Tag: auto

The latest car models — only at the Central Florida International Auto Show!

Posted on by CFIAS

 

You know WHEN the Auto Show is — Nov. 14-Nov. 17.

You know WHERE the Auto Show is — Orange County Convention Center West Concourse.

And you even know about cool special events like the ride-and-drives, the awards show, and the automotive technician competition.

Below, you’ll find some of the latest generation models – sleek, modern, easy on the eyes from the very high end to the reasonable and affordable.

BMW

i4 – This all-electric 2025 BMW has an impressive range with unmatched driving dynamics. Car and Driver says it’s impressively quick in any trim, practical, and has the traditional handling of BMW. “It’s a swift, stylish, comfortable, and sweet-driving sedan that just happens to be an EV.” This vehicle will be available for a ride-along on the indoor EV track.

ix – This sleek and sporty BMW is also an EV – and provides a velvety ride experience, plenty of driving range and a “swanky, tech-forward interior,” says Car and Driver. It’s futuristic and luxurious. This car is available for a ride-along on the indoor EV track.

XM – The BMW XM is a hybrid SUV that provides plush furnishings, a ton of power, and enough EV range for shopping trips. The XM “pairs the luxury of a 7-series with the power of an M5 in a complicated plug-in hybrid SUV that excels at going fast.”

X3 – This vehicle was one of the original compact luxury crossovers and went on to become BMW’s best-selling model. Car and Driver says the fourth-generation version has incremental updates – all-wheel drive is standard; it has a larger interior and has a lower drag coefficient. Take this one for a test drive!

X6 – Car and Driver says this car has a plush interior, polished ride-and-handling. “Excellent performance is standard.”

X7 – “Serene, stylish and comfortable cabin, surprisingly agile handling” are the high points of this BMW model.

X5 – This mid-sized luxury sedan is available for a test drive only. Register for a test drive at the tent at the entrance of the Auto Show. Car and Driver says it’s a “powerhouse of a luxury SUV.”

Buick

2025 Enclave –  The latest model has an all-new design featuring new technology features, a quiet ride and spacious second- and third-row seating. The new style is boxier and borrows some design from Buick’s Envision and Envesta. The Enclave is powered by a turbocharged 2.5 liter, four-cylinder. The Enclave is offered in three trims to straddle the market between mainstream and luxury.

2025 Encore GX – The 2025 Encore GX also has some new features, Buick’s smallest crossover has a responsive infotainment system, competitive fuel economy ratings, and generous cargo space. Car and Driver says it’s a “solid choice for those seeking a well-priced, comfortable and low-key daily driver that’s a step above the offerings from mainstream brands.”

2025 Envista – This is a slick, compact, fastback SUV that is the entry vehicle in Buick’s line up. Car and Driver said that it is stylish and upscale, has a composed ride and handling.

GMC

2025 Yukon – The Yukon has an all-new design for 2025, and includes a diesel engine option, luxe seating, and a quiet ride, with plenty of towing technology. The new design has an independent rear suspension and three rows of seating. The well-appointed Denali and Denali Ultimate trims are the highest-end version of the Yukon.

2025 Canyon – Also with a new design, the 2025 Canyon is right-sized, feature packed and “gets the work done with an extra dash of luxury and style,” says Car and Driver.

2025 Sierra 1500 Elevation, 2025 Sierra 1500 Denali, and the 2025 Sierra 1500 At4X Off Road – all versions of the full-sized pickup that comes as a single cab, double cab, or a four-door crew cab, and all have four-wheel drive available. Looking for a little bit of luxury with your truck, then choose the Denali trim. The At4X Off Road has front and rear electronic locking differentials and is built for the back country.

2025 Sierra EV – GMC’s answer to electric vehicles in the trucking class, the GMC has quick acceleration, fast charging and a practical midgate design. It’s GMC’s second electric truck and comes with an extended range model.

2025 Sierra 2500 – This full-sized pickup has rugged styling and excellent towing but can be combined with multiple levels of luxury — or be as stripped down as the owner likes.

2025 Hummer EV Truck – The EV Hummer Truck was GMC’s first foray into electric vehicles. This truck has 1,000 horsepower and is unlike anything else on the market. It has a package available for extreme off-roading, and as Car and Driver says, “It’s big, brash and bold.”

2025 Hummer EV SUV – This SUV is a fully electric vehicle, that’s quick, “capable and brazen,” according to Car and Driver. The Hummer has off-road capabilities in its EV form, and a CrabWalk mode that allows the truck to move sideways. It has more than 300 miles of range and a rapid recharge time.

 

Hyundai

Elantra (ICE ) N-LINE – N Line models have both styling and performance upgrade combined with a sporty design, more power and agility. The N Line maintains a balance between technology, safety and comfort.

Elantra Hybrid Limited – The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is smooth, exceptionally fuel efficient and feature packed. It has a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. The 2025 model has updated styling, new colors, USB-C ports and a steering wheel with haptic feedback.

Tucson (ICE) Limited and the Tucson Hybrid SEL Convenience models – Hyundai announced significant product enhancements for the Tucson that includes new infotainment and technology features, better interior styling, new convenience and safety features and several new trim styles. The refreshed Tucson SUV offers internal combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Exterior designs include new surface detailing, new grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers and updated daytime running lights.

