Thousands of journalists from all over the world flocked into Detroit's Cobo Hall for Press Days on January 13-14, 2008. During 28 major news conferences, automakers took the wraps off their latest products. More than 50 production vehicles and concept cars were unveiled, either as worldwide or North American debuts.

Here's a rundown of the most notable vehicles that were introduced in Detroit:

Audi: First up from Audi was a pepped-up version of the TT coupe, called the TTS. A coupe version appeared in Detroit, but a roadster will emerge later. Audi claims 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.2 seconds for the TTS with an Auto-clutch transmission. For considerably more energy on tap, Audi also unveiled an R8 V12 TDI concept - essentially the R8 supercar with a V-12 engine providing the power. It's a clean diesel, producing 500 horsepower and more than 700 pound-feet of torque, yet capable of nearly 24 mpg, according to Audi.

BMW: Unveiling of the X6 Sports Activity Coupe gave BMW what might be considered a unique model, with no true competition. Shaped like a fastback sedan, the X6 will be built in BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant. Dynamic Performance Control is meant to improve behavior in curves. A new V-8 engine delivers 407 horsepower. BMW also announced that later this year, diesel engines will be offered for the X5 sport-utility vehicle and the 335i sedan. BMW also spotlighted the convertible version of the coming-soon 1 Series, which debuted recently in coupe form at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Cadillac: GM vice-chairman Robert Lutz took the stage to reveal the CTS-V, the upcoming "V" edition of the recently-reworked CTS sedan. Unveiled to a noisy musical accompaniment, the CTS-V hailed from developers who were assigned to "take the basic excellence of a CTS and push it way, way out there." A supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 works with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, generating an estimated 550 horsepower. Cadillac also showed a CTS coupe, in concept form.

Also in Detroit was the fuel-cell Provoq, which had appeared at the Consumer Electronic Shows just days earlier

Chevrolet: Performance is the big news from Chevrolet, in the form of a ZR1 supercar edition of the Corvette. Back in the 1990s, Chevrolet offered a potent ZR1 edition of its legendary sports car. The 2009 ZR1's V-8 engine whips up a whopping 620 horsepower.

Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep: Chrysler unveiled three concept vehicles at the Detroit show:
* Chrysler EcoVoyager: Intended for fuel-cell propulsion, this four-passenger four-door has a "boattail" rear end and no B-pillars. Design chief Trevor Creed said it "celebrates the romance of automobile travel."
* Dodge ZEO: Youthful in personality, the ZEO is a 2+2 electric sport wagon with a lighted crosshair grille and A-pillars that curve into extended roof rails.
* Jeep Renegade: Meant for the B-segment in terms of size, this two-seater would "take treading lightly to a new extreme," Creed said. Considered "pure Jeep," it's a topless creation with a cut-down speedster windshield. A 200-kilowatt electric motor is mounted at each axle, and a small Bluetec diesel is installed for auxiliary propulsion. A waterproof interior adds to the Renegade's practical virtues.

Dodge: Chrysler brands are well known for staging colorful presentations at the Detroit show. This time, the show floor moved outdoors, onto the street adjoining Cobo Hall. As the standing-room-only crowd strained to watch, a herd of longhorn cattle was set loose. Their job: to highlight the Ram-tough characteristics of Dodge's next-generation full-size pickup truck.

Flaunting a chiseled-look front end, the 2009 Ram can tow up to 9100 pounds and handle an 1850-pound payload, courtesy of an available 380-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

Ferrari: As its Italian surprise, the legendary sports-car builder unveiled a biofuel-powered F430 spider that runs on E85 (a blend of 85-perccent ethanol and 15-percent gasoine).

Ford: When you've had a best-seller for 31 years, you have to do your redesign work right. That's the position Ford was in with the F-150 full-size pickup, which was last reworked for the 2004 model year. Ford's pickup has been the most popular model in its league for as long as most buyers can remember.

For 2009, the F-150 gets a bold front end. But cargo-carrying conveniences are the bigger news. New innovations include a tailgate step, stowable bed extender, and cargo-box side steps. Voice-activated navigation is available, too. Ford's F-150 will come in 35 configuration, ranging from value-priced XL to top-rung Platinum.

Ford also revealed a concept-car series based upon the compact Verve that had been seen in Europe. Small cars are a "leading segment globally," said James Farley, group vice-president for marketing and communications; and the Verve soon will be offered in the U.S. market. Also exhibited at the show was an Explorer America concept, which is thought to represent the look of the next-generation SUV.

Ford Motor Company chairman Alan Mulally also advised that the Ford Flex will go on sale this summer. Hybrid-powertrain Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans will be available during 2008, too.

General Motors: GM chairman Rick Wagoner used a substantial chunk of his onstage time to extol the merits of ethanol - specifically, the E85 mixture of ethanol and gasoline that goes into flex-fuel vehicles. If every GM vehicle ran on E85, Wagoner claimed, the United States could save some 29 billion gallons of gasoline each year. And if every manufacturer made its full lineup flex-fuel capable, the potential saving could be 53 billion gallons.

Reaching a tangible step beyond his proclamation, Wagoner also outlined a new joint venture with the Coskata company, to develop ethanol from sources other than corn. Coskata believes it can produce E85 fuel that would sell for less than $1 per gallon. Currently, E85 costs just about as much as regular gasoline. A pilot plant is expected to emerge later this year.

Honda: A redesigned second-generation Pilot sport-utility vehicle was the main attraction at Honda's stand in Detroit. Shown in prototype form, the 2009 Pilot goes on sale this spring with an engine that can operate on three, four, or six cylinders. A new Touring trim level will be offered.

