Hot Cars in the Motor City

The Detroit auto show opens to the public Jan. 13 with a parade of new models and concept autos like this Toyota hybrid sports car. SUVs are out, small cars are in, and everyone's touting fuel economy and high-tech gadgetry. Here's a peek.

FORD | INTERCEPTOR

Ford claims there are no production plans for this four-door concept car, based on the rear-wheel architecture of the company's popular Mustang. Industry insiders believe it's only a matter of time.

NISSAN | ROGUE

Sales of small crossover vehicles are booming, which is why Nissan is building this four-cylinder, 170-h.p. model. Dubbed the mini-Murano, it launches in September.

DODGE | AVENGER

Betting on stark styling and budget pricing, Dodge plans to produce the midsize model this winter. It replaces the Stratus, a car that Will Ferrell mocked mercilessly on SNL.

CHEVROLET | MALIBU

GM vice chairman Bob Lutz bristles at the notion that this model is a pallid redesign of Chevy's mid-market sedan. His take: it's upscale Euro-styling. The car launches this year.