2008 Australian International Motor Show

The doors opened on an Australian International Motor Show with a strong exotic and green trend.

Most of the 36 marques taking part had something to say about alternative fuels and economic engines, which many concepts among the 400 cars on display.

But people looking for the exotic models won’t be disappointed with the $2 million Koenigsegg CCX and the new Farrari California among the superstars.

More than 40 new models were unveiled during the media morning, with nine of them being Australian premieres.

Features of the show include:

Supercar Central

A collection of low-volume, hand-crafted vehicles from around the world all on one stand. In addition to the Koenigsegg CCX, there is a $1.5 million Pagani Zonda Roadster from Italy, hand-built Morgan Aero 8 from Britain, the Gemballa Avalanche from Germany and models from Bolwell, Bufori, Chamonix and Lotus, as well as Elfin’s brand new Type 5.

WAECO 4x4 Action Track

Visitors can ride in a variety of 4WDs as they are expertly piloted around the show's twisting course, a purpose-built four-wheel drive track, located just outside Halls 2 and 3.

Aftermarket Avenue

On show are a wide range of automotive products including waterless car wash kits, effective windscreen damage cures, quality car cleaning and maintenance products and in-car entertainment.

Shannons Classic Cars

A display of classic vehicles available for auction on the last day of the show.

Wheels Young Designer of the Year

Showcases the top entries to the Young Designer of the Year Awards, organised by Wheels magazine.

Family Days

Sponsored by Roary the Racing Car, Family Days on Saturday the 11th and 18th of October are packed with car-fun for children of all ages, as well as mums and dads.

Roary’s Activity Zone is a fun area for kids to hang out and meet popular TV characters, as well as the starting point for the motor show Treasure Hunt.

The Wiggles’ characters Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword and Fairy Clare will perform concerts on the Volkswagen stand on Saturday 18 October at 10am, 12pm, 2pm.

RTA Takes It Slow

The Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW stand is using the motor show to promote safer driving, illustrating the effects of car crashes with mocked up dummies.

Visitors to the stand can test their ability to perceive hazards on a driving simulator and meet members of the NSW SpeedBlitz Blues cricket team as they demonstrate on a nine metre-long pitch that when bowling, just like driving, excessive speed can result in a loss of control.

A Monster in the Halls

The most powerful vehicle on display at the Motor Show is not a supercar but an 1150kW monster truck.

The new Playstation® 3 MotorStormTM monster truck weighs seven-and-a-half tonnes and stands almost four metres high on its huge tyres.

Power comes from comes from a supercharged big-block Chevrolet V8 engine driving all-four of those enormous wheels.