Highlights of the 2008 Philadelphia International Auto Show include:
Green Technology
Public interest in alternative fuels and new vehicle technology continues to increase and the 2008 Philadelphia Auto Show is a great place to learn about the latest additions to this growing vehicle segment. Examples of vehicles in this category that will be on the show floor range from Chevrolet's Hydrogen-fueled Equinox vehicle to the latest hybrid models, such as the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Escape and the ever-popular Toyota Prius.
Concept Vehicles
A must-see at any industry event, concept cars are built by manufacturers to showcase a new automobile's styling, technology and overall design before production. Examples of concept vehicles that consumers can expect to see at this year's Philadelphia Auto Show include the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, Chrysler Nassau, Ford Airstream, Ford Interceptor and Jeep Trailhawk.
Pre-Production Vehicles
A popular attraction every year, Auto Show guests will have the opportunity to check out a number of pre-production models before they hit the floors of local dealerships. Among the many pre-production models that will be on display are the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, Dodge Journey, Dodge Ram, Ford Flex, Ford F150, Hyundai Genesis, Lincoln MKS, Nissan GT-R and smart fortwo. In addition, the 2008 Dodge Challenger will simultaneously make its world debut in Philadelphia and Chicago on February 6th and remain on display at the Philadelphia Auto Show through February 10th.
Tuner Car Salon
The Tuner Car Salon at the Philadelphia Auto Show will include 20,000 sq. ft. of space displaying some of the hottest custom cars of today. DUB Magazine and its Million Dollar Car Display will be featured in the Salon, as well as customized vehicles from a number of manufacturers including Mazda, Scion, GM, Honda, Acura and Subaru.
Exotic Vehicle Display
Located in the Grand Ballroom of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the exotic vehicle display is where Auto Show guests find the car of their dreams. This display will feature models from a number of high-end manufacturers including Lamborghini, Bentley, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and more.
Vintage Display
The vintage display at the 2008 Philly Auto Show is a special exhibit that will showcase some of the most prestigious cars from years past. Courtesy of Concours D'Elegance of the Eastern U.S. and the Buckingham Concours D'Elegance, attendees will be able to catch a glimpse of a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom I “Oxford-Style” Seven-Passenger Tourer, Brewster; 1937 Cord Beverly Sedan; 1906 Reo Model B Roadster and many others.
Body2Body Competition Returns
The Body2Body Competition will kick-off at the Auto Show on Tuesday, February 5th at 3:30 p.m. Twelve lucky contestants, randomly divided into two teams of six, will make physical contact with one of two Toyota vehicles on display. Contestants must maintain contact with their respective vehicle, without letting go, until the competition is completed on Friday, February 8th at 6:00 p.m. If contact is lost at any time during the competition, he or she will immediately be eliminated. Fifteen-minute breaks will be given every three hours. The last two participating contestants remaining will be the winners.
New for 2008, the Body2Body Competition will also include an online contest, where consumers can cast their vote for the two contestants they think will win the Body2Body physical challenge. Online contestants who guess the correct winners will be entered into a random drawing where they could possibly win a third Toyota vehicle. Individuals are encouraged to visit www.phillyautoshow.com for more updates and details.
Black Tie Tailgate Preview Charitable Gala
One of Philadelphia's premier social events, the Black Tie Tailgate Preview Gala is set for February 1st from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Guests will enjoy entertainment provided by the infamous Jellyroll and a menu designed by Starr Restaurants, in conjunction with ARAMARK/SFS Food Services. This menu will include specialties from Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, El Vez, Pod, Tangerine and The Continental. Tickets are $200.00 per person and proceeds will benefit The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. Individuals are encouraged to call 800-759-9533 or visit www.blacktietailgate.com for more details.
Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation Day
Children ages 12 and under will be offered free admission when accompanied by an adult on February 10th. They will have the opportunity to enjoy creative activities provided by the Please Touch Museum and Kid-Fit. They may also get their faces painted, get free balloon animals, and do arts and crafts projects. The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man will be on hand for photo opportunities from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. In addition, the first 500 children who visit the on-site Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation Activity Room will receive a free gift. A car seat safety demonstration led by the staff of the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will also be provided. They will have several different car seats on hand—from infant seats to boosters—to show parents how to properly install and position their children in them.
View our Gallery of Photos from the 2007 Philadelphia International Auto Show.
For more information about the 2008 Philadelphia International Auto Show, visit the show's Web site at www.phillyautoshow.com.
