2008 NAIAS in full swing in Detroit

The North American International Auto Show is under way and there has been no shortage of interesting debuts and concepts already. I'll try to highlight some of the more interesting ones along with my personal favorites.

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

This is just downright sexy. No word on powertrain options if, or more likely when, they build it. We can only hope there will be a CTS-V Coupe. That would be awesome.



Lexus LF-A Roadster Concept

The coupe concept debuted at the Detroit show in 2005 and they decided to roll out a vert variation this year. Assumed to be powered by the same 500+HP V10 as the coupe this concept is formed from carbon fiber and aluminum to keep weight down and maintain rigidity. This should be a good sign that the coupe is nearing production even though there is a new story every month or so that the production if off again - on again.



Dodge ZEO Concept

This is a pretty cool looking concept. Powered by a 64kWh, 268HP electric motor sending power to the rear wheels it is said to have a range of 250 miles before recharging. Production is doubtful.



Mazda Furai Concept

This is absolutely my early favorite concept so far. Its just wonderful looking. Sporting a 450HP 3-rotor 20B and a Courage racing chassis, it's more like a LeMans racer than a street car.



Audi R8 V12 TDI

Audi unveiled the new R8 concept powered by the V12 TDI engine from the Q7 that puts out 500HP and a huge 738TQ. That grunt is enough to push the R8 from 0-60 in about 4.2 seconds and to a top speed of 186mph. All the while getting about 23MPG. The concept has some reworked body parts including splitters, vents and a larger side "blade", as Audi calls it.



Hummer HX Concept

Consider this Hummers version of a Jeep Wrangler. It's a two door convertible powered by a Direct Injected Flex Fuel V6 powering all the wheels via a 6 speed auto. Not only can the roof panels be removed but so can the doors and fenders for off-roading fun. I think they should build it.



2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Ralliart is Mitsu's in house tuner like Nissan's NISMO, Subaru's STI and BMW's M. The new Lancer Ralliart is an EVO "lite". It's slotted to compete with the Subaru WRX where Mitsubishi previously didn't have anything comparable. The Ralliart will feature a slightly detuned version of the EVO's new 4B11T engine with 235HP coupled to a full time AWD via the twin clutch sequential manual from the upcoming EVO X MR. The car doesn't look much different from the EVO and should be a performance bargain if they keep the pricing around what the WRX goes for, which is about $25,000.



2009 Corvette ZR-1

I think I've already done enough drooling over this. GM went all out for the intro having Kid Rock singing and Jeff Gordon driving the car on stage. As the GM execs stood in front of the car the platform the car was on elevated 15 feet into the air. Now that's an intro!

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

I've already gone on about this sweet car as well. Found some photos from the reveal in Detroit.




2009 Audi TT-S

I was never a really big fan of the original TT but I do like this one a lot. Now it has gotten the "S" treatment with the unveiling of the TT-S which features a 265HP/258TQ direct injection 2.0l turbo 4 cylinder. It will be available with 18 or 19 inch wheels and either a 6 speed manual or DSG.



That's about it for now.