One for the petrol-heads
3:07pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008
THIS year's British International Motor Show, which runs from today until August 3, offers visitors 23 global vehicle debuts, more than 50 UK debuts and in excess of 600 new and classic cars from 60 vehicle manufacturers.
As well as all these exclusive car exhibits, the ExCeL-based event has a host of interactive "have-a-go" features too, such as racing the latest Mazda sports cars and 4x4 driving at Land Rover's Ultimate Experience.
These attractions, along with the best from the world of boating in The Marine Experience, luxury motor homes in the Outdoor Living area and the latest in automotive technology, guarantee a great day out for car fans.
All this entertainment costs just £25 for a family pass (two adults and two children), with individual tickets starting at £10 for an adult weekday pass and £6 for a child's ticket.
In addition, the show's Motoring Plus area displays a diverse mix of motoring-related products and services, from personalised registration plates to the Go Motorsport stand, which aims to get people involved in all areas of motor racing. In the Motoring Plus area, show sponsor Zurich Connect will entertain the crowds with its fairground bumper cars.
Adding glitz to the Motoring Plus area are a selection of supercars, such as the Jaguar XJ220 and the Ferrari F40 in the AutoGlym Supercar Paddock, where the super-charged Farbio GTS400 will be given its world debut.
Visitors looking to buy a car can get behind the wheel by taking a taster test-drive, while thrill-seeking car fans can enjoy a sideways slalom ride at the Westfield Active Drift Experience, go up against the clock on Mazda's Zoom-Zoom Challenge or enjoy the fun of karting, courtesy of Karting4U.
Show-goers can also join a supercar club, experience a BOSE in-car sound system and discover the latest developments in satellite navigation from Garmin and TomTom.
The technically-minded car enthusiast can discover more about building a car from scratch in the Kit Car Zone, where brands Pilgrim, Magnum and Luego will be displaying their models.
Younger drivers can get behind the wheel at The Peugeot Kids Driving School. Here, children over four years old can drive themselves around a purpose-built road network in mini versions of the Peugeot 207, getting to grips with everyday obstacles such as traffic lights, roundabouts and crossroads.
Another attraction for the young, or young at heart, is the Vauxhall VXRacing Village. Here, guests can sample track thrills in the VXRacing Simulator or tackle speed in miniature with remote-control racing on a specially-designed track.
Tickets are available via the website www.britishmotorshow.co.uk or by calling 0871 230 5588.