2014 Detroit auto show mega gallery

DETROIT -- Every year in the bitter cold of January, Detroit hosts the North American International Auto Show. The show features every major make of car sold in the US, and is the venue for some of the most important vehicle launches of the year.

Kevin Hunter, President of Toyota's CALTY design center, introduces the 2014 Toyota FT-1, a new concept car demonstrating Toyota's new design direction. ="">Read more about the Toyota FT-1 concept car.

Toyota does not intend to build a car based on the FT-1. This concept is purely a signal that Toyota will pursue a more exciting design direction with future cars. Hunter referred to it as Toyota's "spiritual pace car." ="">Read more about the Toyota FT-1 concept car.

One of Audi's hottest cars makes an appearance in Detroit.

A trio of singers costumed in classic Motown look perform in the Concourse, just outside the exhibition hall.

The Nissan IDX Freeflow and Nismo concepts' retro looks echo the classic Datsun 510. Originally debuting at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, we were happy to get a closer look in Detroit.

Take a closer look at the IDx concepts.

Mazda follows in the footsteps of Audi, developing a diesel-powered car to compete in LMP2 endurance races.

Porsche harkens back to the past with this Targa top version of its new generation 911.

Read more about the 2014 Porsche 911 Targa.

Rather than the traditional Targa top, this one is power-operated and ridiculously complicated. ="">Read more about the 2014 Porsche 911 Targa.

BMW changes its naming strategy, but still offers a midsize M coupe.

Read more about the 2015 BMW M4.

As a bit of booth candy, Acura has an interactive display -- a projection on a curtain of vapor.

Last year, Lexus showed it was back in the coupe business with the RC 350. In Detroit, it shows off the V-8-powered RC F model.

The 2015 Honda Fit somehow manages to increase its interior volume, despite being about 2 inches shorter than the current model. This efficient use of space is echoed by its new fuel-efficient Earth Dreams 1.5-liter engine and CVT combo.

Learn more about the 2015 Honda Fit.

Bentley gives its Continental GT V8 S, with 521 horsepower, its North American debut at Detroit. ="">Read more about the 2014 Bentley Continental GT V8 S.

The newest generation of the C-Class shows in Detroit. It features many of the amenities, including limited self-driving, found in the new S-Class.

Read more about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

This 500-plus-horsepower custom Q50 sedan was built in partnership with Infiniti's Red Bull Formula One racing team.

Learn more about the Infiniti Eau Rouge concept.

Chevy tops last year's debut of the new Corvette generation with the Z06 version at the Detroit auto show, featuring 625 horsepower. ="">Read more about the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Performance mods for the Z06 include a carbon fiber hood and spoiler. ="">Read more about the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Ford put a lot of work into its new generation F-150, and took the radical step of giving it an aluminum body. ="">Read more about the 2015 Ford F-150.

Somewhere in this photo, you'll find Lincoln's new small crossover. Somewhere...

Cutaways, like of this Chevrolet Colorado, are not uncommon at the Detroit auto show.

The interior of the new Chrysler 200 has been mounted on the wall, giving viewers a unique view of the cabin.

Many automakers display examples of their engines, allowing show-goers to get a close look at the heart of their vehicles.

The Nissan Sports Sedan Concept brings together the performance soul of the Nissan GT-R with the comfort of a large sedan.

If the next Maxima looks anything like this Nissan concept, we'll be pleased as punch. Nissan is just the sort of brand to bring such an edgy design to the road.

The Acura TLX Prototype is a thinly veiled preview of an upcoming luxury sedan that merges the TL and TSX.

The Dodge Durango makes an appearance at the Detroit auto show.

Mini slaps a John Cooper Works badge on its newly redesigned Mini Cooper. While they were at it, the automaker also added a helping of performance and styling upgrades.

Mini slaps a John Cooper Works badge on its newly redesigned Mini Cooper. While they were at it, the automaker also added a helping of performance and styling upgrades.

The Cadillac ATS loses a pair of doors and gains a coupe variant.

One of the most loathed models on the road transforms into one of the most promising new models at the Detroit auto show.

Learn more about the 2015 Chrysler 200.

Volkswagen calls it a concept, but to us this model looks ready for the road. The BlueMotion concept pushes gasoline engine efficiency to its limits. Using cylinder deactivation and stop-start technology on a low-displacement turbocharged and direct-injected engine, the automaker is able to achieve fuel economy that matches hybrids and diesels.

Learn more about the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion concept.

The Beetle Dune concept envisions a modern-day dune buggy, taking the slug bug off-road with an elevated ride height and ruggedized bodywork.

The Beetle Dune concept features a rear rack that passes mounted skis through the spoiler. We're not really sure what skis have to do with sand dunes.

Volvo's gorgeous Concept Coupe from last year evolves into this year's Concept XC Coupe.

The hotter version of the Subaru WRX debuted this week with 305 horsepower and a complex all-wheel-drive system with more differentials than you could shake a stick at.

Check out the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI.

Would you believe that this 300-plus horsepower, rear-wheel-drive coupe is a Kia? Well, you'd better believe it!

Get a closer look at the Kia Stinger GT4 concept.

Ford brought this very early concept for the Mustang out to the Detroit auto show.

Here's another view of the Mustang 1 Concept.

The latest Mustang, launched in December, is on prominent display in Detroit.

Ford also shows off the convertible version of the new Mustang to Detroit.