedan, A5 3.2 S-line, A8, S8, S6, S5, Q7s and more.
Audi’s new wagon was a carryover from the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month, as were introductions from Audi-owned Lamborghini and Audi-powered Spyker. At Lamborghini this meant the Gallardo LP 560-4 and, at Spyker, the new C8 Aileron sportscar.
Lamborghini’s stand was typical of the brand’s presence at world shows – three cars arranged in formation within the trademark black backdrop. On day two of media days though, staff could be seen arranging even more of Sant Agata’s finest on displays within the Javits Center’s grand entranceway. Lamborghini was the featured marque at this year’s Charity Gala, so examples like a stunning white Gallardo Superleggera or matte black Gallardo Spyder were also displayed.
Elsewhere on Manhattan is evidence of Audi’s own recent marketing presence. Exit Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel or stroll past Times Square’s Crown Plaza and you just may spot two of many Audi S5 themed billboards placed throughout the city.
The New York Auto Show is open now. Public days with multiple planned activities continue through Sunday, March 30.
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