Detroit's North American International Auto Show.
Steve Russell - Staff Photographer - @RussellPhotos
This week the North American International Auto Show opened to the public at the Cobo Center in Detroit.
Last Monday it opened to the media with about 50 unveilings of new cars and concept or prototype vehicles.
If you aren't going to make the trip down to the Motor City, here are some of my highlights.
The Show opens to media at the Cobo Center Monday and Tuesday, but some auto manufacturers like to get the jump on the show Sunday night off-site. Mercedes-Benz used the renovated and restored Westin Book Cadillac to launch their new CLA-Class in Detroit.
A Mercedes-Benz sits in the rain outside the Weston Book Cadillac in Detroit.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Managemant of DaimerAG and Head of Mercedes-Benz cars shows off a picture with a recent customer.
Guests are wined at the CLA-Class launch at the Mercedes-Benz event.
This head lamp is really a head lamp, wick and all! The head lamp on a 1903 Ford Model "A" Fire Truck.
A 1903 Ford Model "A" Fire Truck at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.
Chevrolet Stingray at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center.
Chevrolet Stingray at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center.
Models perpare to unveil the Lincoln MKC Concept.
Unveiled and escorted by a pair of models the Lincoln MKC Concept rolls to centre stage.
Cirque du Soleil unveils the Infiniti Q50 at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.
Bruce Hornsby plays at the Mercedes-Benz booth at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.
Canadian Jacques Villenueve graces the Indy 500 trophy on display at the Honda booth, his bust is above his name.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.
Not everyone is content to kick the tires on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The new Audi RS7 is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center.
The new Audi RS7 is unveiled by Illusionist Jan Rouven at the North American International Auto Show.
The new Audi RS7 at the North American International.
Car companies look for different ways to get the media's attention, Mini Cooper fuels the media with chocolate.
Honda unveils the Urban SUV Concept.
Security might need a break after watching over the stage before the launch of the Toyota Corolla Furia.
Media Check out the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
Ford uses contractors as part of the show to introduce the Ford F-150 Atlas Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Joe Louis Arena.
As soon as the intro is finished media swarm the Ford F-150 Atlas Concept.
The Nissan Resonance concept.
The extended front windscreen on The Nissan Resonance concept is cleaned after it was introduced at the North American International Auto Show.
A model poses with the Kia Cadenza at the North American International Auto Show.
The Hot Wheels Camaro gets a dusting at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center.
There is something for everyone to photograph at the show.
Go-Go dancers entertain at the Volkswagen display at the North American International Auto Show.
Porche 911 Carrera 4's at the North American International Auto Show.
MY FAVOURITE CAR?
I never thought I would go for a Smart Car, but the Smart Car concept vehicle sounds like a lot of fun.
The Smart Car concept called Forstars, has a glass roof that allows you to see the stars, but what sells ot to me is......
......built into the hood, is a projector! I can just see myself now, stuck in traffic on the Gardiner or the DVP, behind a big white cube van, watching my favour shows or editing my last assignment or skyping with my boss! You can turn anywhere into a drive-in or a chance to show off a portfolio!
The rear tail light of the Smart Forstars concept car, that includes a front end projector.
VANITY PLATES - Because it is all about me!
The Find of the show for me has to the a scale model piggy bank of the 1971 Le Mans Porsche 917, that was nicknamed the "Pink Pig"
Why is a favourite? Because it almost has my name on the front!
Well, it is missing an "L" and there is an umlaut on the U. But part of my family is German,.... Rüssel is German for beak or nose. Although after seeing this piggy bank, I might add an umlaut to my name to fancy it up!
Another Concept car, the Toyota FLN-Vii. It has a great paint job! I'm not sure if this futuristic car will go into production, but this car's entire side, from bumper to bumper, is a viewing screen. A consol on the side allows you to pick a base colour or design and you paint in a picture of yourself.
Voom, Voom
--Steve Rüssell
Nicely done Steve, as always. Did you find yourself a new company car?
Posted by: Richard Lautens | 01/22/2013 at 09:24 AM