Hey friends, Jer here.
The Detroit Auto Show is back, and I spent the day with photographer Ryan Southen walking the floor and finding the things that interested me — and might be fun to check out if you head down.
I am familiar with a lot of the brands. I've had my share of automotive-related conversations for the podcast, and test driven review vehicles.
But there are tons of posts and articles and content all highlighting the mainstream models and whatever.
I thought I'd share some of the gems off the beaten path that you might want to consider checking out if you go. Warning: There are puppies ahead!
For the transit fan
There's the HOLON urban level 4 autonomous fixed-route shuttle by Benteler.
Designed to fit 15, it has a lot of the trappings of mass transit while being more flexible, far easier to load with a ramp for those with strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices.
It apparently can go up to 37 miles per hour, and it's being tested on the streets of Hamburg, Germany — with a presence in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.
Yes, I am all for light rail, bus rapid transit, all of it. But we're going to need a mix of solutions to get the job done of moving people around.
They have an office in Auburn Hills, and this will be one I'm going to follow up on.
Cadillac's F1 Race Car
I remember when Formula One used to be on the streets of Detroit, and as much as I enjoy a good IndyCar race, my heart is still with the F1 circuit.
The blacked-out display racer for the new Cadillac Formula One team is slick as hell.
The Jeep ride-along experience track
There are a number of ride-along experiences at the show this year. The first one I'd line up for is the one by Jeep.
Going up and down at more than a 30 degree angle was fun.
I gotta hand it to Jeep for spending time on the experience details; from the thoughtfully designed path inside the track to the store; complete with rubber ducks for sale.
Puppies!
Subaru pulled at the heartstrings with an adoptable puppy pen, thanks to a collaboration with the Michigan Humane Society.
Of course I pet that dog.
Also, Michigan Secretary of State (and candidate for Governor) Jocelyn Benson adopted one.
We happened to spot her taking a ride on the Ford track earlier in the day.
Classic metal
It's definitely not the focus of the show, but some corners you'll find some beautiful old favorites, like this 1960s-era Mustang. Love the details.
Elevated Velocity Cadillac concept vehicle
I could go to a show that had a whole section devoted to concept cars.
I like when I get to see stuff I might not see anywhere else, and this was the case here. Cadillac describes this one:
Elevated Velocity envisions a bold future, where hyper-performance meets bespoke craftsmanship. Sculpted. Dramatic. Sleek. Refined.
I'm not sure I love the red of the interior, but I see where they're going. That's part of the fun of concept vehicles.
And although I know they're not that practical, I'm a sucker for the idea of gull-wing doors.
If this wasn't enough for you, I had a conversation previewing the show on our podcast with Sam Klemet, who heads up the operation. [Daily Detroit]
The public show days start this weekend, running from January 17 through 25. Tickets available here.
📅 Reminder that this Saturday from 10a-1p we're having a free coffee, donuts, and conversation meetup and open house at our studio. In 2026, we're committed to being far more connected (and having fun). You can RSVP on Facebook or Eventbrite so we have an idea how many goodies to bring.
🚧 Thanks to some massive winter weather, there are nearly 650 school closings or delays across the wider nine-county southeast Michigan region. Good luck today.
🏗️ Detroit’s new convention hotel is changing the skyline on the old Joe Louis Arena site. Above is some video of the construction I shot outside of the show.
When it’s done, this JW Marriott Water Square will rise about 25 stories with around 600 rooms, directly connected to Huntington Place by a skybridge for convention‑goers.
Developers say it’s a roughly $400 million project that could open in time for early 2027 events like the Men’s NCAA Final Four, bringing a big boost in rooms, meeting space and spending along the riverfront.
As we’ve talked about on our Daily Detroit podcast, Detroit misses out on a lot of events because we simply haven’t had enough hotel rooms — meaning fewer jobs and less revenue.
We have a special edition of the podcast for you later this week, so you're gonna wanna follow us on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app if you don't already.
Before I go, here's a little clip of downtown Detroit yesterday as the snow hit hard. I hope you stayed safe out there.
Remember that you are somebody,
-Jer
p.s. - Thanks to Tom for upping his membership on our Patreon. You can help support what we do, too.
