2012 Detroit auto show: More than 40 new cars and concepts to debut Monday

Monday marks the official start to the new-car show season with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opening the doors at Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, to thousands of media and industry insiders. Consumer Reports Cars team is gathering in Motor City to share the experience with you here in the news blog, in our special OnLocation section, and via Twitter (@CRCars). Further, this experience will also inform our car purchase and testing plans for the year ahead, and likely beyond.

Monday and Tuesday, we expect to see more than 40 new models and concept cars—ahead of the public days. These media-only reveals will show vehicles and technology that will be coming down the road. In years past, Detroit was known for its musclebound bravado and over-the-top stunts. We expect this year to be mild mannered, but with a decidedly upbeat feel, especially with the domestic brands coming off a relatively strong year in sales.

The main attractions this year are expected to be high-tech, fuel-efficient, and in many cases, practical. There is much action with small and family cars, as well as with small SUVs and small lux-market models.

Cars that we will be focusing our attention on include:
Acura RDX, Acura ILX, Audi crossover concept, BMW 3 Series, Buick Encore, Cadillac ATS, Dodge Dart, Ford Fusion, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord Coupe, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Lexus LF-Lc hybrid, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz SL, Mini Cooper Roadster, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru BRZ, Toyota Prius c, and Volvo XC60 plug-in.

Throughout the event, we will post insights and commentary in the blog, model profiles in the OnLocation section, and images from the unveilings via Twitter. The regular coverage will be updated periodically as more information, images, and admittedly time become available. In addition, CRTV will be with us filming first look videos on the must-see models.

Oh, and we're covering automotive-related highlights from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) here in the blog, as well.

Stay tuned: It will be an interesting week!

—Jeff Bartlett