Fresh from the Detroit show, over 40 automakers will display 700+ cars, trucks, SUVs and mini-vans in over 9 acres of the DC Convention Center.

Focusing on new technology and alternative fuels, one of the highlights should be Toyota’s interactive exhibit promoting their hybrid technology – Highway to the Future – Mobile Hybrid Experience.

A highlight of the show for me, being a life-long sports car owner, is always the super-expensive and super-powered exotic cars.

Some notables models to look for:

• Aston Martin Vanquish S – 200+ mph roadster with a massive 512 horsepower V-12 power plant.
• Bugatti 18-4 Veryon – for just over $1 Million, you too can own this hot super car
• Ferrari 599 – a 612 hp super car that gets you to 60 mph in under 4 seconds, for about $250,000 and a two year waiting list
• The $300K Lamborghini Murcielago that looks fast just standing still
• BMW Hydrogen 7 – the first gas or hydrogen powered luxury car

If you can’t afford a couple hundred grand for a new exotic, check out the Automotive Urban Restyln’ Salon. to see the hippest automotive add-ons, accessories and trends to, as they say, “pimp your ride”.

A couple well known cars also get upgrades, including the introduction of the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever built, the 500 hp Shelby 500 and Honda is showing the new natural gas powered Honda Civic GX.

Now if you’re not a a big big car fan, the show will also have lots of celebrities making appearances, signing autographs and showing off their talents, including:

• Washington Redskins players and cheerleaders
• Washing Wizards players and Dance Team
• Actor Gary Sinese, who is best known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan in the movie Forest Gump 
• The Black Widow billiards champion, Jeanette Lee (pool demonstration)
• Harlem Globetrotter’s Curley Neal
• Freddy Adu, the world’s youngest professional soccer player
• World Poker champ Antonio Esfandiari showing off card trips and poker tips
• Sponge Bob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer and Spiderman
• America’s Tip Model winner – Danielle Evans
• Soap stars from All My Children and General Hospital
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF) stars

There will aso be a few fun contests, give-aways and other events, including a change to win new Mercedes or play in The Price is Right game show Showcase.

The strangest contest is a “hands-on” marathon that sounds similar to waiting in line for the latest X-Box at Christmas time. In order to win car for a charity of their choice, participants must remain in contact with a car until no other participant is left. Deciding the winner could take up to five days!

The 65th Washington Auto Show
New Washington Convention Center
810 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Washington, DC, 20001

Dates – January 24-28

Hours – 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., except Sunday when the show closes at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets – $10.00 ($2 military discount with ID), seniors $8.00, kids 6-16 $5.00, and under 6 free.
- Various discounts will be available, including in The Washington Post and online and at participating local Subway restaurants

Nearest Metro subway station – Mt. Vernon Square – Yellow line, is at the Convention Center

Parking – metered street parking is available but tough to find, area garages are your best solution if driving.

Photo credits: all photos courtesy of manufacturers.
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Post from: The DC Traveler