Remember the Tesla Cybertruck Reveal in 2019?
Auto shows aren't just fun and exciting experiences; they are also when automakers make their biggest reveals and take their largest risks. Those who were there will never forget the legendary Audi R8 reveal at the Paris Auto Show in 2006, or the Tesla Cybertruck window fail at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2019. Here are the 10 biggest car show moments and 10 that flopped.
DestinationFearFan on Wikimedia
1. Tesla Cybertruck Reveal
Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla Cybertruck at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, and it was one of the most talked-about events in automotive history. It was polarizing among fans and critics, thanks to its blend of futurism and functionality. Yet, it instantly went viral and received hundreds of thousands of pre-orders.
2. Ford Mustang's Global Debut
At the New York World's Fair in 1964, Ford unveiled the first Mustang. It became an instant icon and cultural phenomenon. Ford's brilliant marketing helped the Mustang sell 22,000 units on its first day.
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3. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Reveal
When the split-window Corvette Stingray was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in 1963, it stole the show and redefined how people saw American sports cars. It was aerodynamic and futuristic, and quickly captured the imagination of drivers.
4. BMW i8 Launch
This car was a game-changer upon being introduced to the public at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. This hybrid supercar looked like it came through a time machine and was an enviable blend of performance, sustainability, and cutting-edge design.
5. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Reveal
Jeep fans were elated when the automaker unveiled a Wrangler powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine, which was the first of its kind. This Jeep was nostalgic and modern, and its presence at the Detroit Auto Show in 2020 was a moment that many will remember.
6. Lexus LFA Supercar Introduction
After years of gossip and speculation, Lexus finally brought the LFA to market at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2009. This meticulously crafted supercar proved that Japan could compete with companies like Ferrari. The Lexus LFA quickly became a collector's item because of its limited production and V10 engine.
7. Audi R8 Reveal
At the 2006 Paris Auto Show, Audi introduced the R8 and shocked the industry by launching a true supercar from a brand that made its name with sedans. The crowd was stunned by this car's sleekness, mid-engine layout, and Quattro all-wheel drive.
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8. Dodge Challenger Hellcat Reveal
With a powerful 707-horsepower engine, the Challenger Hellcat stole the spotlight at the 2014 New York Auto Show. Its raw power and old-school muscle made it an overnight legend.
9. Jaguar E-Type Debut
After viewing it at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, Enzo Ferrari called this "the most beautiful car ever made". It redefined how elegant a car could be while maintaining a high level of performance.
10. Rivian R1T Electric Truck Reveal
At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, Rivian's electric pickup wowed the crowd with its range, off-road abilities, and sleek design. This came at the height of Tesla's dominance of the EV market, and sent the message that it would be a more competitive field going forward.
1. Tesla Cybertruck Window Fail
While the Cybertruck's unveiling was momentous, there was still an infamous moment when the supposed shatterproof glass cracked during a live demo. Needless to say, it was quite embarrassing.
2. Pontiac Aztek Reveal
The Aztek sought to present itself as the evolution of auto versatility and youth appeal at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show, but the design had the opposite effect. Crowds and critics found the proportions to be awkward, and its look was ridiculed.
3. DeLorean DMC-12 Launch
Hyped as a futuristic car at an auto show in 1981, the DeLorean was plagued by production issues and abysmal performance. Its gullwing doors inspired some awe, but it was all downhill after that.
4. Ford Edsel Reveal
Marketed for auto show attendees as the car of the future, the Edsel's debut in 1957 was one of the industry's most expensive failures. It was overhyped and overpriced, and its odd styling didn't appeal to those who first laid eyes on it in the showroom.
5. Hummer EV Crab Walk Mishap
At an auto show demo in 2020, GM's Hummer EV was meant to display amazing off-road features like the "Crab Walk", but the demo glitched badly. The system lagged, and the presentation was unimpressive. Luckily, the vehicle did eventually redeem itself.
dimitrisvetsikas1969 on Pixabay
6. Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept Reveal
At the Detroit Auto Show in 2019, Infiniti was desperate to impress with a sleek electric concept, but was undermined by technical issues. The car's doors failed to open on stage, and the team had no choice but to awkwardly talk through the design without showing the interior.
7. Faraday Future FF91 Unveiling
At CES in 2017, Faraday Future marketed its FF91 as the "Tesla Killer". Unfortunately, the live demonstration experienced software failures, and the car failed to move on cue. The executives were visibly panicked.
8. Chrysler Turbine Car Reveal
Chrysler wowed auto show audiences in 1963 with its turbine-powered car that could run on almost any fuel. Ultimately, the car proved to be impractical as it was too noisy, too hot, and far too costly to produce on a mass scale.
9. Mercedes-Benz F015 Concept
This futuristic self-driving F015 concept promised a "mobile living space," but it proved to be overly ambitious and not practical for most drivers. Critics mocked it as more science fiction than a noteworthy innovation.
10. Fisker Karma Reveal
Leading up to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the Fisker Karma was deemed the first luxury hybrid sports sedan and a rival to Tesla. However, it was mired with production delays, software problems, and then there were the battery fires.
