Concept is defined as a an abstract idea or notion, but on the floor of the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it might as well mean "preview of coming attractions." From exploratory ideas about how people should ideally be the focus when it comes to configuring the interior of an SUV to thinly-veiled versions of production cars that are scheduled to hit showrooms within the next few years, the second round of concept cars debuting in Detroit all signify the future in a literal sense.

Take, for instance, the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Concept , which, except for minor details, is the next-generation XK8 Coupe that arrives within a couple of years. Jaguar holds this design up as the future of the brand, and while the car is quite appealing inside and out, and promises impressive performance, it's trying too hard to be something that it is not.

Likewise, the Mercedes-Benz Compact Sports Tourer Vision B is destined for showrooms. Company executives are coy about the arrival of this five-passenger, $25,000 hatchback, but industry rumors insist that the car is due in the U.S. this fall as the B-Class.

Rolls-Royce has been touring the globe with the 100EX, a Phantom-based convertible that the English luxury automaker plans to produce for 2007. Of course, the Rolls-Royce 100EX show car includes details that won't make the trip down the assembly line, but denizens of Beverly Hills, where Rollers sell in the greatest numbers, must be pleased. Dealers are taking deposits now.

Finally, during discussion of the Volvo 3CC Concept , officials announced the 2007 Volvo C30 . This new model will slot under the S40 sedan, making Volvo attainable at about $20,000. It's a hatchback, eight inches shorter than the S40, and embodies Volvo's core safety and environmental philosophies.

Other debuts included the Infiniti Kuraza , an SUV that prioritizes space for occupants over room for cargo. The Mazda MX-Crossport takes the RX-8's flair for design and performance and combines them with room for people and parcels. The Suzuki Concept X shows a possible direction for an XL-7 replacement, while the VW Ragster is a customized New Beetle that could be produced in the future.

By Christian J. Wardlaw

Photos by Erik Hanson