New cars from the 2014 Greater Kansas City International Auto Show

As you drive around Kansas City on a normal day, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that all new cars are boring.  It’s tough to get excited about silver Corollas and neutral-colored Accords and whatnot.  But when you get under the bright lights of the Greater Kansas City International Auto Show, suddenly you realize that there’s a whole world of interesting new cars out there for sale.  People aren’t necessarily buying the interesting stuff, but they are available if you want them.  Let’s check out a few of the fun new rides from Kansas City.

New Impala, Viper, and MKZ top picks at the 2012 New York International Auto Show

When I think of the most significant American auto show, Detroit generally is the one that comes to mind. But with all the new vehicle introductions taking place in New York City this week, the Big Apple is looking more important all the time.

With all the emphasis on fuel prices and economy lately, it may come as a surprise that most of the introductions in New York were full-sized sedans, as well as other decidedly non-eco-friendly rides. Chevrolet (Impala), Lincoln (MKZ), Acura (RLX Concept), and Toyota (Avalon) all revealed the latest versions of their flagship sedans. Chrysler eschewed any hint of economy by bringing out a new Dodge Viper and Ram pickup. And Hyundai, Buick, and Honda were among the manufacturers to show off their latest crossovers.

The Lorax hates Vipers

Something interesting caught my eye on the way to see The Lorax at the Legends Theatre. More on that in a minute.

The Lorax is an animated movie that tries to deliver the message that it is bad to cut down trees for short-term personal gain, which is a nice message, I suppose. But then it turns its attention to the evils of big business and successful entrepreneurs. People should leave the environment alone, renounce large corporations and money, and live in a perfect utopia of cottony trees and adorable forest creatures under sun-drenched skies. Danny DeVito voices the Lorax, protector of the forest.