Honda also unveiled a CR-X hybrid concept, noting that a new compact, lightweight gasoline/electric powertrain will be available in a new model for 2009.

Hyundai: Shown as a concept model last year, the new Genesis sedan turned up in Detroit in ready-for-production form. In addition to a V-6 version, the Genesis sedan will be available with a V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission. Eight airbags are standard for the rear-wheel-drive sedan, which goes on sale this summer. Hyundai claims that interior volume beats BMW's 7 Series and matches the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan.

Kia: Despite having a selection of sport-utility vehicles and a crossover in its lineup, Kia wanted to develop a new model. The result: Borrego, which borrows its grille and hood from Kia's Mesa concept vehicle. Built with body-on-frame construction, this is "an SUV to be taken seriously," said president/CEO Len Hunt. Either a V-6 engine or Kia's first-ever V-8 may be installed, the latter yielding more than 300 hrsepower and working with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Lamborghini: Lacking new products to show, the Italian exotic-car maker promoted its sales success. More than 2,400 cars were sold worldwide in 2007, including more than a thousand in North America.

Lincoln: Only a brief news conference served to introduce Lincoln's concept vehicle for 2008. Named the MKT, the four-door sedan featured a "bustleback" rear end - a design theme borrowed from the distant past. In concept form, the MKT seats four occupants, but it could be set up for as many as seven. Body panels are made of a new synthetic resin.

Maserati: The renowned Italian automaker debuted a special edition of its Quattroporte sedan in Detroit. Only 100 will be produced, with ride quality that "appeals more to the executive" than to the sport-minded. "The super-wealthy are continuing their spending," said president/CEO James Selway. They want limited-run models and exclusivity. In contrast to the super-wealthy, the "mass affluent are feeling a lot less wealthy today," Selway suggested.

Mazda: Described as "heavily revised" for 2009, Mazda's RX-8 sports car promises improved handling and acceleration.

Also on exhibit was a Furai concept, driven onstage with a painfully loud exhaust echoing through Cobo Hall. "How about that sound?" asked Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda's design director for North America. Described as "long, low and lean" with a "cab-forward stance," the Furai holds a potent rotary engine.

Mercedes-Benz: Another SUV is joining the Mercedes-Benz ranks. Shown in concept form at Detroit, the compact GLK is modeled upon the company's G-Class and GL-Class models. Two versions were shown: a Visiion GLK Townside and a Vision GLK Freeside, the latter "styled for the active adventurer." Actress Kim Cattrall joined the introduction, because the vehicle is featured in the upcoming movie version of Sex and the City. The Vision GLK has "bulges in all the right places," Cattrall cooed in her usual sultry manner. A four-cylinder diesel engine will be offered, producing up to 35 miles per gallon.

Mini: Even though it's been seen before, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Mini folks showed off their new extended-length Clubman model, which features split rear doors. The club door on the right-hand side is designed for easier entry into the backseat. Last year, Mini acquired the John Cooper Works performance brand, and will be bringing new models to the U.S. this summer.

Mitsubishi: Just as the latest version of the rally-bred Evolution - the Evo X - is about ready to go on sale, Mitsubishi has a slightly tamer companion on tap. Named the Lancer Ralliart, the new sedan falls between the Lancer GTS and the Evo X. Regular Lancers had been redesigned as early 2008 models. Under the hood is a powertrain borrowed from the Evo X, with a Twin Clutch transmission.

Mitsubishi also shone its spotlight on the Concept-RA, which stands for "Road Alive." Scissors-style doors move upward as well as outward. Up front is what Mitsubishi calls a "forward-leaning jet fighter nose," and the low-slung coupe is described as "aggressive, even intimidating in its looks." Surprisingly, the Concept-RA is intended as a showcase for all-wheel drive and diesel power.

Rolls-Royce: No new vehicles were shown, but Rolls-Royce announced its intention to launch a Phantom-based coupe this summer. An entirely new series is expected in 2010.

Subaru: Redesigning of the Forester crossover wagon for 2009 makes it bigger, with a higher and wider cargo area and a larger moonroof. Specifically, the next-generation Forester s 4.5 inches taller and 3 inches longer, on a wheelbase that's gained 3.5 inches.

Toyota: A new Venza crossover sedan took center stage for Toyota, meant to attract shoppers who are "sitting on a fence between SUV and car." Described as "most definitely a car," the Venza is called a crossover sedan. Either a 268-horsepower V-6 or a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine may be installed when the Venza goes on sale near the end of 2008. Seven airbags will be standard, with a panoramic glass roof optional.

Toyota also unveiled a flamboyantly-styled A-BAT pickup concept.

The China Contingent: Analysts expect at least one Chinese automaker to start sending vehicles to the U.S. market before long - either on its own or through a joint venture with an American company. No fewer than five Chinese companies set up exhibits at the Detroit show, and three of them held news conferences.

For the second year, the Changfeng Group brought a batch of vehicles, including a new Liebao CS7 and a subcompact Kylin sedan. Both models are already produced in China, whereas the cars at last year's Detroit show were prototypes. Changfeng is a major SUV producer in China, which suggests that an SUV might be the likeliest initial entrant into the U.S. market.

Geely used its news conference to promote a new technology to improve handling when a tire blows out. BYD, which is a leading maker of lithium-ion batteries in China, introduced a Dual-Mode hybrid sedan.

The North American International Auto Show opened to the public on Saturday January 19, and ran through the 27th.

Note: Our final, comprehensive report from the Detroit show will be posted shortly.