A Plug for the 2009 Denver Auto Show

Come to the wild Rocky Mountains and see some cars!

By: Nathan Adlen

I don’t normally push Denver events on Automobile.com readers as I know this blog is posted internationally; but, being that Denver has had an auto show since 1902 (longer than any other city in the United States), I thought I would let you folks know about it.

At a mile above sea level, cars perform a little differently on our roads (which is why I take performance cars I’m testing to higher AND lower elevations) and Colorado has had a unique automotive history.

Did you know that nearly every German automaker tests their vehicles in Colorado (specifically within driving distance of Denver)? Many Japanese automakers do too. Why? It’s based on our variety of unique climates, roads and altitude rolled into one. You can drive on sweet, curvy back roads, bumper to bumper city traffic and speed along on flat highways – all in the same day.

Yup, I love living in Denver as an automobile enthusiast. We even have a brand new, world class road racing circuit (High Plains Raceway) off road courses and a drag strip! Hell, we even have dunes at the southern end of Colorado.

Please pardon my enthusiasm; I just wanted to explain my posting of the press release this week as opposed to a car review. If you happen to be in my fair city between April 1^st to April 5^th 2009 why not stop by?

You’ll find me there on the 1^st and possibly 2^nd day.

Here’s the press release:

See the hottest, award-winning new cars and trucks at the 2009 Denver Auto Show, April 1-5

Featuring: “Car of the Year,” “Green” Cars and more than 500 Vehicles

DENVER, Colo., March 9, 2009 – Despite the challenges in today’s auto industry, the major domestic and import manufacturers have committed to showcasing their newest and award-wining cars, vans, light trucks, and sport utilities at the 2009 Denver Auto Show April 1- 5 at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. Tens of thousands daily are expected to attend this year’s show.

From fuel economy to room, style and performance, many of the more than 500 vehicles will be seen for the first time in Denver. The lineup includes crossovers, hybrids, classic cars, hot rods, exotics, luxury, and the latest in “green cars.”

All the 2009 models will be featured – including the “Car of the Year” the Hyundai Genesis; and the 2009 “Green Car of the Year” the VW Jetta Clean Diesel, plus the VW Passat CC, Audi Q5 and the Smart Car. Visitors also will get peeks into selected 2010 “intro” models including the Ford Mustang, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Chevy Camaro. Another first for Denver will be the new exotic car, Q1 by Rossion.

Domestic and imported vehicle brands on display include: Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Saturn, Saab, Cadillac, Hummer, Toyota, Pontiac, Buick, Lincoln Mercury, Dodge, Kia, Acura, VW, Hyundai, Jeep, Scion, Honda, Subaru, Mini, Mazda, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, Volvo, Lexus and Mercedes Benz.

The show also offers a custom styling and accessories showcase, and “tricked out” cars which have been modified for speed or aesthetics, or both. And, for the first time, visitors can enjoy a kids’ fun area.

The 2009 Denver Auto Show is presented by the Metro Denver Automobile Dealers Association (MDADA). The Denver Auto Show is the largest new car display between the Mississippi River and Los Angeles. It’s also one of the oldest auto shows in the nation having begun in 1902.

HOURS, TICKETS AND INFORMATION

Show hours: 5-9pm, Wednesday and Thursday; noon – 10pm, Friday; 10am-10pm, Saturday; and 10am-6pm, Sunday.

Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 7-12; Free for 6 and under. Wednesday is Seniors Day. Seniors 65+ are admitted free with a photo ID.

For information, please call 1-888-704-4199, or visit www.DenverAutoShow.com.