Being Bold in the Cold: A Look at the 2015 NAIAS

With just under a month to go until the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opens its doors to the international press Jan. 12-13, the good news continues to pour into Detroit. One of the most important automotive events on the planet, NAIAS is consistently the strategic choice of global automakers to launch their new products on Detroit’s world stage.

“Consumer confidence is high, production numbers and automotive sales continue to climb, and the global industry is stronger than it’s been in years. And our manufacturer partners have committed to bring their most important, global vehicle reveals to Detroit,” said Scott LaRiche, chairman, NAIAS 2015.

NAIAS 2015 highlights include:

40-50 global and North American product launches during Press Preview, Jan. 12-13
The Gallery on January 10, an ultra-luxury evening featuring over $6 million worth of exotic vehicles and attendees will enjoy dinner by world-renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck

First ever “Technology Showcase” designed to explore the integration of automotive and high-tech advancements in vehicles, Jan. 12-15

A strategic industry platform with every key player – and thinker – in the global automotive arena gathering at Detroit’s Cobo Center

Industry Preview, a two-day meet-up and exhibition that brings together 30,000 automotive analysts, designers, engineers, brand managers and auto enthusiasts from around the world, Jan. 14-15

Historic night of giving – more than $5 million is expected to be raised at Charity Preview, Jan. 16, bringing to $100 million the total raised for children’s charities since the event was established by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association in 1976

“The Detroit show is a reflection of the health and excitement of the global industry,” said LaRiche. “It’s all part of a positive new energy and exciting new vibe that’s prevalent in the city and in our industry. We feel it every day.”

NAIAS is consistently ranked along with other top shows in the world including Geneva, Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai.

“It helps that we attract more industry CEOs and the largest media audience in North America,” he said. “The public show draws over 800,000 people from all over the U.S. and Canada.”

A City Reborn
In the midst of an urban revival, NAIAS will share in the vibe of billions of dollars’ worth of development currently underway in the city and a booming restaurant, hotel, sports, entertainment, residential and retail upsurge that has young people flooding to Detroit in search of an urban living experience. A new cooperative relationship between business and government has moved Detroit into the metro fast lane and is making it a vibrant, trendy destination for young people, artists, businesses and visitors.

A Venue Renovated
The $300 million Cobo Center renovation means the city has a world class facility suitable for a world class show. Complementing the spectacular three-story, glass-enclosed riverfront Atrium and Grand Riverview Ballroom are additional ballrooms and meeting rooms; new carpeting, lighting and additional gathering spaces in the concourse. A new outdoor digital screen at the corner of Washington and Congress will give the outside world an inside view of the show and allow them to share in the excitement.

A Future Re-envisioned
In addition to viewing more than 750 of the most exciting new vehicles in the global auto industry, attendees will get a sneak peek into the re-envisioned automobile during the NAIAS Technology Showcase. Visitors can see the automotive advanced technology through exhibits in Hall E and discussions with industry experts on the Atrium stage. Glimpse manufacturing’s future with the world’s first full-size, working 3D-printed car, the Strati, the game-changing vehicle and brainchild of Phoenix-based technology company Local Motors. Attendees will be able to ride in the made-from-scratch automobile on the Shell Innovation Track located in the Technology Showcase, Jan. 12-15.

During Press Preview over 40 press events are scheduled with industry leaders and consolidated into two high-intensity days. Additionally, media will have access to The Gallery, a magnificent collection of ultra-luxury, performance and exotic vehicles, on Sunday, Jan. 11 from 9 am – 11 am, at MGM Grand Detroit.

About the Show
What is widely recognized as a premier global stage, NAIAS welcomes more than 225 OEMs, automotive suppliers, and automotive-related business exhibits, hosts more than 2,000 auto-related companies and their executives from more than 28 countries and offers a premier venue for nearly 50 worldwide and North American vehicle debuts.

