Detroit Trip - Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Today was the day.  We set the alarm, getting up early, and headed for downtown Detroit well before the North American International Auto Show began, taking into consideration rush hour traffic.  We had about ten minutes to spare and waited in line for the doors to open.  When the doors opened, we made a beeline for the other side of the show where the German cars were (stopping at a few highlights on the way, of course), and really enjoyed the part where the crowds are really light.

I'll let my husband share his thoughts before I end with my people-watching photos.

The cars I was most impressed by included the S class Mercedes, BMW M2 and BMW X6M.   Maybe another trip to South Carolina to pick up a new M2 may be in order!  Either that or a lighter used S class or X6M with a certified warranty for a few years for almost half price of new (new prices are way out of reach at over $100k.   The cars I was most disappointed in were the new Honda Civic (very cheap materials) and new Chevy Cruze (I honestly think my 2003 Cavalier was nicer inside, ouch!).  I learned to appreciate the Boxster again as many new cars are very cheap inside!

Cobo Hall

Here are a few photos of the crowds, or lack thereof, and general pictures that first hour.

Acura Precision

 Acura NSX

 Volvo S90

 Porsche Boxster Spyder

 Porsche 911s

VW Beetle Convertible Denim Model 

VW Beetle Dune Model 

 BMW M2

 BMW X6M

Audi  h-tron quattro 

(The side mirrors have been replaced by small cameras and the rearview mirror has been replaced with a small screen reflecting to the side and back of the car, supposedly eliminating blind spots.

 This Kia may look like a toy in the picture but I assure you that it is life size.

 Dodge Charger Hellcat (with car seats in the back!)

Half the fun of the show was the people watching.  Here are a few photos for your entertainment.

I've never seen someone so excited about a Smart Car.

People take pictures of everything! 

I'm not sure what he was doing so intently.  It looks like he must be important.

 He's clearly not a happy camper.

She is not only missing the cars, but all the interesting people that walk by or take pictures of her.

Bored so early in the day?

Taking selfies - She was many walking around offering to have people take selfies.

His presence speaks volumes in this photo.

So many photographers!

Some a bit younger than others.

Is this the "Red Hat Club" of men?

Most probably walked right past her, not even seeing her.  Who do you expect keeps the cars shining beautiful under the lights?

 Peaking in to look at the dash, not realizing the door is unlocked.

Three generations of car lovers.

Radio Station WJR live at the Show

The Crowds as we left two hours later

After several hours at the show, we walked over to the Renaissance Center, stopping at the Rice Bowl Asian Kitchen at the Millender Center on the way.  The food was really good, fast and fresh.

We took a tour of the Renaissance Center which included a trip up to the 72nd floor of the Center which houses Coach Insignia, a fine dining restaurant with views to die for.  It brought back memories of sharing a meal there over 6 years ago while my husband had training in Detroit.

Here are photos of the Renaissance Center

 Looking up

The Show Room at the Renaissance Center

Views from the 72nd Floor

 Don't look down

 Chrysler Factory where they build the Jeep

Windsor, Canada on the left bank, Detroit on the right

 Comerica Park where the Tigers play

Cobo Hall

Ford Field where the Lions play

A Range Rover and a Ford Explorer - The one on the left cost twice as much as the one on the right but they look the same.

Food for Thought

We walked along the Riverwalk and back to our car so that we could head back to the hotel and enjoy some quiet time.

Dinner was at Beirut Restaurant just a half mile walk from our hotel.