April 25-27, 2003Los Angeles Convention CenterLos Angeles, California, USA
* The World's Leading Manufacturers
* The Hottest New Tuner Cars & Products
* Discount Admission CouponsIt's All Inside
International Auto Salon '03The Voice of a New GenerationWhen we heard that the International Auto Salon was going upscale and moving to Los Angeles, we immediately made tracks to www.ias2k3.com to register for our trade badges.
We're big on IAS because it gives us a chance to check out the sweetest things on four wheels without having to endure a 10-hour flight to Tokyo and consuming nothing but fish brains and cold soba in soy sauce during our trip. And this year IAS is going to come at us live from the Los Angeles Convention Center.
That's right, the rumors are true. This year, the show of shows has upgraded to the big leagues and will be held next door to the Staples Center, home of the L.A. Lakers. And you know that Shaq and Kobe are going to be at IAS, raising the roof and getting a "what, what!" from the crowd, because there's no better place for checking out what's new in bolt-ons, exterior mods, and forced induction. And we're just talking about the chicks.
IAS is the type of scene where you could be chowing on a chili dog one moment and then bumping into Stephan Papadakis the next and then finding yourself talking superchargers with Oscar Jackson of Jackson Racing. But, hey, we don't care because everyone's welcome at IAS, especially if your sister's hot.
Even the big important car companies are getting into the act. Last year, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and Nissan presented huge displays at the show. This year, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota are joining the mix.
And of course, there's the bread and butter of the International Auto Salon, the parts. Hundreds and hundreds of brand-spanking new parts for your sport compact car. Be the first person in your NBA Fantasy League to paw the latest tuning gear, body parts, and wheels from all over the world. Last year over 200 companies brought their products-most of them were debuts-and there were over 300 project cars. This year there's going to be much, much more. Word.-Richard S. Chang
What's InsideEverything you needed to know to get to and into IAS
Kicking Butt Makes a ComebackSee how the OEMs are bringing performance back into their product lineup.Convention Map and Exhibitor ListSo you don't get lost on your way to the ImportRevolution poster-signing hour.Girls, Girls, GirlsYes, this is a pointless excuse to re-run photos of beautiful babies. So what?Car Competition Rules and InfoVision Entertainment brings its Hot Import Nights flavor to IAS.Racers Speak Out Against Street RacingSee how the new-and-improved RASR program can liven up your Saturday nights.Seminar ScheduleIAS seminars have something for everyone interested in where tuning is heading.Light ClubSema's Lighting Task Force goes to work in Washington, D.C.
IAS Fast FactsTrade DaysAll day Friday and Saturday morning, the International Auto Salon will only be open to "trade attendees," those lucky lads and lassies working in the automotive industry.
When: Friday, April 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
Trade BadgesPreregister online on or before April 5 at www.ias2k3.com. Cost is $10. After April 5, all registration must be done on site and the price will be $15. Trade badges permit admission for all three days of IAS.
To pick up your trade badge you will be required to present personal identification, such as a driver's license, and professional identification, such as a personalized business card or a current paycheck stub.