On the March 9th edition of The Tonight Show, host Jay Leno announced his plan for "stimulating" America with what he does best - telling jokes. The comedian will appear in Detroit at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 7, 2009 for a night of free entertainment with Detroit's unemployed workers; the NBA's Detroit Pistons will donate their home court to house the event.

Refreshments will be provided and parking will be free.

Source: NBC

Nissan’s car and trucks will not have any presence at the 2009 North American International Auto Show — not even a dealer supported presence. Nissan Motor Co. announced a decision in November to pull out of the show, but that was followed quickly by a group of local Nissan dealers saying they would provide vehicles and staffing for the space that their corporate parent previously planned to occupy.

At Nissan’s request, those plans have changed.

“The dealers were going to support a presence and had all stepped forward,” said Doug Fox, auto show co-chairman and owner of Ann Arbor Nissan. “But the week before Christmas we received a request from Nissan to please respect their decision to not have a presence at the North American International Auto Show.”

Source: freep

Following the lead of Porsche, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, Nissan has announced that it won't be present at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, otherwise known as the Detroit Auto Show. But Japan's third largest automaker is going one step further than the others and also pulling out of the Chicago Auto Show in February.

You may recall that Nissan blew its wad, so to speak, at last week's LA Auto Show where it unveiled the new 370Z, Cube and Infiniti G37 Convertible. With nothing left to show save for a commercial van concept called the NV2500, Nissan felt its marketing money could be better spent elsewhere. No word yet on what'll happen to the NV2500 that was supposed to debut in Detroit, but at this rate we fully expect to have a large team of bloggers on hand in early January who are bored to death on the show floor of Cobo Hall. Thanks, economy.

Source: AutoBlog

Mitsubishi makes five. The Japanese automaker said it's pulling out of the Detroit auto show in January as it looks to save money in light of global economic problems and an industry-wide sales decline. Mitsubishi follows Rolls-Royce, Land Rover, Ferrari and Suzuki in withdrawing from the 2009 Detroit show, which will be held in early January. Porsche left the Detroit show after the 2006 event.

And there still could be more floor space opening up, even though the Detroit show's press days are only eight weeks away. Other automakers say privately that they are reviewing their plans for all auto shows.

Pulling out of the Detroit show doesn't prevent Mitsubishi or the other automakers from returning in future years. Mitsubishi still plans to have displays at the Los Angles, Chicago and New York auto shows. It considered alternatives to pulling out of Detroit, but ultimately decided withdrawing was the most cost-effective move--Detroit is not a huge sales market for the automaker.

The Detroit show is considered one a handful of the most prestigious in the world. But like other recent shows, including the Los Angeles auto show and SEMA, it is being hit as companies restructure their operations and cut back on expenses.

Source: Auto Week

So it's a snowy winter in Detroit, what better time to go for a spin in a Camaro Prototype!

Whether it's practicing some snowy donuts, testing salt on the paint, or seeing how well the traction control works, we sure don't mind seeing more pictures of the new Camaro.

Source: 5thGen.org

HEAR the noise, feel the thunder, experience the lightning! Detroit is firing up the pyrotechnics as it prepares to play host to the 2008 North American International Auto Show. Perhaps all the hoopla will make it easier for the industry to forget, just for a while, the stark new realities of the showroom, where car buyers seem to be falling out of love with the kinds of vehicles that made Detroit the capital of the automobile world.

Hit the jump for a numbered list that correspond to the image thumbnails of this blog.

1. Mitsubishi is showing a sporty coupe, the Concept-RA, a hint of the next Eclipse.


2. General Motors, will put aside its greener-than-green marketing campaign for a while to make the show’s most over-the-top introduction — a 620-horsepower Corvette ZR1 — the fastest, most powerful and most expensive Chevrolet in history. The Elvis of the auto show, this $100,000-plus limited-edition supercar has received breathless coverage in the enthusiast press.


3. Lest showgoers fail to grasp G.M.’s message of horsepower hegemony, the company is also introducing a high-performance Cadillac, the CTS-V, offering 500-plus horsepower.


4. Toyota's A-BAT hybrid has been called a Prius pickup truck.


5. Ford is unveiling the Explorer America, a concept vehicle that suggests the next-generation Explorer may look a lot like a Brinks armored car.


6. BMW will show its 128i convertible.


7. BMW’s X6 crossover will also be on display.


8. Only a handful of new sedans are being introduced, including the Hyundai Genesis, an upscale rear-drive sport sedan with a powerful V-8.


9. Land Rover's sleek LRX concept is currently in development limbo until the company’s ownership picture is clarified.


10. Mercedes-Benz is offering its new GLK, a smaller crossover based on the C-Class, to compete with the BMW X3.


11. Fisker Coachbuild will be showing a premium-priced plug-in hybrid luxury sedan.

Source: New York Times

Could this be the ugliest concept ever released? It very well could be. For this reason, we had to take a deeper look into this fugly Ford concept.

Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, the Ford Airstream concept is Ford's attempt at showing future innovation of a battery-powered vehicle, with a hydrogen fuel cell as an on-board charger. For gas mileage, Ford estimates 41 mpg on gas, or on all-electric, roughly 25 miles. With some hydrogen, expect an additional 280 miles. Other gadgets are also shown including a 360-degree screen, a dual-screen setup with Internet capabilities, and multiple cameras for safety and accessibility.

But honestly Ford, bring this one back to the drawing board. Do we really need soccer moms parading around in these things? Better yet, please kill all future plans of the Airstream, Ford. Thanks!

