You might expect the NAIAS, that granddaddy of domestic auto shows, to lose some of its swagger in 2008, as a shaky domestic economy, rising CAFE standards, and stratospheric fuel prices are giving the indigenous car industry the biggest Cleveland Steamer it has had in decades. Don't worry, though: Carmakers are still planning the big Broadway-style productions in Detroit this year as though nothing has changed. Yes, a few brands such as Infiniti are planning for a low-key show, and Porsche has pulled out entirely. But Cobo Hall will still be packed full of significant, green-tinted, and often powerful new vehicles, not to mention a few new Chinese fascias. Five Chinese manufacturers — Geely, Zhongxing (Chamco), BYD Auto, Changfeng, and Li Shi Guang Ming Auto Design — will show up in Motown, each bearing their own decapitory and derivative $6500 leather-lined luxury sedan that will burst into flames at first crank. But we kid the Chinese.

With so many teaser photos and full-on virtual reveals already circulating on the Interwebs, the beans on Motown's introductions have begun to spill weeks ahead of the actual event. We've combined what's already known with inside information for this preview of what to expect next week in Detroit. Stay tuned this Sunday through Tuesday for Motive's full coverage and galleries from the show floor.

Acura
Acura will unveil a new TSX at the show. And while nothing's official, unreliable intelligence suggests that an all-new version of the NSX sports car concept will bow in Detroit. Again. Will they just pick a design already?

Aston Martin
No longer a part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group, Aston Martin hasn't scheduled a press conference at Detroit, though it did recently show off its V12 Vantage design study to VIPs at the opening of its new design center. That car remains unconfirmed for Detroit, but new owners ProDrive may choose to bring some traffic to their booth by displaying the car.

Audi
Audi plans three introductions at Detroit. Of these, we're guessing the concept based on the production R8 is sure to garner the most attention. The German press is suggesting the R8 will get the company's V12 TDI shown last year in a Q7-based design study.

The R8 will be joined by two production models — a new S-badged version of the TT and the new Audi A4. The A4's been seen before in Europe and on this site, though this is the first time it will be on display at an American show, and details for this market are expected. The TTS, on the other hand, marks a world launch, and is expected to be powered by the same boosted 2.0T four-banger as the Euro-only S3. Word is it could be in American showrooms as early as next fall.

BMW
The big news on the BMW stand will be a drop-top version of its 1-series. Other production models at Detroit include diesel-powered versions of the 3-series and the X5. The nonsensical X6 Sports Activity Coupe, powered by BMW's first twin-turbo V-8 gas engine, will sit next to a hybrid version of the same vehicle.

Cadillac Cadillac plans two reveals for NAIAS 2008 — one concept, one production. With an eye toward the future, the Provoq crossover wraps GM's latest lithium-ion hybrid-drive system in a stylish Art & Science crossover body. The Provoq will most likely preview Cadillac's upcoming BRX small SUV.

Closer to showrooms is 2009's 550-horsepower, 6.2-liter, supercharged CTS-V. Yes, gasoline prices are on the rise but potential owners of the CTS-V probably don't care all that much. Caddy's CTS has won a case full of awards, making this breathed-on performance version from the General one of the most anticipated production cars of the show.

Chevrolet
Speaking of anticipated production models, how about the king of this year's Motown prom? We're referring, of course, to the Corvette ZR-1. With 620-horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 and a curb weight of 3350 lbs, this carbon-clad, Ferrari-fighting SuperGT is likely to steal the show.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Chevy Volt. There's a lot of uncertainty about this car's launch date and what it will cost when it gets here. "Maximum" Bob Lutz is saying 2010. GM chairman Rick Wagoner's not so sure. Our money's on Lutz.

Chrysler
For the past decade and a half, Chrysler has made the Detroit show its bitch, and though times are tough at the pentastar, a trio of electric-powered design studies is sure to make news. The Chrysler-brand concept will take the form of an egg-shaped minivan-style vehicle called ecoVoyager. The eV brings familiar elements like its (formerly Plymouth) name and cab-forward design and pairs them with power from a hydrogen fuel cell and lithium-ion battery pack. Range for the eV is said to be 300 miles.

Dodge
Another of the Chrysler electric-concept trio is the Dodge Zeo. Drawings of this low-slung four-door make it look like a breadvan competitor to the RX-8. Like the production Mazda, the Zeo is a 2+2, but it's a purely electric vehicle, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Range, says Chrysler, is a generous 250 miles.

The Zeo may be an interesting consideration, but the new Ram is Dodge's real showroom hope this year. Rams of yore weren't exactly what you'd call green unless they were painted that color, so it'll be interesting to see what Dodge has done to keep this workhorse relevant.

Fisker
The California-based automaker will show its Quantum Hybrid, a four-door plug-in hybrid sports sedan that, when charged each evening, will be capable of being driven emissions-free for up to 50 miles a day.

Ford
Ford plans several big reveals in the Motor City next week — some conceptual, some production, and some that occupy the space between. A U.S.-specific version of the Verve concept shows Ford's future in small cars, while the Explorer America concept hints at what's in store for its stalwart SUV.

The Explorer concept, in particular, is one of those 'tweeners we alluded to. The styling is an evolution of the current Explorer's, but a unibody replaces the existing model's body-on-frame structure. Under the hood will be Ford's new EcoBoost direct-injection turbocharged V6, an efficient-yet-powerful mill planned to first see production in the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS within about a year.

Speaking of production, an updated F-150 will also make its debut. Though not as attention-grabbing as, say, a supercharged Vette, Ford sells more F-series in the first seven months of any given year than Chevy has sold Corvettes in the last decade, so it's sort of an important vehicle for the domestic industry.

