There is light at the end of the tunnel-at least, that is the feeling we got from cruising around the Cobo Hall floor in Detroit this past January. Unlike the last two years at the NAIAS, which appeared to be breeding grounds for doom and gloom, this year had a decidedly more optimistic tone to it. Trucks were still being pushed out of the limelight; for example, the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Expedition were conspicuously absent, along with a handful of other trucks, in order to make more room for smaller, fuel-efficient cars. But we were able to see some future technologies that are destined for the truck market, even if they were announced for the car market first. With a more optimistic tone and new products on the way, we think the auto industry is back on track. Mini's Beachcomber concept was on display as a precursor to Mini's upcoming Countryman SUV. Despite its have-fun-in-the-dirt looks, it is car-based and lacks the ability for even moderate wheeling.Mini's Beachcomber concept was on display as a precursor to Mini's upcoming Countryman SUV The latest variant of the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition features a color-keyed roof, flat black hood, TRD wheels, Bilstein shocks, BFG tires, and rock rails.The latest variant of the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition features a color-keyed roof, flat Jeep displayed two new versions of its Wrangler, the Islander and Mountain, which are basically standard Wrangler Sport models with some appearance upgrades and Rubicon wheels and tires.Jeep displayed two new versions of its Wrangler, the Islander and Mountain, which are basi Another new package to the Jeep stand was the Liberty Renegade, which includes new styling and comfort elements, Select-Trac II active four-wheel drive, and full skidplating. Does this mean Jeep is taking a small step forward in getting serious about the Liberty?Another new package to the Jeep stand was the Liberty Renegade, which includes new styling Ford's display was alive, with these robotic arms doing demonstrations. Tech editor Sean P. Holman hands off the 2010 Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year award to Ram brand President and CEO Fred Diaz.Tech editor Sean P. Holman hands off the 2010 Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year award Jeep's Tiki Bob (with a very Jeep nose), who is the mascot for the Wrangler Islander, returns to prominence after a 20-year hiatus.Jeep's Tiki Bob (with a very Jeep nose), who is the mascot for the Wrangler Islander, retu We caught up with our old friend the Michelin man on the show floor. Several versions of our 2010 Four Wheeler of the Year-winning 4Runner were on display in the Toyota booth.Several versions of our 2010 Four Wheeler of the Year-winning 4Runner were on display in t Land Rover showed off its new 2010 line-up of SUVs, anchored by the new LR4 and updated Range Rover.Land Rover showed off its new 2010 line-up of SUVs, anchored by the new LR4 and updated Ra The Chevy stand was quiet, but it had the full range of fullsize trucks and SUVs on display.The Chevy stand was quiet, but it had the full range of fullsize trucks and SUVs on displa Now that Ferrari and Dodge are cousins, Fiat thought it appropriate to have a 599XX on display across from a Viper ACR. Truck guys or not, we drooled.Now that Ferrari and Dodge are cousins, Fiat thought it appropriate to have a 599XX on dis The models are one of the best perks of covering any auto show. Fiat got the award for the most attractive spokeswomen (and yes, these beautiful women actually knew the product).The models are one of the best perks of covering any auto show. Fiat got the award for the Toyota heated up its display with the Brooks & Dunn Midnight Rider Tundra Tailgater. This concept is a fully functional tailgater's dream, with cold brew on tap, giant infrared grill, countertops, external sound system, and a 42-inch flat-screen TV.Toyota heated up its display with the Brooks & Dunn Midnight Rider Tundra Tailgater. This Lexus has finally upgraded one of our favorite SUVs. The 2010 GX460 will compete against the Jeep Grand Cherokee in our 2011 Four Wheeler of the Year competition later in the year.Lexus has finally upgraded one of our favorite SUVs. The 2010 GX460 will compete against t The future of Ford trucks can be seen in this photo. Both the Raptor and Super Duty will be home for Ford's all-new 6.2L V-8, while the Super Duty gets Ford's all-new-and-designed-in-house 6.7L Power Stroke V-8. We'll be test driving the new Super Duty for the July '10 issue.The future of Ford trucks can be seen in this photo. Both the Raptor and Super Duty will b GMC released the Granite concept. Apparently, this may be the first sign of GM taking the GMC brand away from trucks.GMC released the Granite concept. Apparently, this may be the first sign of GM taking the This was our first look at Ford's new 5.0L "Coyote" V-8. While it was introduced in the Mustang with 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, a version will also find its way into the F-150.This was our first look at Ford's new 5.0L "Coyote" V-8. While it was introduced in the Mu Two things: 1. Photos do not do the SLR justice. 2. Yes, this is a gratuitous photo of the hottest new supercar in a four-wheel drive magazine. Deal with it. By Sean P. Holman Enjoyed this Post? 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