MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The South Florida International Auto Show rolls into town Friday, Nov. 9 through Sunday, Nov. 18.
The Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach, will host the event, which features new attractions this year.
The Eco Experience, which educates consumers with cutting-edge displays focused on alternative fuel vehicles. An inside track event will enable show-goers to experience select electric cars inside on the main show floor.
Topless In Miami – also new for the 2012 – is almost a show itself, showcasing convertibles on a South Florida landscape and presented by bikini-clad models, who will take photos and hand out beach balls.
As always, Ride & Drive events will let riders get behind the wheel of several cars from GM, Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and Toyota.
Other attractions at the show include Memory Lane, one of the largest, local antique automobile selections; Camp Jeep which takes visitors through off-road driving courses fraught with steep grades, rocky trails and log crossings; and Million Dollar Alley, which features luxurious super cars.
“We have something for everybody and they’re all pretty exciting it’s hard to pick,” said Ken Gorin, CEO of The Collection.
While some spectators came to dream and drool over luxury cars, others had a more practical purpose. Crystal Marchant is in the market for a family-friendly SUV. She said she’s specifically looking for an American-made car.
“To support America. My grandfather always said to buy American cars and then we strayed from that and now I think it’s time to go back to that,” she said.
The auto bailout became a key issue in the presidential campaign and whether or not they supported the bailout, multiple shoppers told us, they think the American auto industry is making a comeback.
Jose Gregorisch plans to purchase a car in about a year. He said he used to buy primarily European cars, but he thinks the American market is catching up.
“The American market I’d say has brought up the bar and I’’d buy American any day,” he said.
As always, Ride & Drive events will let riders get behind the wheel of several cars from GM, Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and Toyota.
Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and children under 6 get in free.
Visit the auto show’s website to learn about discounts and for more details on the events.
