DaimlerChrysler AG
Dodge: A four-door Charger making its debut in Detroit? Believe it, even though for Dodge purists the very idea is heresy. At least there is a 5.7-litre Hemi V-8 under the hood of the 2006 Charger slated to hit showroom late this year.
Mercedes-Benz: The next M-class will be unveiled in Detroit. Mercedes officials say after seven years on the market, the first imported, premium SUV is being replaced with a new truck that is longer, lower and wider than the existing model.Also a Detroit possibility: the new seven-passenger G-class and a smaller Mercedes crossover vehicle.
Volkswagen AG
Volkswagen: The new Golf hatchback and Jetta sedan have been on sale in Europe for about a year and this year they will finally make their way to North American showrooms. They will be shown first in L.A., then again in Detroit. A new Passat is also coming and while the first official pictures have been released, VW is unlikely to show the next Passat in Detroit. More likely that will be done in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The updated Golf/Jetta should hit showrooms in March.
Audi: The four-door A3 hatchback pushes Audi down market, a bold move for VW's luxury brand in Canada and the United States. Audi will use Detroit as the A3's official coming-out party on this continent. Look for it in the late spring of this year.
Hyundai Motor Co.
The all-new Sonata midsize sedan is critical to this Korean auto maker's plans to become one of the top six auto makers in the world. In Detroit, Hyundai can be expected to emphasize how this new Sonata is serious competition for the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry -- both in terms of dynamic performance and quality. Ford Motor Co.
Ford: The Mustang convertible, expected to be shown first in Los Angeles, arrives as the latest boost to the already successful reinvention of the legendary pony car. In Detroit, Ford is expected to show the Fusion midsize sedan for the first time. The latter shares its platform with the Mazda6 sedan.
Mazda Motor Corp.
Mazda will show the Mazda5 crossover wagon in Detroit, though it had its world debut last September at the Paris auto show. So the bigger news for Detroit is a concept called the MX Crossport, yet another crossover intended to blur the lines between SUVs and sporty cars. Like others of its ilk, it is intended to blur the lines between SUVs and sporty cars. Chief designer Iwao Koizumi, says: "It transcends vehicles like SUVs or sedans."
Subaru
The B9X crossover wagon, to be unveiled in Detroit, is an all-wheel-drive, seven-passenger model designed to lead Subaru's push toward premium brand status. Interestingly, the B9X will share its structure and key components with a future Saab wagon, too. (GM owns Saab and has a substantial interest in Subaru's parent, Fuji Heavy Industries.) In terms of looks, the B9X is a design trendsetter for future Subaru models. The car-based B9X goes on sale next summer.
Toyota Motor Corp.
Toyota: Japan's No. 1 auto maker and the world's second largest rarely uses the Detroit show to reveal major plans for the future. But this year is different. Toyota will show several important concept vehicles. Also, the new Toyota Avalon will be shown for the first time. Newly restyled and reengineered, the Avalon will have better performance and more comfort features.
Lexus: The luxury arm of Toyota will show the updated LX470 SUV.Nissan Motor Co.
Infiniti: Detroit will get the first look at the new M sport sedan, which replaces the current and slow-selling M45. The new M goes on sale in the early spring.
Honda Motor Co.
Honda: The 2006 Ridgeline was shown in concept form a year ago in Detroit. Now we get the production version, the one to hit showrooms in the spring.Kia Motor Corp.
A sleeker Rio subcompact is expected to be shown in Detroit. The revamped Rio is not only more powerful, but roomier inside thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider track. The new Rio will hit showrooms this summer.
Porsche AG
The world will get its first official look at the new 911 Cabriolet in Detroit. The car's electric top goes down in 20 seconds and can be lowered while driving up to 48 km/hour. The Carrera S Cabrio will go on sale this spring.
Mitsubishi Motor Corp.
Struggling to reclaim traction in the wake of corporate scandals and thousands of bad loans to unqualified buyers, Mitsubishi will use Detroit to show the world its new Raider truck and Eclipse sports coupe.