Kona EV Limited – The Kona is an all-electric vehicle with a modern styling and accommodating interior. In its second generation, the Kona is a five-passenger compact that is a major value leader among EVs.

What’s New at the Auto Show

Posted on by CFIAS

 

What’s New at the Auto Show? In a word: Everything!

The Auto Show has everything from the next generation of high-tech car models to fascinating exotic vehicles. With new offerings from world-class and international brands, combined with interactive test drives, there’s something fresh for everyone.

But this year brings a particular highlight: an awards program celebrating diversity. The Auto Show’s Diversity Awards will recognize the top brands serving a wide range of customers. On Thursday, the top three brands and models in Central Florida will be honored for their commitment to sell to the communities they represent and volume of sales with diverse clientele.

Orlando Magic forward Caleb Houstan will also be making an appearance. A second-round pick for the Magic with 110 games under his belt, Houstan will be signing autographs from 3–4 p.m. on Saturday. Originally from Canada, Houstan played college ball at the University of Michigan.

Over four days, visitors can explore trucks capable of powerful hauls, SUVs for those family adventures, and sleek luxury cars to make you feel like a celebrity. Fan favorites are back too, with the Ladies Brunch and the kids’ EV track—a mini course where little drivers can cruise in tot-sized electric cars.

The Central Florida International Auto Show is the ultimate event for car enthusiasts. Head to the Orange County Convention Center from November 14–17 to see what’s new and exciting in the world of automobiles.

Why go to the auto show?

Posted on by CFIAS

Why go to the auto show?

The auto show used to be the place for live reveals and for mobility education. The events were the primary means to showcase the latest technology in cars and to teach consumers how the technology benefited them.  Guests were impressed by the cars on carpets, cars on spinning stages, and cars on rising platforms surrounded by smoke, lights, and music.

Today, auto shows still serve that same purpose. They still give us an intimate view of the latest technology on four wheels. We get to learn about the technology within the cars. And we can still sit inside our dream car and take it for a test drive.

Today’s auto reveals happen around the world via digital channels using augmented and virtual reality technology with virtual test drives. I took an augmented reality ride-along recently on a Porsche. We “drove” through winding streets at fast speeds. I must admit, I got a little motion sickness as a “passenger” in the car. While the feeling of a test drive was there, the actual experience fell short. I did not get to handle the steering wheel, press the acceleration, push the break, or see how my family and friends fit in the car. I did not get the new car smell or feel the seat I was on. The illusion was just that.

Don’t get me wrong. I love technology for all it does to make our lives safer and better. I love the virtual reveals and the ads showing the vehicles and their prowess. However, nothing can replace experiencing the actual cars as I do at the auto show. I can hear the roaring engine of the gas vehicle or drive with the purr of an electric motor. Each ride is distinctive. Each car is exceptional. Each experience is unique, and so is the auto show.

The Five Things I like about the Auto Show

Posted on by CFIAS

I don’t consider myself a car enthusiast, but I like a good car. One that is dependable and smart. When I am in the market for a new car, I pay attention to what is on the road, what is on the news, but most importantly, what my inner circle recommends. Sure, I look at cars online, but it is not the same as sitting in it and driving it. It doesn’t have the feel of the leather against your arms or that new car smell.

One way that I used to test cars, was through rentals. Every time I traveled; I would rent a different car. By doing this, I became intimately familiar with the cars I did not like. Those that had a lag before they picked up speed. Those that had the knobs or ignition switch in the wrong place. Those that just did not feel comfortable for my height and body style. And those that didn’t have the right visibility for me as a driver.

The other way that I learned to test my next car, was the auto show. Auto shows are a one-stop experience for the smart shopper. Here are five reasons why the auto show is a “must” for me.

    1. No selling. No one is trying to get me to make a purchase.
    2. Options in all shapes, sizes, and styles. I am the type of person that thinks I “need” one type of vehicle and end up buying another. I am probably a hard one for salespeople to figure out.
    3. Test drives for drivability, comfort, and fit. Just like the clothes that I wear and the activities I engage in, a car has to fit my personality. These days, my car is my personal assistant. It doesn’t only take me from point A to point B, but it has to answer my calls, read my texts, take my dictations, tell me where to go and when I will get there. It also has to remind me of when I need to take care of it.
    4. One location with all the product knowledge. I am all about convenience. I do not like to drive from one dealership to another. I do not like to talk to salespeople. I want to know that the car meets my needs and get on with my day. The auto show allows me to see many types of vehicles, compare them, sit in them, test them, talk to product specialists about them, and then go about my business.
    5. Family friendly and friend approved. Let’s face it, my family’s opinions are important. No matter who the primary driver is going to be, no matter what the purpose of the vehicle is before purchase, others will experience the car with me. I want to know that my family is comfortable. I want to know that my friends can enjoy the ride. I want to know that the car fits my lifestyle.

For these reasons and more, I like the auto show. Digital reveals and augmented reality test drives are wonderful, but they will never replace actually sitting in the vehicle and taking it for an old-fashioned test drive.

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