Auto Trader

For the next couple of weeks, the world's media will be descending on Detroit for the first major motor show of 2007.

 

The North American International Auto Show kicks off in Motor City with a staggering 45 debuts – many of them world firsts – from pretty much every major car maker.

 

Read on for Stuart Milne's top ten launches in Detroit…and don't forget to check back tomorrow for our exclusive slide show.

 

 

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – our car of the show

 

Retro muscle cars are very much in vogue at the moment – the Ford Mustang has been a smash hit in America, and Chevy are keen not to let the this chance slip through its fingers.

 

The coupe has been doing the shows for a while, although the production version is still a little way off – but this drop top (above) is a world debut.

 

Chevy says it'll be powered by the compulsory V8 engine and independent suspension (they want to avoid the same criticisms levelled at Ford when it equipped the Mustang with an archaic setup).

 

The interior is every bit as cool as the bodywork, with funky dials festooned around the cabin.

 

This will be the car of choice for the petrolhead about town, make no mistake.

 

 

BMW 3-Series Convertible

 

The new 3-Series Coupe is a fantastic drivers' car, and looks pretty hot too. Its appeal is going to be broadened by the new convertible – which is the first Beemer to feature a folding hardtop.

 

It's also the world's first car to be offered with SunReflective seat-cooling leather to avoid a burnt bottom on balmy days.

 

There will be two models available from launch – the 218bhp 325i and the hot 306bhp 335i which will blast to 62mph in 5.8 seconds and on to an electronically-limited 155mph.

 

 

 

Cadillac CTS

 

Caddy doesn't sell many cars in the UK, which is a shame given its unique styling and very American looks.

 

Its Merc E-Class rival, the CTS has been given a nip here and tuck there, but it’s the interior which has come in for the most attention – insiders say it's finally a match for its European opposition.

 

Petrolheads will be excited by a rumoured performance version, which will be powered by a throbbing V8 engine.

 

 

Jaguar C-XF Concept

 

Here's the car which could make or break Jaguar. The C-XF concept provides major clues to the look of the new S-Type – the car on which the future of the Big Cat will depend.

 

But more than that – the C-XF shows the direction Jag will take over the next decade. Gone are the retro references to the past, and in comes a bold new look which tells the world Jag means business.

 

Most striking is its gaping mouth – which has divided opinion – but the devil is in the detail, with its coupe-like lines and flowing rear light clusters.

 

 

Lexus IS-F

 

The Lexus IS has always cried out for a performance model. The original model had to make do with a 150bhp engine in the IS200 or 211bhp in the IS300 – but that was hampered by a slow automatic gearbox. There isn't much in the latest range for petrolheads to crow about either.

 

That's set to change with the IS-F. Insiders say it'll have a 400bhp 5-litre V8, which will put it head to head with the Audi RS4 and the next-generation BMW M3.

 

 

Mercedes Concept Ocean Drive

 

Although Merc doesn't have much all-new metal, it's expecting visitors to flock to its stand to check out its latest design study.

 

It's unlikely to influence any new Mercedes, and even less likely to go into production, but looks great nonetheless.

 

The S-Class-based Ocean Drive has been inspired by luxury convertibles of the past and features Merc's new AIRSCARF neck-level heating system to avoid a stiff neck when travelling at speed with the roof down.

 

 

Mitsubishi Lancer

 

We've waited a long time, but Mitsubishi is finally launching the all-new Lancer.

 

The new look moves away from the sober 'three box' style which has dominated the Lancer's styling since its launch in 1973 and adopts a more European feel.

 

It'll launch around the end of 2007 – at the same time as the fire spitting Turbo and Evolution X models.

 

 

 

 

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

 

Stealing the show from the indigenous car makers is Rolls-Royce with its stunning drop-top version of the incredible Phantom.

 

In direct competition with the Bentley Azure, the Drophead has crazy rear-opening doors, which Rolls say give easy access to the rear seats.

 

Unlike the V16-engined 101EX concept which was the inspiration for the Drophead, the new car will be powered by the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12 lump, which will provide scintillating performance.

 

 

Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept

 

The FT-HS is Toyota's interpretation of a sports car for the 21st century. Combining a lusty 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a state-of-the-art hybrid powerplant, it is expected to develop 400bhp – giving a 0-60mph time around four seconds.

 

Its engine only goes part of the way to producing this performance – it uses light weight materials and extreme aerodynamics to allow it to cut through the air.

 

The cabin can seat four with the roof up, but when it retracts the FT-TS becomes a two seater.

 

 

Volvo XC60

 

Someone must have slipped something into the tea at Volvo's design HQ. First the swoopy C30 hatchback stopped shows around the world, and now there's the wild XC60.

 

The Freelander rival (it actually borrows heavily from the previous-generation Landy) marks a radical shift from the Swede's traditionally sober styling.

 

Its modern looks are more than skin deep – the interior looks like a 21st century Ikea living room and is expected to be carried over into the production version.