The 2026 North American International Auto Show roared into Detroit (Jan. 13–16, 2026) with a resounding message: the passion for performance is alive and well in the electrified era. From Ford’s barnstorming reveals and racing bombshells to big moves by Detroit rivals and beyond, the show floor was a gearhead’s dream. Major automakers unveiled new machines and strategies that balanced gasoline grit with electric innovation, all while catering to enthusiast hearts. Mustang and Ford Performance fans had plenty to cheer, as the Blue Oval commanded headlines with desert-running Broncos, a triumphant Formula 1 return, Le Mans ambitions and even a workwear tie-up that put community and heritage in the spotlight. And they weren’t alone – Stellantis flexed with muscle and 4x4s for every appetite, General Motors marked the U.S. semiquincentennial in style, and others showcased the latest in speed and capability. In short, Detroit 2026 proved that even as cars get smarter and greener, automakers aren’t about to abandon the thrills that got us hooked in the first place.
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Ford Highlights: Broncos, Blue Ovals and Bold Moves
Ford Motor Company seized its hometown show with a flurry of unveilings and initiatives that underscored both its “Built Wild” spirit and racing pedigree. Leading the charge was the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR, an all-new performance variant developed with Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s RTR Vehicles. Bred in the punishing deserts of Johnson Valley, the Bronco RTR is “the second chapter in Ford’s motorsport-inspired collaboration with RTR”, aimed at “democratizing high-speed off-road performance”. Bronco Chief Engineer Ed Krenz said the goal was to “bring this kind of high-speed adrenaline to the people who don’t have a Raptor budget”, blending championship off-road tech with a price point more enthusiasts can reach. The result is a factory Bronco tuned for desert racing-style fun: standard 33-inch rugged tires, a high-clearance suspension (a first for a Bronco trim) and an available Sasquatch package that adds 35-inch rubber plus the HOSS 3.0 internal-bypass dampers normally reserved for top trims.
The Bronco RTR sticks with Ford’s lightweight 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine – a deliberate choice to keep the front end light and agile in the sand – but it’s been fortified with race-proven goodies like an anti-lag turbo system and the 1,000-watt cooling fan from the Bronco Raptor to ensure it can handle the hits during sustained Baja-style abuse. Visually, the RTR is loud and proud – Hyper Lime accents, an aggressive RTR grille with signature lighting, beadlock-capable wheels and heritage Bronco styling cues – all of which announce this truck means business. Making its debut in Detroit, the Bronco RTR will head straight to events like King of the Hammers to prove its mettle, before hitting Ford dealers by early 2027.
Ford’s truck team had more to celebrate on the show’s opening day. The Ford Maverick Lobo – a special street-performance take on the compact Maverick pickup – was officially crowned the 2026 North American Truck of the Year, marking the sixth consecutive year a Ford truck has earned that honor. Jurors praised the Maverick Lobo as a breakthrough, noting it “opens the door to a new class of fun-to-drive compact pickups” by being “the first to make an affordable compact pickup the basis of a sporty pickup with street smarts and meaningful performance upgrades”.
On the branding and community front, Ford used the Detroit stage to announce a multi-year partnership with Carhartt, uniting two iconic Detroit-born companies in support of America’s “essential economy” of skilled trades. The partnership centers on workforce development, community investment, and durable products for tradespeople. A 2027 F-Series Super Duty Carhartt Edition truck is due later this year, designed to blend Ford capability with Carhartt’s rugged style. The two companies will also launch a ToolBank in Detroit, equipping thousands of volunteers with gear for projects and disaster relief, supported by a Ford F-150 mobile depot.
Ford also doubled down on outdoor adventure and philanthropy with its Bronco Wild Fund. At the show, the company launched “Answer the Call” – a program donating specially-equipped Bronco SUVs to search-and-rescue organizations across the U.S. Each vehicle is upfitted with winches, recovery gear, drones, and satellite internet. This initiative supports teams in extreme environments and reinforces Ford’s commitment to off-road culture and real-world capability.
