One-Tank Trip for
Jan. 9/16
(c) By Jim Fox
Get your motor
running for too much fun on wheels with cars and trucks in Detroit, the big
truck “Monster Jam” in Toronto and motorcycle super show in Mississauga.
It’s the Motor
City’s big party night of the year when glitz and glitter combine for the Charity
Preview of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) next Friday (Jan.
15).
The lavishly expanded
Cobo Center in downtown Detroit will host 15,000 formally clad auto aficionados
to be wined and dined while checking out the latest models.
 |
| Hamming it up for photos beside a $235,000 Bentley at the auto show. (Jim Fox photo) |
It’s the annual black-tie
prelude to the auto show’s public days from Jan. 16 to 24.
The show will have
more than 40 worldwide and North American “vehicle reveals”
and features 750 new cars and trucks, making it one of the most
prestigious auto events in the world.
“The
industry is truly firing on all cylinders and that will be reflected at this
year’s show,” said Paul Sabatini, 2016 NAIAS chairman.
 |
| Writer Jim Fox checks out a Porsche Boxster convertible at the auto show’s Charity Preview. (Barbara Fox photo) |
“Attendees
will see the most global reveals of any auto show in North America and
experience them amidst automaker exhibits that are either completely new or
significantly enhanced,” he added.
The Automotive News
says the show will focus on luxury vehicles and crossovers.
BMW and
Mercedes-Benz will unveil several vehicles while Porsche, Lexus, Infiniti,
Volvo, Audi, Lincoln and Hyundai’s new Genesis brand will join the luxury
parade, it says.
 |
| A night of glitz and glitter at the Detroit auto show gala. (Jim Fox photo) |
As well, GMC, BMW
and possibly Audi will unveil new or redesigned crossovers, while the
redesigned Honda Ridgeline pickup will make its global debut.
The sneak gala-goers
pay $400 US each and sip complimentary champagne, wash down hors d’oeuvres and
are entertained by the Huey Lewis and the News.
It’s the night for
afterglow parties and the one at Cobo is Studio 25 in the three-storey,
glass-enclosed riverfront atrium and Grand Riverview Ballroom.
There will be
gourmet food and drink, and music by Fifty Amp Fuse. Tickets are $150 US.
 |
| Vehicles of all shapes, sizes and colours are at the Detroit auto show including this Chevrolet Volt hybrid-electric car. (Barbara Fox photo) |
The public show attracts
800,000 people to view the new models and learn about the “re-envisioned
automobile” of the future.
Tickets cost $13
US; $7, seniors/children, seven to 12; free, ages six and younger. naias.com; (248) 643-0250.
Detroit Metro
Convention and Visitors Bureau: visitdetroit.com;
1-800-DETROIT.
Monster of a show
The “biggest
performers on four wheels” are ready to roll into Toronto for Monster Jam on Jan.
16 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Rogers Centre.
“Here’s the chance
to see 16 massive Monster Jam trucks including fan favourites Northern
Nightmare, Grave Digger and Scooby Doo,” said publicist Beth Merrick for Feld
Motor Sports.
 |
| Northern Nightmare flies through the air at Monster Jam. |
These custom-designed
machines sit atop huge tires and weigh 10,000 pounds and more.
Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, they generate up to 2,000 horsepower as they race around the track and fly through the air.
Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, they generate up to 2,000 horsepower as they race around the track and fly through the air.
There’s the Party
in the Pits that gives fans a chance to see the trucks up close, meet drivers,
take pictures and get autographs.
It will be held
from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. before the Jan. 16 performance and 10:30 a.m. to noon before
the Jan. 17 show.
 |
| Scooby Doo is back at this year's show |
Tickets range from
$20 to $135 ($5 more on the day of the show), with pit passes costing $10. monsterjamcanada.ca; 1-855-985-5000
The jam roars in
London on Feb. 27 and 28 at Budweiser Gardens and Hamilton’s
FirstOntario Centre on April 23 and 24.
Happening now
The 40th annual
North American International Motorcycle Supershow is on this weekend at the
International Centre (6900 Airport Rd.)
The show is featuring the Century of
Motorcycles display with 50 “hand-picked” bikes representing the machine’s
evolution over the past 100 years.
 |
| Vintage machines are on display at the motorcycle show in Mississauga. |
There are also vintage
clubs such as the Mods and Rockers, Ontario Norton Owners and Grand Valley Model
Car.
Along with Paul
Teutul Jr., motorcycle designer and builder, will be Roli and Horny Mike from
TV’s Counting Cars to meet and greet.
The show runs until
9 p.m. today (Saturday) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20; $5,
ages six to 12; free to age five. motorcyclesupershow.ca;
1-888-661-7469
-30-
Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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