A plethora of cars from the Ferrari 360 Modena to the Toyota Prius filled the Fresno Convention Center downtown on Nov. 2-4. For the third consecutive year, over 30 domestic and import manufacturers showcased their cars at the Motor Trend-sponsored Central California Auto Show.
High-end exotics, concept cars, hybrids, redesigned models and ultra high-end million dollar sports cars sponsored by duPont Registry occupied the 133,500 sq. ft. convention center, attracting innumerable crowds.
?I really enjoyed the Mercedes-Benz showcase with the two-seater AMG Kompressor,? Phillip Neal, ?09, said. ?It had a nice engine and probably had the highest top speed in the room.?
With displays in the Expo Hall, Valdez Hall and, new for this year, the Selland Arena, viewers were allowed to inspect and even sit in cars from Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, Ford and others.
?It?s always interesting to see people?s expressions when they sit behind the wheel of a $200,000 sports car and imagine themselves owning one,? Brent Logan, Lexus representative, said. ?It?s something you don?t get to do every day.?
While most stereotypical hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid have ruled the market, Lexus has introduced three all-new hybrid designs to their arsenal, including the GS, which starts at $54,900 and boasts 22 mpg in the city.
?Our GS is less expensive than the $104,000 LS hybrid and offers 330 horsepower with a 0-60 time of about 5.4 seconds,? Logan said. ?The fact that you can actually lift the hood, look at the engine, and sit in the driver?s seat allows the buyer a feel for the car before any purchase is made.?
For those interested in a less expensive hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid has been revamped with a stylish interior, optional LCD display, and 197 horsepower with a price of $28,000.
?I wouldn?t mind owning a hybrid, especially a new one,? Michael Bowin, ?08, said. ?As long as it saves me money on gas and can make it up to 70 mph, I?m fine with it.?
Despite gas prices reaching $3.30 a gallon, some continue to prefer high-performance sports cars like the re-released Mustang Shelby GT 500 that boasts 500 horsepower and only a $43,000 price tag.
?The GT 500 seems to be one of the most sought-after cars for Mustang enthusiasts,? Stephanie Reynolds, Ford representative, said. ?It?s lineage from the 70?s made it famous with Carol Shelby?s signature touches, and the new model for 2008 boasts the same features in an all new appeal.?
Since insurance rates prohibit the average teenager from owning a high-horsepower sports car, the show offers teens a glimpse at cars that few drive, let alone own.
?My favorite car was the Mustang GT 500 because it has great looks and a supercharged V-8,? Bowin said, ?It?s hard to find a sports car with that kind of horsepower and such a famous reputation for less than $50,000.?
Though available to the public in early 2008, the GT 500 may prove difficult to find on the streets or in the dealerships.
?While most mustangs can be easily found or ordered at a local dealership, the GT 500 will be a little harder to find,? Reynolds said. ?Among all the dealerships in Fresno, you could maybe find one or two, depending on availability and time of year.?
