Detroit shines in 2003

While the biggest motor shows of the year are predominantly held in Europe, America's motor shows are nothing if not downright grand.

They may lack the fresh Euro-motors saved for their homeland launches, but this year things were bigger and of course very much brighter than ever before.

For most Aussie car enthusiasts, seeing the Monaro-based Pontiac GTO in all its 250+kW glory would be quite a highlight, but so would models like Mitsubishi's brand-new Evolution VIII and the storming new Ford Mustang.

There were concepts aplenty, from the Audi Pikes Peak SUV -- with more power than a Jumbo Jet -- to Hyundai's OLV prototype and the aptly named surf-wagon, the Dodge Kahuna.

Mazda's happy-go-lucky Washu looks like it could well make the transition from sparkly concept to production reality, and Toyota's FINE-S shows that new-age fuel cell cars need not be dull and boring.

Moving at more pedestrian speed was the new BMW-built Rolls Royce Phantom, which could well give Mercedes new Maybach brand a kick in pants if early impressions are to be believed.

Sadly, there was no sight of Porsche's new 911 line-up, rumoured to be packing the V8 found in the Cayenne. Perhaps we'll have to wait for the Munich Motor Show for that one...

• Pontiac GTO
  The American muscle car with a unique Aussie flavour. But will the Yanks buy it?

• Mitsubishi Evo VIII
  Japanese Rally-bred know-how combines for killer performance.

• Ford Mustang GT
  Ford finally livens up one of its most celebrated vehicles.

• Audi Pikes Peak SUV
  Watch out Porsche - this 4x4 makes 373kW from a twin-turbo V8!

• Mazda Washu
  Mazda strange-sounding MPV was one of most intriguing concepts at the show.

• Hyundai OLV
  Apart from having the worst grille treatment of all time, Hyundai's OLV impressed.

• Dodge Kahuna
  In the vein of the PT Cruiser comes the Kahuna, with retro styling ensuring mass appeal.

• Maserati Kubang
  Half sportscar, half van, the Maserati Kubang appears to be tailor-made for the US market.

• Rolls Royce Phantom
  It's big, it's heavy, it's expensive. Ergo: they'll sell by the truck-load in the States.