By: Brian Moody, Executive Editor for Autotrader
The 2022 Auto Show Experience
Every year, the Orange County Auto Show attracts dozens of new car brands to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The show did take a break because of the recent pandemic. If you missed it in 2022, make plans to check it out in 2023. Next year’s show is bound to be bigger and better. The 2023 show has a solid foundation to build on. If you were unable to make it, here’s what you missed:
Inside the convention center, there were several hands-on experiences for attendees. Camp Jeep featured an indoor obstacle course and a way to experience Jeep’s well know capabilities.
Similarly, there was an indoor electric vehicle test track. Aided by brand representatives, shoppers had a chance to feel, firsthand, the brisk acceleration and smooth ride that’s typical of a modern electric car. The Nissan Ariya and VW ID.4 both made an appearance.
Outdoor Driving for Car Shoppers
If you’re not into riding in the passenger’s seat, the Orange County show also has an outdoor driving experience where new car shoppers can test cars on the streets firsthand.
Chevrolet had plenty of trucks, but the real eye catcher was the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Thanks to a supercharged V8 engine, the Z06 makes 650 hp.
Ford showed off the new Bronco Raptor. It features a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with heavy duty shocks and large, off-road friendly, 37-inch all terrain tires.
Hyundai had the Elantra N, a surprising car from the mainstream Korean automaker. You might know the Elantra as an affordable economy car, but the N version is a 276-hp sport sedan with a manual transmission.
More Cool Cars
Those who are in the market for a $100,000 pickup had their first opportunity to see the new GMC Hummer EV. This is a 1,000 hp pickup that’s all electric.
Orange County residents were among the first in the U.S. to see the new Toyota Crown. The Crown is a longstanding and popular model in Japan, we haven’t seen a Toyota Crown in the U.S. for decades. The new version looks elegant and has an elevated ride height. Think of it as an SUV shaped like a sedan.
Finally, the OC show featured over a million dollars in exotic sports cars from Lamborghini, McClaren and others.
Look for the 2023 Orange County Auto Show in the fall of 2023, you’ll see even more cool cars and cooler experiences.
The author of this article, Brian Moody, is Executive Editor for Autotrader and a monthly contributor to YurView’s Creative Living show, airing Sundays at 8:30 pm, Mondays at 7:30 pm, Thursdays at 8 pm, and Saturdays at 10 pm.
