The Oregon Convention Center is hosting the 2018 Portland Auto Show Jan 25 through 28, and includes some vehicles recently released at the LA Auto Show and at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Recently released at NAIAS, the Mustang Bullitt tribute car is on display in the Ford area. This Dark Highland Green gem sparkles brilliantly in the overhead lighting, the front glaring at the carpet (silently demanding open roads).

Ram brought their all-new 1500 Limited edition pick-up truck – full of modern conveniences, a luxuriant interior experience, and a frequency response damping system for a superior ride. This fully-capable pick-up has a power tailgate and reclining rear seats with enough room to fit very tall people.

The new Ram 1500 has also lost almost 225 lbs. of weight through new high-strength steel and compound alloy materials. Ram has also increased the 1500s payload capacity to 2,300 lbs. and increased tow rating to 12,750 lbs.

“The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 delivers a no-compromise approach to the full-size truck segment with strength, durability, technology and efficiency,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram and Jeep Brand. “The Ram 1500 offers truck buyers leading-edge innovation with a stunning Uconnect 12-inch touchscreen display and active systems that improve fuel efficiency and assist drivers. The Ram 1500 stands out as the benchmark in a very competitive segment.”

Jeep brought their newest JL Wrangler, the successor to the wildly popular JK Wrangler. They’ve improved the approach and departure angles, increased fording depth to 30-inches, decreased weight while increasing rigidity through the use of high-strength aluminum in the doors and magnesium alloys elsewhere.

“Jeep has always represented the ultimate in capability and open-air freedom, and our all-new 2018 Wrangler protects that important legacy and takes it into the future,” Manley said.  “The all-new Wrangler is instantly recognizable as a Jeep, staying true to the original, yet it is better in every way – delivering even more rugged capability, more ride comfort, more fuel efficiency courtesy of several advanced powertrain options, more interior comfort, more safety and more technology.”

All new JL Wranglers come with the new front fascia with front and rear, heavy-duty and winch ready bumpers with removeable endcaps, front and rear tow-hooks, class-leading approach and departure angles (44 degrees and 37 degrees, respectively). Rubicons come with the top tech – need to charge something? There are 7 USB ports.

Toyota improved their top-selling RAV4 with the newest, rugged Adventure trim, placed between the XLE and SE trims. The Rav4 Adventure trim has larger over-fender flares, unique 18-inch 5-spoke wheels, and increased ground clearance by .4 of an inch. They also increased towing capacity in the Rav4 Adventure model to 3,500 lbs. The Cold Weather package gives it heated seats.

Cars aren’t the only attractions at the Portland Auto Show. Nissan brought Star Wars themed vehicles, a storm trooper, and a Star Wars VR booth while Hyundai brought a racing game setup and a vehicle anyone can enter to win.

New to the Portland Auto Show in 2018 is “The Garage”, a section for everything motorsports and aftermarket improved. “The Garage” features a live build from ProTek – they are lifting a 2018 Toyota Tacoma right on the showroom floor.  Stereo King is also installing a clear bra and window tint on a few Ferraris, along with showcasing audio setups.

For more information about the Portland Auto Show, check out their website: http://portlandautoshow.com/. Catch the show before it’s gone!