Drifting Featuring Vaughn Gittin Jr.

For the first time ever, the Saint Louis Auto Show presented drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr., brought to you by Ford. Vaughn Gittin Jr. has become one of drifting's most iconic figures and his machine, the Monster Energy/Falken Tire Ford Racing Mustang, one of the sport's most identifiable cars. Being such a fierce competitor, Vaughn is known as the only American to win a D1 Grand Prix event, not once - but twice. In 2005 Vaughn stunned the world when he won the D1GP USA vs. Japan. In 2007, he brought America home the gold once more by winning the D1GP World Championship. He has achieved three wins and multiple podiums throughout his Formula Drift career. In 2010, Vaughn earned his first Formula Drift Championship, becoming the second-ever Champion with a strictly-drifting background.

Vaughn stunned audiences at the Auto Show with his aggressive, foot-to-the-floor, big smoke driving style. A few lucky fans won the chance to ride in the passenger’s seat, as Vaughn Gittin Jr. showed St. Louis what drifting really is. Even attendees new to drifting were quickly won over by the sheer power and boldness of Vaughn’s drifting.

To view photos and videos of Vaughn Gittin Jr. drifting at the Saint Louis Auto Show click here.

Camp Jeep Makes First Appearance at Saint Louis Auto Show

For the first time ever, Jeep® brought Camp Jeep®, a unique, interactive, off-road experience, to consumers attending the 2012 Saint Louis Auto Show.

Camp Jeep was the ultimate indoor off-road driving test. The 25,000-square foot exhibit gave Auto Show visitors a chance to experience the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles without leaving the show floor.

"We have created this unique Auto Show opportunity to provide our customers with a memorable experience that no other manufacturer can offer," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "The iconic Jeep brand offers an adventurous lifestyle and vehicles that deliver legendary 4x4 capability. Attendees will enjoy the Jeep experience first-hand on the show floor."

And enjoy the course they did. The course was comprised of several obstacles that simulated the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before customers get behind the wheel. This provided consumers a first-hand look at the capability standards of Jeep vehicles for Ground Clearance, Traction, Stability, Articulation and Suspension.

The Jeep Test Track was an interactive adventure zone where professional 4x4 drivers allowed riders to experience a Jeep's on and off-road capabilities. Product specialists chauffeured participants in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Wrangler Rubicon and Grand Cherokee. Camp Jeep featured a thrilling hill climb where passengers experienced the Jeep's traction capabilities while climbing the 14-foot high, 35-degree Jeep Mountain, the highpoint of the ride. Riders were over 18 feet off the ground when they sat on top of Jeep Mountain. The track also included a 12 x 25-foot section of terrain simulating fallen logs and a 30-degree wedge, demonstrating the vehicle's body articulation. Riders experienced the adrenaline rush of looking nearly straight up or straight down as they navigated the obstacle.

To see a video of Camp Jeep click here.

EcoCity

Returning to the Saint Louis Auto Show in 2012, the EcoCity again impressed, demonstrating the alternative fuel possibilities of the future. Visitors had an educational and entertaining experience - not only learning about green automotive initiatives, but also riding with professional drivers in either a Chevy Volt or a Nissan Leaf and experiencing these vehicles first hand.

The 2012 EcoCity exhibitors were St. Louis Green, St. Louis Habitat for Humanity, Metropolitan Sewer District, Lilypad EV, Rockwood Summit High School, Laclede Gas, St. Louis Clean Cities, Ameren Pure Power and the Gateway Electric Vehicle Club.

Million Dollar Mile

As always, the Million Dollar Mile was a highlight of the 2012 Auto Show, showcasing the most luxurious automobiles on the market. Featuring a collection of the most exotic luxury and sports cars from Lamborghini, Lotus, Bentley, Maserati, Rolls-Royce and more, car enthusiasts marveled at the world's most exciting auto designs, all under one roof, courtesy of St. Louis Motor Sports. The Million Dollar Mile exhilarated and inspired consumers with every fine-tuned detail.

Click here to see some of the Million Dollar Mile vehicles from the 2012 show.

Toyota Ride and Drive

Auto Show attendees had the privilege to get behind the wheel of the Reinvented 2012 Toyota Camry and the all-new Prius v as well as many other models, during the Toyota Ride and Drive event. Consumers who took the opportunity to test drive these Today models discovered why Toyota is ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction.*

*2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) founded at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. theacsi.org

Pistons and Pearls: 2012 Saint Louis Auto Show Charity Gala

As the full-throttle action and excitement surrounding the Saint Louis Auto Show reached maximum capacity, the Saint Louis Auto Dealers Association once again took time out to help some worthy causes in style.

The fourth annual Pistons & Pearls Charity Gala was held on Saturday, January 28, at the America's Center. Over 600 attendees and VIP guests enjoyed drinks, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, an exclusive tour of the showroom floor, and an after party at The Pepper Lounge. Nelly, a St. Louis native and Grammy Award winning rap artist, made a surprise guest appearance at the Million Dollar Mile exclusive viewing for VIP guests. This year's event also delighted attendees with a performance by "The Mentalist," Gerry McCambridge, who is the inspiration for the hit TV show, The Mentalist.

The Charity Gala raised $68,000, which will be donated to the following local charities: Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Operation Food Search, St. Louis Arc, St. Louis Auto Dealers Charitable Foundation, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, TASK (Team Activities for Special Kids), and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

Kids' Zone

This year's Auto Show provided more entertainment just for kids than ever before. Upper Limits delighted children with the opportunity to climb The Spire, an indoor rock climbing wall. The Spire stood 23 feet tall, with four different routes ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. Kids also got caught up in the excitement, tearing around a 1/10th scale race track with miniature NASCAR remote control cars, provided by RORRing Entertainment. Bounce houses in the feature area provided kids with hours of hopping fun. All in all, families with kids of all ages enjoyed fun filled days at the Saint Louis Auto Show!

Kia Karaoke and the Experience the New Standard Ride-n-Drive

Visitors to Kia at the Saint Louis Auto Show sang their hearts out! Kia Karaoke participants entertained their friends and won prizes for their efforts. Kia also offered attendees the "Experience the New Standard" Ride and Drive. Visitors enjoyed test driving the Kia Optima, Optima Hybrid, Rio, and Soul vehicles.

Hyundai

Hyundai roared into the Saint Louis Auto Show with its feature vehicle, the 2012 Veloster. Visitors also admired the 2012 Accent, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis Coupe, Genesis, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata 2.0T, Tucson, and Veracruz. The Hyundai exhibit at the Auto Show also featured a white Hyundai Santa Fe covered in handprints. Each handprint represented a child with cancer who has been helped by Hyundai Hope on Wheels. Learn how this organization helps kids with cancer at www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.