Philadelphia Auto Show gets in gear with Black Tie Tailgate

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Dressed to the nines, people filed into the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the 2015 Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate.

Friday night it was all about the kids. Proceeds from the tailgate benefit the neonatology division at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

This year's tailgate has raised more than $425,000.

"This is mostly research money. We're hiring research people, we're doing pulmonary research and airway research and neurology research," said Dr. William Fox, CHOP Neonatology.

Glamour, glitz, fast cars, food and dancing - kicked off the nine day event where people can roam 700,000 square feet filled with automobiles from 40 manufacturers here in Philadelphia.

6abc is a proud sponsor of the event.

"The economic impact of this show on the region is over $40 million. Every year it grows," said John McNichol, CEO of Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Whatever your pleasure from the exotic to the conventional.

"Pretty much all the new models," said Jenna Manzione.

You can touch and even sit inside.

"I love it. It's really cool," said Lori Nolan.

"They use this as a spring board to go out and buy a car. It's a really great way to come down and see cars - there's no hassles, there's no salesmen on top of you," said McNichol.

Consumers use the auto show to look for new trends. Expect this year's choices to reflect low gas prices.