Zoom, zoom to the Detroit auto show, Monster Jam and Motorcycle Supershow

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 9/16

  (c) By Jim Fox

   Get your motor running for too much fun on wheels with cars and trucks in Detroit, the big truck “Monster Jam” in Toronto and motorcycle super show in Mississauga.

   It’s the Motor City’s big party night of the year when glitz and glitter combine for the Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) next Friday (Jan. 15).

   The lavishly expanded Cobo Center in downtown Detroit will host 15,000 formally clad auto aficionados to be wined and dined while checking out the latest models.

Hamming it up for photos beside a $235,000 Bentley at the auto show. (Jim Fox photo)

   It’s the annual black-tie prelude to the auto show’s public days from Jan. 16 to 24.

   The show will have more than 40 worldwide and North American “vehicle reveals” and features 750 new cars and trucks, making it one of the most prestigious auto events in the world.

   “The industry is truly firing on all cylinders and that will be reflected at this year’s show,” said Paul Sabatini, 2016 NAIAS chairman.

Writer Jim Fox checks out a Porsche Boxster convertible at the auto show’s Charity Preview. (Barbara Fox photo)

   “Attendees will see the most global reveals of any auto show in North America and experience them amidst automaker exhibits that are either completely new or significantly enhanced,” he added.

   The Automotive News says the show will focus on luxury vehicles and crossovers.

   BMW and Mercedes-Benz will unveil several vehicles while Porsche, Lexus, Infiniti, Volvo, Audi, Lincoln and Hyundai’s new Genesis brand will join the luxury parade, it says.

A night of glitz and glitter at the Detroit auto show gala. (Jim Fox photo)

   As well, GMC, BMW and possibly Audi will unveil new or redesigned crossovers, while the redesigned Honda Ridgeline pickup will make its global debut.

   The sneak gala-goers pay $400 US each and sip complimentary champagne, wash down hors d’oeuvres and are entertained by the Huey Lewis and the News.

   It’s the night for afterglow parties and the one at Cobo is Studio 25 in the three-storey, glass-enclosed riverfront atrium and Grand Riverview Ballroom.

   There will be gourmet food and drink, and music by Fifty Amp Fuse. Tickets are $150 US.

Vehicles of all shapes, sizes and colours are at the Detroit auto show including this Chevrolet Volt hybrid-electric car. (Barbara Fox photo)

    The public show attracts 800,000 people to view the new models and learn about the “re-envisioned automobile” of the future.

   Tickets cost $13 US; $7, seniors/children, seven to 12; free, ages six and younger. naias.com; (248) 643-0250.

   Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau: visitdetroit.com; 1-800-DETROIT.

   Monster of a show

   The “biggest performers on four wheels” are ready to roll into Toronto for Monster Jam on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Rogers Centre.

   “Here’s the chance to see 16 massive Monster Jam trucks including fan favourites Northern Nightmare, Grave Digger and Scooby Doo,” said publicist Beth Merrick for Feld Motor Sports.

Northern Nightmare flies through the air at Monster Jam.

   These custom-designed machines sit atop huge tires and weigh 10,000 pounds and more.
   Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, they generate up to 2,000 horsepower as they race around the track and fly through the air.

   There’s the Party in the Pits that gives fans a chance to see the trucks up close, meet drivers, take pictures and get autographs.

   It will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. before the Jan. 16 performance and 10:30 a.m. to noon before the Jan. 17 show.

Scooby Doo is back at this year's show

   Tickets range from $20 to $135 ($5 more on the day of the show), with pit passes costing $10. monsterjamcanada.ca; 1-855-985-5000

   The jam roars in London on Feb. 27 and 28 at Budweiser Gardens and Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre on April 23 and 24.

   Happening now

   The 40th annual North American International Motorcycle Supershow is on this weekend at the International Centre (6900 Airport Rd.)

   The show is featuring the Century of Motorcycles display with 50 “hand-picked” bikes representing the machine’s evolution over the past 100 years.

Vintage machines are on display at the motorcycle show in Mississauga.

   There are also vintage clubs such as the Mods and Rockers, Ontario Norton Owners and Grand Valley Model Car.

   Along with Paul Teutul Jr., motorcycle designer and builder, will be Roli and Horny Mike from TV’s Counting Cars to meet and greet.

   The show runs until 9 p.m. today (Saturday) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20; $5, ages six to 12; free to age five. motorcyclesupershow.ca; 1-888-661-7469

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca