As predicted, 2015 saw a record number of cars sold around the world and whether or not demand can continue at the same rate over the coming year, what is clear is that carmakers have once again found their excitement and optimism. And this positivity is expected to be on display to huge effect at the Detroit auto show.
"The industry is truly firing on all cylinders, and that will be reflected at this year's show," said Paul Sabatini, 2016 NAIAS Chairman. "Attendees to the 2016 NAIAS will see the most global reveals of any auto show in North America, and will experience them amidst automaker exhibits that are either completely new or significantly enhanced for the upcoming show."
In all, 40 worldwide and North American reveals have been confirmed for the 2016 show, which opens its doors to the press on January 11.
That number would be impressive in most years but is even more so considering that Detroit is now facing competition from the International CES technology show being hosted in Las Vegas a week earlier. As well as smartwatches and home automation devices, the show will also be the backdrop to a number of concept car reveals for everyone from Audi to VW.
What's more, in recent weeks, a number of car companies, including Mini, Jaguar, Range Rover and McLaren have said that they're giving this year's show a miss.
Nevertheless, there will be some crucial cars making their first public appearance in Detroit, including the Mercedes E Class, which will be setting the mid-sized executive benchmark that everyone from BMW to Cadillac will have to match or better. The show will also see Volvo return to the executive sedan segment with the S90 and Porsche complete its 911 range with the official unveiling of the Turbo and Turbo S models.
Lexus is tipped to unveil something potentially as fast and exclusive as the flagship 911 and Henrik Fisker, the former head of Aston Martin's design department, has thrown a complete curveball by announcing that he is going to unveil his own supercar, the Force 1, at this year's show.
Details are sketchy -- literally: all that he's provided so far is a drawing, but he is also claiming that the car will have one of the most powerful normally breathing engines -- i.e., no turbos or superchargers -- available anywhere today.
And if his latest creation is anything like his other recent one-offs and limited editions, the Force 1 alone could make Detroit well worth a visit.
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