The ground floor of the Petersen Automotive Museum’s parking garage looked like pit row at a NASCAR race. Vehicles covered in brightly colored decals were strewn about, motors revving, while folks poked about beneath hoods and discussed various aspects of speed and performance.
But instead of promoting Valvoline or Viagra, the decals sported the names of lithium-ion battery companies and state universities. The vehicles were 2005 Chevy Equinox crossovers — not over-engined stock cars — with power plants not found on any race track.