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Buick will retires the LeSabre name with its 2006 model-year lineup and replaces it with the Lucerne. Lucerne is a major change and redesign to the LeSabre, which uses the same platform as Cadillac's best-selling sedan. The DeVille is also revised for 2006MY, and renamed DTS.

The Portico concept was shown with Hyundai's Lambda V6, but is being designed to also accommodate a Hyundai hybrid system under development. Both powertrains are expected to be available in a production model.

For the 2006 model year, both Mountaineer and Ford Explorer get a major redesign. To help generate interest in Mercury and display a commitment to the brand, the Mountaineer was introduced at the 2005 Chicago auto show, ahead of the redesigned Explorer and alongside the all-new Milan.

Though the next-generation S-Class is due to arrive later in 2005, at the 2005 Chicago auto show, Mercedes announced the quickest four-door sedan currently available. Along with the S65, Mercedes announced a new 268HP 3.5L DOHC 24v V6 for the E-class range.

Dodge is developing a truck-based mid-size SUV, and the Nitro concept introduced at the 2005 Chicago auto show is a look at what the product might look like. The concept explores adding Dodge's aggressive attitude to a mid-size SUV, looking to the Jeep Liberty for components and a starting platform.

At the same time, Honda announced a tighter relationship with this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association show in November, where Honda will be the official vehicle manufacturer. The production Si will be introduced at the 2005 SEMA show, which caters to the aftermarket and tuner markets, a highly important segment of Civic sales.

The French auto manufacturers have truly been on a roll over the last few years, steadily shedding their reputation for poor quality and really pushing the limits in terms of technology and style. Witness the Peugeot 206 - it is now the best selling car in Germany, knocking the VW Golf off the number one spot it has held for time immemorial.

Ever since the demise of the Corrado in 1995, Volkswagen has not had an overtly sporting model in its lineup. Sure, there have been sporty versions of its mainstream models, but a pure sports model has been lacking from the VW lineup for years.

Mercedes-Benz has long built lovely coupe derivatives of its mid-sized models, but considering today's drivers' desire for more utility and functionality for day-to-day life, the company is ready to introduce something very different.

The CCS is Hyundai's first convertible offering, and as per today's convertible top trend, it features a slick retractable hard top. Engineered by renowned coachbuilder Karmann, this top features an innovation not yet seen on any other retractable hard top - a sliding glass roof.