Detroit is Motor City

I didn't know much about Detroit before I moved to Michigan, but if I've learned one thing at all, it's that I'm living in the land of cars. As anyone who lives anywhere in the world probably knows, Detroit is home to several major U.S. car manufacturers, and that reputation does not go unnoticed.

Each year, Detroit hosts the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), a two-week event that showcases the latest (and future concept) cars and trucks from auto manufacturers across the globe. As a newbie to the whole car show tradition, I was expecting something akin to the Tokyo car party during the first half of the movie Cars 2, but this turned out to be much more Americanized, family-oriented, and . . . not filled with spies.

In all honesty, the NAIAS is a pretty amazing spectacle. Sure, the Cobo Center and all its surrounding areas are packed from the get-go, but nothing tops the overwhelming feeling of stepping into a gigantic, new world inside the exhibit area. Rooms packed with shiny, new vehicles that literally sparkle, television screens that cover entire walls, and custom-built exhibits are works of art within themselves. It is not only an auto show for people who love cars, but also a mecca of modern design and innovative advertising.

My favorite part? The Kia Soul hamsters, hands-down. Next to the new Kias, cardboard cutouts of the "Party-Rock"-dancing rodents accompanied a large, interactive dance floor. Above the dance floor was a screen where you could watch yourself dancing with one of the Kia hamsters to the ever-popular "Party Rock Anthem." I can't dance, but sometimes, I have no shame—it was time to bust a move.

And of course, there were some fun, gimmicky cars, including a Hot Wheels Edition Camaro and a graffiti-inspired Smart car. Gotta love 'em.

What really impressed me, though, was how futuristic some of the concept models were. Even though production is only a year or so away for these beauties, I felt as though I had stepped 20 years into the future. I guess we're getting close to the age of the Jetsons (minus the flying part, and plus a lot of pizazz).

Unfortunately, I didn't take home any souvenirs (unless you count a handful of free Chevy Racing buttons), but my husband certainly came away with a mental wish list. At the top? The new Cadillac ATS—a gift for me! Well, a gift for me in a couple of years when the price goes down (or so I'm told).

The ATS is attractive, that's for sure—and the interior puts the leather seats (my favorite feature!) in my current Volvo to shame. It kind of looks like it should belong to the CEO of a major record label, but doesn't everyone deserve a bit of luxury every now and then?