top
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show runs from Saturday, January 17 through Sunday, January 25 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. Dragon Eagle TV attended the Charity Preview on January 16, getting an early look at what this year’s show has to offer. From immersive ride-along to concept cars and unexpected crowd-pleasers, here are our key takeaways and some of the standout attractions from the auto show.
Four Key Takeaways
1. Test rides are a major draw — and worth the wait
If getting behind the wheel （or into the passenger seat） is on your agenda, plan accordingly. Ride-along experiences consistently drew long lines, no matter the brand. From the rugged Ford Bronco and Dodge RAM trucks to the all-electric GMC Hummer, attendees were eager to feel how these vehicles perform in real-world conditions.
2. Don’t miss the 2026 North American Vehicle of the Year winners
The Auto Show prominently features the 2026 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year award winners:
- 2025 Dodge Charger – Car of the Year
- 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo – Truck of the Year
- 2025 Hyundai Palisade – Utility Vehicle of the Year
Each winning vehicle is clearly marked with signage, and some displays include the actual awards. Take time to review the specs and design details to see what set these vehicles apart.
2. EVs remain part of the conversation
While Detroit’s Big Three have recently adjusted their electric vehicle strategies, EV-related content is still very much present. In particular, charging infrastructure took center stage, with multiple exhibits highlighting faster, more efficient charging solutions.
Here are the EV cars from big three at 2026 Detroit Auto Show.
0:00
/0:19
4. Ultra-luxury vehicles deliver visual wow factor
For pure eye candy, “The Gallery: Ultra Luxury Vehicles” is a must-see. Featuring brands like Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, and Jaguar, the exhibit showcases automotive craftsmanship at its most exclusive and elegant
10 Defining Moments from the Auto Show
1. Cadillac’s Formula One Car
Cadillac, in partnership with Andretti/TWGG Motorsports, is set to make its Formula 1 debut in the 2026 season. Showgoers can see the car’s design and temporary black-and-silver livery, which will be used for the first official test in Barcelona. Cadillac’s final race livery will be unveiled during the Super Bowl on February 8.
2. Chevrolet’s Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary
Chevrolet debuted its patriotic “Stars & Steel” Collection, celebrating the United States’250th anniversary. The collection includes special interior and exterior packages for five models, including the entire C8 Corvette lineup, Silverado EV, Silverado LD/HD, and Colorado.
For every Stars & Steel edition sold, GM will donate $250 to nonprofits supporting veterans’ groups. The package is limited to 250 Corvettes, available in two colors and restricted to 3LT/3LZ trims. A one-of-one 2026 Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Limited Edition will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
3. Corvette CX Concept
The Corvette CX Concept is a bold design study from Chevrolet’s Performance Studio in Detroit. The concept is a finalist for two EyesOn Design Awards, competing for Best Concept Vehicle and Best Designed Interior against entries like the Bentley EXP 15 and Cadillac Elevated Velocity.
4. Famous Movie Cars from Vanguard Motor Sales
For the second year in a row, Vanguard Motor Sales brought Hollywood history to the show floor. Highlights include the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt and the lifted Chevrolet K10 made famous by its airborne stunts in The Fall Guy television series — later remade as a 2024 film starring Ryan Gosling.
5. Adorable Puppies at Subaru Loves Pets
Subaru partnered with the Michigan Humane Society to bring adoptable shelter puppies — and even kittens — to the Auto Show. Visitors can sign adoption papers on site.
6. Bronco Mountain
Following the January 13 unveiling of the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR, Ford invites guests to ride shotgun on an off-road-style course featuring a steep side hill, tilt ridge, and the signature Bronco Mountain, demonstrating the SUV’s capability and features.
7. Camp Jeep
Camp Jeep’s popular indoor track is back, offering ride-alongs with professional drivers. Guests can explore Jeep’s electrification efforts, customization options, and concept vehicles. There’s also a kids’ area with Jeep Power Wheels and a climbing wall, making it a family-friendly stop.
8. A Futuristic Cadillac Concept
The Cadillac Elevated Velocity concept turns heads with its suicide doors and all-red interior. Designed as an ultra-luxury autonomous vehicle, it features two modes: “Elevate,” focused on comfort and wellness, and “Velocity Mode,” emphasizing high performance and off-pavement confidence.
9. Race Car from the Detroit Grand Prix
A highlight on display at the Detroit Auto Show is a race car from the 2026 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, scheduled for May 29–31. The exhibit features several notable machines, including the iconic 2019 No. 2 Team Penske Hitachi Chevrolet IndyCar. The car was driven by Josef Newgarden, who piloted it to his second IndyCar Series championship—making it a must-see piece of modern American motorsports history.
10. The U.S. Army’s M1E3 Abrams Tank Prototype
One of the most unexpected displays was an early prototype of the U.S. Army’s M1E3 Abrams tank, built by Warren-based defense contractor Roush. According to representatives, the tank is planned for production around 2030, with manufacturing slated for General Dynamics in Sterling Heights.
While exploring the latest vehicle models and cutting-edge automotive technology, visitors are encouraged to stop by the TOP TIER™ Approved Fuels booth on the main show floor. The exhibit highlights how TOP TIER™ Approved Gasoline and Diesel help protect vehicle engines, keeping them running cleaner, longer, and more efficiently.
Formulated with higher levels of detergents, TOP TIER™ Approved Fuels are designed to reduce engine and fuel-system deposits that can negatively impact performance and fuel economy—offering drivers a practical way to support long-term engine health.
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show blends performance, innovation, heritage, and community impact into a dynamic experience. Whether you’re there to ride, learn, admire, or even adopt a puppy, this year’s show offers something for everyone — and underscores Detroit’s enduring role at the heart of the global auto industry.
Dragon Eagle TV Editorial