From Hemis to Hybrids: Detroit SUV Photo Gallery

With the introduction of the 2006 Land Rover Sport at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, it's clear that the company can create a utility vehicle that is just as capable on the road as it is off.

At the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, GM debuted the GMC Graphyte Concept, an all-wheel-drive SUV equipped with the company's two-mode full hybrid powertrain, which supplies a 25-percent increase in fuel economy with no loss of power and performance over a regular mid-size SUV.

Though it looks like a crossover suv, the GMC Graphyte Concept possesses rugged ladder-frame construction, with an independent air suspension that allows the ride height to be adjusted by 4.7 inches for either increased ground clearance or road-hugging stability and aerodynamics.

Helping to form the Infiniti Kuraza's attractive silhouette are glass roof panels, flush suicide style rear doors, and brushed aluminum that outlines the grille and roof.

Words and phrases used by Infiniti representatives during the Kuraza's debut included "strong," "vibrant," "rewarding," "offering a highly social space that provides panoramic views." One of the goals of the design was to exhibit gracefulness and serenity, which reflects the Japanese culture from which it was born.

Within the context of what is possible and what is reality, the Jeep Hurricane does amazing things. Strange things, things that make you rub your eyes hard and blink twice. Things like all four wheels turning in opposite directions, thus enabling the vehicle to navigate a turn radius of zero - absolute zero.

Dual 5.7-liter Hemis power the Jeep Hurricane's front and rear wheels, with central transfer case controls mounted in the center console.

The Jeep Hurricane has an approach/departure angle of 64.0 and 86.7 degrees -close to vertical - and it can even travel sideways.

The Kia Mesa features body-on-frame construction, a fully-boxed frame, full-time four-wheel-drive with low range, and a limited slip differential. In concept form, power is provided by the Sorento's 3.5-liter V6 and is controlled by a five-speed automatic transmission. However, the Kia Mesa has been designed to accept a wide range of future engines.

Accented by huge 22-inch alloy wheels, the Kia Mesa features a clean shape that is enhanced by muscular wheel flares.

Bid the BMW V8 under the Land Rover Range Rover's hood goodbye, because for 2006 it's being replaced with Jaguar-sourced powerplants in both normally aspirated and supercharged formats. The standard 4.4-liter V8 makes 305 horsepower, and the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 cranks out 400 horsepower.

Styling tweaks distinguish the updated 2006 Land Rover Range Rover, with restyled lights, front bumper, grille, side vents, and wheels identifying the 2006 model. Supercharged Range Rovers add a mesh grille, mesh side vents, special badges, and giant 20-inch alloy wheels.

Based on the LR3 platform but with a shorter wheelbase, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport looks more like the upscale and more expensive Range Rover, but with a strong emphasis on paved-road performance.

At speed, the suspension automatically lowers the Land Rover Range Rover Sport to reduce its center of gravity for greater stability. Supercharged Range Rover Sports are also endowed with four-piston Brembo brakes at each corner and low-profile tires designed to mix capability both on and off the road.

Designed in Japan with a focus on the North American market, the Mazda MX-Crossport takes it's styling cues from the RX-8.

The Mazda MX-Crossport offers a handsome design with fluid bodylines and subtle, yet well-sculpted wheel flares. Stylish 20-inch polished alloy wheels are wrapped in 275/45 tires.

The Mazda MX-Crossport offers sport and utility, but more importantly, it's engineered with a true driving enthusiast in mind.

The new 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class looks similar to the existing model in terms of its basic design philosophy, but with larger wheel arch flares, more muscular wheel designs, and sheet metal edges instead of softly rounded, blobby forms.

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class features two new engines, a seven-speed automatic transmission, a technologically advanced four-wheel-drive system, and a full complement of standard safety features in addition to the luxury accoutrements that have built the company's reputation.

Calling the B9 Tribeca a "progressive SUV" that "fuses luxury and performance," Subaru debuted its new baby to reporters at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The grille and air inlets are purposely designed to evoke the fuselage and wings of an airplane. Good idea? That's your call.

The funky two-tone dashboard of the Subaru B9 Tribeca flows like a wave between the door panels, split by fake aluminum trim and with controls arrayed in a pleasing, symmetrical fashion.

From the headlights back, the new Subaru B9 Tribeca is a terrific looking SUV, with strong character and a European flair. It looks more like something that a French or Italian automaker might dream up, which should work to its advantage in a world of look-alike vehicles.

The six-passenger Suzuki Concept-X features "4GO" full-time four-wheel-drive with low range capability and a 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Chock full of safety features, the Suzuki Concept-X includes antilock brakes, stability control, side-curtain airbags, exterior heat-sensing cameras with a warning system, active cruise control, emergency 911 dialing, and a lane departure warning system.