You don’t have to be a car fan to attend the 40th Annual Twin Cities Auto Show. Those just wanting to get out and about, hoping to forget about the snow and think spring, it behooves you to stop on by.
Where else can you get in and out (quite literally) of all sorts of dealers without being hounded by salesmen? All your favorite automakers are here in one convenient setting. The only thing you have to face is the crowds, as there are plenty waiting to sneak in some seat-time.
There were plenty of new muscle cars on display. Ford brought a new Mustang GT/CS (for California Special) model. Like the original version from ’68 that inspired it, this ‘Stang had special stripes and wheels, along with a vented hood. The GT500, requisite in Shelby White, looked awesome, separating itself in both performance and looks even from the so-called standard Mustang 5.0 GT.
In the Dodge vicinity, a 4-door Charger was parked, though it was a plain V6 model. If you wanted some more looks to go with added oomph, there was a black Challenger SRT8 392 Hemi V8 model. And, boy, did the crowd swarm in and around the SRT like it was Christmas.
Noticeably absent from the field, however, were two highly-anticipated new models from Chevy: the 2014 Corvette Stingray and the ’13 Chevrolet SS 4-door sedan. Alas, Minneapolis (as usual) was again left out in the cold.
You’d think the next-gen C7 Corvette would’ve been the Official Car of the 2013 Auto Show. Instead, the Audi A4 took the honors. Though a fine car, the Audi A4 isn’t the type of ride that makes waves, something the Auto Show (along with Detroit) should strive for. Corvettes in general are crowd favorites, and the re-designed ’14 C7 has proven a recent show-stopper. Its absence is a glaring mistake by GM.
In regards to the C7 and Chevy SS being no-shows, I heard from several disgruntled guests expecting to see both models. GM’s newest 4-door family performance car, the SS, missed a perfect opportunity to steal some attention away from the sedan segment of other competitors, such as BMW.
Confusing the matter further, Chevy and GMC both had the 2014 Silverado and Sierra in the field, though they weren't made available to the public, either. Is GM trying to say their trucks are more important than a 4-door family sedan?
For Corvette fans, a stunning ’13 ZR1 was on display. It makes no sense, however, to have a hyped model such as the ZR1 locked and/or on a turnstile (take note Shelby GT500). Especially next to a Camaro ZL1, with all access allowed. If it’s not a concept car, then let the public have at it. Let the consumer compare and contrast the outgoing and incoming models. Like any good retailer, get the merchandise in the people’s hands and let them decide. It’s a simple as that.
In comparison, Camp Jeep provided a great hands-on approach so coveted by car show fans. An off-road course for test drives, Camp Jeep was a site to behold. Guests could pilot a Jeep model up and over a mountain, a steep grade that no doubt wouldn't made a great vantage point to snap pictures. While many waited patiently for their turn in 4WD, the kids went next door for rock climbing sessions, too.
A roped-off section for classic cars greeted guests in Hall E next to Music stage. There were several nostalgic time machines for your viewing pleasure, including a convertible Caddie, a ’32 Ford pickup truck, and several show-worthy Corvettes. Marilyn Monroe and Dolly Parton look-a-likes even posed for pictures.
For more information on the 2013 Twin Cities Auto Show held March 9-17 in the Minneapolis Convention Center, click here:
http://twincitiesautoshow.com/
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