Now in its 27th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most, upclose and in one place. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

ACURA

The production version of the highly anticipated Acura NSX supercar, successor to the legendary original NSX, will make its world debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12, 2015. The model will reflect the production design and specifications of the mid-engine Acura supercar that is slated to launch in 2015. To celebrate the impending debut of NSX, Acura released a 30-second teaser video that gives an early glimpse of the production car and the sound of its three-motor, twin-turbocharged Sport Hybrid power unit.

Acura NSX Production Model

“The next-generation NSX will deliver a ‘new sports experience’ true to its heritage and to the supercar concept that originally gave rise to the name NSX,” said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. “The NSX will serve as the ultimate expression of Acura performance that is fueling a reenergized brand.”

Acura NSX Production Model

An Acura NSX concept model made its debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, where Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President & CEO Takanobu Ito announced that development of a next-generation NSX would launch in three years, led by an American R&D team and produced at a state-of-the-art new plant in Ohio.

“After three years of intensive development work we are excited to reveal this next-generation supercar—the Acura NSX—to the world,” said Ted Klaus, chief engineer and global project leader over NSX development. “We’ve developed a human-centered supercar that responds to the will of the driver and that builds upon the NSX heritage.”

The NSX is being developed by a global team of engineers led by the company’s North American R&D operations in Raymond, Ohio, with design led by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA. The Acura NSX will be produced exclusively at the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

HONDA

The Honda FCV Concept will make its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12. Continuing more than a decade of Honda leadership in the area of fuel cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda’s next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S., following its introduction in Japan, which is scheduled to occur by March 2016.

Honda FCV Concept

As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people.

The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by an announcement that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Firsts:
The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX also was the world’s first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in December 2002.

Additional highlights include:

The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).

The FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).

With the FCX Clarity, Honda was the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).

Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).

Honda Environmental Leadership

Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children,” Honda is taking a portfolio approach to reducing the environmental impact of its products, advancing fuel efficiency, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance with new powertrain technologies from its Earth Dreams Technology™ lineup, which includes more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions and advanced electromotive technologies. Honda’s alternative-fuel vehicle lineup includes the Fit EV, Civic Hybrid, the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe and the Accord Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient 5-passenger sedan in America1, as well as the Accord Plug-In Hybrid and the Civic Natural Gas, the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger car available from a major automaker in America.

INFINITI

Infiniti today lifts the virtual covers off the INFINITI CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo, a vision of what a high performance Infiniti could look like in the future. It was created through close collaboration with the creators of Gran Turismo®, the racing game franchise developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. that has sold more than 72 million copies worldwide. The INFINITI CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo will be available for download starting today in Gran Turismo®6 (GT6™) exclusively on the PlayStation®3 system.

INFINITI CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo

The INFINITI CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo is a project that started as an ambitious global Infiniti Design competition to “design a pure Infiniti GT car.” The winning model was born from the theme put forward by Infiniti’s Design team in Beijing. Part beauty, part beast, its shape is powerful, sensual and audacious – a mix of a track machine and the dream of our Chinese design team to create an ambitious racing language for Infiniti.

INFINITI CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo

The process of developing the design of the INFINITI CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo started with hand sketching, then refined digitally, refined again by hand sculpting, and then returned to digital for final refinement.

This project went much further than being a mere design exercise. It included thorough examinations and calculations of technical features such as aerodynamics and engine performance. The front mid-ship / trans-axle powertrain enables the finely distributed 45:55 front/rear weight balance that fills users with the joy of driving by actively drifting the rear. As for aerodynamics, the under-floor airflow control, front and back diffusers, and uniquely shaped rear spoiler enable this car to demonstrate high performance without compromising the impact of the body design.

Today, automotive gaming enthusiasts are able to discover that performance first-hand when the concept car becomes available for download in Gran Turismo®6. Drivers who own GT6 will be the first to test drive the virtual concept car on world famous tracks across the globe.

LEXUS

Lexus announced it will be adding a second vehicle to its growing stable of F brand high performance models. Earlier this year, the luxury manufacturer launched the RC F, a V8 powered performance coupe. The newest Lexus F brand vehicle will make its global premiere at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on Jan. 13.