2007 Detroit Auto Show

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With the 2007 L.A. Auto Show well behind us thanks to its new November time slot, it's time to gear up for the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Officially known as the North American International Auto Show, Detroit is the heavyweight of the car show scene. You want to make news that gets heard around the automotive world? Detroit in January is the place to do it.

This year's Detroit auto show is shaping up nicely thanks to a good mix of concept cars and new production models, many of which have already made public appearances. As you might expect, the Big Three put in a big effort with multiple vehicles from the brands under the DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM umbrellas.

First out of the gate were two concepts from the Ford camp — the Lincoln MKR coupe and the Jaguar C-XF sedan. Both cars look like futuristic concepts, but they're actually closer to production than you might think. Same goes for the Volvo XC60 concept, a thinly disguised version of the eventual production vehicle. Also keep an eye out for revamped versions of Ford's more mainstream products like the Focus and the Five Hundred, along with another surprising concept.

Chrysler has already revealed a couple concepts of its own. The Jeep Trailhawk is an interesting variation on the Cherokee theme, while the Chrysler Nassau attempts to blend luxury with a hatchback body style. The 2008 Dodge Viper has been pumped up with a little extra horsepower for 2007, while the 2008 Chrysler minivans are expected to get a full redesign.

GM has plenty to talk about, too, with world debuts of the 2008 Cadillac CTS and 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, not to mention the Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept. Also look for an all-new alternative energy vehicle from the ever greener General Motors.

There will be plenty of world debuts from the Big Three's competitors, too. Toyota will lead the charge with an interesting mix of performance and utility. The giant Toyota Tundra CrewMax will make its first public appearance alongside the FT-HS hybrid sports concept. On the luxury side, we'll see the debut of the Lexus IS-F high-performance sedan and a sport coupe concept.

Not to be outdone in the sport coupe department, Acura will unveil its Advanced Sports Coupe concept in Detroit that previews the next-generation NSX. On a slightly less exotic note, the Honda Accord concept will be a shapelier version of Honda's best-selling sedan. Nissan will also use Detroit to unveil two all-new vehicles. The 2008 Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover designed to take on the likes of Honda's CR-V, while the Nissan Bevel is a concept with a less traditional take on the sport-utility vehicle.

Three new convertibles are on tap from the Europeans. First we'll see the Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive concept, followed by the 2008 BMW 3 Series hardtop convertible. Those will be followed by the 2008 Rolls-Royce Drophead coupe, a production version of the 100EX concept shown several years ago.

Expect to see at least another dozen or so other concepts when the show starts on January 7.