THE 2026 DETROIT AUTO SHOW
It’s back to the basics for the Detroit Auto Show – less about media attention, and more about the car shoppers and the opportunity to drive on indoor tracks.
By Christopher Merlo
Mon, Jan 26, 2026 02:00 PM PST
Featured image: Entrance to the Detroit Auto Show at Cobo Hall (Mark Dapoz)
Year two of the revamped Detroit Auto Show brought more of the same.
Ford was the only “show” in the show to host a press conference.
Other OEMs stepped back and left it to the media to discover previously revealed concepts and vehicles in their stands – we’re talking the other two Detroit automakers.
Ditto on the increased role of Detroit area dealer groups to show off the current lineup in their showrooms.
As we noted last year it’s back to the basics – less about media attention and all about grabbing the interest and intentions of car shoppers along with the opportunity to go for a drive on four indoor track experiences.
Here are the highlights from this year’s show.
Cadillac Elevated Velocity Concept Vehicle
First revealed last August the Cadillac Elevated Velocity was named best concept vehicle by the EyesOn Design Awards at this year’s show.
The concept’s 2+2 crossover design features dramatic gulf-wing doors and an extended hood line reminiscent of the Cadillac Celestiq and Lyriq.
“Elevated” speaks to its ride height and the occupants’ experience.
“Velocity” speaks to its on- and off-road capabilities complements of its high-performance EV drive system.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Limited Edition
Another show premier … but not a world premier (the debut occurred at the Army-Navy Game last December) is the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Limited Edition.
Production is limited to 250 units and commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Chevrolet Stars & Steel Collection spans five models adorned with commemorative stars and stripes graphics.
But there’s more beneath the skin of this Corvette hypercar that begins with a starting price above $200,000.
Powered by the twin turbo LT7 5.5L V8 engine and an eAWD (electric front-wheel drive unit) teamed with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, the combined powertrains deliver 1,250 horsepower and 828 lb.-ft. of torque.
Along with the liberal use of carbon fiber body components including aerodynamic elements to increase downforce for added road grip, the ZR1X set a record for an American automaker with an under 7-minute lap speed at Nürburgring.
Chevrolet Corvette CX Concept
Could this be the next generation design of the Corvette? We’re left to wonder.
No doubt it grabbed the attention of media and industry folks alike thanks to its fighter-jet, stealth-like, aerodynamic design.
Chevrolet took the wraps off this fully electric hyper car concept back in August.
Ford Bronco RTR – Factory Ready / All-In On Off-Road
Ford continues to expand its offerings in the growing off-road recreation market with the reveal of the Bronco RTR.
At last year’s auto show Ford debuted its partnership with RTR (Ready To Rock) with the reveal of the Mustang RTR.
This year it’s the Bronco RTR that is ready to roll and go off road, off the factory line – and not as an after-market build.
RTR founder, champion drifter and off-roader Vaughn Gittin Jr. was behind the wheel for the debut of the new Bronco derivative with its signature RTR design elements and graphics.
From the factory the standard-equipped model features a higher ground clearance, 33-inch all-terrain tires and Raptor-derived steering gear and engine cooling.
Options include the Sasquatch off-road package with 35-inch tires, HOSS 3.0 (high-performance off-road stability suspension) and Fox internal bypass shocks.
2026 Jeep Wrangler Twelve 4 Twelve Program – 85th Anniversary Edition
To celebrate its 85th anniversary, Jeep is bringing a new, limited-edition trim package to the Wrangler lineup every month for twelve months.
Ram Truck
On January 1 Ram Truck announced the release of two new package/trim levels for the 2027 model year.
The models made their first public appearance at the show – minus any formal press conference.
2027 Ram Power Wagon
The 2027 edition of the Power Wagon offers for the first time the available 6.7L Cummins high output turbo diesel that delivers 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb.-ft. of torque.
Available in the second half of 2026.
2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX
Coming to the Ram Truck’s SRT performance sub brand is the off-road TRX powered by a 6.2L supercharged Hemi V8 rated at 777 horsepower and 680 lb.-ft. of torque.
Available in the second half of 2026.
M1E3 Abrams Prototype
We’ve all heard the disparaging remark, sometimes even a personal affront targeting your daily driver that it “drives like a tank.”
Well, here’s the real McCoy. “Secreted” away in the basement of Huntington Place the U.S. Army Ground Combat Systems showcased a fully operations prototype of the next-generation battle tank, the M1E3 Abrams.
It’s designed for action in a variety of environments and to provide protection under an array of threats including guided missiles and drones complements of a suite of AI-powered engineering tools including threat alert and target prioritization systems.
This new model is reportedly powered by a hybrid-electric diesel engine, weighs 10 tons less than the previous model and features an unmanned turret.
We only wish this ride was included in the drive experiences on the main show floor.
2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards
An annual tradition, the kickoff press conference at the Detroit Auto Show is the announcement of the winners of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year.
For more information, go to the Detroit Auto Show site.
About The Author
Christopher Merlo, a.k.a Mr. Detroit, learned to drive on the streets of the Motor City. Friday and Saturday nights of his youth were spent cruising Detroit's Telegraph Road and Woodward Avenue while listening to rock and roll resulting in serious addictions to road machines, pop music, and road food. For Chris, it's all about car culture. These days Chris satisfies his various appetites by advising automotive clients and writing their corporate communications.
