Auto show offers look at 1,000-plus new vehicles

Want to see the latest edition of the ’Vette? Head to
Cleveland.

CLEVELAND — More than 1,000 vehicles are on display at the Cleveland Auto Show, which begins today and runs through March 2. The show, which is held at the I-X Center, also features some unusual activities.

Here’s a rundown of what visitors might see:

CHEVY CORVETTE

The 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06 is on display for the first time anywhere. The car features a new color, called crystal red tintcoat, exclusive wheels, titanium-colored leather interior and 427-embroidered seats and floor mats. “It’s a whole new visual package,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product manager. Chevy is building only 427 of the cars for the North American market and 78 for the rest of the world. Each car is numbered and signed by the plant manager of the Kentucky complex where the car is made. The 427 designation refers to the cubic-inch displacement of the engine.

DODGE CHALLENGER

The Dodge Challenger — with its memories of yesteryear and high technology of today — takes center stage at the Chrysler display. The 2008 version carries design cues and lines that are very similar to the muscle car by the same name that was built in the 1970s. Today’s version also packs a lot of punch with 420 horsepower. But it also has been updated with new technology, such as a 30-gigabyte hard drive that can store photos and music, as well as a performance gauge that provides G-force readouts and times for quarter-mile runs and zero to 60 mph starts. “You can brag with data to your friends, not just brag,” Wendy Orthman, Chrysler spokeswoman, said in a media presentation. The Challenger tops out at 170 mph and hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It goes on sale in limited numbers starting in May.

FORD FLEX

Ford has its largest display ever at the Cleveland show, and part of it is being used to show off a new model that’s coming out this summer, the Ford Flex. The 2009 Flex is a midsize crossover vehicle that’s designed to catch the eye with its boxy, squared-off looks. Its interior also is designed to gain attention with a sunroof for all six passengers and an optional, small refrigerator in the back.

LINCOLN MKS

The 2009 MKS is Lincoln’s new entrant into the luxury segment. Michael Sprague, Lincoln Mercury marketing manager, said the car is designed to have “strong shoulders and a strong stance.” The car, which starts at $38,000, features all-wheel drive. Lincoln showcased the car’s technology, which includes rear-view cameras, adaptive cruise control, push button start and an advanced communications systems, which provides traffic and weather reports, movie times, sports scores and prices at nearby gas stations.

HONDA

Honda clearly is stressing a “Made in Ohio” image at the show. Its display contains several boards that talk about the Japanese company’s extensive presence in Ohio. “Ohio’s largest automaker and only motorcycle maker,” one sign reads. Honda says 2,800 cars and trucks come off its Ohio assembly lines each day. Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio, produces the Honda Accord, Acura TL and Acura RD-X Turbo. Its plant in East Liberty, Ohio, produces the Honda Civic, Honda Element and Honda CR-V. Honda also has transmission, engine and motorcycle plants in central Ohio. In all, Honda employs 15,000 in the Buckeye State.

FOR FUN

West Geauga High School math teacher and pop-a-shot basketball champion, Jay Kletecka, will be taking on challengers in his game of choice. He is the Guinness Book of Records for most baskets in one minute, 139. To make it fair, his opponents will receive three minutes to shoot, compared with just one for him. Prizes include Cleveland Cavalier tickets, mini basketballs and drives in show vehicles. Ford is holding a competition based on “American Idol” each evening at its display. The winner will be selected in online voting and will receive tickets to see the “American Idol” finals in person. Both Toyota and Jeep displays feature areas where show attendees can drive vehicles in “off-road experiences.” At Toyota, drivers will be able to take a Toyota Tundra, Tacoma or FJ Cruiser over moguls, logs, berms and a teeter-totter. The event will be Thursday to March 2. Jeeps’s display runs every day of the show. Drivers can take Jeep vehicles on a five-minute course that includes a 16-foot hill. The 10th Annual Classic Car Competition will be held at the show. About 80 cars will compete, and winners will be announced at 2 p.m. March 1.

SHOW DETAILS

UWhere: I-X Center in Cleveland.

UWhen: Today through March 2.

UTimes: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

UCost: $12 for adults, $9.50 for seniors and preteens. Children 6 and under are free.

UFor info: www.clevelandautoshow.com.