> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.dailydetroit.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Road Less Traveled at the Detroit Auto Show - URL: https://www.dailydetroit.com/the-road-less-traveled-at-the-detroit-auto-show/ - Published: 2026-01-15T13:38:58.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-15T13:38:58.000Z - Description: A collection of interests and oddities at Huntington Place - Author: Jer Staes - Tags: Newsletter, Automotive, Real Estate and Development Hey friends, Jer here. The Detroit Auto Show is back, and I spent the day with [photographer Ryan Southen](https://www.ryansouthen.com/?ref=dailydetroit.com) 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 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8583x-copy.jpg) HOLON urban vehicle. 📸 Ryan Southen There's the [HOLON urban](https://www.driveholon.com/en/the-mover/?ref=dailydetroit.com) level 4 autonomous fixed-route shuttle by Benteler. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8609x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8604x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8591x-copy.jpg) Catching up with podcast co-host Norris Howard inside the HOLON urban. 📸 Ryan Southen 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8601x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen They have an office in Auburn Hills, and this will be one I'm going to follow up on. ### Cadillac's F1 Race Car ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8567x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen 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 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8909x-copy.jpg) About to go up the hill 📸 Ryan Southen 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8892x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen Going up and down at more than a 30 degree angle was fun. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8856x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen I gotta hand it to Jeep for spending time on the experience details; from the **t**houghtfully designed path inside the track to the store; complete with rubber ducks for sale. ### Puppies! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8695x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen Subaru pulled at the heartstrings with an adoptable puppy pen, thanks to a collaboration with the Michigan Humane Society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8674x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen Of course I pet that dog. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8663x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen Also, Michigan Secretary of State (and candidate for Governor) [Jocelyn Benson adopted one. ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTgRWuskq0j/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8966x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen We happened to spot her taking a ride on the Ford track earlier in the day. ### Classic metal ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8759x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen 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 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8634x-copy-1.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen 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: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8640x-copy.jpg) > 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/NAIAS_1-14-2026-8646x-copy.jpg) 📸 Ryan Southen 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. [\[Daily Detroit\]](https://www.dailydetroit.com/2026-detroit-auto-show-preview-w-sam-klemet/) The public show days start this weekend, running from January 17 through 25\. [Tickets available here.](https://detroitautoshow.com/?ref=dailydetroit.com) --- **📅 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](https://www.facebook.com/events/850409107962992) or [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-coffee-donuts-and-community-talking-detroit-and-the-region-tickets-1980178680739?aff=oddtdtcreator&ref=dailydetroit.com) 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. --- 0:00 /0:30 1× **🏗️ 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. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/2026/01/jw-dtwjd-exterior-riverfront-25033_Classic-Hor.jpeg) Rendering of the future hotel 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](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942?ref=dailydetroit.com) 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. 0:00 /0:11 1× 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.](https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit?ref=dailydetroit.com)