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The once great event called the Detroit Auto show was really a non-event this year. Years ago I went every year. I was excited to check out the cars and the dolls (can I still say that?). Based on what I have read or watched on Detroit tv I wouldn’t walk across to the street to see this year's show. Nick Bunkley Quote: Press days at the Detroit auto show used to be a three-day avalanche of news, elaborate stunts (no one will ever forget Chrysler driving 120 head of cattle through the streets to promote a new pickup) and celebrity cameos. One year, General Motors even kicked things off the night before with a star-studded runway fashion show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. This year, ... everything was pretty much winding down by lunchtime on the very first day. Quote
The only two vehicles of any interest were the Toyota Supra (zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds for $50k) and the Shelby Mustang GT500 (so powerful it isn’t legal in Japan). Missing were European auto companies like BMW, Mercedes, Jag, Audi, Porsche, Volvo and others. Next year the show is moving from January to the warm summer months. I believe it is to be tied in with the Belle Isle IMSA races. That could be better timing and weather, so we might see more car company’ s involved.
More likely New Car Auto Shows are a thing of the past, as manufacturers like to be Number 1 in the spotlight and in the digital age they can arrange that any where and any time.
I've only been a few times, but that's mainly since the venue/hall isn't very good, the crowds were silly, and most of the cars were locked.
Detroit show has been on a downward trend for years now, I remember a couple years ago when I last went, most of the Euro brands weren't even there, so I can't say I'm too surprised.
Car makers aren't waiting until the new year anymore to reveal their latest and greatest models, 2019's have been available for months. I remember when the auto show was about the new models, are cars were released within a few weeks of the new year, it's changed a lot. I think moving the show to the summer is a wise move, it may get people back out, maybe not. I believe the LA and NY shows are still pretty big, Detroit is still just Detroit.
I have not attended in a number of years. Being based in DTW, it was a cinch to borrow a pilot friend's "beater car" and drive through that derelict city like a man on a mission from God to get to the show. Entrance was free for military or airline IDs, just had to sweet-talk your way in. Was always so much fun to see it all.
Did you see the luke warm response to the Supra reveal the other day? I suspect the internet coverage and leaked information killed it. Even Fernando Alonso couldn't bring the hype.
Too bad they left out the Supra sister car that also has that same BMW N58 twin scroll turbo engine - but with a lot more hp and torque. If I were seriously considering a replacement for my S2000 I would be very interested in making a deal for a 2019 BMW Z4 M40i. In the Motor Trend comparo the Supra comes across as more of a Lexus that a pure sports car.
01-15-2019, 11:43 AM
Detroit Auto Show