Ford’s Racing Renaissance: From Formula 1 to Le Mans
Ford dropped a motorsports bombshell by confirming its return to Formula 1 in 2026 as a partner to Oracle Red Bull Racing. During Detroit Auto Show week, Ford and Red Bull unveiled their joint F1 livery at Michigan Central Station, symbolizing Ford’s re-entry to the pinnacle of global motorsport after a 22-year hiatus. Together, they are co-developing a next-generation hybrid F1 power unit under the 2026 FIA regulations, emphasizing Ford’s role in battery, electric motor, and control software development.
Behind the scenes, Ford has embedded engineers within Red Bull Powertrains’ UK headquarters, uniting Ford’s deep racing heritage with Red Bull’s championship pedigree. Will Ford, General Manager of Ford Performance Racing and great-great-grandson of Henry Ford, called it “a return to unfinished business” for the Blue Oval. The initiative marks Ford’s commitment to electrified performance and technological development through racing.
Adding to its global racing arsenal, Ford also announced plans for a factory-backed Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) Hypercar entry in 2027. Developed in-house, the prototype will target overall victories at Le Mans, Daytona, and beyond. Combining hybrid tech with V8 power derived from the Mustang GT3 program, Ford’s hypercar will compete head-to-head with the likes of Ferrari, Toyota, and Porsche in the WEC’s top class. It cements Ford’s ambition to dominate every level of racing from grassroots to Formula 1.
Stellantis: Muscle Cars, 4x4s and “Something for Everyone”
Stellantis embraced variety over singular vision, showcasing its multi-energy strategy with offerings across the combustion-electric spectrum. Dodge headlined with the debut of the 2026 Dodge Charger, available as both a high-output turbocharged inline-six (the new “SIXPACK” motor) and an all-electric Daytona variant. The Charger was named 2026 North American Car of the Year, validating Dodge’s bet on giving buyers both V8-like power and electric thrills.
Jeep introduced the all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, and the Jeep Recon – its first fully electric Trail-Rated SUV. The Recon proved EVs can be off-road capable without compromising Jeep’s rugged DNA. Stellantis also celebrated Jeep’s 85th anniversary with heritage trims and the return of Camp Jeep’s show-floor obstacle course.
Ram made noise by reinstating the 5.7L HEMI V8 in its 1500 lineup and unveiling the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, now boasting even more power for off-road dominance. The heavy-duty Ram 2500 Power Wagon also received a torque-rich Cummins diesel option. Ram also announced its return to NASCAR Truck Series racing in 2026, aligning motorsports with its muscle-truck strategy.
General Motors: Anniversary Editions and EV Horizons
GM celebrated America’s 250th birthday with “Stars & Steel” special editions across its Chevrolet lineup – from trucks to the Corvette. The Corvette Stars & Steel Edition is limited to 250 units and features patriotic graphics and exclusive interior cues. It was a highlight for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Also on display: the Corvette CX Concept, a stunning EV supercar vision boasting four motors and a claimed 2,000 hp. While strictly a concept, the CX hints at Corvette’s electric future and won praise for its design and technology. GM kept future pickups under wraps but teased updates for the next-generation Silverado and Sierra, expected later in 2026.
Wrap-up
Detroit 2026 struck a compelling balance between past and future, efficiency and excitement. For Mustang and Ford Performance enthusiasts, the message was clear: the thrill of driving isn’t going anywhere. From dirt-ripping Broncos to turbocharged muscle cars, factory-backed racing returns to Formula 1 and Le Mans, and smart, purposeful electrification strategies, automakers showed that passion and performance still rule the road.
The Motor City reminded the world that no matter the propulsion system, the love of cars, speed, and mechanical soul remains alive and well. If this year’s show is any indication, the future of driving isn’t just efficient – it’s exhilarating.
