The “selfie’ icon at the San Diego International Auto Show. (Photos by Mark Maynard)
Something old, something new, something borrowed, and some things that will totally blow you away
The big San Diego International Auto Show is back after a 2-year pandemic-induced hiatus. The show is ongoing in the San Diego Convention Center through Jan. 2, 2023.
As all regional auto shows in the U.S. regain their footing following the pandemic (and manufacturers’ shift from plowing ad dollars into these shows), this show will look much the same upon entry, but the show floor is smaller. The immense space was cropped at the western end, where the Exotics Vault and other specialty vehicles were displayed. Those show favorites are reorganized in other areas.
There are still many classics and outrageous vehicles to be seen. In my Friday morning visit, I saw no concept vehicles, but several new vehicles were not yet on sale. Among them are the Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid and the Dodge Hornet, which will be the first dedicated plug-in hybrid from Stellantis.
The major automakers on display are Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
The New Car Dealers Association of San Diego County presents the San Diego International Auto Show.
Ticket Prices
ADULT, ages 13-61: $18
MILITARY, active duty w/ID: $15 (one ticket per ID)
SENIOR, ages 62+: $15 Child (ages 7-12): $12 Child (6 and younger): Free
CHILD, 12 and younger: Free on Family Day, Sunday, Jan. 1 (when accompanied by a paid adult)
Show Hours
Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 10am-6pm
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 10am-9pm
Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 10am-6pm
Information:Â (858) 550-0080 and SDautoshow.com/
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- The show-stealing 2023 Nissan Z sports car. Pricing starts at about $50,000.
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- Nissan Ariya battery electric, now on sale.
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- The entry to the Camp Jeep indoor ride.
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- The Dodge Hornet will be the first plug-in hybrid from Stellantis.
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- The Dodge Hornet logo.
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- One of the sharper looking cars in the show, the Lexus LC 500, $112,000/
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- An in-your-face Ram.
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- Golden Boy Mobility showed several handicap-accessible vehicles, such as this converted pickup.
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- Details about AT Conversions.
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- A race-ready late 1940s Studebaker with hand controls for drivers with disabilities.
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- A hand-painted door graphic for the Studebaker “Paralyzed Veterans of America, Est. 1946”:
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- A restored and updated 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser. The company plans to open a restoration and sales facility in San Diego County.
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- The modenized interior of the Land Cruiser.
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- The Land Cruiser’s 4.5-liter V-8.
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- Details about the company retrofitting vintage Japanese vehicles. The Tacoma pickup will be added to the lineup.
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- The San Diego Automotive Museum brought the vintage and classic element to the show.
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- A locally owned lowrider presented by the San Diego Automotive Museum.
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- A locally owned lowrider.
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- Hydraulics from a vintage airplane.
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- A classic Merc chopped, channeled, and Frenched in the display by the San Diego Automotive Museum
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- In the San Diego Police Department display.
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- Sandy Van camper conversions.
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- A restored Dodge transport wagon named “Our Girl.”
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- Hot Rod Holly’s 1956 “Chevrolei” pickup.
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- A pristine, three-owner 1957 Chevrolet sport coupe.
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- The locally owned Chevy was built in Van Nuys, Calif.
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- In the display of military vehicles.
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- The “selfie’ icon at the show.
