2013 Washington Auto Show Kicks Off Today

washington auto show
Lexus LF-LC Concept

The 2013 Washington Auto Show kicked off today, February 1st, and this year looks like it will be even better than last year.  Packed with Celebrity guests, the Advanced Technology Superhighway, the 2013 Green Technology Award, and lots of policy talk people should have at the 2013 Washington Auto Show.

Washington, D.C. has long been the site of the country’s greatest ambitions for progress. The 2013 Washington Auto Show not only symbolizes the brightest and boldest dreams of the auto industry but marks the show’s transformation over the years. The Washington Auto Show has not only become the largest public show in Washington, D.C., it’s also the premier address for showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable technologies and drawing the most influential leaders in the industry.

This year, hundreds of thousands of visitors, including many environmental and automotive visionaries, will explore the more than 700 new makes and models from over 42 manufacturers at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The 2013 show marks a new era for Washington, D.C.’s largest public show. With its doubled time frame, from five to ten days, it’s an even bigger bonanza for area residents to enjoy the fully stocked, two-story convention center with an automotive showcase many describe as “new-car heaven.”

Many manufacturers come to Washington DC not only to display the best of what they will be offering in the new year but what they will be able offering in the future as well with prototypes.  You should also expect to see a good amount of Supercars and Exotics at the show too.

Also with the heavy political influence in Washington DC a lot of policy talk goes on.  If this is your cup of tea, you will be excited to go.

Probably most people will enjoy the celebrity appearances more.  Notable celebrities includes:

  • Karina Smirnoff – The Ukrainian professional ballroom dancer and winner of the 13th season of the well known TV show on ABC, “Dancing with the Stars,” will be at the Washington Auto Show on Tuesday evening, February 5th, 2013.
  • London Fletcher – Linebacker for the Washington Redskins will be in attendance to sign autographs Thursday  February 7th, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
  • Richard Rawlings – The owner of Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas. He is currently featured on the Discovery Channel’s”Fast N’ Loud” television show. In the show, Richard, along with his partner, Aaron Kaufmann, search for, buy, and restore classic cars for auction in Texas and other nearby states.  He will be at the show on February 5th, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
  • Randy Orton – World Wresting Entertainment (WWE) superstar.  Randy Orton was destined for a career in sports entertainment. After all, not every WWE Superstar can claim the title of “Youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE History”. Then again, Randy Orton is also one of the only third-generation Superstars in WWE history. The son of WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton, nephew of Barry “Barry O” Orton and grandson of “The Big O” Bob Orton, Randy comes from a distinctive bloodline.  He will be making an appearance at the show on February 6th, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
  • c “The Great White” – Another WWE star known to fans worldwide as “The Great White”, WWE Superstar Sheamus will be appearing Thursday, February 7th, 2013 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
  • Penelope Menchaca – host from Telemundo’s “12 Corazones” will be appearing Sunday, February 3 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
  • Johnny Lozada – From Univision's “Despierta America” will be appearing Sunday, February 3 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
  • Garrett ReismanA real NASA Astronaut will be signing autographs on the Toyota Live Stage on Sunday, February from 11:00am and 1:00pm

Other appearances will includes kids favorites such as PBS characters, Captain Planet, and Talking Friends.  US Army bands will also be in attendance at the show.  For a full list of appearances and times visit the website.

The Washington Auto Show is holding a Military Day on February 5th, 2013.  This means if you are a member of the military or a proud veteran who served our country you will be admitted to the Washington Auto Show for FREE!  All you have to do is show a valid military ID, or DD214 (discharge papers) and photo ID to get Free Admission to the wonderful auto show.

If you love cars and are in the Washington DC and surround area then you need to get yourself down to the 2013 Washington Auto Show.

Date: February 1st – 10th, 2013

Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20001

Tickets Prices: Adults $12, Children 6-12 $5, Kids 5 and under are FREE

Visit the website for more information: http://www.washingtonautoshow.com

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Hot New Cars at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

2014 Corvette
2014 Corvette and the classic Corvette Stingray

January is an exciting time for car enthusiasts with the the famous Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., (Jan. 13-20) and the Detroit Auto Show which takes place from Jan. 14-27 in the Motor City.  The Detroit Auto Show (the official name is North American International Auto Show) features the latest and greatest models from some of the world largest automakers.

This year the Detroit Auto Show is showcasing an impressive array of new models and it's clear the competition from automakers is getting more intense. Ones I am keeping my eyes out for include the new Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra full-size pickup, the restyled 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Cadillac ELR, the BMW 4-series, Infiniti Q50, Toyota Furia and a new Ford F-150 concept.

Also at the top of my “can't wait to check it out” list is the redesigned Lexus IS, the 2014 C7 Corvette and the redesigned Acura MDX. Here's a look at why these vehicles are generating so much buzz in the Motor City.

Redesigned Lexus IS 250

Scheduled for release on Wed., Jan. 16, the redesigned 2014 Lexus IS sport sedan has been fully redesigned. According to Edmunds, its main areas of improvement are a re-tuned suspension, improved seats and additional interior room, and will be available in two F Sport and a hybrid upgrade.

The new IS features LED day running lights under the headlights and the wheelbase has been enlarged, making more room available in the car's interior. According to Autoweek.com, “Powertrain options will be mostly carryover units, probably with a bit more efficiency. We know from our quick drive last month of prototypes that the sedan will use a knob to switch from eco to sport-plus mode, which changes throttle and steering response, as well as transmission shift points.”

