A guide to JIMS 2011
2011-10-14 12:11
UP CLOSE: Showgoers got a chance to see some serious automotive metal - in the metal.
Heaving bodies swarmed and curious fingers pointed towards the yawning engine bay and massive alloys, the leather interior panels and the sporty steering wheel. There was some orderliness, I suppose, when showgoers took turns getting a chance to squeeze into the driver’s seat. I kept my distance. I don’t do crowds.
But eager Merc fans were more than happy to have other showgoers “photo bomb” their portraits with their new favourite – the SLS AMG Roadster finished in that very striking Alubeam silver paint. High-profile sports cars, such as the Lexus LFA and Jaguar XKR-S suffered a similar fate, as did Toyota's FJ Cruiser.
And that was on a trade day; the weekend activity is expected to get hectic, but few would turn down a chance to see in the metal what they'd usually only see on the computer monitors or magazine pages.
LOTS TO DO
Thankfully, all the action is not to be found in the bright lights and reflective metal of the show halls. Commercial vehicles – and Suzuki’s little getaway including its passenger cars and marine products – are located outside, so stretch your legs and go walkabout while grabbing a bite to eat.
I took a quick whirl through the stands and here’s a taste of the cars I saw - check out our 50-PICTURE gallery.
The 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show at the Expo Centre, Nasrec, closes on Sunday, October 16. Adults pay R80, kids aged six to 12 pay R20. Kid under six enter free. Gates open at 9am.
