The second day of press previews in Detroit was a much lighter schedule. First up was Lincoln which brought out the new MKX. It retains the existing body shell but updates the front and rear styling, giving it the signature Lincoln “split-wing” grille. A new interior and instrument panel are also featured and the center stack does away with traditional knobs, relying on touch sensitive buttons and screen, instead.

Cadillac showed us the CTS-V coupe, due out this summer. They also rolled out the XTS Platinum Concept, a large, four-door sedan powered by a V-6 gas/electric hybrid drive train and all-wheel drive. Interior room, comfort and appointments move way upscale. Both Ed Whitacre and Bob Lutz were on hand afterward and both seemed quite proud of the effort. When asked where this leaves “traditional” Cadillac buyer (think West Palm Beach) Lutz seemed willing to leave them behind. “Cadillac is orienting itself against the European luxury brands, now,” he said.

Subaru revealed that they are working on a diesel boxer engine as well as hybrid drive systems. They showed off their Hybrid Tourer concept, one of the few truly outlandish concepts at the show. Subaru takes bragging rights to having had the best year of any car maker during a disastrous 2009. They posted record sales and boosted their U.S. market share from 1.4 to 2.1%.

--M.D.