Some of the 18 car brands you can test drive at the LA Auto Show
There are two test drive areas outside the Los Angeles Convention Center. Anyone can walk up and ask for a key.
Who knew there was a roller coaster at the Los Angeles Auto Show?
Of course, it’s not a real roller coaster. However, from a distance it may seem that way. Rising behind the South Hall of this year’s annual auto convention at the Downtown Los Angeles Convention Center, Camp Jeep is an experience that allows guests to ride in a Jeep vehicle through a sleek obstacle course designed to mimic rough terrain.
Camp Jeep track manager Sergio Armenta said Jeep has been offering this experience at various events for more than 20 years. Armenta estimates that a total of more than 3 million people have attended Camp Jeep’s various events to date.
The LA Auto Show is known for its test drives, and Camp Jeep stands out as the most elaborate. The course includes uneven stone steps, a mad dash up a 40-degree hill, and a sharp turn over a 30-degree ramp. Guests also basically treat it as a roller coaster, waving from the open roof of the car and screaming as it rolls down the hill as if they’re jumping into the “Jurassic World” ride at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Armenta said the Camp Jeep at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show had authentic landscaping, including the use of real mulch and real rocks as part of its decorations, making it more appealing.
Camp Jeep also serves as one of the few experiences at the LA Auto Show that appeals to kids and adults alike. Many of the people who waited in line for nearly an hour were families. Reyes was one of them.
Michelle Reyes traveled with her husband and two young daughters in a camping jeep. One of her daughters said she was drawn to the experience of being on a roller coaster while riding in the family car.
Reyes said it was also fun because he likes four-wheeled vehicles, which offer better traction and control off-road. Camp Jeep allows guests to ride in random Jeep vehicles. Vehicles include the Grand Cherokee, Gladiator, and Wrangler 4xe.
“It was a very smooth ride considering the uneven terrain,” Reyes said.
Daughter Carissa agreed, adding: “It’s been a roller coaster.”
Hyundai offers coffee using electric cars
On the other side of South Hall, Hyundai offered its own test drive as well as unique perks for visitors.
Hyundai also set up a coffee stand right next to the indoor electric car test drive venue, where guests could order lattes and cappuccinos made with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric coffee machine (which retails for $35,000 to $49,000 this year). One end of the cord was plugged into the car like a gas pump, and the other end was connected to the coffee maker.
