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Like many other local residents, Mike Samulowitz is in the market for a new car. After driving hand-me down cars from his parents and sister while going to college and during the initial years of his career, he has saved his money and is ready to buy a new car all his own. Also like other single men in their 20s, Samulowitz is looking for a racy, sports model.
In our prior issue, the Independent first reported on Samulowitz as part of its preview coverage of the Central Florida International Auto Show. We subsequently trailed Samulowitz as he walked among the hundreds of shiny new 2010 models at the annual Show, held recently at the Orange County Convention Center.
Advised of his intentions in advance, the people at Ford Motor Company offered Mike a special opportunity to evaluate and test drive several of their new vehicles the day before the Show officially opened to the public. He pronounced the active park assist and cross-traffic warning technology offered on several cars “very cool” and extremely desirable for American drivers. He was particularly surprised by the power and handling of the Taurus SHO.
But he was disappointed that Ford did not have on display its 750 HP Mustang Shelby GT 500 Super Snake, recently featured on a cover story in Motor Trend magazine. Also missing was the Nissan GTR (485 hp, 4.1 second 0-60 mph, $81,000). As he wandered among the cars, he eventually succumbed to the siren song of two American muscle car classics, the Corvette ZR1 (620 HP, 3.72 second 0-60 mph, $107,000) and the Dodge Viper (600 HP, 3.5 second 0-60 mph, $90.000).
Of the two, his favorite was the Corvette. “The seats are very comfortable,” he said, “and I love the styling.” While his initial impression of the Viper was also very strong, his interest waned as he sat for a while in the drivers seat inspecting the interior. “The massive ten-cylinder engine is undoubtedly beautiful (we could not find the hood release ... it was hidden inside the front bumper), but the windshield feels too narrow and the side glass too close to my head,” he explained. “The visibility is too restricted, and the interior just seems like a mish-mash of controls and instruments.” The Viper had been up for sale last spring as part of the government bail-out of Chrysler, but they only got one low-ball bid, so Viper remains a Dodge for now.
Samulowitz still looks forward to checking out the Shelby GT500 at the local dealer, Jarrett Gordon Ford at US 27 and I-4 in nearby Four Corners.
While Samulowitz lingered around the Corvettes and Vipers on display, this reporter cruised the remainder of the Show for noteworthy vehicles and features for the rest of us. My picks:
Active Park Assist (Lincoln MKT and Ford Escape). Are you flat-parking challenged? This feature takes the stress out of that task. Pull up alongside of the vehicle in front of your parking spot, put on the turn signal, press a button, let go of the steering wheel, and the vehicle’s external sensors and electric steering guide the vehicle effortlessly and precisely into the parking spot. It’s a little eerie, but truly remarkable. 
Joystick-controlled Navigation (Lexus HS 250h). Most navigation systems are controlled by either touch-screen or mechanical off-screen buttons. Lexus now offers a console-mounted, device that seems like a cross between a joystick and a computer mouse. No reaching for buttons. It should be very intuitive to our computer-oriented society, and represents a step forward in operating simplicity.
Honda Accord CrossTour. Billed as a crossover vehicle, Honda has taken an Accord sedan platform and added all-wheel drive and a fastback/hatchback roof. While not quite as functional as an SUV-type crossover (a cross between a car and an SUV), it features car-like handling and ride. Rearward visibility from the driver’s seat is somewhat limited given the high rear seat headrests and the slopping roofline (though Honda claims that drivers will acclimate to it). A removable, water-resistant under-floor utility box in the rear is a clever feature. The unusual ribbed rocker panel, reminiscent of exterior exhaust pipes of the early 1960s, reportedly improves aerodynamics.
Cross-Traffic Warning (Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKT). Ever try to back out of a parking spot while flanked by two trucks or SUVs? This feature warns the driver of oncoming cross traffic with an audible signal, warning light in the outside rear view mirror, and a warning message on the instrument panel.
Buick LaCrosse. It’s not your father’s Buick. The sleek exterior (thankfully minus the faux portholes in the hood) and flowing interior are quite attractive. All-wheel drive is available on the CXL model. 
2011 Ford Fiesta. Already one of the most popular cars in Europe, Show attendees got a chance to drive special prototypes of the version to be introduced in the United States next summer. The redesigned Fiesta is nimble and peppy with surprising features such as keyless start and a smart locking system found on more expensive cars.
Electric Vehicles and Hybrids. No major breakthrough vehicles were unveiled at the Show. A freshened, more powerful 2010 Toyota Prius, now available with radar-adaptive cruise control and departure warning system, was on display. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, is also refreshed with improved power and features. Chevrolet and GMC featured their popular hybrid SUVs and pickup trucks.
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