Ford Motor Co. led the onslaught of new automobile launches at this years Detroit Auto Show held that began this past week at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Mich., according to a Jan. 17 CNET news report.

Ford led its slew of performance car launches with the GT, a mid-engine 600-horsepower revival of the 2005 GT, itself a revival of the 1960s GT40. CNet’s review said the new model GT takes advantage of Ford’s latest technologies, such as the twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 engine. The pontoon-style rear body architecture is unique among modern supercars and should give the new GT a handling edge. Ford also added the new F-150 Raptor pickup truck and the Shelby GT350R to the performance bundle.

CNet also reported that General Motors launched an updated Volt model that has all-new body styling and an improved drivetrain. Where the previous Volt could go 38 miles on its battery pack, the new model will travel 50 miles under electric power alone, and still have its gasoline generator engine to extend range.

Also in the GM camp, Buick stepped out of Cadillac’s shadow with the Avenir concept and the Cascada convertible. The former was well-received, and would give Buick an excellent flagship sedan if ever built. The Cascada, as a four-seat convertible, looks a little tubby, but boasts an interesting 1.6-liter turbocharged engine good for 200 horsepower. Cadillac brought out its CTS-V, using the engine from the new Corvette Z06 for huge power.

Volkswagen continued its Cross Blue and Cross Coupe experiments with the Cross Coupe GTE, a stubby five-passenger plug-in hybrid., while Hyundai was the big surprise, offering the Santa Cruz pickup truck concept.

Mercedes-Benz showed some pure muscle with the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe, a direct competitor to the BMW X6 M. Of a similar size, but less power, were the Audi Q7 and Lincoln MKX, both big updates for these models.