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The press days of the 2008 North American International Auto Show have come to a close, and it’s now time to take a step back and sort through the dozens of new vehicles that have been unveiled over the past few days.

One of the stars of the show was without a doubt the Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept. Using their experience with the R10 race car, Audi developed a new 6.0-liter diesel twin-turbo V12 engine with 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft torque on tap. While the extra power is nice, it’s the design of the car, both inside and out, that is most attractive. The “Grace Silver” bodywork is complimented with a glass roof, new LED headlights, and a revised front and rear fascia with a subtle rear spoiler. Behind the wheels are carbon ceramic disc brakes with 6-pistons on all four corners. While fairly similar to the production R8, the V12 TDI concept version had enough subtle differences and unique show car elements to make it one of the most attractive new vehicles at the show. Also at note at the Audi stand was the new TTS coupe with 268 bhp from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. It is a significant debut and one of the most desirable version of the TT ever created, although overshadowed by the beautiful R8 V12 TDI.

Mazda decided to shake things up as well by bringing their Furai concept. As part of the Nagare series of concept cars, the Furai features a flowing and functional design created by Mazda’s design studio and Swift Engineering, who also builds Champ cars. This is one concept that is actually functional, and features a Renesis-based R20B three-rotor rotary engine with 450 horsepower. Overall reaction to the car was overwhelmingly positive, and while a production version is unlikely, Mazda did mention that they intentionally designed it as a closed coupe to meet upcoming ALMS regulations. We can only hope. Also at the Mazda stand was a refreshed version of the RX-8 and the availability of an R3 sport package with a sport-tuned suspension, forged aluminum wheels, high performance tires, and a 300-watt Bose audio system.

Cadillac made two important debuts with the new CTS-V sport sedan and the CTS Coupe Concept. The CTS-V features a new LSA V8 engine. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine has an astounding 550 bhp and 550 lb-ft torque, as well as Magnetic Ride Control for the suspension, a new traction control system, and a new automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The CTS Coupe Concept, which was a surprise debut for the show, uses a 2+2 configuration of the widely acclaimed CTS. The wheelbase is the exact same as the sedan, but is two inches lower and two inches shorter. Other significant design changes include widened bodywork at the rear wheels, a rear that comes to a point, and a custom interior with Recaro seats.

No other vehicle at the show was more highly anticipated than the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. However, all the excitement came before the show with photos and information released several weeks early, and the official launch of the car a day at the GM Style event. Still, that doesn’t make the ZR1 any less impressive. 620 horsepower and 595 lb-ft torque make it the most powerful Corvette produced to date, and massive 15.5-inch carbon ceramic brakes on all four corners are a Corvette first as well. 20-spoke alloy wheels are unique to the ZR1 as well, and Michelin has developed unique Pilot Sport 2 tires specifically for the car. Now that the car has been officially released, the only thing left is to see how the car performs. We are looking forward to seeing what the car is capable of.

Fisker made one of the most impressive debuts of the show with their new Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. Set for production as a 2010 model, the Karma combines a small gasoline and electric engine that will allow for two different modes. The stealth mode uses the electric motor only and allows the car to be driven up to 50 miles on electricity alone. Sport Drive adds power from the gasoline motor as well, and provides a 0-60 mph time less than six seconds and a top speed of 125+ mph. Opinions on the design seemed to be mixed, especially regarding the mustache-like front grille, but the overall lines of the car flow together well, especially for a sedan. Other cool features include solar panels on the roof, DVD system, and push-button controls.

Lexus continued their LF-A concepts with a new Roadster version. Not too many details were released on the car, except that power would come from a V10 less than 5.0-liters and 500+ horsepower, and shifting is done via a 6-speed sequential transmission. Top speed is 200+ mph.

Land Rover debuted their new LRX SUV coupe, although we got our first look at it more than a month before the show. It will supposedly set the direction of future Land Rover models, with a focus on sustainability and a decreased impact on the environment. The hybrid powertrain has increased fuel economy and decreased emissions, although off-road capabilities are maintained.

Mitsubishi showed off their new Concept-RA, with a turbocharged diesel inline-4, although the real news was the new 2009 Lancer Ralliart. The model will slot just below the Evolution, and features a de-tuned version of the turbocharged inline-4 with 235 bhp and 253 lb-ft torque. We are very happy to see Mitsubishi finally add some real performance to the Ralliart model, and with a base price designed to compete with the Subaru WRX, it will be interesting to see how many buyers jump ship to Mitsubishi.

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