The highlight of this year's show, for me, was definitely the Nissan GT-R. It's quite possibly one of the most anticipated mass produced vehicles to be released in recent years.

I was also looking forward to the new Maxima. Admittedly, it looks way better in person than it does in photographs; you can't really capture how low slung and aggressive it looks.

It was also an opportunity for my wife and I to explore the 2009 Murano. We haven't made it a priority to stop by the dealership to check one out, but it is definitely a nice upgrade from the outgoing model with a price upgrade to match. The Murano is much more luxurious now and looks surprisingly good in person. I didn't think I'd like the new shape -- particularly the grill -- but I have to say that it looks great in person.

I was hoping to see the Mazda 2, but unfortunately, it wasn't at the show.

As far as the American manufacturers go, I have to say, I like where GM is headed. On a recent trip, I was upgraded to a new Malibu and I'm thoroughly impressed. It may have been the first time I've driven a product from the Big Three and actually could imagine myself purchasing the vehicle. I also really like what they've done with the CTS and the CTS Coupe concept...fantastic work.

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