See cars of the future

Exclusive concept car coming to Cleveland

The Cleveland Auto Show, presented by Huntington, has something special for you this year. In addition to an impressive list of pre-production and specialty vehicles, the Show will display a full-size concept car called “Auto Show Alpha.”

Having been previously displayed at the Oklahoma City Auto Show and the Tulsa Auto Show, the car will make its Ohio debut at the Cleveland Auto Show, which opens its doors at the I-X Center on Friday, Feb. 21 and runs through Sunday, March 1.

The “Auto Show Alpha” concept car was designed by independent artist Kip Kubisz, and is made of high-density foam, polyurea coating and auto body paint. Regarding the design, Kubisz told the OKC Auto Show, “I have incorporated many of today’s technologies, mixed with some conceptual ideas to create my idea of a future racing platform.”

An ultralight vehicle design that he imagines to use aerodynamics and an electromagnetic powertrain and suspension, the design is intended to be powered by electricity through a bank of magnets in the inner wheel well and on the rim. The car is also designed for air to flow through the body and channel to the back end, providing downforce while also decreasing drag.

“Cars have always been the stars of the Cleveland Auto Show, and this year we’re expanding on that with something Cleveland has never seen before,” says Lou Vitantonio, president of the 2020 Cleveland Auto Show. “After the success we had with the Celebrity Car Museum display last year, we’re honored to feature Auto Show Alpha.”

Also to be featured for the entire run of the show, a crop of celebrities on wheels will be on display again this year. If you missed it last year, the Delorean ‘Time Machine’ from the “Back To The Future” movies will return, along with K.I.T.T. from the TV series “Knight Rider,” Vin Diesel’s “xXx” 1967 Pontiac GTO, and “The A-Team’s” 1983 GMC Vandura.

Tickets are available online right now at www.clevelandautoshow.com. Tickets cost $14 for adults and $12 for preteens and seniors. Children six and under get in free. Parking at the Cleveland Auto Show is always free courtesy of your franchised new motor vehicle dealers. Show hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Opening Friday night runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Cars have always been the stars of the Cleveland Auto Show, and this year we’re expanding on that with something Cleveland has never seen before. After the success we had with the Celebrity Car Museum display last year, we’re honored to feature Auto Show Alpha. — Lou Vitantonio

CLEVELAND AUTO SHOW