Sunday, January 12, 2014

I'd rather be zoom, zooming and sailing!



   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 11/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
   It’s auto show time in Detroit and a chance to put some “summer” into the winter at the boat show in Toronto.
   These are the big shows for doers and dreamers looking for the hottest wheels on the road and the coolest watercraft on the lake.

The beginning of the journey – a 1903 Ford Model A – was on display at last year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Jim Fox photo)
   Zoom, zoom
   Detroit’s biggest gala of the year is Jan. 17 when 14,000 people will get up close and personal with new cars and trucks while spending time with songstress Sheryl Crow.
   That’s when the North American International Auto Show rolls into Cobo Center (One Washington Blvd.) in the Motor City.
   “It’s going to rock,” show chairman Bob Shuman said, noting the parade of “fabulous new vehicles equipped with cutting-edge automotive technology” is back in town.
    The show, from Jan. 18 to 26, will attract about 770,000 people for its nine-day run when about 50 worldwide concept and production vehicles will be unveiled.
   Automakers confirming vehicle debuts are Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, VL Automotive, Volkswagen and Volvo.
   It’s the place to “kick the tires” on more than 500 new vehicles representing the innovations of the worldwide auto industry.
Writer Jim Fox tries the Porsche Boxster convertible on for size at the auto show gala. (Barbara Fox photo)
   The Charity Preview gala is a “black-tie” affair to mix and mingle with the autos before the crush of the public show days.
   It’s next Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. after which singer, songwriter Sheryl Crow will perform in the new Detroit Riverfront Cobo Atrium.
   Over at Hyundai’s exhibit, the Commodores will perform in their fine Motown style.
   Gala tickets are $350 US, which includes admission to the concert, and benefits Michigan children’s charities. charitypreview.com; 1-888-838-7500
It’s an evening of glitz, glamour and shiny new wheels at the auto show gala. (Jim Fox photo)
   After the gala, “afterglow” parties are held throughout the city including one called Studio 25 at Cobo to “celebrate Detroit, the auto industry and the 25th anniversary” of the show.
   To be held in Cobo’s new Grand Riverview Ballroom, there will be entertainment by Fifty Amp Fuse, dancing, ice bars, gourmet food stations and other fun. Tickets are $150; (248) 643-0250.
   Public show hours are Jan. 18 to 25, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $13 US, adults; $7, seniors and children seven to 12; free, six and younger. www.naias.com; (248) 643-0250
   Make it a Metro Detroit getaway: www.visitdetroit.com; 1-800- DETROIT

   Think summer
   After a tough period of wintry weather, warm up at the Toronto International Boat show on today through Jan. 19.
   The 56th annual show, called Canada’s largest, most popular marine marketplace, has dropped anchor at the Direct Energy Centre (100 Princes’ Blvd.) in Exhibition Place.
Many of the activities at the Toronto International Boat take place on The Lake.
   “Bring the entire family for a fun-filled day of on-water boating activities, boat rides, wakeboarding and boat-handling demonstrations on the world’s largest indoor lake,” said publicist Tran Nguyen.
   There are children’s fishing and boating activities, 140 seminars and vendors with the latest yachts, boats, kayaks, canoes, watersports equipment and marine accessories.
   Duma the dog, who wakeboards and drives a boat, is back to show-off again on The Lake containing 4.5-million litres of Lake Ontario water.
   Other “new and exciting” features are the Water Walkers – walking on water inside a plastic bubble – stand-up paddle board fitness demos, the return of Winter Wake Fest and Viking boat races.
   The Great Canadian Fish Tank, a 12.2-metre long aquarium, provides a fish-eye view of Ontario marine life with demonstrations on how to “catch the big one.”
Boats in every shape and size are on display at the Toronto show.
   The Discover Boating Centre is where to find a boat to fit a lifestyle and budget along with information on courses and boating destinations.
   Show hours are Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
   Admission is $18 for ages 17 to 64; $15, seniors, 65 and older; no charge for children to age 16 with an adult; $20, weekday pass, 4 p.m. to close; $25, two-day adult pass; and $19, two-day senior pass. www.TorontoBoatShow.com; (905) 951-0009

www.torontosun.com/2014/01/08/auto-boat-shows-coming-to-detroit-and-toronto
www.ottawasun.com/2014/01/08/auto-boat-shows-coming-to-detroit-and-toronto 
                                                                                
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca

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