video: 2016 Portland Auto Show

Thursday, January 28, 2016
Brad Boyer, GoLocalPDX Auto Expert

See all your favorite car makers and models at the Portland International Auto Show; via the Portland International Auto Show Facebook page

For over 100 years, the best place to view the newest cars and trucks in the area has always been the International Portland Auto Show. The show that starts this Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Oregon Convention Center is no exception. A long way from those early humble beginnings, the Portland Metro New Car Dealers will showcase over 400 brand new cars, trucks and concept vehicles. The Portland show has gained national attention as the regional show with the most buzz. Coming on the heels of the LA and Detroit big, national launch shows, Portland gets to showcase a number of the newest, coolest vehicles. 

The 2016 show promises to raise the bar in nearly every area. The doors open to the public at 10:00 am on Thursday and if past experience is an indicator, there should be big lines. Portland isn’t expected to face East Coast snowstorms as it did a couple years ago. 

There is definitely something for everyone at the show. It includes Ride and Drives with a record 12 different events. The most exciting and challenging will be the Land Rover Discovery Sport Experience which offers attendees the hands-on experience of real off-roading in the city. Land Rover of Portland has designed an off-road course in the middle of the plaza across the street from the convention center. There, participants will get to drive with Land Rover off road instructors. The course won’t push the amazing new Discover Sport to its limits but it will still offer quite the challenge. 

Other activities besides the amazing sheet metal and technology on display include the Luxury Lofts where the luxury brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and others reside; the Tech Center where guests can see how close we are to autonomous cars and what other amazing tech features are available on regular production vehicles and Race Garage showcasing true horsepower with race cars and motorcycles.

There are events throughout for the entire family. Trailblazer Kids Clinics will have specialists on hand for 30-minute sessions of fun with Trailblazer alumni and teaching staff. The Holladay Street Lobby officially becomes the kids zone during the PIAS. Face painting, tattoos, balloon artists and more will great kids of all ages. 

If that wasn’t enough enticement to go to the show, the will be a New Car Giveaway. Sponsored by the Metro New Car Dealers Association, attendees can enter a drawing to win a new 2016 Toyota Prius. On Sunday, one of four finalists will win the car. 

The real stars of the show are the cars and trucks. From high-performance cars like the Charger Hellcat to the latest electric vehicles to concepts and just Cool cars, there will be something for everyone. The show floor will be filled with 2016 and 2017 vehicles, the cream of the crop from the world’s automakers, including customized creations and special limited run editions. Just a few of the vehicles that you can expect to see are:

From FCA:

          -Dodge Charger Hellcat, Chrysler Pacifica HD (just unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show), Jeep Africa concept vehicle

From BMW:

          -I8, M3, M4 Coupe, M4 Convertible, M5, M6 Coupe, M6 Convertible, M6GC, 750 Individual, XM5

From Ford / Lincoln: 

          -2017 Ford Fusion, 2017 Lincoln MKZ, 2017 Ford Focus RS, 2017 Ford Super Duty, 2017 Ford Escape, 2017 Lincoln Continental

From General Motors:

          -Buick Envision, Cadillac ATS-V (one of 99 made), Chevy Corvette ZO6, Chevy Volt, GMC Canyon Diesel

From Hyundai:

          -Hyundai Tucson Adventuremobile SEMA vehicle

From Kia:

          -Kia Sorento PacWest Adventure SEMA vehicle

From Mercedes:

          -Mercedes S Maybach, Mercedes GTS, Mercedes B-250e (electric), Metris (Utility Van)

From Toyota:

          -Toyota Back to the Future Tacoma (one of only 3 made)

From Volkswagen:

          -2017 Volkswagen Dune Beetle, 2017 Golf Sportwagon Alltrack, Volkswagen Scott Beetle

Jeff Fishback, show director,  also mentioned several special, automotive related activities that patrons will enjoy. The Autobots Optimus Prime and Galvatron from the Tranformers 4 movie will make an appearance at the show, with a life-sized Optimus Prime available for photos. 

Also, in the Ferrari exhibit, you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari California T Roadster for a photo. Come early, as the lines are sure to be long for this one. This rare opportunity is courtesy of Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo.

For tickets and more information, watch the video below check out the Portland Auto Show website.