DFW Auto Show in Fort Worth Begins November 19th Fort Worth Hosts the Undercard

For the auto enthusiast there are few things better than an auto show. Like casual sex, a gathering of hundreds of new cars in one climate-controlled environment provides instant gratification without the messy confines of an emotional commitment – or sixty not-so-easy monthlies. And just like too much casual sex, you can also have too many auto shows. North Texas is blessed with the annual truck-centric get-together at the State Fair, Dallas’ display (in early spring) at the Dallas Convention Center, and this, the DFW Auto Show in Fort Worth, which begins Thursday, November 19th at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The good news: Given its Fort Worth locale, you can come casual…

The D/FW show is described as a ‘Fort Worth institution’ by Jim Hardick, the auto show chairman. And while that may be a slight overstatement, Mr. Hardick is correct in noting that local consumers rely on the event to assist with their buying decisions. From our point of view, there is no better way to directly compare various vehicles – at least in terms of price point, interior space and spec – than at an auto show, even if that auto show lacks the conceptual bling of a bigger, more established event. Fort Worth boasts a bunch of new product, but will have little to predict the future of personal transportation.

Vehicles scheduled to appear include an all-new Chevrolet Malibu and Volt, Fiat’s well-received 500X, Ford’s Shelby GT350, Hyundai’s new Tucson, Lincoln’s MKX and Mercedes’ new GLC300. You might also check out Mazda’s redesigned Miata, Nissan’s aggressively refashioned Maxima, and the new Smart (which still ain’t smart, but getting smarter). Also, Alfa Romeo is in Fort Worth for the first time, and while they won’t be bringing the all-new Giulia, they will have a new(ish) 4C. The mid-engined, semi-exotic coupe/roadster will be the one that’s locked…

For those with no budget to buy but with ample saliva (or simply no control) to drool, Park Place brings its Premier Collection, which includes the Maserati Ghibli, Gran Turismo and Quattroporte. And while Aston Martin doesn’t enjoy a dealer in Tarrant County, the staff at its Lemmon Avenue outpost can still find Fort Worth. Once found, the dealer plans to showcase the Rapide, DB9 Coupe and DB9 Volante.

The show begins on Thursday, November 19th and will run thru Sunday, November 22nd. Adult admission is $11, but a donation of one can of food – given to the Tarrant Area Food Band – nets the donor a $1 discount. (And if it’s an aluminum can, know that it could find its way into a future F-150 Ford!) If you can’t make it to the Los Angeles Auto Show over this same weekend, Cowtown is a viable second choice, offering a good selection of new cars and auto service along with far more credible Tex-Mex.