With no official presence at the Detroit Auto Show, Nissan couldn’t resist showcasing its new Leaf electric car. On display alongside several other electric models in an area of the show dubbed Electric Avenue, Nissan claims that the Leaf is no concept, but an actual production model. It certainly looks the part, with a production quality exterior and interior, high-tech features and plenty of functionality.

The Leaf is powered by lithium-ion battery packs and is rated at 80kW/280Nm, (107-hp and 207 ft-lbs of torque), which should make this sub-compact a sporty little car.

Nissan says it will be able to drive 100 miles on a single charge. The batteries will be able to be charged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes with a special quick charger, or in roughly eight hours through a standard 200V outlet. Nissan says that through extensive research the 100 mile range will be suitable for 70 percent of car buyers

Next year 5,000 vehicles will be available in five U.S. markets: the Phoenix-Tucson region of Arizona, Oregon, San Diego, Seattle and Tennessee. Fleet sales will also be offered in 2010, while full retails sales are planned for 2012.

GALLERY: Nissan Leaf

Tesla has a significant presence at the Detroit Auto Show and shared its section of the show floor with such revered brands as Audi and Lotus. Displaying three models, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company’s latest project, the Model S, is expected to be on sale in two years.

This fully-electric luxury sedan has a range of up to 300 miles and can hit 60 mph in just over 6 seconds. With room for five adults and two children, Tesla has previously announced that it hopes to sell the Model S for a retail price of 49,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions are planned.

In addition to the Model S news, Tesla displayed a Roadster model (the company’s original car), that recently drove across America.

Finally, an additional Roadster model is the brand’s 1,000th vehicle produced. Musk announced that the car will be auctioned-off with the proceeds going to help several environmental groups.

GALLERY: Tesla Model S

Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels program donated $50,000 to the Detroit Medical Center Children’s Hopsital of Michigan. The Hyundai Hope on Wheels Tour traveled across the nation and raised more than $1.3 million for pediatric cancer research, and the DMC Children’s Hospital as the final stop.

The $50,000 donation will fund research by the hospital’s pediactric neuro-oncologist Dr. Maxim Y. Yankelevich in developing new immunotherapy programs for children with brain tumors.

“Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to supporting the children, families and doctors battling childhood cancer for more than ten years,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Even in the face of tough economic times for our industry, we will not waver in our commitment to supporting the medical research and training that will produce better treatments, therapies, and one day, a cure.”

Cancer patients from the Children’s Hospital of Michigan had their handprints added to the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Santa Fe, joining the colorful handprints of children from across the country. Once the handprints were added, the car was moved to Hyundai’s display at the North American International Auto Show.

For more information on the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program, visit: www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

Gallery: Hyundai Hope on Wheels Santa Fe

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Originally unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show as the GranCabrio, Maserati has decided to give its convertible GranTurismo model a more self-explanatory name for North America: the GranTurismo Convertible.

This new drop-top expands the Maserati lineup to three models, including the Quattroporte sedan and the GranTurismo coupe.

The GranTurismo Convertible is powered by the company’s top-level 4.7-liter V8, making 433-hp. This seems to indicate that unlike Maserati’s other models, the 405-hp  4.2-liter V8 will not be offered. What this also may indicate is that a possible GranCabrio S model could make even more power. After all, with the added weight of the necessary chassis stiffening required in a drop-top, the 433-hp will deliver performance on par with the base-engine coupe.

On display at the Detroit Auto Show, the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible was part of a larger display by parent company Fiat’s in the Chrysler booth – yes, that is a Dodge Grand Caravan in the background. The display of high tech and exotic hardware from Fiat also included Ferrari’s 599XX development car, plus a Fiat 500 and Abarth 500 model.

GALLERY: Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

Shown previously during the Design Week festivities in Miami, Audi’s new 2011 A8 flagship luxury sedan has now made its auto show debut in Detroit. Now you might not have believed that Audi’s massive front grille could get any more…. well… massive, but it has.

In addition to this new design cue, which is sure to make its way down through the rest of the Audi brand as new models roll out, the flagship A8 also takes some design elements from car’s like the A4 and A5 – including the sporty rear end.

Sporty is exactly where Audi wants to take the new A8. To aid in making the car a more nimble handler, it gets Audi’s light weight aluminum space frame. The car is both longer and wider than its competitors and yet has a lower overall height for a better center of gravity. Compared to the previous A8, Audi says it is 3-inches longer and 2-inches wider. Audi hasn’t released any specific info on the curb weight of the vehicle but says it will be 50 lbs less than an S-Class and 200-lbs less than a 7 Series. Those numbers jump to 200 and 400 lbs respectively, if you put the AWD Audi up against AWD versions from Mercedes and BMW.

Under the hood there’s an updated version of Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 engine with 372-hp and 328 ft-lbs of torque, for a 0-62 mph time of just 5.7 seconds. Thanks in part to a new eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, Audi claims an improvement in fuel-efficiency by 15 percent.

Technological highlights on the car include a new version of Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) called MMI Touch, that can recognize handwriting for entering navigation instructions. There’s also adaptive cruise control, night vision assist, Audi lane assist and Audi side assist, Audi braking guard to notify a driver of an impact and automatic emergency braking to actually stop the car if the driver doesn’t react. Finally there are some stunning full-LED headlights, that will actually point into a corner in accordance with the navigation system. And as for the A8’s new body, it is incredibly aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of just 0.26 cd – just one tick off the Prius’s.

