We arrived at the show early, but there was already a decent crowd; Cobo Hall was full by the time we left.
The 2023 show was as lively as a funeral; this year’s mood was at least twice as festive.
Both Jeep and Ford had massive displays with off-road driving experiences. Jeep started with Camp Jeep around twenty years ago, giving Ford the benefit of Jeep’s experience when they set up their own “roadeo.” Ford went all-out to draw people in and give their cars an off-road aura. You can see Ford’s version of the Jeep “scenic view mountain” in the background.
Jeep’s off-road efforts may have been let down somewhat by the Wagoneer S, which doesn’t quite give off a rock-crawling vibe. This is the first we’ve seen a window sticker for the Wagoneer S, but it’s for the fully loaded Launch Edition.
Since this Launch Edition includes McIntosh audio, among other luxury features, we do expect the actual starting price to be much lower! it is interesting to see how much content was produced in Mexico (nearly half) and Hungary (nearly a quarter), leaving under a quarter of the parts from the US and Canada. (The Stellpower article goes into more depth.)
It is, incidentally, rather hard to work with the glaring overhead spotlights! But you can see the audience examining a new Charger Daytona pretty clearly. This one has the Scat Pack and a bunch of options.
The frunk has a small storage space between the electronics and mechanicals.
The Chrysler Halcyon was on display with a sign pointing out subtle things the casual observer may not notice, such as the Air Blade aeroydnamic pass-through, adaptive headlights, wide windshield, hinged canopy which makes it easier to get into the rear seats, motion-activated entry, stowable 15.6-inch console screen which can be used in landscape or portrait modes, and rear seats which can retract into the trunk.
One of the main attractions for those who are more technically minded was the Ramcharger cutaway. The Ramcharger may be the first modern serial hybrid car or truck when it goes on sale this year (or so Ram promises). It has a Pentastar V6 engine acting as a generator, batteries, and electric motors. The basic design is similar to diesel locomotives, and is meant to provide superb low-end torque with unlimited (when fuel is added) range.
Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Maserati also had a presence.
This all bodes well for Stellantis’ participation in other shows across the country, and for the promised Ramcharger release later this year.
See the show map, find the hours and dates it will be open, and buy tickets
Dave Van Buren is a retired Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler Group, and Fiat Chrysler employee who has a great deal of expertise in vintage Mopars and how they were made.