Chevrolet introduced the Camaro Coupe Concept at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show and announced plans to build it as a 2009 model later in the year. This year, General Motors' largest brand followed with the introduction of the Camaro Convertible Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. The Convertible Concept is decked out in Hugger Orange paint, a color offered in 1969--the year that inspired the new car's look.

The Convertible Concept's exterior dimensions mimic those of the Coupe, as do the retro-style instrumentation and interior trim. While the outward appearance gives a nod to muscle cars of the past, its underskin components are thoroughly modern. The convertible shares the same 400-horsepower V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission powertrain as the coupe. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes and a four-wheel independent suspension are included. Chevy didn't announce prices, but officials said the Camaro droptop will start production shortly after the coupe sometime in 2009.

2009 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

With the Toyota Camry clearly in its sights, General Motors' largest division debuted its redesigned Malibu midsize sedan at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Chevrolet says the 2008 version is six inches longer in wheelbase than the 2004-2007 Malibu, and three inches longer in wheelbase than the 2007 Camry. The front end sports a "dual-port" grille, which represents the future of Chevrolet car design. The standard engine is a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four cylinder. It teams with a four-speed automatic transmission in LS and LT models or a six-speed automatic in the top-line LTZ. Optional is a 252-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine that includes the six-speed automatic. ABS and traction control are standard on all Malibus, and LT and LTZ have GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system.

GM also redesigned the '08 Malibu's interior with materials designed to be more upscale than its predecessors. Metallic or woodgrain trim is available. Chevrolet didn't announce pricing or a revamped Malibu Maxx hatchback model, but the sedan is scheduled to go on sale later this year. Chevy officials also announced the availability of a gas-electric hybrid Malibu, which is scheduled to start production at the same time as the gasoline-only sedans. While pricing wasn't officially announced, officials hinted that Malibu would start at about $20,000.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

General Motors also unveiled an electric car, the Chevrolet Volt Concept, at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. This four-door sedan serves as a foundation for GM's new E-flex electric propulsion system. A conventional gasoline-electric hybrid uses a battery pack and an internal combustion engine to power the drive wheels. E-flex powers a vehicle solely through electric energy. The Volt can be charged through a conventional household outlet, and it's capable of going 40 miles on just the Lithium-Ion battery pack. GM officials say that if that's as far as you drive every day, you will never need to stop for fuel.

Should you need to drive further, a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder internal combustion engine provides the energy needed to charge the battery pack. The engine does not power the drive wheels, and it can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol. On a 60-mile-per-day drive, officials estimate the Volt would get 150 miles per gallon. Instead of the internal combustion engine, Volt could be outfitted with an engine that runs on biodiesel or uses a Hydrogen fuel cell. With the conventional engine, 0-60 mph acceleration is about 8.0-8.5 seconds, and Volt is rated for a top speed of 120 mph. While no production plans were set, GM officials seemed optimistic about Volt's technology having real-world applications, both in North America and around the world.

Chevrolet Volt Concept