Free London motor show open now

Britain’s largest free motoring event opens its gates TODAY, with London Motorexpo 2012 claiming to be showing a hefty 250 cars of all shapes and sizes.

Many of these cars are open for show-goers to sit in and, what’s more, lots of the performance and low-emissions cars can be driven by visitors too, both around the show site itself and out on East London’s public roads.

Range Rover Evoque

McLaren MP4-12C

Motorexpo 2011: nobody told reception about it

Even better, entry to Canary Wharf’s Motorexpo is completely free – which is why show organisers are expecting more than 425,000 people to visit between today (11 June) and Sunday 17 June.

Now in its 17th year, the 2012 Motorexpo includes official displays and test drive programmes for many large vehicle manufacturers, including BMW, Chrysler, Keep, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes, Nissan and Volvo.

Four cars will make their UK debuts: the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes A-Class and Kia cee’d.

There is also the chance to road-test the Vauxhall Ampera, Tesla Roadster and many supercars from Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini and McLaren.

“Motorexpo has always been about letting visitors get up-close to, and wherever possible interact with, as many of the exhibits as possible,” said Graeme Carver, CEO of Motorexpo

“This year’s show will get showgoers closer to the action than ever before, experiencing more than 250 cars on display – most of which can be sat in and explored, and many of which can be driven.”

Another popular feature of Motorexpo continues for 2012, too: the Canary Wharf Race Room F1 simulator once again runs, allowing race fans to drive a virtual single seater F1 car around the Brands Hatch circuit.

The prize for the person setting the fastest time in 2012 is quite exceptional: a driving experience with the Lotus F1 team at the Paul Ricard circuit in France. After testing progressively more powerful road and race cars during the day, the winner will eventually be let loose in a real F1 car – an incredible prize that’s sure to draw the crowds at the Canary Wharf show.

“We are expecting some intense competition in 2012,” said Carver.

Gates open for Motorexpo at 10am today, and it’s open every day until 6pm before closing next Sunday at 5pm.

Range Rover Evoque

McLaren MP4-12C

Motorexpo 2011: nobody told reception about it