ORANGE AID

All roads still led to the OC Auto Show

ORANGE AID Concept Cars, Exotics, Ride & Drives, MMA demo and a Concert at the OC Auto Show

You might have been tempted to call it Diet Orange. It's had all the flavor, but without the carbs and the calories. Yes, the frill is gone. Gone are the press conferences, car of the year awards, and design contests. Much like the rest of the industry, the Orange County Auto Show organizers decided to stick to what counts - i.e., putting on a show for the car-buying public. And by that standard, the OC Auto Show had all the ingredients - cars, more cars, and the stuff that show-goers really want.  Hundreds of new cars, trucks, sport/utility vehicles and crossovers packed the Anaheim Convention Center. This event was more than an auto show and offered ultra high-end exotics, concept cars, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and the Miss Hawaiian Tropic® Model Search.

Ford's offered a ride & drive in the not-yet-released new Fiesta As the Southland's first show of the 2010-model auto show season, attendees had an opportunity to check out all the latest vehicles in a non-selling environment, sit behind the wheels, inspect engines, learn about new fuel-saving automotive technologies and even an opportunity to take a spin in select models from Ford, Mazda and Toyota. The show also gave attendees an up-close look at some amazing concept cars, including the Cadillac Converj, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Hyundai Nuvis, as well as several hot pre-production models including the 2010 Acura ZDX.

The Acura's new ZDX "The OC Auto Show provided the first opportunity in Southern California to see the hottest new cars and we were excited to bring so many new vehicles, concept cars and exotics to Orange County" said Orange County Auto Show's Co-Director John Sackrison. "This show was more than auto show as we had entertainment for everyone including mixed martial arts exhibition, live music from the Tijuana Dogs, and the Miss Hawaiian Tropic® Orange County Model Search."

Cadillac Converj concept car The Cadillac Converj concept showcased luxury, four-passenger seating and "no compromises" design - all in an electric vehicle. The OC Auto Show also showcased the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept car, recently featured in the movie "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." The Stingray combines styling cues from current Corvettes, the 1959 Stingray racecar and the 1963 Stingray split-window coupe. Also displayed, the Hyundai Nuvis concept showcased a "tech meets eco" theme with 100 percent recycled materials inside, touch screens and dramatic ambient blue lighting. Large gull-wing doors add to this hybrid concept car's futuristic look.

Hyundai's Nuvis hybrid concept car Follow the Green Trail at the OC Auto Show and one learned 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 plug-in hybrids.

The Hyundai Equus is coming to America Attendees were invited to get behind the wheel and drive several of the latest models from Ford, Mazda and Toyota while at the auto show. Show-goers were able to test drive the new Ford Fiesta at Ford's Fiesta Movement before they go on sale in the U.S. market. Toyota & Mazda also hosted Ride & Drives to give attendees the chance to get behind the wheel and test drive a collection of new 2010 model vehicles, right outside the show.

Ferrari's new California A collection of exotic vehicles from Ferrari and Maserati of Newport Beach were on hand to turn heads on the auto show floor. Vehicles included the Maserati Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranTurismo S, and the Ferrari California, F430, 599 GTB Fiorano and 612 Scaglietti. Further down the isle, attendees immersed themselves in luxury and stunning exotics, including a $1.2 million Bugatti Veyron presented by The RPM Loungeâ„¢. The RPM Lounge featured a red carpet, RPM Lounge promo girls, The Millionaires Lounge, live Web feed, live radio station feed and even a chance to win an invitation to an exclusive event at the legendary Playboy Mansion. Showgoers also were able to check out the DUB® Magazine Celebrity Car Showcase, where customized cars owned by music and sports celebrities were on display. Even Hooters girls were there to sign autographs for fans, give away coupons for free wings and cheer on the competitors, at the hot wing eating the competition.

The OC Auto Show transformed into an electrifying concert venue on Friday, October 16. Later that night, a concert with music from the Tijuana Dogs performed live from the auto show floor. This four-member rock band is an OC local favorite. Additionally, winners of the BAMMA USA and Velvet Industries' Velvet Ring Girl Contest were announced. The top five girls from the online contest competed live in front of judges for the coveted Velvet Ring Girl title. For additional information on the contest, visit www.bammausa.com.

On Saturday night, BAMMA USA fighters brought the excitement of the ring to the auto show floor. MMA Cage Match Demonstrations included grappling, kick boxing, mixed martial arts and jujitsu skills. Fighters included UFC TUF Season Nine Winner James Wilks, five-time World Champion Kick Boxer Kathy Long, and 8-0 Heavyweight Fighter Daniel Puder.

The Bumblebee Camaro from TRANSFORMERS 2 Camaro enthusiasts were able to compare vintage Camaros with the all-new 2010 model at the OC Auto Show, while chatting with Scott Settlemire about the changes from the original Camaro to the present day version on Saturday. "A rabid Camaro Fan" since he first saw a Camaro in person in 1966, Settlemire played an important role as part of the Camaro/Corvette Performance Car Team developing the 4th generation F-car, and worked with Chevrolet on the new Camaro. Camaro/Firebird (also referred to as F-body) Enthusiasts from all over North America fondly refer to him as "The F-bodfather". On Saturday, local contestants competed in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic® Orange County Model Search. A panel of judges, as well as audience cheers, determined the winner. Show-goers also had the chance to meet the girls of Hawaiian Tropic as they greeted fans before the contestants struted their stuff on stage.

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, LLC. The auto show was open to the public Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, 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, compliments of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association and the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association.

The Corvette Stingray concept car WHAT: Southern California kicks off the auto show season with the 2010-model OC Auto Show with hundreds of new cars, crossovers, sport/utility vehicles, trucks and more taking over the Anaheim Convention Center. This automotive extravaganza will feature futuristic concept cars, eye-popping exotics, pre-production models, interactive ride and drives and the latest alternative fuel options for showgoers looking to go green. Additionally, the auto show will pump up the energy with exciting bikini contests, aftermarket accessories and the latest in car customization.

WHERE: Anaheim Convention Center 800 West Katella Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802 WHO: Representatives from leading automotive manufacturers will be on-site to answer questions and provide information on the latest vehicles. The Orange County 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. For more information: www.OrangeCountyAutoShow.com.