Auto fans, start your engines -- the 2006 Philadelphia International Auto Show is just around the corner.
This year's show -- which runs from Saturday through Feb. 12 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center -- will feature over 700 vehicles from 40 manufacturers.
The annual show features "concept" cars as well as models intended for production.
"I like to see the really fancy cars that you don't get to see usually driving on the street," said College sophomore Greg Gyulai, who attended last year's event and plans to go again this year.
The show also boasts a wide variety of vehicles including pre-production cars -- which will be available within the next year -- exotics, sport-utility vehicles and hybrids.
However, auto-show promoters are particularly excited about an exhibit featuring individually customized cars.
For the second year in a row, the event hosts a Tuner Car Salon, which will display not only modified vehicles but celebrity cars such as a 580-horsepower Lamborghini formerly owned by Los Angles Lakers star and Philadelphia-area native Kobe Bryant.
Students who want a glimpse of what the stars drive also may want to seek out DaimlerChrysler's Maybach exhibit. On display will be a $400,000 limousine with 550 horsepower. Jay-Z and Kanye West each own one.
Gyulai -- who drives a Saab at home -- is particularly fond of the Aston Martin Vanquish, which appeared in the last James Bond movie.
New car models will not debut this year, since most manufacturers choose to reveal brand-new vehicles for the first time at other shows, such as those in Detroit or New York.
Nonetheless, it is the only event hosted by the Convention Center all year that uses up the venue's entire 550,000 square feet of exhibit space.
"There's just billions of cars everywhere," Gyulai said.
Philadelphia Eagles kicker David Akers and running back Ryan Moats will make an appearance on Feb. 7 and 8. Members of the Philadelphia Flyers will also be present.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located at 1101 Arch St. Tickets are $12 for weekend days and $10 for weekdays. Show times vary, but the doors open at 9 a.m. on the weekends and at noon on weekdays.
Auto show - Over 700 vehicles from 40 different manufacturers featured - Check out celebrity cars such as a 580-horsepower Lamborghini formerly owned by Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant - Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers players will make appearances
