Some people admire any cars, but others only want to focus on the latest and greatest.
For those who need bigger reasons to get to the 2018 Philadelphia Auto Show, here are five exotic cars, five 2019 models, and a pair of special events to catch during its run at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Hooray for Hollywood
Universal Pictures
Auto show Chairman Ian Jeffery said last year’s debut of Hollywood Rides — those featured in favorite movies and TV shows — was such a hit that it’s making a return visit as well.
New vehicles featured this year include the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo; cars from the Fast and Furious movies; KITT from Knight Rider; and the beloved Tow Mater tow truck.
Why should you see them? Keep the kids motivated for a few minutes till it’s back to the adult fun.
Exotic cars and Super Cars
Jeffery said the show will have a wide variety of 2018 and even some 2019 models to view, and other draws as well.
One of those draws includes exotic cars, the kind visitors only get to dream of — and to view from behind the ropes.
Why should you see them? “It’s the largest collection in the country right now and the biggest one we’ve ever had at the auto show,” said Jeffery, owner of Volvo Cars of Fort Washington.
A pair of Bugattis
Meanwhile, in Molsheim, France, not far from Stuttgart, Bugatti has been bringing the Chiron and the Veyron to the well-heeled speed aficionados of the world.
The small but chic division of Volkswagen said it reached a 70-vehicle target of Chiron models for the 2017 model year, so we’re talking some rare stuff. Both vehicles bring a rounded look to the track.
Why should you see them? Where else will you get this close to a vehicle with more than 1,000 horsepower? And the Chiron’s W-16 creates 1,500 horsepower. Gulp. Between them, the Veyron and Chiron are valued at more than $5 million. Double gulp.
A pair of Ferraris
From Italy, Ferrari brings us the GT4Lusso and California T.
The Lusso is unusual among supercars in that three passengers can join you for a death-defying ride, if you choose. The V-12 engine will inspire excitement with 680 horsepower and a 0-100 km/H in 3.4 seconds.
The California T is a retractable hardtop two-seater that takes a slower 3.6 seconds to reach 100 km/H.
Why should you see them? The company brings under 10,000 cars to the United States each year.
Ford GT
Ford
Ha ha, a Ford supercar, you may think.
But the Ford GT has history of turning heads and wowing spectators, and it does it with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, creating a whopping 647 horsepower. Ford also uses the GT as a test bed for new technologies in performance and lightweight materials.
Why should you see it? It’s a Ford that looks like a Ferrari.
Plenty of other exotics and supercars will also be on display, including samples from McLaren, Rolls Royce, and Aston Martin. The super cars come to the show courtesy of C.F. Charities and the exotic vehicles display from Algar Ferrari, F.C. Kerbeck, and McLaren Philadelphia
But more down-to-earth vehicles will also join the show.
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt
This new hot rod takes us back to the future.
The limited-edition Mustang Bullitt celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen and the San Francisco car chase to end all car chases.
The trim level features a 5.0-liter V8 engine that makes at least 475 horsepower and 420 lbs.-ft. of torque. The top speed will be at 163 mph — 8 mph higher than the Mustang GT.
All that power will go to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission featuring the classic white cue-ball knob shifter. Visitors to the show can enjoy the 12-inch instrument cluster, Recaro black leather-trimmed seats, and green accent stitching.
Expect to see these on the roads by summer.
Why should you see it? Steve McQueen. Enough said.
2019 Ford Ranger
Another back-to-the-future moment will be the Ranger pickup, a midsize truck not seen at Ford dealers since 2011.
The segment has gotten a new jolt of life since the return of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, and has an 83 percent increase in sales since 2014, according to Ford.
The Ranger will feature the tried-and-true 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, don’t just picture one row of seats and a small, short truck. The Ranger comes in SuperCab and SuperCrewcab configurations, for lots of people and hauling as well. They’ll be available early in 2019, Ford says.
Why should you see it? Face it: You’ve missed it for the last 11 years.
2019 Ram 1500
Ram
Pickup trucks not only last a long time after you buy them, but they get fewer redesigns than the average car model.
But going 10 years between revamps? That’s almost rising to the level of the old air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle.
The Ram 1500 gets its first major overhaul since the 2009 model year, and FiatChrysler is going all out to make it something special when it appears in showrooms by spring.
Overall weight is down 225 pounds. Payload and towing are increased to 2,300 pounds and 12,750 pounds respectively.
Performance and fuel efficiency are also touted, as the 3.6-liter PentaStar V-6 gets a mild hybrid system, and the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 will create 395 horsepower.
Why should you see it? If for nothing else, relish the massive 12-inch touchscreen, something once reserved for the premium brands.
2019 Volvo XC40
Volvo
Speaking of premium brands, Volvo expands its lineup by pushing into the hot small crossover segment now populated by the Honda HRV and Mazda CX-3.
The new XC40 will bring all the best Volvo touches, like the Harman Kardon stereo and iPadlike touchscreen à la the XC90.
The XC40 will be motivated by the companywide 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but turbocharging takes the horsepower number to 248 — likely turning this little all-wheel drive in to a bit of a rocket. Volvo touts its 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space as the largest in the segment, but that’s like having the biggest small TV or the most comfortable compact couch. Someday you’ll probably wish you had something bigger.
Why should you see it? Volvos have come a long way since their yuppie ’80s days.
2019 Subaru Ascent
A new choice in the “something bigger” category comes in this all-new model from Subaru dedicated to the American market.
The small Japanese brand that taught U.S. drivers about the awesomeness of all-wheel drive is finally making room for the whole family with this seven- or eight-passenger three-row SUV.
The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will create 260 horsepower, so motivation should be easy to find.
With towing capability of up to 5,000 pounds, the Ascent will be a contender, but with just 74.2 cubic feet behind the first row, space will be at a premium. The auto show is the perfect place to find out if the Ascent — or any of the other vehicles on sale — will be the right unit for your household.
Subaru reports the Ascent will climb into showrooms in the summer.
Why should you see it? A Subaru big enough for the whole family.
Get in and ride
Yong Kim
Camp Jeep will be making a return appearance to the auto show, allowing visitors the chance to scale all manner of hills and obstacles while trained drivers pilot the tough four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Buyers wanting to get behind the wheel have a chance to test cars outside the show from BMW, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Why should you see it? A road test with less sales pressure.
DRIVE THIS
2018 Philadelphia Auto Show
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- Jan. 27-Feb. 4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekdays: Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- $14 (Age 13-61), $7 (7-12, 62-plus), free (6 & under), $11 (active military). www.phillyautoshow.com
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