Where else can you freely climb in and of and learn about hundreds of brand new cars all under the same roof? At your local friendly auto show of course. The 2012 Denver Auto Show is promising to be one of the largest in recent years. More than three dozen different manufacturers will be displaying their latest models throughout the sprawling 500,000 square foot main hall of the Colorado Convention Center.
The Denver Auto Show starts on March 21st and goes until March 25th in downtown Denver.
Although this show does not have the international clout of Detroit or New York, it dates back to 1902 which makes the Denver Auto Show five year older than Detroit’s and just 2 years shy of nation’s oldest New York show. This years show slots neatly in the middle between Geneva and New York major international shows. Since this show is not double booked with New York’s, it should allow manufacturers a chance to bring to Denver some of glamorous concepts already revealed this year in Detroit, Chicago, and Geneva. Also, lets keep our fingers crossed for the new Lamborghini Aventador to make an appearance as well.
As in previous years, there will be an Aftermarket area with many customized vehicles, accessories, tools, and many other aspects of the automotive hobby. Of note are SCCA’s Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb interactive simulator, custom and celebrity cars from Dub Show Tour, and classic car display from LeMay Museum. Camp Jeep indoor Off Road Experience is back this year. Camp Jeep allows show goers to ride along in several latest Jeep models over, up, and down very carefully designed terrain that is meant to highlight Jeep’s impressive off road capabilities. This experience is bouncy and fun!
There will also be plenty of opportunity to actually get behind the wheel and drive some of the cars on a short loop around downtown Denver: Drive Event. All you need to do is show a valid driver’s license, sign a liability form, and prove your complete sobriety by blowing into a breathalyzer. Please take note that Cadillac will have their V-series performance cars on hand, although downtown traffic and speed limits will not allow you to stretch the legs of all the 550+ hp. The outdoor drive event has a no sales pressure atmosphere and you can ask any questions of the manufacturer representative that’s riding shotgun. By the way, you may bring one or more friends with you for a ride as well.
This year’s show will also have something completely new – a Career Fair! Yes, Automotive Industry is hiring again! There will be a designated Career Fair area with clear signage and booths manned by car manufacturers, various suppliers, and service providers.
So if you are in the hunt for a job in this industry, don’t forget to bring your resume. There is also a new website www.showweekdenver.com and a YouTube channel DriveDenver. Please visit the new website or the older one for show times, discounts, tickets, and more details.
Hours include:
Wednesday, March 21, 6-10PM
Thursday, March 22, 5-10PM
Friday, March 23, 12-10PM
Saturday, March 24, 10AM-10PM
Sunday, March 25, 10AM-6PM
Andre Smirnov is a Software Engineer by trade and a life-long automotive enthusiast. On the weekends – you may find him at a car show, an auction, watching a race, or tinkering in the garage. When not working or spending time with the family – he often scours the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
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