DETROIT — The 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced on December 22 that it expects to showcase more than 65 exciting new vehicle introductions to more than 6,000 media during its press days from Jan. 9-11. "From our discussions with the automotive manufacturers and news reports, we've learned that this year's NAIAS is going to be yet another banner year featuring exciting new automotive products and technologies from nearly every industry category," said Bill Cook, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS 2005. " The following is a preview of a selection of the vehicles slated to be unveiled during NAIAS Press Days based on recent news reports: Worldwide Production Intros:

• BMW 5-Series AWD – an all-wheel-drive version of BMW's midlevel 5- Series sedan.
  

• Cadillac STS-V – a performance version of Cadillac's flagship STS sedan, redesigned for 2005.
  

• Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – 500-horsepower performance version of the sixth-generation Corvette, redesigned for 2005.
  

• Dodge Charger – the return of a legendary name from the muscle-car era on a HEMI(R)-equipped rear-drive, five-passenger sedan.
  

• Ferrari Superamerica – a 12-cylinder convertible version of the 575M Maranello coupe that was designed by legendary Italian design house and perennial Ferrari partner, Pininfarina.
  

• Ford Fusion – Ford's new mid-size car.
  

• Ford F-150 Harley – a Harley-Davidson version of the F-150 pickup truck.
  

• Honda Ridgeline – Honda's first-ever pickup truck.
  

• Infiniti M45/M35 – two new luxury/performance sedans to slot just beneath the flagship Q45.
  

• Kia Rio – a completely redesigned entry-level sedan that's bigger and more powerful than the current model.
  

• Land Rover Range Rover Sport – a completely new sport/utility vehicle and a fifth nameplate for the brand, slotting between the LR3 and Range Rover.
  

• Lexus GX 470 – a luxury utility with more performance and technology.
  

• Lincoln Zephyr – a new entry-level luxury sedan for Ford's luxury division.
  

• Lincoln Mark LT – a luxury vehicle that combines a sport/utility vehicle cabin with a pickup bed.
  

• Mercedes-Benz M-Class – a redesign of the Alabama-built M-Class sport/utility vehicle introduced eight years ago.
  

• Mitsubishi Eclipse – all-new, more powerful fourth generation of this popular sporty coupe.
  

• Mitsubishi Raider – Mitsubishi created unique styling inside and out for this mid-size truck based on the Dakota.
  

• Saturn Sky – a new two-seat, rear-drive sports roadster.
  

• Subaru B9 Tribeca – the first Subaru 7-passenger vehicle.
  

• Toyota Avalon – a completely restyled full-size sedan with more performance and luxury.
  

• Porsche 911 Carrera, Carrera S Cabriolet – convertible versions of the redesigned 911.

  Worldwide Concepts:

• Chrysler Firepower – an elegant grand tourer riding on the Viper chassis and powered by a 6.1L version of the Hemi V-8.
  

• Ford Explorer Sport Trac – a concept that signals the next-generation version of the sport/utility vehicle with a pickup bed.
  

• Infiniti Kuraza – an exploratory look at future sport/utility vehicle interior design.
  

• Jeep Gladiator – a Jeep pickup.
  

• KCD II – the second concept vehicle from Kia's California design center is a rugged sport/utility with three rows of seats.
  

• Lexus LF-A – exotic sports car concept vehicle.
  

• Mercury Meta One – a rolling showcase of promising active safety technologies.
  

• Nissan AZEAL Coupe – a fresh interpretation of the "pocket rocket" – an affordable, high-performance, entry-level coupe with an emphasis on personality and aggressive styling.
  

• Saturn mid-size sedan – a new entry into the mid-size sedan segment for the GM division.
  

• Suzuki Concept X – Suzuki's first-ever mid-size sport/utility vehicle concept.
  

• Volvo 3CC – an innovative and stylish environmentally friendly car with three seats and powered by lithium-ion batteries.

  North American Production:

• Aston Martin Vanquish S V12 – the fastest-ever Aston Martin.
  

• Audi A6 Avant – the station wagon version of the redesigned A6.
  

• BMW 530xi – the 5-Series Sport Wagon combines the performance of a car with all-weather confidence.
  

• Hyundai Sonata – the first vehicle to be produced at the new Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama.

  North American Concepts:

• Mercedes-Benz Grand Sports Tourer Vision B – first shown in Paris, a compact sports tourer with compact exterior dimensions but roominess inside.
  

• Rolls-Royce 100EX – this experimental car from Rolls-Royce, the inspiration for a 2007 convertible, celebrates Rolls-Royce's centennial.

  The NAIAS 2005 expects to feature more than 35 press conferences from more than 60 auto manufacturers as well as elaborate multiple-tiered exhibits and 750,000 visitors during its three-week course.