The 2010 Northeast International Auto Show opens at the Convention Center in Providence on Thursday with a number of exotics represented on the floor in addition to most mainstream cars and light trucks.

General Motors is offering test drives of a number of its vehicles while Ford is introducing its new Escape Plug-in Hybrid. It is the It's the vehicle's East Coast debut.

The auto show runs through the weekend. In addition to most contemporary marques, it will feature Lamborghini and Rolls Royce, according to Laura Holzman, spokeswoman for show producer Motor Trends Auto Shows.

The winners of Motor Trend magazine's prestigious Car, Truck and SUV awards of the year -- the Ford Fusion hybrid, the Ford Connect Transit and the Subaru Outback, respectively will respectively -- will also be on view.

The show is presented by the Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association, (RIADA) and the mood among local dealers is more upbeat than it was a year ago, according to RIADA executive director Jack Perkins.

"People will be pleasantly surprised," Perkins said of the range of new vehicles cur- rently on the market. He cited stable prices, more features, new hybrids and better fuel efficiency of all vehicles.

Attendees will also be able to test-drive vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick and GMC.
"You can see the cars inside the show and drive them outside," said Holzman. "It adds to the interactivity to [(be able)] to get behind the wheel."

The test-drive -- "Experience the Drive" -- will be run from 10 a.m. until dusk on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Scott Settlemire, the uber Camaro fan and product manager for the Chevrolet Camaro and the Cadillac will be on hand Saturday morning to talk about the new and old Camaro.

He worked on the 2010 Camaro amd and oversees all exhibits for the two marques. He said he is involved with the team currently working on the 2012 and 2013 Camaros.

Settlemire will have two concept Camaros on show. The Camaro LS7 features a Victory Red paint job with a 550-horsepower engine. The Camaro Dusk is painted Berlin Blue with a 304 hp engine, custom leather, 21-inch wheels and premium audio options.

The show will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Centger at One Sabin Street.

As always, an advantage to checking cars and light trucks at the show is the absence of commercial pressure in addition to the range of makes and models available.

Attendees will receive a free one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine.

Show hours are Thursday and Friday, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is $9; $6 for senior citizens (62 and older); $5 for students (with ID); and $4 for children ages 7 to 12. Children 6 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Kids Day is Sunday when two Marvel Comics characters make appearances - -- Spider Man from 11 am a.m. to 1:30 pm p.m. and The Incredible Hulk between 2:30 pm p.m. and 5 pm p.m.