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L.A. Auto Show: Details to know before you go

Journalists gather around a Fiat 500 Abarth at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. The 2012 show opens to the public Friday and runs through Dec. 9.
Journalists gather around a Fiat 500 Abarth at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. The 2012 show opens to the public Friday and runs through Dec. 9.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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You’ve read the stories about Ford’s upcoming three-cylinder Fiesta and the world debut of Porsche’s Cayman. You’ve drooled over photos of Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG Black Series and BMW’s plug-in hybrid supercar concept.

Now you want to hit the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. Here’s what you need to know.

The show is held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St.

PHOTOS: Highlights from the 2012 L.A. Auto Show

The first two days, Wednesday and Thursday, are only for media. Expect a wave of auto-related news including details on Toyota’s all-new RAV4, Acura’s RLX world debut and Audi’s expanding diesel lineup.

The show opens to the public Friday and runs through Dec. 9. The show floor is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $8 on opening day, $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends (though if you poke around the Web, you can often find coupons for discounts). Kids 12 and under are free with an adult.

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PHOTOS: Highlights from the 2012 L.A. Auto Show

Parking is $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. This being L.A., no event is complete without valet parking. So if that’s how you roll, bring $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends.

Licensed adults will be able to test-drive vehicles from 15 different manufacturers. If you’re serious about buying a car, be sure to check with representatives at each display, since many give out rebates or incentives that you can then take to your local dealer.

You may also get a chance to rub elbows with a celebrity. Patrick Dempsey, a known car fan and race team owner, has been known to show up. L.A. Clippers star Blake Griffin is sponsored by Kia Motors, so he’s been seen in these parts. Other names known to show up are Jay Leno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michelle Wie and Johnny Knoxville.

FULL COVERAGE: 2012 L.A. Auto Show

Stars and cars. Just what you’d expect from an event in L.A.

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Full coverage: 2012 L.A. Auto Show

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Panorama: 2012 L.A. Auto Show

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