The all-new 2011 Audi A8 will go on sale late in 2010, with an extended wheelbase model offered at the same time.

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed during Audi’s press conference in Detroit, that a hybrid version of the A8 is on its way and will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in march.

GALLERY: 2011 Audi A8

Kia displayed one of its two race-prepped Forte Koups entered in the 2010 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Challenge Series at the Detroit Auto Show.

The #10 Infinity Kia Forte Koup will compete in the Street Tuner (ST) class with drivers Nic Jonsson and Andy Lally. Kia will enter a second  car, the #12 Forte Koup, with drivers Adam Burrows and Trevor Hopwood.

Take a look at the photo gallery to see details including the carbon fiber dash, chase cam and steering wheel controls.

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup GRAND-AM Continental Tire Challenge Series Race Car

On display at the Detroit Auto Show, Lotus showed its new flagship sports car, the Evora, alongside another rare British auto, the Morgan AeroMax. The AeroMax sports a BMW sourced 4.8-liter V8 engine and can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It retails for a whopping $180,000.

As for the Evora, it’s Lotus’ all-new 2+2 sports car, aimed at delivering the same Lotus driving experience with added functionality. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 276-hp, it can hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and gets over 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Options include items like a $1,990 Premium Package that includes a more extensive leather interior and lets the owner choose the leather color. There’s also a Sport Package for $1,275 that includes a new diffuser, titanium exhaust tips, black brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors as well as a Sports Mode with more aggressive throttle response, a higher RPM limit and a more limited level of interference by the traction and stability control programs. For $2,995, there’s a technology package with an upgraded audio system, a 7-inch LCD screen with navigation, all the iPod and USB connectivity you could want, as well as reverse parking sensors and steering wheel mounted cruise control.  And for $1,500 owners can opt for a close ratio six-speed manual transmission.

Currently on-sale in Europe, the Evora is set to hit dealerships later this year in the U.S., with a base price of $73,500.

In addition to the new Evora, Lotus had on display a new Exige S 260 model in a stunning red paint scheme, as well as an Elise with an equally impressive red Alcantara interior. The Exige S 260 is pwered by a supercharged 1.8-liter engine and makes 257-hp and 174 ft-lbs of torque. It weighs just 2,020 lbs. thanks to a carbon fiber front splitter, rear spoiler, roof, engine cover, side air intake ducts, sill covers and even the top of the dash. The weight savings is also due to the use of several other lighter parts including a lightweight “motorsports” battery, lighter 12-spoke forged alloy wheels, a revised rear engine subframe, a lightweight flywheel, alloy piping for the supercharger and intercooler and a composite panel that replaces the rear window. Exige 260 models retail for $74,995.

GALLERY: Lotus Evora, Exige S 260, Elise and Morgan AeroMax

With plenty of rumors and a few decision changes by the folks at GM, Chevy confirmed at the Detroit Auto Show that the tiny Spark model will be offered in the United States in 2011. Originally shown as the Beat concept at the New York Auto Show back in 2007, the car has evolved slowly and last year launched in Europe.

It’s not known what engine will power the Spark, but in Europe the largest engine offered is a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder with 81-hp and 82 ft-lbs of torque, which likely won’t be enough to satisfy North American consumers. Neither will the car’s 12.1 second 0-62 mph time. That engine does, however, get 46 mpg.

The Spark will join Chevy’s new small car offerings, the compact Cruze and sub-compact Aveo (due in 2011). The Spark itself is also expected to launch in the U.S. in 2011.

“The decision to add the Spark to Chevrolet’s portfolio reflects the brand’s commitment to being a fuel efficiency leader in the industry,” said Troy Clarke, president of GM North America. “Chevrolet Spark will bring great style, roominess and versatility to the segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars in the U.S.”

GALLERY: Chevrolet Spark

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Chinese manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) presented its e6 electric crossover at the Detroit Auto Show and announced plans to bring it to America later this year.

Powered by BYD’s Fe battery, the e6 boasts a range of 205 miles on a single charge in cruising mode, less than the 249 miles from previous reports but still pretty impressive. BYD says the e6 has a top speed of 87 mph and can go from 0 to 60 in under 14 seconds.

As a purely electric vehicle, the e6 produces zero emissions. BYD has also taken the extra step of making its Fe battery recyclable so there’s no worry about batteries leaking harmful chemicals in landfills.

The battery can be recharged through an ordinary household outlet or with BYD’s charging cabinets. In a video presentation, BYD showed its vision of charging stations using wind and solar power. We were a little disappointed BYD did not mention how long it would take to charge the battery to full however.

Gallery: 2010 BYD e6

Kia introduced a new special edition Soul dubbed the “Shadow Dragon” at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

From afar, the Shadow Dragon gives off a sinister impression with its black paint, but Kia kept its usual sense of fun at the car’s unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. Kia’s press unveiling was presented like an infomercial, emcee’d by TV pitchman Anthony “Sully” Sullivan. With Sully calling the shots, models pulled the wrapping off the Shadow Dragon Soul, revealing a giant stuffed hamster sitting in the driver’s seat.

Featuring a matte black dragon design on the hood and rear, the Shadow Dragon Soul is based on the Soul+ like the other special editions the Denim and Ignation.

The black motif extends to the interior with black leather trimmed seats, the first leather seats on any Soul model.

The special edition Shadow Dragon Soul is now available in dealerships, priced at $18,195.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul

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