Audi has already challenged exotic sports cars from Porsche and even Ferrari with the R8, a two-seat coupe with cutting edge looks and razor sharp handling. At Detroit, Audi upped the ante with the R8 5.2. It can leap to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph, according to Audi. It goes on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2009, but a U.S. on-sale date hasn’t been set.

This neat little roadster will appeal to buyers who want ultimate driving machines. The 2009 Z4 has more power, new styling and a power retractable hardtop that can fold into the trunk in only 20 seconds. While the base model gets a carryover 255-horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, performance fans will be happy to hear that BMW’s 300-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder will also be offered.

Like the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu before it, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse promises to be much better than the car it replaces, with much improved exterior styling and interior quality. The LaCrosse returns with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is now available. When it goes on sale this summer, the LaCrosse will be offered with two engine options: a new 255-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and a carryover 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6.

Cadillac’s completely redesigned SRX crossover is aimed squarely at the segment leader, the Lexus RX. Set for launch in the second quarter of this year, the SRX changes from a 7-passenger, rear-drive-based utility vehicle with available V8 power to a shorter front-drive-based 5-passenger crossover with two V6 engine options. The base engine is a 260-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, but customers can also choose a 280-horsepower turbocharged 2.8-liter V6. All-wheel drive will also be offered.

Well, it’s finally a reality. The Karma goes on sale this November for just under $88,000. The two-chambered heart of the Karma is a pair of electric motors that pump out 408 horsepower. The Karma always runs on electricity, and it uses a GM-sourced 260-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as a generator to recharge the car’s lithium-ion battery pack. The company plans to produce 15,000 Karmas per year.

Ford had one of the biggest hits of the show with this not-so conservative family car. Set for release this summer, the Taurus will have fun driving dynamics and a sportier design. Under the hood, it’ll have a carryover 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged 355-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 will also be available, but not initially. Buyers will be impressed by the options list, which includes massaging seats, push-button starting, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning and cross traffic alert.

Seemingly buried among the slew of electric vehicles was the most powerful Mustang ever, the 2010 GT500 coupe and convertible, complete with an updated 5.4-liter engine that will develop 540 horsepower, 40 more than the current model. Set for release this spring, the next GT500 gains design and interior cues from the updated base models, and chassis and power upgrades from the ultra-high-performance 2008-2009 Ford GT500KR. Among the interior upgrades are satin aluminum trim, a soft-skin dash and suede-like Alcantara material on various surfaces.

Honda is setting its sights on the Toyota Prius with this four-door hatchback, which promises to be America’s lowest-priced hybrid. The 2010 Insight is powered by an electric motor, a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Total output is 98 horsepower, with fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg city/43 highway. It also features an EcoAssist system with guidance and scoring functions that encourage efficient driving. The new Insight goes on sale April 22, 2009 -- Earth Day.

Though it won’t be available in the United States, the 650-horsepower, 217.5 mph Mercedes-Benz Stirling Moss SLR will be one of the world’s most exclusive super cars. Production of the SLR McLaren on which it is based will end in May, making the topless Stirling Moss edition one final variant to outdo all the others. Only 75 will be built, and only current SLR owners will be considered for the privilege of plunking down 750,000 euros (more than a million bucks) to get one.

Bigger, faster and more fuel-efficient. That’s the formula for the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid. Already the undisputed leader in fuel-efficiency, the Prius gets even better gas mileage for 2010, gaining 4 mpg for a total of 50 mpg. All that fuel savings comes from a larger 1.8-liter gasoline engine. Inside, there is more cargo and leg room.  The next-generation Prius goes on sale this spring.