Everything That's Magnificent About The Detroit Auto Show

"Pramoda Ravi (Promo)" (pramoda-ravi)
01/09/2015 at 12:43 • Filed to: None

There's a lot of misinformation being spread about what the Detroit auto show is really about, just look at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! about how he believes Detroit is a dead and worthless city. I'm here to explain what has changed in the last 8 years; the last time I believe Chris Harris attended NAIAS.

Since the beginning of time Detroit has been the automotive capital of the world, hell, we're known as the MotorCity for a reason. I remember when the Ford GT debuted at the auto show over a decade ago, the energy around the car was something I cannot describe. People huddled all around the car, smiling, proud that a company such as Ford was able to bring back the history of a legendary racecar that went toe to toe with Ferrari and won. Sure, you can Google pictures of the car and gawk at its awesomeness but it just isn't the same feeling. For this year's auto show, the racing heritage is being brought back by Chevy and Ford. You won't find the passion and spirit of Detroit muscle in California or New York.

I fully agree that Detroit was a wasteland for years. There's no denying that the city went through hell and back to try and flourish again. We do have a few things here that you can't find anywhere else though, the largest number of industry suppliers and automobile manufacturers. The feeling you get walking through the Henry Ford Museum or the GM Renaissance Center is priceless. The food trucks, breweries, and a quick glimpse at the abandoned Central Station or Eastern Market should all be a part of the experience for those traveling to NAIAS. We don't want you to just look at the cars, we want you to experience our culture and feel our passion as we strive to be the giant we once were.

To those traveling to the auto show this year, I suggest you experience Detroit for what it is. It's not dangerous (well not nearly as dangerous as what people make it out to be), the food is terrific, the beer is fantastic, and the history is breathtaking. You won't find the same vibe anywhere else. Some call it magic, but you should find out for yourself.

DISCUSSION (17)

4 cam torino > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 12:46

Hit the Ren Cen, ride the elevator to the top, visit the Coach Insignia bar and order yourself the beer with the greatest label in the history of beer.

http://www.motorcitybeer.com/products/ghett…

4 cam torino > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 12:50

In LA or New York you can listen to a PR person regurgitate press releases to you. In Detroit at some point the engineer for most areas of the car is bound to walk through for some potential real insight on what is going on via a random encounter.

And some of those engineers show up to events where you can race go carts against them too.

Milky > 4 cam torino
01/09/2015 at 12:57

Ghettoblaster is just an okay beer.

Yea I said it.

4 cam torino > Milky
01/09/2015 at 13:00

I won't argue that, honestly. I'm not saying it's the best beer in the world. Only that it has the best label and that a bottle makes a great Detroit souvenir.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 13:01

Another great response to the anti-Detroit a-hole.

Keep them coming people.

I'll say it again, Jalopnik changed from fully supporting Detroit with the Jalopnik Detroit sub blog all the way down to posting the typical Detroit Hate pieces that are easy for crappy journalists to write.

He couldn't even be bothered to realize that there were millions of dollars in renovations to Cobo this year.

Steve Zissou > 4 cam torino
01/09/2015 at 13:05

Or go to their brewery in Midtown and get some bonus pizza.

Pramoda Ravi (Promo) > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
01/09/2015 at 13:06

I'm loving all this feedback guys!

It's a "Porch-uh" > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 13:06

You can't argue against the weather. Who's bright idea was it to hold this in January? Hold it in the Spring for F's sake.

Pramoda Ravi (Promo) > It's a "Porch-uh"
01/09/2015 at 13:10

Take the People Mover to cobo hall. If done correctly you really don't have to be outside for longer than a minute or two.

4 cam torino > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 13:18

Truth, I always leave my coat in the car to avoid the sweat issues Chris complained about. You can people mover from Greek Town reasonably without a coat. It also isn't a far run from some of the parking garages around. There are a couple on Griswald that I like that I think actually lead to less outside time than some that are actually closer to Cobo but require you to run around the building.

someassemblyrequired > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 13:22

Detroit show is best show. Used to go every year when I lived in Ontario. We just parked on the Canadian side and took the Windsor city bus downtown. Going back through Canadian customs on the city bus was awesome - just open passport to picture page with one hand, and hold open swag bag with the other, then get waved through. Report directly to Tunnel BBQ for mass quantities of food.

You're right that downtown Detroit has some amazing architecture. Was mostly abandoned when I last went (10+ years), but I think that they've been trying to revitalize some of the older buildings.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 13:37

Hell yea man!

Glad to see more and more metro-Detroit and Detroit OPPOs!

Father Dougal McGuire > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 14:09

There's ways to avoid the cold for sure but you have to admit that Detroit in the spring and summer is way more fun than January! How cool would it be to visit the auto show in the daytime then get stinko at a tigers night game?

Man I can't wait for spring...

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Steve Zissou
01/09/2015 at 15:43

Came here to say this, just go to the brewery!

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > 4 cam torino
01/09/2015 at 15:43

Yup! Which reminds me, I gotta miss tomorrows K2K race again this year! Damn family commitments.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 15:45

Its gonna be cold, but other than that it's always a great show. I'll be down there Wednesday for the industry preview and probably the last sunday. I always go at least twice.

Also, as I replied to an out-of-towner that was coming up just for the show, there are TONS of great places to eat/visit in the city. Not to forget just outside of the city. The Metro area is great.

whiskeybusiness NOW A DANGER TO CROWDS NEAR YOU > Pramoda Ravi (Promo)
01/09/2015 at 23:22

At long last, an honest appraisal of Detroit by someone who's actually spent time here!