Get ready to start your engines. This year’s Orange County International Auto show offers excitement to car lovers everywhere. For those who don’t know much about automobiles, it’s a great way to be introduced to the vehicle of your dreams.
The event brings together the automotive industry to demonstrate what the auto manufactures have to offer for the new model year. Not just limited to new automotive models and sales, this show also caters to the automotive aftermarket industry. The show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center and many new models from different manufactures will be on display for the public this weekend, October 3-6.
The event went green this year, highlighting the progress that has been made by the use of hybrid and electric vehicles. A few were on display from nearly every auto manufacture.
The show features new and exotic cars and demonstrations that will keep one busy for hours. This year, the Auto show introduces several newly redesigned models, Including the BMW i3, Cadillac ELR and CTS, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes Benz S class and many more.
The Hornet was given an improvisatory behind the scenes look at these new models such the BMW i3. BMW is now using electric technology in a new brand titled “Project I.” Representatives from BMW say that Project I is aimed to cater to the electric vehicle market. The current models do not offer much in that department. They added that with the i3, they are hoping to begin the start of something great.
The i3 is equipped with a full electric drivetrain, meaning vehicle is 100% electric, no gasoline required. This is a first for a BMW production car and is set to take on rivals such as the Nissan Leaf, Tesla and many other small electric vehicles. The vehicle expresses the beauty behind the i3, how it drives like a BMW and can make one forget they are in a zero emission vehicle when behind the wheel.
After venturing to the domestic vehicle section to see what the Classic
American Automaker had to offer, Gail Anderson from KTLA mentioned, “I am impressed with the amount of turnout the American Auto makers made this year.” A sign she feels is demonstrating a rebound in the economy. She added, “The American Automakers have really made a comeback here, for the last few years this show has been much smaller and occupied much less space. This year it’s larger than ever. This is a good sign for our economy,” Anderson said.
Chevrolet also has much to offer this year. The company has redesigned their truck line and has introduced several new and refreshed modals. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette has undergone a major redesign and makes its debut as the 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray. The notorious Stingray nameplate has heritage dating back to the muscle car days of the 60’s. This vehicle pays homage in every way. Under the hood we find the all-new 6.2L LT1 V8 producing around 455hp which easily propels the vehicle to a sub 4 second 0-60 times. “Be careful in this one, speeding tickets are almost included when you sign the sales contract,” A Chevrolet spokeswoman laughed. She added, “The new Corvette is a rebirth for the classic American Sports Car, with this much power under the hood and this much technology, the C7 corvette just might be the best Corvette yet.”
Hitting showrooms this fall, you should expect to see Chevrolet’s current rendition of the classic American Sports car on the streets in no time.
General motors had several other new releases including the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2014 Hybrid Cadillac ELR. The Chevrolet Tahoe has been completely redesigned for model year 2015 and includes several new features that are highlighted by the addition of direct fuel injection. This provides significantly improved miles per gallon over the previous model.
Cadillac is also on the green trail as they introduce the ELR hybrid sports coupe. Described as a “little electrified rocket,” by Cadillac sales representatives, this car is said to bring enough performance while still getting 40 miles per gallon.
The vehicle will be released to the public sometime in June 2014.
When finished checking out the new vehicles that are on display, be sure to take a trip to the Dupont Registry’s exotic vehicle section to get your heart racing. On display are multimillion-dollar vehicles that range in all shapes and sizes. Hi-class cars like Lamborghini, Bugatti and Ferrari have several vehicles on display that are more than just eye candy. Dupont Registry personal explains, “Every vehicle on display has excess of 500 horsepower and all start for around $1 million,” a perfect example of motivation for higher education.
If theses vehicles get your motor running, several manufactures offer racing simulators for the public to try and feel what it is like to drive these vehicles on the track, an awesome experience indeed.
The Orange County Auto Show is sure to excite. There is something here for everyone from car enthusiasts to your average consumer. There are many vehicles here and many different ways to experience them. There are even test tracks inside and outside where consumers can get a firsthand experience of the new car of their dreams. With exotic cars, new cars and emergency vehicles to simulators, the OC Auto Show should not disappoint.
Friday hours are 12pm-10pm, Saturday 9am-10pm, and Sunday 9am-7pm.
