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Watch an engine being built, view some of the world’s earliest muscle cars, and check out the sweet Ferrari that Ferris Bueller took for a joyride.

One of the largest car shows on the continent returns Saturday after a 2024 hiatus, taking back its traditional January time slot and original name — the Detroit Auto Show.

“It’s a great blend of both the history of the show and the new era of what we’re trying to do,” executive director Sam Klemet told the Star. “Being back in January is where we’ve traditionally always been.”

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“The show itself is evolving. It looks maybe a little bit different than what it’s traditionally been. There will be a lot more experiences.”

The public portion of the Detroit Auto Show, known as the North American International Auto Show since 1989, opens Saturday. It runs through Jan. 20 at Huntington Place, formerly known as Cobo Hall, where the show has been staged since 1965.

About 500 vehicles from more than 30 car brands will be on display in the 700,000-square-foot showroom.

The comeback for the Detroit Auto Show, which began in 1899, comes after a few rocky years.

The 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 and 2023 shows took place in September, but fell short of attendance numbers from previous years.

The show was postponed in 2024 as organizers planned a return to the January time slot.

“Six years ago was the last time we were in January,” said Klemet. “It’s nice to return to a time when, for the city in particular, this is a slower time. It’s right after the holidays, after New Year’s.

“So, the economic impact of having a show that brings media from all over the world and hundreds of thousands of people downtown is critical.”

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The Gallery also makes a lavish return after several years, showcasing a collection of the “most exquisite automobiles in the world.” There will be more than $10 million worth of luxury cars on display, from Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar and Lamborghini to Lotus, Maserati, McLaren, Morgan, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce.

“The Gallery really puts a stamp on the rest of the show,” said Klemet. “These aren’t vehicles that you get to see every day. At least not the average person, myself included. To see that is something special. It really ignites these feelings of, wow, this is a true showcase.”

Many immersive and interactive experiences are returning, such as the popular ride and drives on four indoor courses including Bronco Mountain, Camp Jeep, Powering Michigan EV Experience, and the Detroit Grand Prix track.

Racing Day on Jan. 17 will also showcase the Grand Prix, featuring race cars and drivers, including reigning back-to-back Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden.

“He’s going to be here, not only signing autographs and having conversations about automotive, but he’s also going to be giving rides,” said Klemet. “Which is an unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

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The automotive enthusiast group Modded Detroit will highlight the Motor City’s underground car scene with more than 150 vehicles “that push the limits of what’s possible on four wheels.” Those vehicles will include classic muscle cars, lift trucks, supercars, and tuner cars.

Other new events include an exhibit in partnership with Hagerty lifestyle group showcasing iconic TV and movie cars, such as the Ferrari Modena Spyder California from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and the Rosso Corsa Ferrari 308 G from Magnum, P.I.

“There are all kinds of vehicles that made their stamp in Hollywood,” said Klemet. “To have them here in Detroit is pretty exceptional.”

Also a first, starting Wednesday, Jan. 15, Hagerty will host a display where people can watch an engine being built.

Vanguard Motors, a dealer in classic and muscle cars, will help host Detroit Through the Decades. The exhibit will include muscle cars ranging from a 1923 Ford 5-Window Coupe Street Rod “American Graffiti Build” to a 2009 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR.

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“It’s a really good opportunity for people to come down, see some incredible vehicles, engage with the community, and just have some fun,” said Klemet.

Detroit Auto Show

The public portion opens Saturday and runs through Jan. 20 at Huntington Place (formerly called Cobo Hall).

To buy tickets, go to detroitautoshow.com. Tickets prices: Adult US$20; Seniors US$12; Kids US$10.

Transit Windsor is not offering special event service direct to the auto show this year. But there will be regular tunnel bus service with a drop-off close to Huntington Place at Washington Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue.

Transit Windsor said there will be street closures and detours Friday afternoon and evening in downtown Detroit due to the auto show’s Charity Preview.

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