Michigan International Auto Show 2014

     Typically falling in between the Detroit and Chicago auto shows, this years' Michigan International Auto Show landed on top of the Windy City's much larger show. While not hosting any concepts, we were treated to quite a few vehicles that have yet to go on sale. Typically, we are treated to last year's Detroit concepts if any. These yet to be released models included the just released Chrysler 200S; 2015 Ford Mustang; 2015 Ford F-150; Lincoln MKC; Cadillac Escalade, and the BMW i3. In addition, the just on sale Volvo V60 station wagon made an appearance, along with the Maserati Quattroporte and SuperBowl star Ghibli. As a nice treat, the Maserati sedans were open for show goers to sit in and ogle. The real metal paddle shifters on the $100K Quattroporte have the best feel of any such device I have touched. If you are into that kind of thing, they are definitely worth a fondle. Other interesting tidbits from the show include the now 7-seat Nissan Rogue, though the model on display did not have the third row option. There are tons of family friendly crossovers on display, and a few vans as well. Ram brought out one of their cargo only ProMaster panel vans. I do hope that they follow the  Mercedes-Benz Sprinter's lead, and eventually offer a passenger version. For entertainment, there is a Virtual Reality ride ($ not included with admission), a robot that wanders around and interacts with the crowd, a nice display of classic cars from the Gilmore Car Museum, and the always amusing Million Dollar Motorway. One of the highlights for me was seeing a Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, a $1.1 million track toy that was never sold in the US. I have logged many miles behind the wheel in Forza Motorsports, thank you XBOX. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area this weekend, and if you happen to have an electric vehicle, they offer charging in the parking ramp.

http://showspan.com/MAS/