After a two-year hiatus, Detroit's auto show has returned, making its debut as an autumn event with around a dozen new model reveals. Some were previously unveiled online and are making their public appearance for the first time while others, like the new Mustang, were uncovered at the show.
In an era where semiconductor chip shortages, blurred product lifecycle timelines, and manufacturing difficulties have taken center stage, the show, like all of America's big auto shows, is grasping for relevance.
It's also striving to find its identity, going by both the Detroit Auto Show and North American International Auto Show names in official communications.
While it is short on new product debuts this year, there are several worth noting from the Big Three (Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Stellantis) that can be seen on the show floor.
Ford has given the Mustang a generational redesign that captures the spirit of the muscle car while giving customers more of what they want - technology. With its historic relevance, cockpit-like interior and fresh face, the Mustang is likely to be the belle of the Detroit Auto Show ball.
Jeep celebrates its hot-selling Grand Cherokee with a 30th anniversary edition package on its plug-in hybrid electric variant. Its exterior features a blacked-out appearance with a modified front fascia, 20-inch back wheels, special edition badging and body-color lower moulding, cladding and wheel flares. Orders for the model will open later this year. The package carries a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,700.
Chevrolet, this week, introduced a new, special edition package that is available exclusively on the Tahoe RST. The package makes use of Chevy's 6.2-liter engine and combines it with pursuit-rated performance enhancements meaning that the power plant achieves 433 horsepower and 467 pound-feet of torque.
The power moves the SUV from zero to 60 mph in 5.78 seconds and it has a top speed of 124 miles per hour (mph). Performance enhancements extend to the brakes where stopping distance is improved over other models.
The new Wrangler Willys 4xe combines 21 miles of all-electric driving with a classic trim level. The new Wrangler 4xe model gets standard LED head- and fog lamps, an Alpine nine-speaker sound system, all-weather floor mats, a rear limited-slip differential, rock rails, black grille, 17-inch black-painted alloy wheels and a 'Willys' decal on the hood.
Jeep will make the model available with its Sun and Screen Package, which adds the Sky One-Touch Power-Top roof and an 8.4-inch infotainment touch screen.
The Wrangler Willys 4xe represents the PHEV's new entry point. It has a MSRP of $53,995 and a destination fee of $1,595. Ordering is open today with deliveries scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Chrysler is commemorating its 70-year 300 legacy with a special edition model. The 2023 Chrysler 300C will be powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI engine that delivers 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The engine moves the car from zero to 60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.3 seconds and gets sopping power from red Brembo brakes. It also has a limited slip differential, active damping suspension and active exhaust system. Carbon fiber accents and unique badging complete the package.
Lincoln debuts its next-generation ActiveGlide hands-free driver assistance system (ADAS) on the refreshed SUV. The models also get larger 13.2-inch infotainment touch screens running the SYNC 4 system, Auto Air Refresh technology and two new interior themes as part of the compact SUV's mid-generation redo.
The compact 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV SUV will start around $30,000 USD and have a GM-estimated base model range of 250 miles on a single charge when it comes to market in 2024. The five-seater is considered a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
Chevrolet's new midsize electric SUV made its auto show debut in Detroit showing off looks and a powertrain that differentiate it from the gas-powered Blazer. The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV is set to go on sale in the summer of 2023 and will be sold alongside the gasoline-powered Blazer model that is currently available at dealerships nationwide.
"The Detroit Auto Show has long made a significant positive impact on the community, from the jobs created by the construction and execution of the show itself, to the restaurants, hotels, and businesses that see increased traffic, as well as the more than $100 million raised for Southeast Michigan children's charities through the annual Charity Preview Night over the past 25 years," Rod Alberts, executive director, Detroit Auto Show told Newsweek.
"This year's show, back for the first time since 2019, with both indoor and outdoor activities, enables the automakers to have consumers experiences a wide range of vehicles from multiple brands in a single location by seeing them, driving them and riding in them."
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