Cincinnati Auto Expo 2018 Duke Energy Convention Center

According to organizers, the main appeal of the Cincinnati Auto Expo (besides the cars themselves, that is), is that it’s a “no-sale zone.” Meaning, you can peruse more than 400 of the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers and hybrids from 32 domestic and foreign manufacturers, all at the same place and at the same time.

Product specialists will be on hand to answer your every question, but not to get you to buy something.

While there are several attractions at the expo, including a Corvette museum, a kids’ zone, and a beer and wine garden, the main draw is the high-performance vehicles contained in the Dream Machine Boulevard, and the brand-new, 2018 models ranging from Acura to Volvo. Four manufacturers (Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen), are making their vehicles available for test drive.

According to organizers, these are some of the highlights of the Expo:

Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium

This family-sized SUV seats seven passengers. Up front in the SEL Premium, the dashboard is fully digital, not only giving information on the state of your vehicle but also media playback for mobile devices. A 480-watt, 12-channel amp delivers live concert sound through 12 speakers distributed throughout the car.

Engine: 3.6 liter VR-6

Horsepower: 276

Fuel Economy: 20 miles per gallon

Sticker Price: Begins at $39,415

Honda Accord 2.OT EX-L

This mid-sized sedan features “traffic sign recognition” safety features, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an eight-inch touchscreen interface that includes hard buttons for frequently used functions.

Engine: 20 liter 4-cylinder

Horsepower: 252

Fuel Economy: 27 miles per gallon

Sticker Price: Begins at $31,970

Audi R-8

Located in the Dream Machine Boulevard, this particular sports car is colored sunset orange, a rarity. It goes from 0-60 in 3.1 seconds and, in the words of one official, “blows a lot of cars out of the water.”

Engine: V10

Horsepower: 540

Sticker Price: $200,000

Jaguar F Type R Convertible

Also located in the Dream Machine Boulevard, this model is considered by some to be the sportiest and quickest vehicle in the prestigious Jaguar lineup. Among its features are automatic braking (you might need it with this one).

Engine: 5.0 liter supercharged V8

Horsepower: 550

Sticker Price: Begins at $103,000

WANT TO GO?

What: Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati

When: Feb. 7-11, 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $9 (advance) and $11 (day of show). Children 12 and younger are admitted free.

More Info: 888-428-7311 or www.cincinnatiautoexpo.com.

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