Honda
Honda will bring a concept version of its next-generation Pilot, but remember that "concept" is Hondaspeak for "You'll see this at dealers in a few months." Alongside the Pilot, Honda will also be showing the two-door CR-Z from Tokyo and the FCX Clarity fuel-cell concept.

Hummer
For all the talk about Hummer stealing ideas from Jeep, the GM brand has never had a direct competitor to the Wrangler. Until now. With short overhangs, a short wheelbase, and a 3.6-liter V6, the HX will show what could be in store for Hummer if GM decides to take the brand downmarket.

Hyundai
The rear-wheel-drive Genesis coupe has already made its splash at the L.A. Auto Show. Now Hyundai rounds out the lineup with the production Genesis sedan that was previewed last spring in New York. Larger than a BMW 5-series or a Mercedes E-class but priced like a mid-level Chrysler 300, the Genesis is Hyundai's first entry into the realm of entry-luxury, rear-drive cars. The car's optional 368-hp V8 makes it clear that Korea is serious about moving upscale.

Jeep
The third of the Chrysler EV concepts is a kinder and greener Jeep. Dubbed the Renegade Concept, this modern interpretation of the basic Wrangler uses the same lithium-ion battery pack as its Chrysler and Dodge concept cousins, but pairs it with a Bluetec diesel engine and generator. The Jeep is said to have a 40-mile range running on batteries alone, and allegedly gets 110 mpg running on both sources of power.

Kia
Already introduced as the Mohave in its native market of South Korea, Kia's Borrego SUV will get its North American unveiling at Detroit. Sharing many of its underpinnings with the Sorento SUV, the Borrego will be the first Kia in the U.S. to have a V8 engine - the same Tau V8 found under the hood of the Hyundai Genesis - and will have seating for seven.

Land Rover
What the two-door Range Stormer concept was to the production Range Rover Sport, the LRX concept is to the LR2...kinda. Believed to be based on the same Ford C1 architecture as the LR2, the coupe-style design study shows a progression of baby Land Rover style. Any production potential will likely be determined by the company's new owner, expected to be Tata. (By the way, Ford president and CEO says that the Tata deal should be done by Spring.)

Lexus
Toyota's luxury line is staying coy about its plans for Detroit, though some speculation places a production LF-A in Michigan next week. Lexus has already hyped the car's prowess in testing (fastest 'Ring time evAr!), so it wouldn't be a shocker if the sports car showed up.

Lincoln
Expect to see a version of the Lincoln MKT, a more luxurious and highly differentiated version of the 2009 Ford Flex crossover that debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. Power could come from Ford's new 3.5-liter direct-injection EcoBoost V6, rated at anywhere from 270 to more than 340 horsepower.

Mercury
Unlike Lincoln, there are no plans for any introductions for sister-brand Mercury. Don't count Mercury as a dead brand walking, though. Ford insiders say there's a new focus for Merc, but it won't be shown in Detroit — Mercury doesn't even find itself listed in the press-day itinerary.

Mazda
Mazda will unveil the Furai concept — a low-slung, mid-engined beast based on the company's previous ALMS chassis and powered by a 450-hp, E100, three-rotor engine. Mazda says the point of the Furai is to prove that its Nagare ("flow") styling theme — as seen in recent concept cars like the Ryuga and Taiki — has a functional, aerodynamic dimension. Though a production Furai is probably a pipedream, don't be surprised to see three-rotor engines in future production Mazdas.

As for the present day, Mazda's RX-8 is due for replacement, and its successor will bow in Motown alongside the Furai.

Mercedes-Benz
Billed as a concept, the Vision GLK Freeside is a clear indicator of Benz's upcoming GLK production crossover. The lower end of the luxury-crossover segment is exploding and Mercedes is not one to ignore a burgeoning segment. Heck, it doesn't even mind making up segments that haven't previously existed...or haven't been asked for (*cough* R-class).

Mitsubishi
Mitsu's Concept-RA is expected to show the future of the once popular and now somewhat lost Eclipse. The Concept-RA gets the same all-wheel-drive system and twin-clutch tranny as the Evolution X, but pairs them with a turbodiesel engine. The coupe also gets aggressive new looks inspired by the Evo. In other words, the Eclipse is set to re-grow a pair.

Nissan
The Japanese car manufacturer readily admits they're taking things easy for Detroit. While a big Nissan and Infiniti push are expected in New York this Spring, Nissan plans to show only its Forum minivan concept at Detroit. With its reversible seats, trackless doors, and lack of a B-pillar, the Forum will do the unthinkable and inject style into the modern minivan.

Saab
The 9-4X BioPower, based on the same platform used by the Saturn Vue, promotes environmental friendliness via the use of E85 ethanol for its 300-horsepower turbocharged engine. Expect a production version soon.

Saturn
The new Vue is important to GM's resurgent comeback kid...so important that a second hybrid version of the current Vue is planned for this year's NAIAS. The new and more expensive two-mode drivetrain includes a V6 and electric motors built into the case of the General's front-wheel-drive 6-speed automatic. Fuel consumption is expected to match the 4-cylinder soft hybrid's, but the six will sprint to 60 mph in a claimed 7.3 seconds.

A Saturn concept is also planned, with an expected green slant.

Subaru
Photos of the new Forester have been available now for several weeks. Subie's smaller crossover, based on the new corporate platform and bearing a revised version of the 2.5-liter boxer turbo, will show up in the metal at Detroit.

Toyota
Two vehicles are planned for Toyota. The company is staying mum on details for one of these — the Venza crossover — but the other is a the A-BAT, which is Toyota's take on a crossover pickup similar to Honda's Ridgeline. Because that was such a winner.

Volkswagen

The long-awaited Passat coupe will make its debut. It'll be shown in "concept form", but this Volkswagen flagship car has been confirmed for production.