LIFE SEEMS BETTER AT THE ORANGE COUNTY AUTO SHOW
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Oct 5, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
The Bumblebee Camaro from TRANSFORMERS was on display at the OC Auto Show
LIFE SEEMS BETTER AT THE OC
AUTO SHOW
Saturn's Flextreme
"The OC Auto Show kicks off the auto season and we were excited to bring all the
new model vehicles, concept cars and exotics to Orange County" said Orange
County Auto Show's Co-Director John Sackrison. "This show is also a hub for
entertainment and we have several exciting features lined up including a concert
with Sugar Ray, a New Music Showcase and appearances from the Laker Girls and more!"
On display at the OC Auto Show were several all-new or redesigned
2009-model vehicles including the BMW X6, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Dodge Journey,
Hummer H3T, Infiniti FX, Mazda6, Nissan GT-R, Toyota Venza, Volkswagen Tiguan
and more, as well as a collection of hybrids including the Cadillac Escalade,
Chevrolet Malibu, Lexus LS and Toyota Highlander, among others. The show also offered an up-close look at exotic rides from Lamborghini,
Ferrari and Maserati, as well as a sneak peek at pre-production models yet to
hit the dealer showrooms including the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, 2010 Pontiac G8
Sport Truck and 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
The OC Auto Show also offered a great way to learn about the latest trends in
alternative fuel vehicles. Green directional arrows helped attendees find
fuel-efficient and alternative fuel models on the show floor, as well as
showcase new technology to help save money at the fuel pump and promote a
cleaner environment. Several alternative fuel technologies were featured
along the Green Trail including gas/electric hybrids and hydrogen-powered
vehicles.
Ford's Explorer America
concept
A collection of futuristic concept cars were also showcased to provide
consumers a glimpse into the inventive future of automotive design. Concept cars
that appeared included the Chevrolet Bumblebeeâ„¢ Camaro from the hit movie
TRANSFORMERSâ„¢, Saturn Flextreme, and Ford Explorer America.
The Toyota Behind the Wheel Adventure hauled its lineup of 4x4 trucks,
sport/utility vehicles, logs, sand and hundreds of tons of dirt to the Anaheim
Convention Center. Attendees were invited to test drive a collection of new
2009-model Toyota trucks and SUVs on this course that will send drivers
maneuvering hill climbs, over wood bridges, around offset beams and across the
frame twisters.
Auto show attendees also had a chance to take a spin and get a feel
for the performance and handling of several models at the Hyundai Ride & Drive.
The all-new Genesis sedan, as well as the Veracruz, Sonata, Azera, Santa Fe and
Elantra were available to drive on the last two days of the show.
The Chrysler Mobile Showcase offered showgoers the chance to hop in and take
a drive in the hottest rides from Chrysler's new-model lineup including the
all-new Aspen, 300C, Town & Country and Sebring. Auto show attendees were
also
able to test drive these new models.
Showgoers were in big supply at Al & Ed's Autosound Auto Show Underground, where
the latest in car customization, mobile electronics and accessories were
featured with customized sport compacts and high-performance rides. Showgoers also experienced the windshield-shaking power of the Al & Ed's Cadillac
Escalade ESV equipped with a 15,000-Watt Rockford Fosgate
amplifier and eight 15-inch subwoofers that filled the entire tailgate. This was
also the spot to check out stunning customized cars, owned by music and sports
celebrities in the DUB® Magazine Celebrity Car Showcase.
Fans of the hit cartoon Speed Racer were able to see the original
Mach 5 at the auto show, courtesy of the Petersen
Automotive Museum. This hand-built,
mid-engine interpretation of the Mach 5 was a hit with both parents
who grew up with the TV show, and the children who've viewed the recent movie.
The Star 98.7 New Music Showcase rocked the OC Auto Show on Friday evening. Local bands
took to the stage and entertained crowds with live
musical performances in Al & Ed's Autosound Auto Show Underground.
Swimsuits and glistening Southern California tans made their return to the
OC Auto Show once again. The top two contestants competed in
the "Miss Hawaiian Tropic® Orange County Model Search" held at the auto show on
Saturday. A panel of judges including radio personality Tom Leykis, were on hand
to determine (with the audience's cheers) the winner.
Sugar Ray performed
The OC Auto Show transformed into an electrifying concert venue on Saturday
evening, when rock band sensation Sugar Ray performed in a live
concert from the auto show floor. Lead singer Mark McGrath and his multi-platinum band, Sugar Ray, rocked
out to their biggest hits including "Fly" "When It's Over" and more. Admission
was included with the purchase of an auto show ticket.
Additional features and promotions:
· Laker Girls and Joe Grande Autograph Signing - The most popular cheerleaders
in the NBA and Radio Personality Joe Grande posed for photos and sign autographs
on Saturday.
· Telemundo Telenovela Stars Autograph Signing - Stars from popular Telemundo
Telenovelas greeted fans and sign autographs on Sunday.
· Kids Zone - On Sunday, families and children
participated in a Guitar Hero® contest, and then hung with
the Radio Disney team in the afternoon.
The OC Auto Show is owned and presented by the Orange County Automobile Dealers
Association and the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association and produced by
Motor Trend Auto Shows, Inc. The auto show was open to the public from Thursday,
October 2nd, through Sunday, October 5th, at the Anaheim Convention Center, located
at 800 W. Katella Ave. in Anaheim. Attendees received a free one-year
subscription to Motor Trend magazine with each online ticket order or box office
purchase, courtesy of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association and the
Southland Motor Car Dealers Association. For more information, visit the OC
show's site at www.OrangeCountyAutoShow.com.
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