$30 million worth of motoring magnificence on show in Adelaide

More than 475 of the world’s latest and greatest new model vehicles with a combined worth in excess of $30 million will go on display at the 2008 Adelaide Motor Show next week. South Australia’s annual motoring showcase – to be held at the Adelaide Showground from April 2-6 – will feature a host of exotic cars to dazzle visitors, including the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with a price tag of $595,600! And if the 599 GTB Fiorano is too expensive for you, Ferrari will also display its new F430 Spider coupe, which is setting buyers back $453,850. Maserati will also have show-goers gasping with its new Quattroporte Sport GT-S worth a cool $308,000, while its late-model GranTurismo valued at $292,800 will also be on display.

Other star attractions at this year’s show include Nissan’s recently released GT-R with an asking price of around $160,000 and Lexus’ new LX570 four-wheel-drive worth about $135,000. Adelaide Motor Show Executive Director Ian Digby said that in addition to the glamour displays there will be a vehicle to suit every budget at this year’s event. "Over 30 car and motorcycle manufacturers from across the globe will converge on Adelaide to display their latest model vehicles," said Mr Digby.

"Whether you’re after something small and economical like the new Fiat 500, something big and powerful like Ford’s new FG Falcon or something family-focused like Subaru’s new-generation Forester, the Adelaide Motor Show is the perfect place to shop for your next car. "And you may even be lucky enough to win $20,000 towards your dream set of wheels, with carsguide and SGIC joining forces for a special competition for visitors to the show." The Motorcycle & Scooter Show will also be staged as part of this year’s event, with Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha among the leading manufacturers to present their wares. Mr Digby said there will also be a host of exciting feature displays and interactive attractions to wow the estimated 55,000 visitors at the five-day event.

"This year, show-goers will be given the opportunity to test-drive certain vehicles on surrounding public roads to assist their buying decisions, while due to popular demand, the 4WD test track is back once again in 2008," he said. "And the Shannons Hot Rod & Street Machine Spectacular – which this year becomes a fully sanctioned state title event – will provide some truly jaw-dropping exhibits." Vintage car lovers haven’t been forgotten either, with special tributes planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Bug Eye Sprite and the 60th anniversary of the FJ Holden. In addition, visitors will be able to get a first-hand look of the legendary 1908 Talbot, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary since becoming the first car to be driven across Australia.

Another major draw card will be the South Australian Numeric Plates Auction, which will be held in the Royal Banquet Room on the final day of the show (Sunday, April 6 at 2pm). Organised by the Government of South Australia through the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, the auction will be the state’s first numeric number plate auction since 1985. "There will be 60 historic number plates up for grabs, with plate number 271 the lowest to be auctioned," said Mr Digby.

"It will be very interesting to see just how high the bidding goes for some of these beautiful old plates. As a guide, SA number plate 289 recently sold at an interstate auction for $21,000, while number plate 52 sold for a whopping $73,000." Road safety demonstrations will also be carried out by the RAA, the Motor Accident Commission and SA Police, while Lexus will unveil its new state-of-the-art parking system that uses ultrasonic sensors to automatically park a vehicle without driver intervention. Plus there will be face painting, rock climbing and rides to keep the kids entertained.

"The Adelaide Motor Show is much more than simply a showroom for new cars – there really is something for everyone to make it a fun day out for the whole family," said Mr Digby. Commencing next Wednesday morning (April 2), the show’s opening hours are 10am to 9pm daily, with an earlier 6pm close to finish the event on the Sunday. Adult tickets cost $14, concession $11, children (5-15 years) $8, while children under five will be admitted free.

Family passes for two adults and up to three children are also available for $35. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. More details about the show can be found at www.adelaidemotorshow.com.au FURTHER INFORMATION: Ian Digby, Adelaide Motor Show Executive Director, on 8379 4785 or 0407 185 475 ISSUED BY HUGHES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Kieran Hall on 0422 147 151 or Helen Sutherland on 0421 556 729 For more information contact Hughes PR www.hughespr.com.au.

Thu Mar 2008 02:03 (9 months, 2 weeks ago)