The Seattle International Auto Show, sponsored by Chase Auto Finance and Chevron Lubricants opens on Nov. 3, at the Qwest Field Event Center (formerly Seahawks Exhibition Center). It’s a five-day showcase of all-new 2005 model year vehicles, vintage collectibles and one-of-a-kind super cars.

Consumers and car lovers alike will get their first peek at all-new debut vehicles like:

Dodge Magnum — laying claim to the mother of all wagons, thanks to its super hot, 5.7-liter Hemi V8

Chevrolet Cobalt — a premium compact with style, creature comforts and affordable price to match

Saab 9 2X — European refinement and a turbocharged engine move it to the head of the sub-luxury class

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab — a longer and wider pickup available in two- or four-wheel drive

Chrysler town & Country — the minivan that set the standard gets second- and third-row Stow ‘n Go seats

Scion tC Coupe – right out of the blocks, a statement of power and handling for a growing youth market

Ford GT arrives with LeMans inspired styling and interior goodies

Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates the automaker’s 100th anniversary

Maybach 62 rhymes with $357,000 (one look and you’ll know why)

552-horsepower Bentley Continental GT has the raw power to match its highly refined look

Every major manufacturer will be showcasing their new lineups, offering something for everyone: Come see value-priced cars like the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, as well as the increasingly popular Hyundai Accent, Suzuki Aerio, and Kia Rio.

Sport-utility vehicles abound, including the new Land Rover LR3, Dodge Durango and all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as updates on current models like the new Jaguar-powered, 300 horsepower, Volvo XC90 V8.

Trucks are always popular and this year will be no different with new offerings from Toyota’s new Tacoma Double Cab and XRunner, the hot Nissan Titan and Chevrolet Avalanche among others.

Minivans like Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest and the restyled Dodge Caravan will give families the chance to climb inside and check out their favorite.

Performance and luxury cars have never been hotter. The Audi A6, BMW 6 Series, Volkswagen Phaeton, Volvo S40, and the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 are building loyal followings and will be on display.

Hybrids, the wave of the future, are available today

The Lexus RX 400h stakes its claim as the world’s first luxury SUV hybrid. It’s just one of many gas-electric wonders that include the all-new Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, which have all brought increased mileage to their respective segments. Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, the cars that inaugurated the hybrid class will be front and center.

Production vehicles and more

This year’s show delivers one of a kind vehicles, like the “IT” all-electric car, Chevy’s TrailBlazer SS Concept, a tricked-out Dodge Magnum with a $40,000 audio system, and vintage collectibles worth a combined half a million dollars from the Harold E. LeMay Museum. These include a rare 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II, a 1914 Detroit Electric Priscilla and a 1937 Cord Westchester 810, the first production vehicle with concealed headlamps. The show’s mezzanine level is a virtual mini-mall of aftermarket auto accessories – and offers a panoramic view of the glistening 2005’s below.

Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 12 noon-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Adult admission is $10. Kids 12 and under are free. Covered parking is available in the exhibition center’s parking garage, Safeco Field, Union Station, and nearby facilities.

Showgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to benefit the year-round needs of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission men’s shelter.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.seattleautoshow.com. For more information, call 206-542-3551.