Klockau Haunts the Quad City Regional Auto Show

Bonus: Sedans!

Last year, I didn’t even bother going to the new car show, held locally at The Bend expo center in East Moline.

But today, after making an appointment with my CPA for next week (SO fun!) I stopped at McLaughlin Cadillac to shoot the breeze with my friend and salesman, Brian.

I hadn’t even thought of the auto show this year, but he said, hey, did you get a free ticket?

I said I hadn’t seen anything in my email, so he re-sent the link while I was in his office.

He knows I’m not an SUV guy and said that there were quite a few sedans on display, which intrigued me. And Friday is the best day to go. Saturday is typically pandemonioum with wall to wall people.

So I went. And honestly wasn’t really expecting anything. We all know combovers and SUVs have been the prevalent necessity for marital bliss since at least 2017.

But I was surprised. There were actually some compelling new cars.

Now. You know I am not, and never will be, Mr. EV. Ever.

But. I spent some time checking out the Caddy electrics, and while I still won’t be shelling out for one, the interiors are really nice.

I especially liked the Lyriq. I know. ME. Who has been mocking them for some time, along with the ‘Slade EV and other friends.

But the interiors are really nice and sufficiently “Cadillacy.” The Lyriq in particular has serious show car vibes inside. And the one on display, in a Klockau-approved amethyst hue with white leather, was pretty damn sharp. Even without an engine or sedan bodywork.

And I liked the interior colors on many cars on display. Particularly this M3 with REALLY ORANGE interior.

I texted it to fellow Cadillac buddy Jayson, and he said is that the Antique Light Orange leather from the ‘76 Seville? Ha.

And I don’t want any Equinox—again, ever, gas powered or electic. But STILL loved the REALLY RED leather interior on this one. Yet 99.9% will pick silver or black with black interior. They’re going to depreciate off a cliff anyway! Get the red! Hahaha.

And there was one American made Buick—the only one, really, on display as well, an Enclave Avenir.

Totally boring in gray with black interiors, but I liked a lot of the details, and the clubby interior. If only one could get an interior like this in an Electra sedan in 2026.

And there was a Prelude! I’m not really a Japanese car guy, but this was pretty slick. And a coupe! A coupe! In 2026! It warms my heart.

I liked the two tone interior too.

All in all, a nice show. But I’m hanging onto the XTS for now!