For many auto enthusiasts, the end of summer means there are only a few weekends left until they have to garage their prized ride through the winter. But cold weather shouldn't stop you from getting your gearhead fix. In fact, there are still several high profile auto shows left in 2016 and one at the start of 2017 that should provide plenty of automotive fodder to get anyone through the winter.
I spoke with Richard Reina, product training director of CARiD.com and an auto enthusiast for more than 30 years, and he picked out the four auto shows that will be sure to bring some hot new rides and products during the cold months of winter.
Paris Motor Show - October 1-16 2016 - Paris, France. The excitement around this year's Paris Motor show is all about new models and designs from manufacturers like Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. Whereas much of the buzz in years past has been centered on diesel powered vehicles - the longtime European standard - the talk centered around the 2016 show is that electric vehicles and hybrids will dominate the show floor. Many manufacturers have put a greater emphasis on building environmentally friendly cars that have a sleek look along with enhanced performance, as the attention to global warming and the effects of vehicle emissions on the environment have become a much discussed topic worldwide.
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show - November 1-4 2016 - Las Vegas, Nevada. Paradise for lovers of aftermarket and premier specialty auto parts, SEMA is kicking off in Las Vegas in a month. Last year's show featured 2,500 new products, tools, and parts, and 2016 is sure to excite with areas like Hot Rod Alley, racing and performance, mobile electronics and technology, and wheels and accessories. If you loved Fast & the Furious, you'll love SEMA, as it is home to some of the coolest car technology and products on the planet. Check out some photos from last year's event for an idea of what you'll miss if you don't head out to Vegas in November.
Los Angeles Auto Show - November 18-27 2016 - Los Angeles, California. One of the oldest auto shows around, and still one of the most influential. All of the largest manufacturers attend, as well as aftermarket and product companies. Take a peek into The Garage for a look at the newest and most popular specialty accessories, and some of the craziest car customizations you'll ever see from DUB. Last year's debuts included the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, the 2016 Honda Civic coupe, and the 2016 Mazda CX-9. There will also be an announcement of the winner of the AutoMobility LA startup competition, which chooses the most innovative companies working at the intersection of transportation and technology.
North American International Auto Show - January 8-22, 2017 - Detroit, Michigan. A huge auto show to kick off the new year in what is considered the home of auto manufacturing - Detroit. Last year's show debuted 61 different vehicles to the world. The show's kickoff charity event, The Gallery, allows attendees to view a $7 million collection of some of the finest cars ever made, including models from Bentley, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, and Aston Martin. Past NAIA debuts have included the Chevrolet Bolt concept, the Ford F-150 Raptor, and the Infiniti Q60.
It may almost be time to pack up your ride for the winter, but there are plenty of great ways to get your car fix throughout the next couple of months.