Auto Show Rolls Back Into Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Lexus showman Zachary Schafer welcomed visitors to the new Lexus super sports car, the IFA, on display at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
KDKA Money Editor Jon Delano was there to check out all the new models, from the economical to the luxury.
Shafer: "[The IFA] is going to start out at $375,000."
Delano: "$375,000?"
Shafer: "Yeah, if you want, I can put you in for one or two."
Well, it's fun to dream, which is what the auto show is all about -- looking for that special car. This year, five manufacturers will let you ride and drive cars from the convention center.
John Putzier of the Greater Pittsburgh Auto Dealers Association says the "ride and drive" is a unique opportunity for visitors.
"That seems to be a really popular feature at the auto shows this year."
The show adds something every year. Back in 1958 at the Hunt Armory, cars were on display along with a fashion show for women.
Today, women buy cars like the men, and the show is a family affair with more than 50,000 attendees expected.
"The bulk come on Saturday and Sunday, so that's why it's crowded," Putzier says. "We recommend half-price Monday, Presidents Day. It's cheaper and less crowded."
To help the crunch, the Rivers Casino has free parking with a shuttle bus to the show.
Rivers Casino spokesman Matt Stewart says the shuttle bus is great deal.
"It's completely free. You must be 21 to get onto Rivers Casino property, but we feel it's a great benefit for both ourselves as well as the auto show," Stewart says.
And as the official sponsor, the Rivers is also giving away some muscle cars at the casino.
At least 25 manufacturers with more than 700 cars will be on display and some offer special deals.
Ford Regional Sales Manager John Schuldt says deals on new cars will not be in short supply.
Schuldt: "There's a thousand dollars of auto-show bonus cash on almost every new Ford vehicle that we make."
Delano: "A thousand dollars?"
Schuldt: "A thousand dollars over and above the incentives we have in place."
And then there are lots of new auto upgrades to check out.
One unique feature of the 2013 Ford Escape is that as long as you have your key fob in your pocket, you simply use your leg when your hands are full of boxes in order to open the rear hatch. With a kick of the foot, the hatch opens. You put the boxes inside. Then use your leg again to close it.
Whatever kind of car suits your fancy, from some old classics to some classy new, the 2012 Auto Show has something for everyone.
And if you're in hurry, try the Lexus IFA.
"Zero to sixty in 3.6 seconds," says Schafer.
Tickets are $10, half price on Monday. Children 12 and under are free.
Hours:
Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday-Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission Information:
General Admission: $10
Seniors 60+: $8 every day
Children 12 & under: free
Military with ID: $8 every day
Other Information:
The family-friendly show features a number of attractions, including a Classic Car Display, a NASCAR Simulator, raffles, face painting, a balloon artist and visits from the Steely McBeam, Iceburgh and the Pirate Parrot, plus much more.
Some of the vehicles on display include the Ford Escape, Fusion, Mustang and Taurus, the 2012 Honda CRV, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid, plus motorcycles and ATVs and Herbie the Love Bug!
RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh International Auto Show
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