It’s showtime. The 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit opens Monday with the customary two-day media preview. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the cars we’ll see. 

 

We’ve come some distance since the first official Detroit Auto Show was held back in 1907 at Beller’s Beer Garden at Jefferson and West Grand Boulevard. For one thing, now we have the internet, where photos and info can be leaked out (or simply dealt out, as the case may be) before the party has even started.

Naturally, Mac’s Motor City Garage will have full coverage from NAIAS at Cobo Center once the proceedings are under way. But in the meantime, here’s some of the stuff revealed so far.

 

The Volkswagen Golf R will arrive in the USA early in 2015 with a 2.0L, 290 hp turbo four and a choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmissions.

2015 Volkswagen Golf R – rear

 

The Volvo XC Coupe concept is believed to be a look ahead at the company’s next-generation XC90 crossover. The futuristic-ish cockpit features fold-flat rear seating.

Volvo Concept XC Coupe – interior

 

With its blackout wheels and grille and unique interior trim, the 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop traces the familiar Blacktop theme established across the rest of the Dodge lineup. The package will retail for $295 over the price of a standard Dart SXT with Rallye Appearance Group.

 

Photos of the next Subaru WRX STI have leaked from a Mexican website in advance of its Detroit debut. Sources say the latest iteration of the turbocharged 2.5L flat four will offer 300+ hp.

 

Volkswagen has circled back on the dune buggy theme it employed on a New Beetle show car some years back with this latest Dune concept—and there have even been broad hints at production intent.

 

A 407 hp V8 and active rear spoiler are among the features of the aggressively styled Lexus RC F concept. Performance upgrades include an oil cooler, internal body reinforcements, and wider tires.

 

The new Audi Q3 (also shown in the lead photo) enters the hot compact crossover segment in both FWD and AWD versions in 3Q 2014. .

 

The Chrysler 200 sports a major makeover for 2015 with fresh styling and LED lighting, while the updated cabin appointments include the company’s rotary transmission shifter.

 

Chevrolet will unveil (minus the camo) the Corvette C7.R endurance racer at Detroit, and also the latest C7-based Z06 production Corvette, which reportedly boasts a 620 hp supercharged V8.