On the heels of a particularly brutal winter storm that tested the resilience of the most seasoned Bostonians, even the coldest of East Coast car shoppers and enthusiasts will warm to the 2018 New England International Auto Show.
Related: How to Car Shop at an Auto Show
Boston's notoriously geographically challenging streets coupled with some of the wickedest winter weather in the U.S. means Boston drivers are some of the toughest in America. New England motorists can find relief from this unforgiving blizzard season by taking refuge Thursday through Monday at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, where hundreds of the newest model-year imported and domestic vehicles from at least 30 exhibitors will converge for a five-day celebration of everything auto.
Admission is $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-12, and free for kids younger than 6. Tickets are on sale at BostonAutoShow.com. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
If you'll be in Boston, here are five reasons you should consider heading to the show:
1. 'Star Wars'-Inspired Vehicles
"Star Wars" fans will delight in the opportunity for an up-close look at the Captain Phasma-themed Nissan Maxima, part of a limited-edition fleet of vehicles styled after characters from the "Star Wars" universe in conjunction with the recent release of 2017's top-grossing film, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." Check out the "Star Wars" VR Cube, a virtual-reality zone that lets users get in the driver's seat of a "Star Wars" vehicle and cruise through the galaxy.
2. Hypercar Highway
While many of the larger auto shows tout the latest automotive technology, Boston's version boasts a unique showcase of exotic autos, according to Chris Russell, a spokesman for the event. Be sure to check out the collection of an estimated $10 million worth of exotic vehicles including a 2003 Bugatti Veyron, 2003 Ferrari Enzo, 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari, 2015 Pagani Huayra, 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, 2017 Koenigsegg Agera, 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante and 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom. The 2019 Aston Martin Vantage is also set to make its East Coast debut, according to exhibit organizers.
"We offer an up-close look at the exotics, and to see all of them under one roof is an amazing experience," Russell said.
3. Muscle-Car Showcase
Nestled among the new-model cars, vans, hybrids, trucks and SUVs will be a collection of restored classic muscle cars from the American past. The Muscle Car Showcase will include the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette, the 1965 Pontiac GTO, the 1969 Pontiac GTO the Judge and the 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. ScrubaDub, the show's official car-wash sponsor, is also sponsoring the muscle-car display.
4. Ride & Drive
Why trek from dealer to dealer when you can test-drive and learn about more than 20 of the latest models from five automakers in one place? Car shoppers can save time and effort by taking the keys to different models while meeting with factory and dealer representatives from popular mainstream automakers, including Chevrolet, Kia, Mazda, Mini and Toyota.
5. Meet a Super Bowl Champion
Among clam chowder (chowdah in the local dialect), lobster (lobstah) rolls and the unique use of the word "wicked," Bostonians famously take great pride in their professional sports teams. Just in time for the end of the NFL season, guests can meet recently retired New England Patriot and two-time Super Bowl champion Rob Ninkovich from noon to 2 p.m. Monday in the Citgo Lounge.
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