If you dream of driving a car like James Bond’s or imagine yourself hanging around Jay Leno’s garage full of collectible autos, the Atlanta International Auto Show has something for you. The show features exotic vehicles such as the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the Lotus Evora and the Aston Martin Virage Volante — the same kind found in Leno’s famous garage.
These dream drives, boasting hand-crafted details and hefty price tags, are provided by Motorcars of Georgia, a luxury car dealership in Sandy Springs. Representatives will be at the show to point out the details that make these vehicles so sought-after.
And just what makes these cars the McDreamies of the auto world? (By the way, actor Patrick Dempsey, Dr. McDreamy himself, was one of the celebrities who reportedly test drove the Evora when Lotus first brought it to the United States. Others included Beyoncé and George Clooney.)
One thing that sets exotics apart is that they are rare and exclusive, said Eric Gregory of Motorcars of Georgia. Gregory believes one reason auto show visitors enjoy the exotics so much is that they simply don’t get to see these cars driving down the road and this is a chance to examine them up close.
Exotics are also notable for their performance, Gregory said. Even a four-door like the Aston Martin Rapide “does better on the track than almost any car made in the world.”
Build quality and fit-and-finish also distinguish exotics from lower-end cars. The quality of build is one reason these exotics are so expensive, although buyers will find that some Lotus models don’t cost a whole lot more than mass-market luxury vehicles.
Exotic car companies “are not building them to make them inexpensive; they are building them to make them the best,” Gregory said. That means real leather and metal; no plastics or veneers.
The Aston Martin Virage has already been voted Classic Car of the Future by European drivers. It has a hand-built V12 engine and an interior that focuses on comfort over sportiness.
The Aventador LP700-4 looks as exotic as its name. Low and wide, with doors that open upward rather than out, the entire design simply screams “speed.” In fact, this Lamborghini can zoom from zero to 60 in under three seconds and tops out at well over 200 mph.
The Lotus Evora comes with a completely redesigned interior for 2012. Lotus is offering its first automatic transmission on the V6 engine, so this dream car is ready for rush hour on the Perimeter.
Getting a look at the future
Along with exotics, the auto show will provide a sneak peak of many models that will be introduced or restyled for the 2013 sales year. These include both concept cars and preproduction models.
Increasingly, electronics are becoming the centerpiece of the driving experience, as evidenced by the newest Cadillac sedan, the XTS. With heads-up display, sensors that warn when you’ve left your lane, and voice- and gesture-recognition features, the 2013 XTS truly seems like the car of the future.
Dodge is bringing back the Dart in 2013, and show-goers will get their first look at the stylish reincarnation of the compact car from the ’60s and ’70s.
Those craving fuel efficiency will want to check out the Ford Fusion and Toyota Prius C prototypes. The new Fusion, which took the Best in Show Award at the Detroit Auto Show, is available in gas, hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions. The Prius C is designed for city driving and promises drivers more than 50 miles per gallon.
Not quite an exotic, the Chevy Camaro offers speed and dramatic styling for the everyday driver. The 2013 Camaro ZL1 coupe will be at the show, and topdown fans can rejoice that a convertible version is in the works.
Other 2013 prototypes featured at the show include the BMW 3-Series, BMW M5, Buick Verano and Encore, Chevy Malibu, Mazda CX-5 and Volvo XC90.
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