COLUMBUS – Coming off a seven-year run of sales growth after nearly bottoming out during the recession, the auto industry puts some of its best products on display in downtown Columbus this weekend.
The Columbus International Auto Show, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High Street, March 16th – 19th. Hours: Thurs. and Fri., March 16-17, Noon – 9 p.m. Sat., March 18, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission: Adults (10 +) $10 at the box office, $8 online. Students with ID $5. Seniors 55+ $5 at the box office on Senior Day Friday, March 17, Children 9 and under free when accompanied by an adult.
This year’s show features models from more than 34 manufacturers, including the highly anticipated Audi Q5 and Porsche Panamera and the car billed as the world’s fastest Corvette, CarlyleRacing’s 3000hp, twin-turbo drag car that reaches 228 mph in just 6.54 seconds.
The show also includes the Drive Electric Showcase, three electric plug-in vehicles presented by Clean Fuels Ohio featuring the Nissan LEAF all-electric vehicle (pictured), Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
New this year, drivers over 18 can drive some Toyota and Subaru models and the Nissan Leaf from the showroom outside and back.
Distracted driving simulators, sponsored by Maria’s Message and WBNS 10-TV are intended to call attention to a growing safety problem.
On Accessory Avenue, car fanatics can design a “dream car” with graphics, audio and numerous custom options.