TAMPA BAY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Hundreds of New Cars, NASCAR Drivers,
Spider-Man and More
TAMPA, FL - The Tampa Bay International
Auto Show will offer the residents of the Tampa/St. Petersburg
area their first look at the latest automotive designs and
technological advancements. Open to the public from Thursday,
November 14 through Sunday, November 17, 2002, at the Tampa
Convention Center, the show will feature hundreds of 2003-model
vehicles, 2004 pre-production models, concept cars, exotic
cars and "green" cars. In addition, the show will feature
Kids Day, two NASCAR driver appearances and the chance to
win an all-new Mini Cooper.
"This auto show is designed to create a friendly,
no pressure arena for consumers to inspect and compare all
the latest models all under one roof, in a non-selling environment,"
said this year's Auto Show Chairman Michael Whitley. "This
year, we will showcase several unconventional methods of
transportation among the hundreds of new 2003-model vehicles
on display such as the many 'green cars' now on the market,
"Eleanor" from the movie Gone in 60 Seconds and a racecar
limousine."
From Ford and Chrysler to Toyota and Honda,
more than 35 domestic and import manufacturers will host
exciting displays showcasing the latest in performance,
style and comfort. The public is invited to sit in the driver's
seats, inspect engines and compare legroom on a host of
new vehicles.
Show-goers will also get a sneak-peek at 2004-models
yet to hit dealer showrooms including the Buick Rainier
and the GMC Envoy XUV. Among the list of auto show "must-see
2003-models" are the Honda Element, Saturn Ion and the Subaru
Baja. Attendees will not only get to check out the all-new
Mini Cooper, but will actually have the chance to win one,
courtesy of Ferman Mini of Tampa Bay and The Tampa Tribune.
Packing retro-flavor and sporty handling into an attractive
price, the Mini Cooper is one of the hottest vehicles of
2003, with waiting lists at nearly every dealership.
Other show-stoppers are the unique concept
cars gracing auto show turntables. These one-of-a-kind vehicles
include the Chrysler 300 Hemi C, Jeep Compass and Dodge
M80. Concept cars serve as test beds for out-of-this world
design ideas and forward thinking technologies. Many offer
attendees a sneak-peek at actual production vehicles of
the future.
Another hot automotive trend that you'll find
at the show is "green cars." Also known as commuter cars
and alternative fuel vehicles, these cars play an important
role in the future of the environment. Corbin Motors Daytona
Beach, Inc and Samson Motors will feature their three-wheeled,
single-seat electric vehicles known as the Sparrow. Designed
as commuter cars for inner-city drivers, these eye-catching
vehicles are fuel-efficient, registered and insured just
like motorcycles. Alternative fuel vehicles set to be on
display include the new hybrid Honda Civic, Honda Insight
and Toyota Prius.
Sure to fuel the excitement of racing fans,
two NASCAR drivers are set to appear at the show. On Thursday,
November 14, NASCAR Winston Cup Driver Sterling Marlin will
greet fans and sign autographs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Matt
Kenseth, Winston Cup driver of the #17 Dewalt Power Tools
Ford Taurus, will be visiting the show to sign autographs
on Saturday, November 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Racing enthusiasts will also enjoy the limousine
designed and painted to replicate a racecar. Currently one
of only four in existence, the limo features a black and
white interior and fiber optic lights devoted to racing,
courtesy of Racing Limos, Inc. Fans can also see "Eleanor,"
the 1967 Shelby GT500 which was driven by actor Nicolas
Cage in the movie Gone In 60 Seconds. A LeMans Prototype
racecar, courtesy of Sebring Raceway will also be on display
at the show.
The young and the young at heart are sure
to enjoy magic performances by Professor G.W. Hogwash. On
Friday, November 15, this master magician will perform some
of Master Harry Potter's favorite tricks and spells. The
entire family will enjoy Kids Day on Sunday, November 17.
All children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied
by a paying adult. In addition, Spider-Man will meet guests
and sign autographs on Kids Day from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
The 2003-Model Tampa Bay International Auto
Show is owned and presented by the Greater Tampa Bay Automobile
Dealers Association, Inc., sponsored by The Tampa Tribune
and the St. Petersburg Times, produced by Motor Trend and
managed by Liberty Productions, Inc. The show will be open
to the public Thursday, November 14 through Sunday, November
17, 2002 at the Tampa Convention Center, located at 333
South Franklin Street. Over 5,000 parking spaces are available
within three to four blocks of the Tampa Convention Center.
Show hours are Thursday and Friday, 12 noon
to 10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults (13 and over),
$4 for senior citizens (62 and over), $4 for students and
active military (with I.D.), $4 for children (seven through
12) and free for children six and under. Additional information
and discount coupons are available on the official auto
show web site, www.autoshowusa.com/tampa.
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