When you know you have a good thing, it's in your best interest to improve on it. Mitsubishi knows this and is improving the ever-so-popular Lancer Evolution even more this time around.

Based off the 2008 Lancer, this concept version of the 2008 Lancer Evolution X features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine capable of over 300 horsepower. For transmission, drivers will have a choice between a 5-speed manual or sequential-manual gearbox. Add the patented S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system and you have yourself the new Prototype X.

We'll be sure to post more about this import - and more importantly - how fast this Evo can go!

Lexus has an answer to the BMW M3 and the Audi RS4 and it goes by the name of the IS-F. How will it contend with those two luxury powerhouses? More than 400 horsepower and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque from a 5.0-liter V8 - that's how.

The 2008 Lexus IS-F features the world’s first eight-speed "direct sport-shift" transmission, with paddle-shifters as an option when switching to manual mode. A new torque-converter lock-up control was developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through eighth gears. Blasts from 0-60mph will occur in less than 4.9 seconds and will be stopped by heavy-duty Brembo brakes with 14.2-inch discs and six-piston calipers. Oh, and Lexus is saying that 19" custom wheels will be standard.

Only time will tell as to whether or not the IS-F can hold its own in the luxury battle of compact speed.

The next generation Cadillac CTS has officially been unveiled to the public at the Detroit Auto Show. Nothing too radical has been changed this time around, however, there are a few notables that are worth hearing about on this new model from Cadillac.

This rear-wheel drive sedan is now a full two inches wider this time around, giving owners a bit more breathing room inside the cabin. Also, optional all-wheel drive will be available for those who want full control of this luxury sedan while owning the road.

Base models will include the 3.6L V6 engine pushing 258hp, followed by a 300hp version for those who need more grunt. The CTS-V will be on its way back with a supercharged V8 later in 2008. All models in the CTS range will include a strut-tower suspension, performance brakes, and a steering package from last year's CTS-V. Automatic and six-speed transmissions will be available and expect 17" wheels to be standard on all models.

Cadillac should have the CTS range of vehicles ready for the second half of the year.

GM, who originally stopped its plans on producing an electric car, has resurrected the idea and brought a concept to show at the Detroit Auto Show. Chevrolet team took on the challenge and brought forth the Volt.

Under the skin sits a battery-powered electric motor that can do up to 40 city miles on a single full charge. Once the gasoline-powered, one-liter, three-cylinder engine kicks in, consumers can expect up to 640 miles as the electric battery will replenish itself. A top speed of close to 120mph could be reached with the Volt.

Unfortunately for technology, GM doesn't expect to make too much progress as the battery still needs some work as its the brain for this new concept. GM expects more progress to be completed around 2010-2012.

Well the rumors were true! The new Camaro concept has a close sibling - a droptop version for those who enjoy things topless. Compared to the original concept, nothing has changed besides for the obvious which is the convertible option and a new Hugger Orange with gunmetal rally stripes color scheme. One notable thing about the interior picture in the photo gallery is that things are looking a bit more refined this time around rather than slapped together when the Camaro was first unveiled.

The Camaro vert will be making its debut on Saturday at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, along with some recruited celebrities but who cares about them!

This Jeep doesn't get along well with others. Being built off the Wrangler platform, the Trailhawk has a sturdy platform that is ready to handle anything thrown at it be it off-road or highway cruising.

From its mean angle-cut HID lights encompassed by a very edgy front-end, to its fender flares that are fitting 22" wheels - this concept wants to get recognized. The power plant is the 3.0L BLUETEC diesel, pushing out 215 hp and 376 ft-lbs. of torque on top of a extended 116-inch wheelbase which will make the ride a thing of beauty.

Doubtful that it will see production, the Trailhawk will most likely end up giving design cues to future Jeep models which may make those interested in this concept a bit disappointed. Nonetheless, it can be enjoyed at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

Mustang-based, but targeted towards the family who doesn't want to get in and out of a 2-door coupe, Ford introduces the Interceptor concept. A bold move on Ford's behalf since it will be in competition with Chrysler's 300, which has been captivating the consumer market ever since its release.

Sitting on a stretched Mustang base, the Interceptor is powered by a 400-horsepower Ford Racing 5.0-liter V-8 engine, a variant of the 4.6-liter currently in the Mustang GT. It will feature a six-speed manual gearbox, low roof-line and massive 22-inch wheels.

"The Interceptor concept is a sedan, but with the heart and soul of a performance car," Freeman Thomas, director of Ford's North American strategic design department, said in a statement.

The Interceptor will be on display at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, which is just around the corner.

Ever since the death of the Supra, import fans have been wondering what Toyota has up its sleeve for a next big tuner car. Whatever it is, it has quite a few to compete against these days especially the next Mitsubishi Evolution which has quite a fan base. For those that will be at the Detroit Auto Show, they will have an up-close look at a possibility of Toyota getting back into the scene.

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid isn't the typical hybrid that is boasting about fuel economy. Instead, it has quite a few things going for it. A 50:50 weight distribution pushed by a 400+ horsepower 3.5L V6 featuring Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system. Expect a 0-60mph time to be just around 4 seconds flat. The projected price has been ballparked at $35,000 if it was ever put into production.

Finally a hybrid that has a sporty look and the power to compete with the domestic V8's that are always ruling the road. Who knows what Toyota plans to do - but we will say it's a hybrid that we wouldn't mind taking for a test-drive.