As the 2-day Press Preview comes to a close, it is interesting to note that 59 vehicles were introduced -50 worldwide; nine from North America.

There were many concept cars and facelifted cars on display. As were a few suprises, like the above updated Acura NSX Concept which debuted at Detroit.

“You walk on to the show floor, and immediately sense a renewed feeling of confidence in the automotive industry,” said a smiling Jim Seavitt, chairman, 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Mich. “It’s clear that the industry is back, and the global manufacturers have saved their best for Detroit.”

“As expected, our media numbers remained strong overall, and actually increased internationally – a critical factor for a global show,” said Seavitt. “We welcomed 5,212 media from 62 countries, including new entries from Namibia and Singapore. We also saw more registrations from out-of-state U.S. media, which has lead to a significant increase in national coverage.”

“For two days, people around the world have seen a steady stream of exciting images and news coverage representing a new day in the automotive industry,” added Seavitt. “I am proud of our show; I’m proud of our city. It’s been a very good couple of days.”

Acura NSX Concept

Honda Motor Company unveiled an updated version of the NSX concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Wearing Acura badge in Detroit, the updated NSX Concept stays true to the original design, while also offering a first look at the interior design.

The NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine mated to Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, which features a

The production version is set to get a direct-injected, mid-mounted V6 engine working together with Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system. The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD features a new dual clutch transmission with built-in high-efficiency motor, and two electric motors driving the front wheels independently.

Honda will also show the NSX Concept a the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March, perhaps with the Honda badge on it.

2014 Audi RS7 Sportback

The Audi RS7 Sportback has been revealed in Detroit, and with 552bhp from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo, it’s taking the fight to the four-door coupes from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the CLS63 AMG and M6 GranCoupe.

The five-door fastback is a logical development of the A7 range, and packs the 4.0-litre V8 petrol TFSI power unit used in the RS6 Avant. In addition to that thumping 552bhp power output, it also develops 553lb ft of torque at 1750-5500rpm for a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds, and a maximum speed of 155mph limited. Like the RS6 Avant, buyers can choose a pair of Dynamic packages, which raise that limiter to 175 and 190mph.

The RS7 Sportback will be available with a eight-speed automatic gearbox only, and it’s fed through the computer controlled quattro four-wheel drive system. There’s air suspension to complement its wider track, which like the RS6 will be available with user-defined ride and damping settngs.

As well as this, there will be an optional steel-sprung suspension set-up available for drivers who demand a firmer, more track-baised suspension set-up. No launch date or pricing details have been released, but expect first customer deliveries to take place during the summer for around £80,000 in standard form.

2014 Lexus IS

New IS range to be introduced in the UK this summer, with relevant specifications and equipment details to be announced later

Lexus revealed its all-new IS range, which will be launched in the UK this summer. The line-up includes the first full-hybrid IS, the IS 300h, together with the petrol-powered IS 250. Both versions feature rear-wheel drive and will be available with a further evolution of Lexus’s F Sport package.

Acknowledging that driving performance is the prime consideration for sports saloon customers, Lexus has engineered the new IS to deliver outstanding dynamic performance and driver engagement. It also adopts more powerful, distinctive styling inside and out, led by a dramatic interpretation of Lexus’s hallmark spindle-shaped front grille arrangement.

Junichi Furuyama, IS Chief Engineer, explained: “We adopted an entirely different approach to the development of the new IS. Rather than develop each individual aspect in the hope they will combine to offer an engaging driving experience, we first established the kind of driving experience owners desire. With this as our initial premise, we then developed the individual performance elements to support it.

“Every aspect of the new IS has been engineered with a focus on sporting performance, agile handling, accurate response to driver input and highly communicative feedback.”