Detroit flexing its muscle

American Honda Motor’s Executive Vice President John Mendel speaks next to the Accord plug in hybrid concept car as it is unveiled during the press preview days for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The show is open to the public from Jan. 14 to 22.

The Lincoln MKZ Concept car is introduced. The MKZ features LED headlamps, tail lamps and an all-glass roof.

Members of the media jostle for position to get a look at the interior of Lincoln MKZ Concept car.

Nissan is showing its e-NV200 Concept at this year’s Detroit auto show. The all-electric vehicle uses the drivetrain from its recently-released Nissan Leaf electric car in a Nissan NV200 multi-usage van.

The 2013 Buick Encore Crossover SUV is introduced. Buick says the Encore joins a rapidly expanding family of Buick vehicles that has recently seen the additions of the Verano compact luxury sedan, the Regal GS sport sedan, and the fuel-efficient eAssist ‘light electrification’ technology on both the LaCrosse and Regal.

Jim Lentz, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, introduces the Toyota NS4 Concept car.

Toyota says inner and outer rear view mirrors on the Toyota NS4 have been replaced with cameras that provide the driver with a panoramic rearward view. The rearward image is displayed on a dedicated dashboard mounted screen above the navigation screen and provides a wider view than conventional rear view mirrors. The rearward panoramic camera view working in combination with the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system enhances driving visibility.

A TATA Technologies eMO electric vehicle is shown on display at the show.

The Volkswagen exhibit shows the automaker’s 2013 line of automobiles.

Acura debuts their NSX Concept, bringing the supercar back, but this time with hybrid power and all-wheel-drive.

The 2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept is a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe.

The Hyundai Elantra was awarded the 2012 North American Car of the Year award at this year’s show. Last week, Hyundai reported its sales rose 20 percent in 2011. Top sellers for the year included the Elantra, which saw a 41 percent increase in sales over 2010.

The Bentley New Continental GT V8 rockets from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and on to a potential top speed of 188 mph.

The 2013 Dodge Dart is unveiled. The new Dart has the look of a modern muscle-car, with a short hood, long roof and slightly flared fenders.

BMW calls its i8 concept car the most progressive and innovative sports car around.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is introduced at the show. Porsche will introduce seven new models in the U.S. this year.

The ‘smart for-us’ concept car is displayed at the show. Many automotive insiders are puzzled by this car. Is it a car? A pickup?

General Motors executive Mark Reuss introduces the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS. Hatchback enthusiasts have been waiting to see this model.