2015 Indy Auto Show - That's A Wrap!

“More than ever automotive manufacturers are turning to buyer-friendly and family-centric auto shows to display their latest and greatest, with the hopes of stretching their marketing dollars. The 2015 Indy Auto Show was a pristine example of that.”

While the Indy Auto Show doesn’t attract as much of the media’s attention, or the gargantuan public attendance numbers of the neighboring Detroit and Chicago auto shows, the Indianapolis-based management team has done a great job at bringing nearly 400 of the newest and hottest cars on the market.

Although it may not look like it, lots of work and money go into putting an auto show together, and it would be an impossible feat without the support of large auto manufacturers, as well as small and large local dealers that diligently show up with vehicles and man-power year after year. Funny enough, it’s this level of auto show that can sometimes generate larger financial impacts to local markets, than the “big boy” auto shows mentioned above.

Why is that? Well, to begin with—they are accessible, as there isn’t need to fight 25,000 people for parking spots, and once you get in the door, the building itself isn’t crowded and allows for a joyful time. And not to mention ticket prices are considerably more affordable at smaller shows; for example, a ticket for the Detroit show will run you $13 to $14 bucks, while at Indy it’s just 7-bucks.

Perhaps the biggest advantage a local auto show can posses, is its people. Think about it, are you more likely to buy from a local dealer advertised at the show, whom you may even know the sale people manning the booth, or just Chevy or Ford in general? Local relationships matter.

In the end, auto shows big or small, are about the cars—cool cars! That’s why we’re giving a shout out to the the following manufacturers and dealers for bringing their coolest stuff to the Circle City!

Gator Motorsport

Considered Indy’s finest, Gator Motorsport not only set the bar high by bringing the only Lotus Evora 400 in the entire country, but it was accompanied by another highly exclusive vehicle—the Zenos E10.

The Evora 400 is the latest supercar from Lotus, and although to the untrained eye it may look alike the previous generation Evora, this new reincarnation boasts plenty of upgrades that not only make it lighter and therefore faster, but also more accessible and livable. Truly an exquisite machine, but I wonder if I can fit a car seat in the back?

Think the Lotus is a track-inspired machine? Think again, because the Zenos E10 is literally a road legal racetrack-bruiser. With a feather-weight of 1,540-lbs. and a 200-hp engine, the Zenos offers what many others can’t—performance, reliability, and outrageous looks for a price similar to that of a base model Corvette!

Toyota

No auto show is complete without Toyota’s impressive lineup of vehicles, and Indy wasn’t the exception.

I always find it cool to see the wide variety of vehicle a single manufacturer can produce, and few companies boast the credentials that Toyota has. Starting with cars as small as the uber-efficient Yaris, to the all-around bad-boy Toyota Tundra and 4Runner TRD Pro. Even though it was the all-new Tacoma that stole the limelight.

Lexus

Lexus is in midst of a resurgence, but not because they are making a comeback from the pits of despair. But because they are turning a highly successful vehicle lineup, into a highly successful hot and modern vehicle line up.

Though most of the Lexus lineup was present, it was definitely the amazingly gorgeous and capable LX that had everyone drooling. I eventually gave up at trying to snap a photo of it without people in my shot, as it seemed there was a never-ending line of people waiting to check it out! I can’t blame them…

The all-new Lexus RX and RX Hybrid were also present, and they got their fair share of attention as well.

Kia

Perhaps the most relevant manufacturer of this day and age. Kia has gone from building econoboxes to highly sophisticated, engaging, beautiful and even luxurious vehicles in just 14 years. But they didn’t stop there, they also build their vehicles safe, and extremely reliable. (Just look at the quality reports)

The always glamorous Kia Optima was on stage, while the ultra-luxe K900 was on the show-floor accompanied by a few of the iconic dancing hamsters. Of course, Josephine wanted to take a photo with them, but would only do it if Mommy was in it.

FCA

Jeep, Fiat, SRT, RAM. It’s like a buffet of yummy goodness, and boy am I hungry!

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles definitely brought their latest and greatest to Indy, including the entire Jeep, Fiat and Chrysler lineup. But while the girls were having fun inside the lovely Fiat 500 Cabrio, I was drooling over the RAM Rebel and SRT Hellcat Challenger.

FCA was arguably the manufacturer with the hottest vehicle portfolio in 2015, and I surely hope that 2016 isn’t the exception!