It’s all happening in Detroit this January as the largest ever concentration of top automotive and technology execs in the world gather with designers, engineers and trendsetters to attend the annual North American International Auto Show. Baroque Ground finds out some of the 2017 highlights
The annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is the largest and most prestigious automotive showcase in North America. In 2016, NAIAS introduced 61 brand new vehicles, many of which were world debuts. This year, once again, over 5,000 media from 60 different countries around the world will attend the show, which, now that it has integrated with AutoMobili-D, will be the world’s leading showcase of cars and motoring technology. The 2017 show will feature more than 750 vehicles and countless interactive displays.
What sets NAIAS apart from other motor shows is that it actually presents not one, but six unique shows in one. These include the superlative luxury automotive event, The Gallery, AutoMobili-D, which offers an inside look at future mobility platforms, not to mention the Press, Industry and Charity Previews, and finally, the 9-day Public Show.
Kicking off the NAIAS is the plush The Gallery event, which is celebrating its 10th year. It is once again hosted at the luxurious MGM Grand Detroit and includes a dinner in the Ignite Lounge prepared by world-famous chef Wolfgang Puck. Afterwards, guests can stroll through the MGM Grand’s Ballroom to see a display of the almost $7 million collection of incredible cars, including prestigious brands such as Bentley, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce and Porsche.
Collaborating with NAIAS for the first time and running in conjunction with the Show, the Automobili-D will take place from 8 to 12 January, 2017. It will focus on the rapidly changing global car and mobility landscape and will feature over 100 firms, including car manufacturers, top suppliers and tech start-ups.
Press Days are on 9 and 10 January 2017, Industry Days follow on the 11th and 12th and there will be specific press conferences for participating AutoMobili-D companies on the afternoons of both Press Days.
On 13 January 2017, the Charity Preview will be held, an opportunity to raise funds for a wide selection of children’s charities in southeastern Michigan. Since it started in 1976, Charity Preview has raised over $106 million.
The public is then able to attend the show from 14 to 22 January 2017, to see the vehicles and technologies that will shape the automobile landscape close up. For the first week, from 14 to 21 January, admittance is from 9am to 10pm. On Sunday 22 January, the show is open from 9am till 7pm.
Audi Q8 Concept to debut at NAIAS
One of the highlights of NAIAS 2017 is sure to be the brand new Audi Q8 concept that will make its debut for the first time, starting off the new year with a flourish. According to Audi, this near-production model apparently blends “the emotional styling of a coupé” with the spaciousness typical of an SUV. The famous German automobile manufacturer is very proud of this new Q model line, a concept that is both sporty and prestigious. With an imposing front end, octagonal Singleframe that is much wider than Audi’s current production models and an extremely spacious interior, the brand new Q8 is expected to be a force to be reckoned with in its class.
Many of the vehicle’s design elements are said to be reminiscent of Audi’s legendary UR-quattro that was manufactured in the 1980s. So if you’d like to see this exemplary vehicle as well as many other outstanding debuts, it’s time to book your tickets and plan a trip to Detroit mid-January.