DRIVE AMERICAN: Preview models of tomorrow and more at the 2020 St. Louis Auto Show Jan. 23-26

St. Louis Motorcycle & Custom Bike Show returns

By KEVIN WEAKS

The 2020 version of the annual St. Louis Auto Show extravaganza roars into town Jan. 23-26 bringing with it a foretaste of 2021 models as well as virtually every 2020 car, truck and SUV from more than two dozen manufacturers. Again this year the show also features motorcycles as part of the St. Louis Motorcycle & Custom Bike Show.

Since 1982 the St. Louis Auto Show has been the area’s biggest automotive event. Spread over 350,000 square feet of exhibit space at America’s Center downtown, the show annually features more than 500 new cars, trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles from over 25 manufacturers.

More than 80,000 visitors are expected to pass through the turnstiles at the Auto Show to preview the latest models, learn about new safety technology and have an up-close encounter with $3 million worth of some of the world’s most expensive vehicles.

If you go, you’ll see some exciting new vehicles, a display of Indy cars, a Kid Zone and an indoor zip line and, for the big kids, ear-splitting and tire-smoking exhibitions from drifting champ Vaughn Gittin, Jr. and his Monster Energy Nitto Tire Ford Mustang RTR.

Admission to the 2020 St. Louis Auto Show also includes the exciting STL Motorcycle Show. “Two shows for the price of one,” say the promoters. “Whether you consider yourself a car or motorcycle enthusiast, this event has something for everyone — including children.”

As the largest automobile event in the St. Louis area, the St. Louis Auto Show lets you preview the latest models, learn about new safety technology and preview some of the world’s most expensive vehicles, all without the pressure of making a vehicle purchase.

TICKET PRICES AND SHOW HOURS
General Admission for adults is $12 and all children under 12 are admitted free. Discounts are available for groups. For more information call 314-822-0333.

Show hours are Thursday, Jan. 23, 4 – 9 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit the website for parking information and more. Tickets may be purchased at the box office or through eventbrite.com/o/saint-louis-auto-show.

Highlights of 
this year’s show:

• 

  Million Dollar Mile – The Million Dollar Mile is always the highlight at the Auto Show, showcasing the most luxurious automobiles on the market. Featuring a collection of exotic luxury and sports cars like the Bugatti Veyron ($1,600,000), Bentley Bentayga SUV ($270,930), Porsche GT3 RS ($205,225), Rolls-Royce Dawn ($423,795), Ferrari 488 GTB ($297,763), Aston Martin Tom Brady Edition (only 12 Made – $378,059), Mercedes-Benz G550 4×4 Squared ($228,225) and the Ford GT40 ($320,000). Enthusiasts will get a chance to feast their eyes on these amazing machines all under one roof, sponsored by Dean Team Auto Sports. A trip to the auto show is never complete without a stroll down the Million Dollar Mile.

• Free Kid Zone – The Kid Zone has entertainment for the whole family. Past features included St. Louis Zyp Flyte – a 32-foot-tall, 400-foot-long indoor Zipline, plus an Ultimate Bungee trampoline, LED mobile rock climbing wall, Wacky Chaos obstacle course, 16-foot slide, Carousel, bounce house, superhero camp games, linked Daytona racing simulators, giant foosball table, air hockey, dome hockey, Pop-a-Shot, Skeeball, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, stand-up arcades and more.

• 

  Drifting – The St. Louis Auto Show – Motorcycle Show welcomes back drifting champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr., Chelsea DeNofa and their Ford Mustang RTRs. Not only will show attendees get to see Vaughn Gittin, Jr. and his Ford Mustang RTR in action, but they will also have the opportunity to get his autograph inside America’s Center after each drifting session, and a few lucky fans will get a front seat view and be able to ride along with the team. Exclusive autograph sessions will follow the drifting demonstrations.

• Chrysler Test Drive – Drive and experience the latest models from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram. Be sure to check out the Chrysler Pacifica, Fiat 124 Spider, the new Jeep Gladiator and the Ram Limited and Rebel pickups. Test drivers even receive a complementary thank you gift.

Test drives are available on Friday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older, present a valid driver license and pass a breathalyzer. Passengers must be eight years of age or older.

There’s much more in store for visitors to the 2020 St. Louis Auto Show. Visit stlautoshow.com for details and updates on events and show features.

(Contact Kevin Weaks at kweaks@labortribune.com.)