Auto Show, philly or washington?

[Stonehauler]

(mods, please move this if it's in the wrong section)

We are starting to look at replacements for my wife's car, and she is interested in going to an auto show. Since the last time we went (and the one I went to all the time with my Dad) was the Chicago Auto Show over 9 years ago, I don't have much experience with shows out here on the east coast.

I live in Delaware, and my brother (who also has a wife looking for a new car), live in Baltimore. We were thinking we could take them to one (unfortunately only one) of the shows and I could corrupt....err, introduce his kids to the world of cars, while the ladies looked over a bunch without having to deal with a bunch of pushy salespeople.

Honestly, the most important thing is that there are a lot of cars available for us to look over, and more importantly, sit in (I hope they still allow that because both have back issues and good seats are mandatory for them). If the GT350, GT, or GT350R is there to gawk at too, that's a (big) bonus for me, but this is about them more than me.

One thing it has to have is a Mustang GT as that's one of the cars she is considering.

My question to you all is this. If you have been to both, which would you go to, and if have only been to one or the other, would you recommend it? Finally, how would you compare these shows to the Chicago Auto Show?

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[Allerick]

Hey Stonehauler, I've been to the Washington Auto show 3 years in a row. I'm planning on going again tomorrow! I've never been to Chicago or Philly show; I can't compare it to those. However, I can say that I have really enjoyed the Washington show. I've been to some smaller local ones in Baltimore and Richmond, and I thought the Washington show was much better. There are tons of cars on display, and the past several years the show was laid out very well. They put plenty of room between the cars so you can get a good look at them, and for most models they let you sit in them and fiddle with the nobs.

The 2015 Mustang GT will be at Washington. I'd expect a rather large display from Ford, as they have been prominent in past years. They usually have three or four Mustangs of varying trim levels. I'd imagine they will have and ecoboost and gt on the floor. I doubt they are letting people sit in the GT350 yet (if it is there). My guess is they will have the GT350 roped off or on one of those slowly spinning displays.

In summary, I recommend the Washington Auto show. I go every year and really enjoy it. My experience is limited though, and I don't have much to compare it to. Depending on when you are going, I can give you more specifics about what Ford has on display tomorrow after I get back.

 

[bwilly]

I've been to the Philly auto show 3 times. It's ok, wouldn't say it is jaw dropping by any means. I usually go for the classics, exotics and whatever Ford brings. Im sure you cant go wrong with either, I'd probably chose whatever is closer. The only thing I hate is the driving/parking in the city.

 

[blkandgud]

The Washington show is really good. They have a downstairs floor that's dedicated to all gens of Mustangs from 1964-present, as well as the new one on display.

Hopefully, they'll let us sit in the new Mustang this year. Last year, it was roped off.

 

[Stonehauler]

Thank you very much Allerick, I would very much appreciate it.

As for sitting in the GT350, I know that won't happen, but if they have a Mustang with the regular seats and one with the recardos, that would be great to know.

As for when I am going, that will depend on my brother's schedule. He may have an out of town visitor this weekend and may not be able to go until next weekend, but we are also looking at taking a day off during the week.

I had the dubious pleasure of having a BMW 328 loaner for the past two weeks and both my wife and I agree the standard seats are horrible. We are looking at a 335i, a 435 GC, Mustang (GT probably, but maybe an EB), Audi 4 series, Lexus IS, IS-F, or even a GS-F, and Chevy SS, along with the Charger, Challenger, CTS, CTS-V, etc. The only three requirements for her are..in order..."great seats, great handling, powerful engine"

I love being married to a woman who is almost as big of a gearhead as I am....

 

[Allerick]

Trip Report

Hey Stonehauler,

The Washington Autoshow was great this year. It was somewhat crowded, which is typical if you go in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday. I was still able to enjoy it, but it did mean waiting for other people to get into popular cars. It was still very doable, but going during the week would certainly reduce the crowds and make it easier to get seat time without feeling a bit hurried.

As far as what was there, see the breakdown below:

-Shelby GT350, white with blue stripes (roped off and could not get in)
-Ecoboost in Race Red with Performance pack and Recaro seats (Non-premium)
-Ecoboost Premium Convertible in Magnetic with saddle interior
-GT Premium with Performance Pack in Deep Impact Blue with Ceramic Seats
-GT Premium Convertible in Triple Yellow
-GT Premium with Performance Pack and 50th Anniversary Appearance Pack in Ruby Red

So, they had the GT350 after all! In addition to that there were five 2015 Mustangs you could sit in. They had a good range of trims on display. I think this would be a great way to experience the cars in person.

The only downside is their popularity. I couldn't help but feel a little rushed when there were two or three people standing near the door waiting for a turn in the seat. If you go later in the day or on a weekday then this will not be a problem. I'll attach pictures I snapped with my phone soon. Hope that helps!

PS They also had a great display of many different generations of Mustangs!

 

[Allerick]

You can see the Mustang related pictures below, and all of my pictures from today at my imgur site. Most of the pictures aren't very good. I just snapped them so I could remember (and have proof of) what was at the show.

imgur link: http://imgur.com/a/H4Jsc


GT350




Ecoboost Mustangs




GT Mustangs





Quick Shot of the Recaro Seats in the Ecoboost



Mustang Generations Display

 

[Stonehauler]

Thank you very much. Looks like it's the Washington (DC) auto show for us.

 

[kratty]

Was at Washington Auto Show yesterday. Mustangs are strongly represented, as others have noted. Pretty much all the iterations you could want are there. And no, you can't sit in the GT 350. But seeing it confirmed that it will be mine as soon as the order book opens.

 

[Black one]

The side cap/ covers are missing on the convertibles.You would think they would be on the cars.Guess they have to wait till Feb.also...........

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