New cars ready to greet viewers in Toledo

Robert Freeman of the Los Angeles-area firm Professional Detailers Inc., which specializes in preparing vehicles for auto shows, shines the hood of a Chevrolet Volt at SeaGate Convention Centre. THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Ford Motor Co. has changed its Toledo Auto Show lineup just ahead of the show's opening.

Although the company said this week that the award-winning 2013 Fusion midsize sedan would be at the show, it will not be coming to Toledo.

Instead, Ford has sent two other 2013 models to Toledo. On the show floor at Wednesday's press preview were the 650-horsepower, 200-plus mph Ford Shelby GT500, and a Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output). Both models are similar to the 2012 model-year cars, although for 2013 the Shelby gets a big horsepower (and price) boost, and the SHO has a redesigned front fascia with a wider grille that differentiates it more from the base model.

The 2013 Ford Escape sport utility vehicle, with its automatic lift gate, will remain at the show, which is to open to the public at 3 p.m. Thursday at the SeaGate Convention Centre in downtown Toledo.

General Motors Co. is showing one 2013 model, the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu, which is on display near the back of the show floor.

Jeep's entire 2012 model-year lineup, including a Wrangler Unlimited Sahara and a Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, is on display. Other notable products from Chrysler Group LLC at the show include several Fiat 500s and SRT-8 versions of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C.

GM's Chevrolet division has two Volts and two Corvettes on display.

Marianne Ballas, chairman of the charity preview gala for the Toledo Auto Show at the SeaGate Convention Centre, steps out of a GMC sport utility vehicle during the party. Proceeds from the gala, put on by the Toledo Auto Dealers Association, go to five local charities. THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH Enlarge | Photo Reprints

The most exotic vehicle on the floor is the Audi R8, a $185,000 midengine luxury supercar.

The show, held by the Toledo Automobile Dealers Association, runs through Sunday. Organizers say it's a good place to shop for cars in person without the pressure of being on the car lot. In all, about 175 vehicles are on display.

IF YOU GO

When: Thursday through Sunday

Hours: Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: SeaGate Convention Centre, downtown Toledo.

Parking: The Port Lawrence Garage at Jefferson and St. Clair streets is free for showgoers on Saturday and Sunday. Paid parking is available at SeaGate's underground parking garage. Several other garages and surface lots are within walking distance.

Cost: $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Seniors can get in for $3 from noon to 5 p.m. Friday. Tickets are available at www.ToledoAutoShow.org.