as the home of disney world, universal studios and countless other attractions sure to keep tourists entertained for days, orlando is an unquestionable haven for year-round entertainment. but something else is driving into the orange county convention center for thanksgiving weekend, giving families a reason to extend that thanksgiving-table togetherness just a little longer.
claimed as florida's largest auto show, the 2018 central florida international auto show will feature more than 400 of the latest suvs, cars and trucks from 18 brands, including anticipated stars like the new chevrolet blazer and ford ranger.
the show runs thursday through sunday at orlando's orange county convention center. hours are noon to 9 p.m. on thanksgiving, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on friday and saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on sunday. admission is $10 for adults, while there are discounts for seniors, military, first responders, students and those who purchase in advance online; children 12 and under are free. visit the show's website for more information.
here are five things you can't miss:
1. 2019 chevy blazer
attendees can see all the new models before they arrive at dealerships, including chevrolet's revamped blazer suv, which debuted in september at the orange county international auto show. the 2019 blazer is a sleeker version of its former self, powered by a 193-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 305-hp, 3.6-liter v-6 used engine .
2. 2019 ford ranger
the ranger mid-size pickup truck offers off-road capability and electronic off-road systems, and it hits dealerships early next year. those rough and rugged pickup lovers — or just drivers who like the ease of stocking up at the local hardware store — can get a first glimpse at the show, and even slide behind the wheel with a test drive. just remember that, as with other shows in which the ranger is appearing for the remainder of 2018, you'll need to sign up beforehand online.
related: we test-drove the all-new ford ranger (and you can, too)
3. test drives
brands offering test drives include chevrolet, jeep, mazda, nissan and toyota, among others. test drives run all four days of the show but vary by participating brands, starting as early as 10 a.m. friday and running through sunday at 6 p.m. models confirmed for test drives include:
- chevrolet: bolt ev, camaro convertible, colorado, cruze hatchback, equinox, malibu, silverado 1500, traverse
- chrysler: 300, pacifica
- dodge: challenger, charger, durango
- fiat: 124 spider, 500, 500x
- ford: ecosport, escape, expedition, explorer, f-150, focus, fusion, ranger
- jeep: cherokee, compass, grand cherokee, wrangler
- mazda: cx-5, cx-9, mazda3, mazda6, mx-5 miata
- nissan: altima, kicks, leaf, maxima, murano, pathfinder, rogue, sentra, titan
- ram: 1500
- subaru: crosstrek, forester, impreza, legacy, outback
4. exotic vehicles
this year's show includes a collection of nearly 100 exotic cars, motorcycles, luxury products and toys.
5. antiques and hot rods
a rare collection of up to 20 ford model a examples highlight the florida region of the antique automobile club of america's collection of antique and collectible vehicles from the 1930s to the 1970s.
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