The shiny new 2007 Washington Auto Show drives into the District on Wednesday and will be parked at the Washington Convention Center until Jan. 28.
More than 30 automakers will display the best of their new models, including the Volvo XC 60, the Ford Interceptor and Toyota’s range of fuel-efficient hybrid cars.
For attendees who would rather drive a car than gaze, daily contests give people chances to win a new set of wheels.
An auto show contest tradition is the 10th annual Toyota Hands-On Contest, where the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association screens 21 contestants who would love to win either a Toyota Yaris, Camry hybrid or Rav4 by spending every waking moment — with the exception of sanctioned 15-minute breaks — touching the car until Sunday. The last person making bodily contact with the vehicle wins it.
Celebrity appearances include NASCAR drivers Richard Petty and Bill Lester and World Wrestling Entertainment champion John Cena. Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man isexpected to swing in for the show.
Also making appearances are local sports stars Antawn Jamison of the Washington Wizards, D.C. United’s Freddy Adu and Washington Redskins players Ladell Betts, Jason Campbell and Chris Cooley.
“There’s entertainment, there’s education, there’s hot new cars, there’s celebrities you never get close to before, it’s just a fun experience,” Barbara Pomerance, public relations and information director for this year’s show.
Car buffs not up for driving to the show can take the Metro Green Line to the Mt. Vernon Square/Seventh Street-Convention Center stop and walk to the Washington Convention Center at 801 Mount Vernon Place. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, $5 for children 6 to 12 years old and free for children under 6.
