While many details have yet to be finalized, organizers anticipate new and redesigned vehicle introductions and other events that typically take place at a traditional auto show at the racetrack, although on a smaller scale. 

Officials declined to say whether the new format would be permanent or if they would return to a more traditional auto show in the fall of 2022.

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association, which operates the show, said it would host a reimagined version of its Motor Bella concept at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan from September 21 to 26. It will feature dynamic vehicle and tech display space as well as a 2.4-kilometer track for tech and vehicle demonstrations.

Motor Bella was originally envisioned as a festival of European supercars to take place alongside the auto show in downtown Detroit.

The Detroit auto show, formally known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which has not been held since January 2019, has changed dates multiple times. The event was supposed to move from January to June of 2020, but was canceled due to the pandemic and rescheduled for June 2021. Organizers later rescheduled it for fall 2021 before the announcement today.

Despite the possibility that Detroit could go more than 40 months between traditional auto shows, organizers don’t believe they’re becoming irrelevant.