Special to The T&D

GREENVILLE -- The South Carolina International Auto Show will showcase hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles and crossovers Friday through Sunday, Jan. 18-20, at the Carolina First Center in Greenville. This exciting event will feature something for everyone, including futuristic concept cars, high-end exotics, hybrids, customized vehicles, a Chevrolet Ride & Drive and more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to check out the latest vehicles in a non-selling environment, where they will be invited to sit behind the wheels, inspect engines and learn about new automotive technologies in new models from more than 25 domestic and import manufacturers.

Several all-new or redesigned 2008 vehicles will be on display, including the Ford F-250 Super Duty, Buick Enclave, Honda Accord, Cadillac CTS, Lincoln MKX, Chrysler Town & Country, Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Jeep Liberty and more. The latest hybrid and flex-fuel models will also be on display including the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Civic, Ford Escape, Nissan Altima, Lexus GS and Toyota Camry. These alternative fuel models will give showgoers the opportunity to explore the latest technology in fuel efficiency.

Concept cars on display will include the Suzuki Zuk and Chevrolet Camaro -- two futuristic vehicles sure to steal the spotlight at this year's auto show, providing a glimpse of what is around the corner in automotive design and technology. Concept cars serve as testing beds for new ideas and are designed to provoke interest, excite auto show audiences, and create dialogue between consumers and manufacturers.

Showgoers looking for something more interactive are encouraged to take a test drive while at the South Carolina International Auto Show. The "Chevrolet Experience" Ride & Drive will allow attendees to get behind the wheel and feel the performance and handling of several exciting new models on a street course. Models available for attendees to drive include the completely redesigned Malibu, Silverado, Impala, Tahoe and more. The Ride & Drive will start and end in the parking lot just outside the entrance to the Carolina First Center.

Attendees will see a variety of specialty automotive displays at the auto show, including a collection of exotic cars assembled by Foreign Cars Italia. These high-end models from Ferrari, Maserati and Aston Martin feature jaw-dropping performance with the sticker prices to match. Fans of American muscle cars will not want to miss the collections of Ford Mustangs, courtesy of Foothills Mustang Club, and Chevrolet Corvettes, courtesy of Carolina Corvettes.

New this year, the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association and Motor Trend Auto Shows Inc. have put an increased emphasis on raising awareness about the importance of safer driving to teenagers. While attending the auto show, new drivers and teenagers will gain insight about smart driving practices, and how safe driving habits can not only save their life but also the lives of others.

Additional features and promotions include:

* Street rods and muscle cars: Take a trip down Memory Lane with a special collection, courtesy of Lowcountry Street Rodders of Charleston.

* Customized vehicle display: Customized vehicles tricked-out with the latest aftermarket parts and accessories will be on display, courtesy of Team MEAN STREET.

* Free subscription to Motor Trend magazine: Attendees will receive a free one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine with each online ticket order or box office purchase, courtesy of the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association. Simply complete the online form while purchasing an E-ticket or the subscription card at the box office and receive 12 issues.

* College Two-Fer Day, Friday, Jan. 18: College students who purchase one adult admission ticket with a valid college ID will receive a second adult admission free with a second valid college ID.

* Kids Day, Sunday, Jan. 20: Children 12 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Additionally, there will be special family-friendly entertainment with clowns, face painting and balloon animals.

The South Carolina International Auto Show is produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows Inc. and sponsored by the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association and the Greenville News.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for senior citizens 62 years of age and older and children 7 to 12 years of age. Children ages 6 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Purchase E-tickets in advance at www.SouthCarolinaAutoShow.com and receive a $1 discount off an adult admission. Discount coupons, valid for use at the Carolina First Center box office, are available while supplies last at participating new car dealerships and on the official auto show Web site, www.SouthCarolinaAutoShow.com.

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