DUSTIN WORLES
01-21-2012, 01:12 PM
Normally we would start every year by attending the North American International Auto Show in the first week of January. The event is held every year at the COBO Center in Detroit. 2008 marked our 10th year of attending but shortly after the economy took a shit. We decided to hold of on attending after Porsche and Nissan bailed out in 2009. After reading about all the new car unveilings planned at this years event, we just had to attend! Road trip!
1/7/12 Saturday - Bogdan and I rented a Crown Vic. When I drove I would do burnouts and act like I'm chasing down criminals. Bogdan drove most of the trip.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1456.jpg
We stopped at the original Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh for dinner
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1461.jpg
1/8/12 Sunday - Checked into the show
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1468.jpg
Got a sneak peak of the Smart Concept
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1466.jpg
Since the show was not officially opened, we stopped to see Dr. Gray in Bloomfield Hills, which is 30 mins outside of Detroit. We haven't seen him since '07. I've been dying to see his home after several years of renovations had been completed. It's now over 17,000sq ft!
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/DrGrayMansion.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1482.jpg
Checked out Dr. Gray's SLR and copper Murci
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1474.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1475.jpg
The battery charger for the Fisker that he ordered
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1472.jpg
SLS he bought his 17yr old daughter. It's 1 of 5 white on white in the US.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1471.jpg
This was bought for his daughter when she was 15.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1477.jpg
iPhone video of the front courtyard
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=DrGray-garages.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_DrGray-garages.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
iPhone video of the pool area
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=DrGray-poolarea.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_DrGray-poolarea.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
iPhone video of huge mansion in the same neighborhood
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=HugeHome.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_HugeHome.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
It was depressing to see so many abandon homes and buildings that are all around the Detroit area.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1497.jpg
This particular home was in a really nice neighborhood. Why would anyone want to live next to something like this?
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1498.jpg
1/9/12 Monday - Media Day 1 - Started off with Ford unveiling new Fusion
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC054401.jpg
Breakfast at the Mercedes booth
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1579.jpg
iPhone video of unveiling of the NSX concept
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=NSXconcept.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_NSXconcept.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
NSX concept
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05669.jpg
The Acura press kit was a brushed aluminum flash drive
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1603.jpg
Had lunch at the Audi booth
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1635.jpg
Most confusing vehicle: The 2013 Maserati Kubang SUV is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee (which was based on the Mercedes M-Class), and to be powered by a Ferrari built engine, and will be built in the US.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05778.jpg
Unveiling of Lexus LF-LC concept
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05651.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05652.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05752.jpg
Ford had a crazy 360 degree theater located in the ceiling of its booth. You had to ride a circular platform to enter the theater.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1604.jpg
iPhone video of us coming out of the ceiling
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_Fordridedown.jpg (http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view¤t=Fordridedown.mp4)
Mercedes press kit was a chrome flash drive
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1681.jpg
I tried out the Fiat 500
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05795.jpg
Bogdan was in love with this Bentley GT
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05809.jpg
Eye candy
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05805.jpg
There was a test track in the basement of COBO where you could test drive electric vehicles
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1619.jpg
After my first test drive I decided to end my session. My stomach was not happy after eating and drinking crap all day.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05711.jpg
After spending 12 hours walking around the COBO Center, we headed to Nissan's Tailgate Party located at a restaurant called Cheli's Chili
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1639.jpg
We got photos with Barry Sanders and the Heisman Trophy
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/404270_3047048860562_1393385590_33206959_424715360 _n.jpg
1/10/12 Tuesday - Media Day 2 - Lunch at the Nissan booth
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05732.jpg
The Pathfinder concept press kit was a flash drive that looked like a Nissan key fob
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1611.jpg
Top Gear USA had a booth in the lobby. The main characters shared some of their favorite stories while filming Season 1.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1682.jpg
To our surprise one of the stars of Top Gear USA, Rutledge Wood, is a huge Mischief fan! :loki: He was able to name our first movies and said that he was sad when Dado's M got stolen in 2003. We exchanged info and I'm sending him movies to catch him up with the series. Who knows, maybe we can work with Rutledge in the future :).!
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1695.jpg
After our talk with Rutledge, we jump into the Crown Vic and made our 8 hour journey back home. The NAIAS was a good show even though Ranger Rover, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Lamborghini did not attend. The on going joke of the event was that the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque won the 2012 North American Truck of the Year award and Range Rover didn't even show up to the event!
Bogdan and I were happy that we returned to the NAIAS this year. We got a glimpse into the future of the automobile industry and the future looks bright!
