Cars are the Stars at 2005 International Auto Show
New Cars, Concept Cars, Race Cars, Custom Rods, Exotics and Collector Cars Join 40 Manufacturers

Sacramento – The only place to see hundreds of new models from 40 manufacturers, the 2005 Sacramento International Auto Show is at Cal Expo November 11-14. With displays taking up five buildings and just under 250,000 square feet, this year's show will be the largest new car event ever in Sacramento history. The International Auto Show will feature models from Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln , Lotus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac , Porsche, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Toyota , Volkswagen, and Volvo.

Pre-production cars, concept cars and of course the new 2005 models are highlighting the General Motors display. The Aveo Xtreme Concept makes its Sacramento debut in the Chevrolet area, joined by the ever-popular 2005 Corvette and Silverado Hybrid truck. With hybrids all the rage, the Sierra Hybrid takes the stage in the GMC display. With Hummer getting a new extra-sport utility look, the SUT truck is one of their 2005 introductions. The new Saturn Relay mini-van arrives in Sacramento along with the 2005 Cadillac STS. Buick adds a new sedan to their line-up, the LaCrosse which replaces the Regal and the Century.

Ford adds a brand new vehicle in 2005 with the Five Hundred, an upscale, midsize car with four-door configuration that makes this Ford's flagship sedan. The Mustang gets a brand new look and a state-of-the-art chassis, bold styling and a new powertrain.

The LR3 is Land Rover's 2005 replacement for the Discovery. This mid-size SUV features Terrain Response, a system that automatically adjusts the truck's running gear to cope with different terrains.

Jaguar lights it up in 2005, jumping into the wagon market with the all new X-Type. Joining the X-Type in the Jaguar of Sacramento display in Building B mezzanine is the “James Bond” XKR Jaguar.

Mini Cooper goes topless this year, adding a convertible to their line-up. Cross Mini with convertible and a cute car just gets even cuter. Mini will be displaying their full line up in Building B at Cal Expo.

Also going convertible for 2005 in the Chrysler display are two popular models, the PT Cruiser and the Crossfire. The Crossfire is also offered in an SRT6 model, a high-performing version of this best-seller.

Mercury introduces two new vehicles for the2005, the mid-size SUV Mariner, and a brand new sedan, the Mercury Montego.

If exotic cars are to your taste, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, and Rolls Royce are making a rare Sacramento appearance in the Silicon Valley Auto Group display in Building C. Also highlighting that exhibit will be Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, retailing for over $300,000.

Race cars meet new cars at the 2005 Sacramento International Auto Show when more than two thousand horsepower will be on display in the Infineon Raceway Booth in Building A. In addition to several dragsters and racecars, Infineon will be showcasing Santa Rosa resident Jim Murphy's Orchard Supply Hardware Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragster. Also in the Infineon Raceway display will be information on the upcoming 2005 season, which will be highlighted by the first road-course race in the history of the IRL IndyCar Series as well as the Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.

New this year to the 2005 Sacramento International Auto Show is Hot Rod Alley, hosted by Roseville Rod & Custom. The display, located in the walkway between Cal Expo Buildings D and C, features the hottest in aftermarket automotive accessories and customizing. The vehicles on display include the 1946 Buick Super Convertible, winner of the 2003 Custom Sweepstakes Award at the Grand National Roadster Show.

Motorcycle enthusiasts won't want to the miss Hog Heaven, located in Building D. The display which is hosted by Harley Davidson of Folsom and Rocklin, features a dozen motorcycles from both Harley Davidson and Buell. The 2005 models will be on display including the Softail Deluxe, Road King Custom and Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Also on display are Harley Davidson accessories for bike and home.

The Towe Auto Museum is displaying vehicles on loan from their collection at the Sacramento International Auto Show. These collector cars reflect part of the spectrum of vehicles on display at the museum and include service vehicles, touring vehicles and luxury vehicles from 1914 to 1947. Included in this display is a 1935 Ford Deluxe Panel Delivery Truck owned by Dale Sandman of Sacramento . This beautifully restored V-8 was one of 16 specially equipped training units dispatched from Ford Motor Company in Dearborn , Michigan to visit Ford Dealers around the country to familiarize their mechanics with the latest maintenance technology. This and other Towe Auto Museum vehicles can be found on the mezzanine of Building A.

The Horseless Carriage Club of America, El Dorado Regional Group, is presenting Horseless Carriages from 1907-1915. Their display, located in Building D, includes a 1907 Tourist Model N five-passenger touring car, priced new at $2650. This car, additionally unique because it was manufactured in Los Angeles and not in Detroit , is the oldest known 4-cylinder Tourist car.

Kids are also the stars at the 2005 Sacramento International Auto Show in the Comcast Kid's Zone. Face painters, clowns, games and a tricycle track will entertain the children, and also in that display the California Highway Patrol will be creating free child identification cards for parents. Sunday the Kid's Zone will feature costume characters, and on that day children 18 and under are free from 12-6pm .

 

cool!

 

You can read my review of the car show here... Just got back from it... Those coming from out of town, you may want to read it first...

Car Show Review