Redesigned Acura MDX

The MDX was Acura's first midsize crossover. According to Autoweek.com, it comprises 32 percent of total U.S. Acura sales in 2012. While the original model follows the same midsize platform as the Honda Accord and Odyssey, the industry expects the third generation to be more aerodynamic and have the same 3.5 liter, 280 horsepower engine as the Acura TL.

2014 C7 Corvette

Arguably, the event's most anticipated release the new Corvette. According to Forbes.com, the new model will include five major changes. The first is a V8 engine that “will be powered by the first version of an entirely new generation of V8 engines codenamed LT1.”

The next big change comes from the superior aerodynamics of the front engine and rear-wheel drive. “For example, the front grill and radiator flow paths reduce lift, improving vehicle stability at high speeds by keeping the car pressed to the pavement,” Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, said in a press release.

The next defining feature of the 2014 model is that it embodies a lighter and stiffer structure. Alex McDonald, a Chevy performance integration engineer, said in a video that the Corvette will have “more high-tech chassis aids than ever before,” adding, “This car is a new level of electronic integration.”

Two other major changes in the 2014 C7 include an improved interior, which is something everyone has complained about with the Corvette, and affordable price for its class.  The 2014 Corvette will also bring back the famous Stingray design and nameplate to the Corvette

A series of teaser videos was produced by Chevy for the 2014 Corvette. Here's the fourth one:

If you are not too far from Detroit and are interested in attending the 2013 Detroit Auto Show you can visit the website for more information: http://www.naias.com/

If you attend the show please leave a comment and let me know what you liked most about the Detroit Auto Show and what cars got you most excited.

*Please follow Adam’s Auto Advice on Facebook and Twitter.

Hogs & Heroes Fundraiser at Old Glory Harley-Davidson raises $2,000

Cool Bikes!

Old Glory Harley Davidson, in Laurel, raised $2,000 hosting the 2011 Hogs & Heros Poker Run and Bike/Car Show that took place on July 30th, 2011.  The money was evenly split between MD Concerns of Police Survivors (MD COPS) and HEROES Inc.  These organizations raise money for fallen police, military, and firefighters children and families.  These service men and women have given their lives for serving others, and it's wonderful to see Old Glory hosting an event like this to support these wonderful organizations.

It was a great event with all sorts of cool bikes, and cars.  Next year's Hogs & Heroes at Old Glory should raise even more money.  Check out additional pictures from my Flickr image gallery.

2011 Hogs & heroes Poker run & Car/bike show, July 30

Old Glory Harley Davidson is hosting the 2011 Hogs and Heroes Fundraiser.  This includes a Poker Run (bike ride), and Car/Bike Show.

All sorts of vehicles are welcome to the Car/Bike show.  There are many classes of cars and bikes to win a Trophy.  The show will have a raffle, music, give-aways, freebies, and food and refreshments.  The first 50 people to register will receive a Free T-Shirt.  The best in show car will get a $100 Old Glory gift card and the best in show bike will receive a $100 gift card as well.  T-shirts for the event car be bought for $20.

The Poker run is not just for motorcycles, all vehicles are welcome.  Even if it has 4-wheels, bring it down to participate.  The grand prize winner of the Poker Run will win $250.  By the way, don't worry about breakfast because Old Glory will be serving a continental breakfast.  Extra poker hands can be bought for $15.

It should be a great time and it's all for supporting a great cause.  The Hogs and Heroes Foundation supports fallen police officers, firefighters children.  As well as supporting military families.  So if you are looking to have some fun and feel good about doing it, go to the 2011 Hogs and Heroes Fundraiser.

What: 2011 Hogs and Heroes Poker Run & Car/Bike Show Fundraiser

When: Registration for the Poker Run start at 9am, first bike leaves at 10:30am.  Registration for Car/Bike show begins at 11:30am.

Cost: For partcipating in the Poker Run $30, Car/Bike Show $30

Where:  Old Glory Harley Davidson, 11800 Laurel Bowie Rd, Laurel MD, 20708

 

R&H 1st Annual car show to benefit the Children’s Guild – Saturday July 16th

Ford GT

R&H Toyota will be holding their 1st Annual Car Show tomorrow, July 16th.  There will be great activities and events taking place, all for raising money for the Children's Guild.  A wonderful organization that serves the needs of children with trauma disorders, autism, or disabilities in the Maryland and DC area.  What was the impetus for starting the car show?  “We moved our service location from Reisterstown Road, and people didn't know where we were.  We decided to put on a car show and donate the proceeds to a worthy Charity.   The Children's Guild was an excellent choice.” says Jan Braverman coordinator for the event.

The show will include over 100 different vehicles of all kinds.  There will be Ferraris, Porsches, motorcycles, hot-rods, and imports at the show.  Mobil1 will have a racing simulator setup for attendees to try out and they will bring their NASCAR race car to display.  Shell will also have a racing simulator and their race car as well.  (A certain blogger is definitely going to try out both racing simulators.)  An automotive rotisserie, which aids in car restoration, will on be display as well.  R&H Toyota and R&H Mercedez-Benz will be setup with booths, raising money, and selling items for the Children's Guild.  All participants in the car show will receive a goodie bag and dash plaque.  New cars will also be on display from R&H if you are in the market for a new vehicle.

The show is Free for attendees, and it will be a great event.  Remember it's not just about cars, it supports the Children's Guild.

What: 1st Annual R&H Car Show to support the Children's Guild

When: Saturday, July 16th 2011 (9am – 3pm)

Where: Toyota Service Center, 15 Music Fair Rd, Owings Mills MD, 21117

Admission: Free for attendees, $15 pre-registration $25 day of show to participate