Best Cars of 2009 Detroit Auto Show

The Audi Sportback is a thinly veiled preview of what will soon become the production A7. This is good news for Audi, as the Sportback is gorgeous and features a production-intent interior with beautiful natural wood trim machined from oak blockboard and acres of leather.

Most of those elements probably won't make it to production, but the bones of this beauty are enough to make us swoon.

View More Photos of the 2010 Audi Sportback at Autoblog.com

Cadillac debuted its own version of the Chevrolet Volt at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Called Converj and billed as the "Cadillac of electric vehicles" this concept coupe incorporates the Volt's series hybrid drivetrain (now dubbed "Voltec"), which means it can theoretically travel up to 40 miles on battery power alone before the on-board range-extending flex-fuel engine kicks in to supply more electrons for the batteries and electric motors.

Aside from the impressive tech, the Converj is a looker and makes a good business case for increasing the Volt hardware's potential market. Let's just hope a production version shows up with a better name.

View More Photos of the Cadillac Converj Concept at Autoblog.com

We thought we knew about all the vehicles that Chrysler LLC was planning to unveil at this year's 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but then they wheeled the 200C Concept on stage. Powered by the same (theoretical) extended-range EV powertrain as many current Chrysler EV concepts, the 200C is more significant if for no other reason than it illustrates there are are still designers at the Auburn Hills-based automaker who know how to wield a pen.

Some are saying that elements of the 200C's design could be incorporated into the next Chrysler Sebring. Here's hoping they get the chance.

View More Photos of the Chrysler 200C Concept at Autoblog.com

While the 2010 Taurus won't revolutionize its segment like the original one did back in the mid-Eighties, it does represent the best of what Ford has to offer. The revitalized bull is a big sedan with a new exterior design that drops the dull duds of the current Taurus and previous Five Hundred. The interior is equally upscale and loaded with top tier infotainment like SYNC and Sirius Travel Link ... the first application of a radar-based cruise control system.

While Ford expects to sell a greater number of units than the current model, the 2010 Taurus is more about showing what the Blue Oval can create when it really tries, rather than setting the sales charts on fire.

View More Photos of the 2010 Ford Taurus at Autoblog.com

Honda estimates that the 2010 Insight hybrid will achieve 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway when the EPA officially figures its numbers. Those are commendable claims, but a more important one is the car's base price, which is expected to start around $19,000 -- if not even lower. The Insight's shape is eerily similar to the Prius, but apparently designers looking for the most slippery shape are destined to arrive at the same place.

We would knock the Insight for its eco-car interior materials and tight-fitting back seat, but its incredible value and top notch green credentials more than make up for its shortcomings.

View More Photos of the 2010 Honda Insight at Autoblog.com

The Jaguar XF was big news last year, so why is the hot rod XFR version significant this year? Because it's debuting with the first application of Jaguar's new supercharged 5.0L AJ-V8 Gen III engine. Though available without the assistance of a supercharger in lesser XF models, the XFR breathes deep and snorts out 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque.

That's enough muscle to make the XFR a serious threat to German super sedans like the BMW M5, Audi S6 and Mercedes-Benz E63 MG.

View More Photos of the 2010 Jaguar XFR at Autoblog.com

Fisker debuted the production version of its Karma series hybrid at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, and it looks almost exactly like the Karma Concept that debuted one year earlier in Detroit. While Fisker has many obstacles to overcome before we'll start seeing these on the streets, the prospect of the world's first production full-size luxury sport sedan that's also a plug-in series hybrid is music to our ears.

Sure, you can get a Tesla Roadster that's 100% zero emissions, but the Karma will cost less and seat more, as well as have a larger range thanks to the on-board range-extending 2.0L Ecotec four-cylinder that can recharge the batteries en route. Did we mention it was designed by Henrik Fisker, a man behind a number of noteworthy designs from BMW, Jaguar and Aston Martin? View More Photos of the 2010 Fisker Karma at Autoblog.com

While Toyota debuted its third-generation Prius as the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the 2010 Lexus HS250h struck us as a more significant addition to the company's hybrid lineup. The HS250h is Lexus' first ground-up hybrid, and we predict it will be a hit.

With Priuses often passing as something of a green status symbol among wealthy folks, the HS250h lets them spend more to get a luxurious eco-friendly vehicle that's more befitting of their tax bracket.

View More Photos of the 2010 Lexus HS250h at Autoblog.com

The Lincoln Concept C was a total surprise at this year's 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Who would've guessed that Lincoln, of all brands, would bring a compact concept that keeps us guessing as to its purpose -- and audience. The brand's new styling cues, like the twin-winged grille and rear-spanning tail-lights, look smashing on the small form factor, and the minimalist interior (with bench seats!) is to die for.

But what does it mean? Will Lincoln go down market with a luxury compact? Could the Blue Oval be positioning Lincoln to survive without Mercury? Who knows, but the Concept C makes a good case for itself.

View More Photos of the Lincoln Concept C at Autoblog.com

Volkswagen has been talking about the possibility of building a mid-engine roadster for what seems like years now, but the Concept BlueSport is the first time we have something tangible to consider. Though billed as a concept, the BlueSport looks ready for showrooms right now. Being small and lightweight, its 180-hp 2.0L turbodiesel engine will not only be fuel-efficient, but should also push the car around with plenty of punch.

We're a bit surprised that both Porsche and Audi are finally considering letting Volkswagen have its own low-slung roadster, but thankful nonetheless.

View More Photos of the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept at Autoblog.com