Detroit Auto Show 2023: powerful exhibitions, consolidation of electric cars and even “flying cars”

NAIAS, which in the pre-pandemic period was held during the months of January, in the middle of the harsh boreal winter, began to take place last year in September, after two years of absence, in order to take part of the exhibition outdoors and allow a greater influx of visitors. The opening to the general public is scheduled for this Saturday, after separate sessions this week, reserved for professionals in the sector, and media from around the world, including Ambit.

The Huntington Place convention center (previously known as Cobo Hall, located at the beginning of Washington Boulevard, with capacity for more than 12,000 people) will host some 35 brands until Sunday, September 24, among which stands out Ford Motor Companythe pioneer of Detroit’s “Big Three” (along with General Motorsand Chrysler -currently controlled by Stellantis), with two exclusive launches, while consolidating its transformation that aims to become an increasingly technological company: on the one hand, the new F-150, the best-selling pick-up in the United States for almost 50 years; and on the other, the Ford Mustang GTD, 2025, a “technological tour-de-force” inspired by the GT3 to compete in Le Mans next year, but which was also homologated for urban use, under a limited edition.

It is worth remembering that Large automobile manufacturers are recovering from the complex and extensive interruptions in the global supply chain (from semiconductors to various auto parts) after the abrupt stoppage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, the splinters of the phenomenon hit vehicle sales last year in the US, which fell 8% compared to 2021 to their lowest level in more than a decade.

But the industry has shown signs of great recovery in the first half of the year, something that was reflected in the balance sheets of the automakers, and consequently, in the prices of their shares on Wall Street: they rebounded between 14% and 112% between January and June, after a difficult and volatile 2022.

Beyond this, the start of the 2023 edition of the prestigious show is crossed by arduous labor negotiations against the clock between the large manufacturers and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union – representing some 150,000 employees – on new collective agreements, with the threat of partial strikes, if an agreement is not reached by the end of this Thursday. The union seeks for workers to receive a 40% salary increase, the same increase granted to executives of automotive companies.

Detroit Motor Show: FORD launches

Such is its conviction about the strategic decision to reconvert into a technology company, that Ford’s first launch occurred on the same day that Apple presented the iPhone 15, that is, 24 hours before the opening of the auto show. On Tuesday, he announced his new F-150 pickup -insignia of the oval brand and favorite of North American delight-, within the framework of the “F-150 Fest”, open to the entire public present in the Hart Plaza of the “Motor City”, next to the Detroit River.

The Ford F Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for almost five decades and accounts for almost half of the profits the company generates each year., so each renewal is a strong bet. The new F-150, which continues to use the platform presented in 2021, has renewed engines, a new exterior design and more technological details inside.

One of the new features of the new vehicle – which will be available in 2024 – is the tailgate opening system that, in addition to being able to be folded down, as it has been for generations, can now also be opened like a traditional door.

Ford also announced that it plans to double manufacturing of the hybrid version of the F-150, called Lightning, so that it represents 20% of the model’s annual production.

For sports car lovers, Ford presented the Mustang GTD in society, the boldest and most advanced Mustang of all time was authorized to circulate on the street, and which will have a limited edition, is ready, according to Ford CEO, Jim Farley, to take on the best European cars in the segment. Some of its salient features are: the extensive use of carbon fiber in the body; the first suspension of its kind to adjust spring rate and ride height settings for track or street conditions; active aerodynamics; it has a supercharged V8; 8-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle and carbon fiber driveshaft; magnesium wheels; available titanium exhaust; and carbon ceramic brakes.

Detroit Motor Show: news from GENERAL MOTORS

General Motors (GM) also played strongly in Detroit with the presentation of the new generation of the GMC Acadia SUV. The new model is considerably larger than the previous version, and has three rows of seats. Inside, the vehicle is equipped with a 15-inch vertical screen for the “infotainment” system functions. Another novelty is the installation for the first time in the model of the driving assistance system Super Cruise which allows you to travel on highways semi-autonomously and without hands on the wheel.

cadillac, another of GM’s brands, unveiled a renewed version of its CT5 rear-wheel drive sedan available with a 2-liter turbo engine, which develops 237 horsepower or a 3-liter turbo V6 with 335 horsepower. The new CT5 incorporates a 33-inch screen, which has already been seen in other Cadillac models, and will begin to be manufactured in the United States starting in the spring of 2024. The company announced that it will be the last CT5 produced with combustion engines. For his part, he revealed his electric Chevrolet Silverado, a truck that promises to combine the brand’s iconic cargo capacity with an electrified driving experience. While Chevrolet exhibits the It was andwhat is the first all-wheel drive Corvette with impressive acceleration capabilities.

Detroit Motor Show: presentation of STELLANTIS

Stellantis presented, like Ford, an updated version of the pickup truck Jeep Gladiator, which is based on the iconic Wrangler model. The new version has a new front grille, an improved screen for the “infotainment” system and some new “off-road” functions.

With more modest exhibitions, some of the brands that also participate in the 2023 Show are Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Kia, Lexus, Ram, Toyota, Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Mini , Porsche, Rolls-Royce and Volvo.

Detroit Motor Show: new flying cars

The flying cars They get closer to reality. The so-called “Air Mobility Experience” has product displays this year from AIR and Alef, which are described as two innovative electric vehicle takeoff and landing vehicles.

AIR ONE is a two-seat eVOTL designed for daily travel through the air. Lounge attendees can view a virtual reality simulator that conveys the experience of flying. Alef Aeronautics, for its part, the Alef Model A, which, as was learned several weeks ago, already has authorization from the US government to circulate in the air and on US routes.