Mazda revealed one concept car and one production-ready SUV at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Ryuga (ree-YOU-gah) is a concept that follows in the footsteps of the Mazda Nagare (nah-GAR-eh), which debuted at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Ryuga, Japanese for "gracious flow", represents further evolution of what Mazda says is the company's future design language. The concept emphasizes rich materials and strong fit and finish.

On the production-ready end of the spectrum, the 2008 Tribute HEV represents Mazda's entry into the gas-electric hybrid fray. Tribute is a compact SUV that shares its design with parent company Ford's Escape and Mercury's Mariner; those two SUVs also have hybrid models. Tribute HEV pairs its electric motor with a four-cylinder gasoline engine for a combined 155 horsepower. As with Escape and Mariner, the Mazda can run on one or both of its power sources and requires no plug-in charging. Pricing wasn't announced, but look for Tribute HEV to arrive at dealers later this year.

Mazda Ryuga Concept and 2008 Tribute HEV