COLUMBUS, Ohio – If it’s on four wheels, you will probably find it – or some variation of it – at the Columbus International Auto Show, which rolls into the Greater Columbus Convention Center this weekend.
Columbus International Auto Show: The Greater Columbus Convention Center: Thurs., March 19 – Sun., March 22. Hours: Thur-Fri Noon-9 PM; Sat 10 AM-9 PM; Sun 10AM-6 PM. $10 per adult at the box office, $8 online; $5 per student with student ID; Children 9-under free with paying adult; Senior Day (55 +) $5 on Friday.
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The show will feature the latest technology, designs, and innovations and the newest makes and models for 2015 and beyond from 43 carmakers.
This year’s show also marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Columbus Automobile Dealers Association, which boasts 85 member dealers.
Those dealers have been enjoying an upswing in car buying, seven years after a crippling recession that nearly put the Big Three U.S. manufacturers on the ropes. According to Huntington Bank’s 2015 Midwest Economic Index, 16 percent of consumers plan to buy a car this year, an 8 percent increase in Ohio from last year.
Among the highlights of the show:
Racing enthusiasts will be able to take a photo with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 Nationwide Chevy SS and test their on-track skills in the NASCAR racing simulator.
The three Ugliest Cars in Columbus will be on display and voted on at the show. The winner, which will be announced Sunday, will receive a 2015 Honda Accord.
There will be chances to test-drive the 2015 Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-5 or CX-9 and Ford F-150 through downtown Columbus and to ride shotgun in a RAM 1500 or 3500 with a professional up a mountain, side hill, rocks and logs in the RAM Off Road Experience.
The Infiniti Red Bull Formula 1 race car, the RB11 will be on display, as will one-of-a-kind exotics, manufacturer prototypes, and classic cars.
Alfa Romeo, Indian Motorcycles, Mercedes-Benz, Polaris and Victory Motorcycles will have displays at the show for the first time.
Featured models at this year’s show include the 2016 Aston Martin 2015 DB9 Volante, 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2016 Buick Cascada convertible, 2016 Lincoln MKX, 2016 Ford Explorer, 2015 Ford Edge, 2015 Ford F150, 2015 Hyundai Toco-tuned Genesis, 2016 Acura MDX, 2016 Acura RDX, and 2016 Honda HR-V.
For non-car people, the Adventure Zone features a rock-climbing wall, COSI science stations, crafts with American Girl, appearances by The Ohio Machine professional lacrosse players, face painting, and Columbus Zoo animals.
Basketball fans will be able to grab a drink and check in on NCAA tournament games in the March Madness Lounge.