NAIAS 2012 PHOTO GALLERY:
www.photobucket.com/naias-2012
1/7/12 Saturday - Bogdan and I rented a Crown Vic. When I drove I would do burnouts and act like I'm chasing down criminals. Bogdan drove most of the trip.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1456.jpg
We stopped at the original Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh for dinner
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1461.jpg
1/8/12 Sunday - Checked into the show
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1468.jpg
Got a sneak peak of the Smart Concept
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1466.jpg
Since the show was not officially opened, we stopped to see Dr. Gray in Bloomfield Hills, which is 30 mins outside of Detroit. We haven't seen him since '07. I've been dying to see his home after several years of renovations had been completed. It's now over 17,000sq ft!
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/DrGrayMansion.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1482.jpg
Checked out Dr. Gray's SLR and copper Murci
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1474.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1475.jpg
The battery charger for the Fisker that he ordered
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1472.jpg
SLS he bought his 17yr old daughter. It's 1 of 5 white on white in the US.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1471.jpg
This was bought for his daughter when she was 15.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1477.jpg
iPhone video of the front courtyard
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=DrGray-garages.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_DrGray-garages.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
iPhone video of the pool area
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=DrGray-poolarea.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_DrGray-poolarea.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
iPhone video of huge mansion in the same neighborhood
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=HugeHome.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_HugeHome.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
It was depressing to see so many abandon homes and buildings that are all around the Detroit area.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1497.jpg
This particular home was in a really nice neighborhood. Why would anyone want to live next to something like this?
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1498.jpg
1/9/12 Monday - Media Day 1 - Started off with Ford unveiling new Fusion
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC054401.jpg
Breakfast at the Mercedes booth
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1579.jpg
iPhone video of unveiling of the NSX concept
<a href="http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view&current=NSXconcept.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_NSXconcept.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="width: 160px;"></a>
NSX concept
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05669.jpg
The Acura press kit was a brushed aluminum flash drive
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1603.jpg
Had lunch at the Audi booth
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1635.jpg
Most confusing vehicle: The 2013 Maserati Kubang SUV is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee (which was based on the Mercedes M-Class), and to be powered by a Ferrari built engine, and will be built in the US.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05778.jpg
Unveiling of Lexus LF-LC concept
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05651.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05652.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05752.jpg
Ford had a crazy 360 degree theater located in the ceiling of its booth. You had to ride a circular platform to enter the theater.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1604.jpg
iPhone video of us coming out of the ceiling
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/th_Fordridedown.jpg (http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Cell%20Phone%20Videos/?action=view¤t=Fordridedown.mp4)
Mercedes press kit was a chrome flash drive
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1681.jpg
I tried out the Fiat 500
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05795.jpg
Bogdan was in love with this Bentley GT
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05809.jpg
Eye candy
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05805.jpg
There was a test track in the basement of COBO where you could test drive electric vehicles
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1619.jpg
After my first test drive I decided to end my session. My stomach was not happy after eating and drinking crap all day.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05711.jpg
After spending 12 hours walking around the COBO Center, we headed to Nissan's Tailgate Party located at a restaurant called Cheli's Chili
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1639.jpg
We got photos with Barry Sanders and the Heisman Trophy
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/404270_3047048860562_1393385590_33206959_424715360 _n.jpg
1/10/12 Tuesday - Media Day 2 - Lunch at the Nissan booth
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/EVENT%20COVERAGE/NAIAS/NAIAS%202012/DSC05732.jpg
The Pathfinder concept press kit was a flash drive that looked like a Nissan key fob
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1611.jpg
Top Gear USA had a booth in the lobby. The main characters shared some of their favorite stories while filming Season 1.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1682.jpg
To our surprise one of the stars of Top Gear USA, Rutledge Wood, is a huge Mischief fan! :loki: He was able to name our first movies and said that he was sad when Dado's M got stolen in 2003. We exchanged info and I'm sending him movies to catch him up with the series. Who knows, maybe we can work with Rutledge in the future :).!
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb329/MischiefTV/MISCHIEF%20MISC/Detroit%202012%20Story/IMG_1695.jpg
After our talk with Rutledge, we jump into the Crown Vic and made our 8 hour journey back home. The NAIAS was a good show even though Ranger Rover, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Lamborghini did not attend. The on going joke of the event was that the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque won the 2012 North American Truck of the Year award and Range Rover didn't even show up to the event!
Bogdan and I were happy that we returned to the NAIAS this year. We got a glimpse into the future of the automobile industry and the future looks bright!
NAIAS 2012 PHOTO GALLERY:
www.photobucket.com/naias-2012