Mario Tama, Getty Images The new Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG makes its debut at the New York International Auto Show. Click photo for larger image. About the Auto Show Where: Jacob Javits Convention Center, Manhattan When: Today through April 15, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets: Adults $14, children $4. Ticket kiosks onsite accept credit and most debit cards or order online at www.autoshowny.com/tickets/ Information: 1-800-282-3336 or www.autoshowny.com.
	Emile Wamsteker, General Motors General Motors will unveil the Chevrolet Beat and two other minicar concept vehicles at the New York International Auto Show. Click photo for larger image.

The New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public today, will smash some of the assumptions that consumers have about the auto industry.

For those who think that rising gasoline prices mean that economy cars will dominate the scene, New York answers back with some of the most dazzling luxury cars seen in years.

For those who think that we've gone about as far as we can in the horsepower race, New York sends a resounding "no" with new cars that produce 600 horsepower or even more.

For those who think the domestic "Big Three" are dead, there will be strong evidence that they are very much alive and kicking, financial problems notwithstanding.

And for those few souls left who believe that Korea will never be able to build a quality luxury car, Hyundai has a concept for an upcoming luxury model that meets or exceeds anything Lexus and others can offer up -- and at a much lower price, thus giving European and Japanese luxury auto makers headaches for years to come.

All of these cars and concepts were unveiled at the auto show's press day events, when the media gets a sneak preview of what's to come. The public gets to see everything starting today and running through April 15 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.

At the General Motors stand, the display contains a number of models that don't fit any of the outdated stereotypes that people still have of GM products. Small, economical cars, courtesy of Chevrolet, are taking center stage: the Trax, the Beat and the Groove. The company will decide whether to offer them to U.S. consumers based partly on reaction at the show, but the cars are expected to be sold in other parts of the world around 2010.

Ford, meanwhile, is showing off the Flex, an unusual crossover with three rows of seating that demonstrates that the company still has a strong creative streak.

There's no doubt that luxury cars dominate the New York auto show scene. Mercedes has introduced several elegant models under its AMG high performance offshoot, including the sleek CL65 AMG with a 12-cylinder, 6.5-liter engine that produces 604 horsepower. Quilted leather, aluminum and a breathtaking design highlight its interior. In some forms, this car is expected to sell for $200,000.

Infiniti is showing the G37 Coupe, with a 330-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine and voluptuous fenders, "cats' eye" headlights and available four-wheel steering. It replaces the G35. No prices have been announced yet.

Bentley is touting the 530-horsepower Brooklands Coupe, which replaces the Turbo R coupe in the Bentley lineup. Only 550 people will get a chance to own one of the elegant coupes, the latest in a string of new models from the fast-growing luxury brand. No official word, but this one will likely go for close to $300,000.

GM, meanwhile, also is showing off its new Buick LaCrosse Super sedan and its Lucerne Super sedan. Both are powered by high performance V-8 engines, have performance sports suspensions and the trademark Buick porthole windows. This isn't the first time that Buick has had Supers in its line. In the 1950s, the Super nameplate's luxury was exceeded by only the Roadmaster or the Limited models. The nameplate was last used for a 1958 model. Prices will be announced closer to the time they hit the showroom.

Cadillac also has some interesting products and concepts on hand. They include the refreshed Cadillac STS sedan with some tweaks to the styling here and there. Cadillac also is unveiling the Cadillac SRX Sport by New York fashion designer Dana Buchman. The colors, materials and details on this car reflect what is available in Ms. Buchman's collection: Aniline Brownstone leather with quilted inserts, light cashmere leather, faux suede and snakeskin print fabric. The interior is Wi-Fi enabled.

DaimlerChrysler's Jeep has updated the Grand Cherokee with subtle styling changes to its front and rear. The grille looks a bit wider than before, and round headlights bring the Grand Cherokee more in line with other members of the Jeep family. The interior, which looked rather mediocre on the former model, has been updated with new soft touch leather features. One of the engines to be offered is an all new 291-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 producing 303 horsepower. A Sirius Satellite TV with three children's network choices is among the options. An MP3 input jack brings the car's interior into line with competing products. No prices have yet been announced.

But one of the biggest winners at the show is likely to be the all-new Hyundai luxury sedan. It's a rear-wheel-drive four door with a V-8 engine that puts out more than 300 horsepower and can hit 60 mph in less than six seconds. Hyundai contends it will have a stiffer, more stable body than both Mercedes' vaunted E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. The estimated base price will be around $29,995, including such standard equipment as 20-inch wheels and eight air bags. If it delivers on its promises, the Hyundai may spell trouble for a lot of automakers.