2012-2013 San Francisco International Auto Show

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The San Francisco Chronicle|SFGate.com 55th Annual International Auto Show pre-opening was a great success with a full house of media and guests. The preview night allowed a quick look around and some conversations.

On the other side of the scale were two others. One for me will be a show hit. That is the Lexus concept LF-LC. This one-off is striking with the aggressive lines and detail that Lexus has been working with for some years and I think now has put them together in a very nice statement as a hybrid powered car.

The other is from Lincoln with their MKZ 3.7 AWD. This car was on a stand and showing off its new powered sun/moon roof, a LARGE glass panel that rises and slides to the rear, ending as a covering to the back window, just like Porsche did with its Targa in 2007.

An interesting bit was the comment from the Chevrolet section. There were only 2 Corvettes on the floor and as to 'why'; I was told that this current model is a bit passé and the new model is ready to be lunched at Detroit this January.

Returning to the show this year was Mercedes Benz which was absent last year.

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PROLOG:
The San Francisco Chronicle|SFGate.com 55th Annual International Auto Show presented by AutoTrader.com will have on display the 2013 model cars, SUV's, trucks and vans from more than 38 of the world's major manufacturers and will be available for all to see up close during this years International Auto Show.

The International Auto Show, is unique in that it is the only auto show held regionally that features dazzling high-tech manufacturer displays and is the second largest auto show in the western United States covering 1.2 million sq. ft. in the Moscone Convention Center.

In addition to the new 2013 models, there will be Ride and Drive opportunities from with Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Nissan and Scion, alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles; exotic sports cars. Some of the vehicles expected to be available are: Buick's Verano, Regal Turbo, LaCrosse E-Assist; Chevy's Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, Silverado 1500 truck, Sonic and Volt; GMC's Sierra Denali and Terrain SLT-2; and Nissan's Altima and all-electric LEAF.

Also The Academy of Art University Classic Car Collection; displays from AutoTrader.com, the Ferrari Club of America, Sonoma Raceway and GEICO; the Aftermarket Alley featuring tricked-out vehicles and aftermarket products; a display from Dominator Hot Rods; an auto accessory booth area and much more.

After-Market
An extensive display of after-market products and the cars that have them

One new comer this year is Coda from the Los Angles area with their all electric car. This vehicle is, shall I say, rather non-descript but pleasant looking car. One that would not stand out and say "Look at me", but fit right-in in any situation.

A lot of stuff under the hood but no engine!

The Lexus concept LF-LC. This one-off is striking with the aggressive lines and detail that Lexus has been working with for some years and I think now has put them together in a very nice statement as a hybrid powered car.

The Lincoln MKZ 3.7 AWD.

This car on a stand showing off its new powered sun/moon roof, a LARGE glass panel that rises and slides to the rear, ending as a covering to the back window, just like Porsche did with its Targa in 2007.

Lincoln MKZ 3.7 AWD

Talbo-Lago T150-C Figoni Et Falaschi 1938
The big bonus at The International Auto Show is the fantastic display from the priceless collection of antique and vintage cars in Academy of Art University Classic Car Collection
Clara Cunningham Photo 2011

A Toast to Martin Swig
A showing of images of the Mille Miglia and the California Mille and San Francisco's Martin Swig's involvement with those two events was held in the lobby at the shows opening. Martin Swig who was a strong supporter of the San Francisco show and the automotive environment, passed away this year. In attendance was Martin's 2 sons

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