Good Times at the Car Show

For many individuals, the new year brings on bouts of depression. For me, it's the opposite, if only because I get excited about two big events at the Walter E. Washington Washington Convention Center. First is the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo, which is a carnival of demonstrations and pitches for those of us who are striving to live a cleaner, more fulfilling life every single day.

Then comes the biggie: The Washington Auto Show. Talk about conventioneer heaven. I mean, here, you're talking about two exhibit floors of automobiles in their shiniest incarnations, demonstrations on technology, chassis that show the innards of a state-of-the-art automobile, celebrities including action figures, Happy Feet penguin, Dora, cheerleaders, and on goes the list.

I went with the family yesterday and emerged pleased that the auto industry is using advances in materials technology and in digital technology to bring ever-more sophisticated yet driver-friendly vehicles into our driveways. As examples, I'd cite the Toyota Yaris, the Volkswagen GTI, and the new line of cars by Hyundai.

But Jeep earned a special place in my heart. The company that makes Jeeps cordoned off a humongous corner of the convention center to set up a driving/obstacle course. They had trained drivers taking people on the course to showcase the features of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. It was all very elaborate and included as-close-as-you-can-get-to-real-life-off-road conditions.

There was a dip in the "road" filled with water, and the Jeep Rubicon handled this "water fording" foray perfectly throughout the day. There was a climbing ramp, which the Rubicon nailed every time. According to a Jeep promo, the climb was of such a grade that most people wouldn't brave it with rock-climbing equipment.

Then there was a ramp with roller wheels to show off the Rubicon's excellent "articulation," which means that when some wheels start spinning, the others help out, big time.

There was also a "ground clearance" obstacle, which consisted of several logs laid out on the road. Amazing how the Rubicon handled these--with aplomb!

Here are some pictures of the Rubicon in action. Just take a look, and you'll see why people waited for hours for the privilege of being passengers in the Rubicon.

Here, the Rubicon makes an assault on a car show hill.

And here, the Rubicon comes straight at you, fresh off an obstacle that displays its traction and articulation.

We end not with a word from our sponsors, but with a word TO our sponsors: Hey, sponsors, how hard would it be for you guys to, like, rent a few tables and put them out on the floor next to your concessions? I mean, look at these auto show enthusiasts, losing dignity on the carpet of your event!

Man, child, no seat.

It this what it's come to, Detroit?