The 2013 San Francisco Auto Show Review

The 56th annual San Francisco Auto Show starts on Thanksgiving at the Moscone Center downtown. Held Thursday Nov. 28 to Monday Dec. 2, it features cars, SUVs and trucks from 38 major manufacturers, ride and drives, a large alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle display and a large exotic vehicle display.

The North hall is primarily where the domestics are found as well as major import brands such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan. You could call this the practical side. The South hall features the high-end imports, exotics and sports cars along with classics. In the Esplanade there is the Auto Salon featuring modified and customized, old and new, imports and domestics. There are numerous special displays at the show as well as manufacturer ride and drives.

Although not considered one of the main shows in the US, it is the second largest on the West Coast and offers something for everyone. Being at the Moscone Center also means the numerous restaurants and parking garages in the vicinity are used to large crowds from trade shows held throughout the year so services are not lacking.

Highlights of the show include the new Audi A3 sedan and RS7 super sedan, BMW 435i coupe, replacing the 3 series, the i3 and 535d diesel. It was great being able to check out the new Corvette C7 inside and out and see lots of restored pre-war classics, Unfortunately new Dodge Viper as absent.
Others in attendance were Fiat's sedan, Fords vehicle simulator (among others), Jaguar’s F-type convertible and newer curvy, gorgeous coupe, Lexus IS350 F-sport, the new sedan from Maserati called the Ghibli, Mercedes CLA, Porsche Panamera Plug-in Hybrid, a lone Tesla in the corner of the
alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle display. Back to the Auto Salon there is a whole bunch of either really cool or really horribly modified cars.

Be prepared for a lot of walking and photo opportunities. And parents, no little sticky fingers and feet all over the cars interiors please. Be sure to check out this slideshow or the 85 picture slideshow on the San Jose Cars Examiner Facebook page. Enjoy the show!