Top 10 Detroit auto show oddities
Walking through this year’s Detroit Auto Show was interesting to say the least. Smaller booths, better cars, fewer frills. But, despite the scale-back, I still found 10, randomly funny things that left me scratching my head.
Here is my own personal Top 10 2009 Detroit Auto Show Oddities
#10: I’m too SRXY
The new Cadillac SRX looks amazing. The tag-line “Passion is SRXY”- well sort of tacky.
#9: We won! Nah nah nah nah nah!
Shortly after the Genesis was announced as 2009 North American Car of the Year- Hyundai was proudly waving this huge banner. We’re all for marketing your achievements, but Hyundai didn’t know they were going to win, and thus this banner was made up ahead of time just in case. At least we can agree the Genesis deserved it.
#8: “Ahh, my eyes!” Legacy Concept
Subaru used this year’s show to present the future direction of the Subaru Legacy. In photos, the concept looked pretty decent. In person, the monochrome and highly reflective paint made it hard to look at. Dimmer switch anyone?
#7: What’s the c-c-concept?
We do give a ton of credit to Ford for bringing the Lincoln brand back into the spot light. The new MKT should do pretty well. But the point of a small concept that looked just like it? Lost on us. Even Lincoln seemed in the dark to exact purpose of the “C Concept”. From the press release- “One of the most eye-catching elements of the seating is the laser-engraved floral etching on the passenger side…”
#6: Happy car is happy to see you
When the first photos of the new Mazda 3 came out in November we passed judgment on the over-exuberant front grille. After seeing the new model in person, my personal feelings are 100% clear. It’s hideous.
#5: Does that look level to you?
Seeing a Mustang and MKT displayed on their side was actually pretty cool, but when I heard a Ford rep coolly joke, “Like our new super sticky tires?” it’s amazing how fast the novelty wore off.
#4: Mercedes Zero
Like every other manufacturer, Mercedes joined the electric craze and introduced their Blue Zero Concept. Que the obligatory green paint, over-styled “modern” exterior, and plastic wheel-covers. Zero emissions or Zero taste?
#3: Don’t mind the Bugatti
Talk about spending your booth budget all in one place. Literally. This stunning Bugatti Veyron was hanging out behind the Maybach display. No signs, no decorations, nothing. Just a rope, some gray carpet, a few plants and a security guard who looked bored out of his mind.
#2: We don’t want you here…go away
Booth design 101 could be a whole college course. Bright and cheery for the family brands- sleek and intriguing for the upscale badges. Acura took the dark, creepy, and cold approach. Not only was it visually uncomfortable, hard to photograph, and chilly- but also devoid of any media folk. Looking at the new TL- maybe that was the point.
#1: Jalopnik’s electric wheelchair
We’re all for cool toys. Who hasn’t secretly wanted to take an electric wheelchair for a spin around the mall once or twice? The boys over at Jalopnik took the fantasy a bit too far. Don’t get me wrong- great website and great group of writers. It’s just that, scooting around with an electric car inside a convention center compact enough to walk in 10 minutes makes you look like a toolbag. Even more annoying was the horn that echoed through Cobo every time they wanted to pass someone as they sped up the aisles to the next press conference faster than anyone else.
What’s your take?
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
About the Author
Zane Merva Zane is a 12-year veteran of the automotive industry. Obsessed with cars since he was a kid, he's long loved tinkering with a wide range of vehicles, from trucks to sports cars. His passion for writing about cars was kick-started by a S-10 ZR2 and a Chevrolet Corvette he both used to own.
Related Posts
LIVE: 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Unveiling →
Nissan relentlessly teases new Pathfinder →
2011 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) Photos #1 →
Aisles, not isles.
-Bumblebee, Jalop commenter
Bumblebee, oops- my bad.
Welcome Jalopnik folk!
Sounds like you were just jealous of Jalopnik
I think you nailed it on the head…so they could get to the next press conference faster.
Mike- it’s true, you got me. You have no idea how vicious some of those press conferences are. The gem gave Ray an unfair advantage.
Ya gotta admit the “Naked Gun” video was cool.
@ Zane – I new it! Next year you’ve got to show up with a modded Volt with an air horn or something.
how much more awesome would it have been if ford displayed its newest suv in the way they showed off the mustang!
viva los toolbags!
I think both blogs’ crews need to meet in some abandoned chat room somewhere in cyberspace, everyone brandishing knives and snapping your fingers in unison…
Thanks to Jalop, I now know this site exists. All in all, I like it, particularly your coverage of the Chrysler Thank You slap in the face. I have a new bookmark.
X3SoB- welcome aboard!
I dunno… the mazda happy car still gets my vote, the grill is so big you might as well not have a front bumper