Preview: 2014 Detroit Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show – known colloquially as the Detroit Auto Show – might be in the Motor City, but the new cars that debut in Southeast Michigan’s manufacturing metropolis come from automakers all across the globe.

True, some of the biggest unveilings expected in Detroit bear American badges, but this show has taken an increasingly international twist over the last few years. As such, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Honda, BMW and other European and Asian brands will take to the stage with major international unveilings.

We’ll know more next week once the show officially kicks off Monday morning, January 13 for two consecutive media days.

If you’re near Detroit and interested in attending the show, it will be open to the public at the city’s downtown Cobo Center from January 16 to 23.

The Big Debuts

BMW M4 – BMW’s high-performance coupe gets a new name and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – Given that the current Corvette Stingray Z51 pretty much matches the outgoing Z06, expectations are high for the 2015.

Chrysler 200 – Chrysler hasn’t fielded a truly competitive midsize sedan in recent memory, but the new 200 sure looks shapely.

Ford F-150 – America’s best-selling vehicle will boast extensive use of aluminum as a means of improving its fuel economy. Expect the bar to be raised.