Thousands of journalists from all over the world grumble as they book flights, trudge up the Jetway to the plane, mutter as they check into a hotel room, and then put on a smiley face for the three day grip-and-grin marathon also known as the North American International Auto Show media days. But we’re different. To us, Detroit in January is like Toys ‘R Us to a ten-year-old…a ten-year-old with a $500 gift card. That’s because automakers from around the world bring their newest, flashiest, most exciting cars and trucks to Cobo Hall each January, and we love them for it. This year, our 2006 North American International Auto Show Preview is a mix of confirmed debuts and rumored introductions. For example, we’ve heard that Chevrolet is going to unveil a kick-ass Camaro Concept that blends the rear styling and greenhouse of the 1969 model with the nose of the 1970 version, but we know for sure that the Dodge Challenger Concept is going to show up in all of its SRT-massaged, Hemi-powered glory. Add the first public display of the 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500 Convertible to the mix, and it’s clear that Detroit is revving up the pony car wars all over again. Other new models on the horizon include stretched and pickuped versions of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade (pictured above), the 2007 Dodge Caliber, the 2007 Ford Edge, and the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Also slated for the show are the 2007 Lexus LS 460, 2007 Lincoln MKX, 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and the very cool Nissan URGE Concept. We’re heading for the Motor City to cover the show starting Sunday, January 8, and the smiles on our faces will be real. Until then we’ve got this 2006 North American International Auto Show Preview for you, a compilation of photos, facts, and educated guesses about what’s showing up in Detroit next month. From the 2007 Acura RDX to the Subaru B5-TPH Concept, you can learn all about some the hottest new rides on the planet. Enjoy, and check back again on the evenings of Jan. 8, 9, and 10 for complete North American International Auto Show coverage.
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