DETROIT — Automakers at the North American International Show are wiping their brows with relief, calling 2009 the industry’s worst year in memory. They’re eagerly anticipating a slight market recovery — 11.5 million units, by most estimates — in 2010.

Some are even optimistic beyond the numbers. Don Esmond, senior vice president of Toyota USA, compared 2009 to a "good Midwestern ice storm — it’ll trim the trees and they’ll come back stronger." And for the auto industry, a big measure of that strength — or at least show of strength — is the unveiling of new products.

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We spent several hours on the floor of the auto show examining vehicles and interviewing automakers about what they have slated for 2010 and beyond to determine which vehicles are the hottest newcomers to Detroit this year.

Volkswagen AG will offer 60 new and refreshed models globally across its brands this year; Nissan will bring eight new cars to market in the next 12 months, including the electric LEAF. In the U.S., Toyota has committed to bring a mass-marketed, plug-in Prius to showrooms in 2012 — which will compete with GM’s plug-in Chevrolet Volt, slated to go on sale later this year.

Higher up in the price spectrum, Mercedes-Benz is debuting its E-Class convertible, BMW is unveiling its BMW Z4 sDrive35i, and Cadillac is showing the coupe version of the high-performance CTS-V this week. What pricier models such as these tend to lack when it comes to bolstering global sales for the automakers, they make up for in fostering a strong brand.

"This is still an emotional business," says Ernst Leib, CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America. "When this show opens to the public, where will they stand?"

Detroit Muscle

Needless to say, when the show opens to the public Saturday auto-show visitors will crowd around and photograph the hottest cars they can find, like Mercedes’ new SLS AMG, complete with gull-wing doors, and Bentley’s $285,000 Mulsanne.

The CTS-V coupe — the price is likely to be close to the sedan’s $62,020 — is a key car for Cadillac, arguably the strongest of GM’s four remaining brands (2009 saw the shelving or sale of Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn and Saab). The CTS was a top-seller for GM last year, and all predictions are that the company’s 556-horsepower, two-door sidekick will hold its on own the showroom floor — as well as on the road.

To prove that point, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz even challenged reporters to a time trial last fall, in which they could race any comparable vehicle against the CTS-V. (Lutz didn’t record the fastest time of the day, but a professional driver handling a CTS-V did.) The coupe is shorter and sits slightly lower than the sedan. It comes with magnetic ride control suspension and Brembo brakes, not to mention a choice of two six-speed transmissions: a dual-disc clutch Tremec TR6060 manual and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic with paddle shifters. With a supercharged V8 engine, it’ll leave quite an impression.

Another pair of muscle-bound machines will hit the ground in early 2010 as well: the Ford Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8 and the Chevrolet Camaro convertible. First, the Ford: Its new engine may not sound like much, but it’s actually a big step forward for the classic pony. With 412 horsepower, Brembo disc brakes and optional six-speed manual transmission, it’ll blow past the 305-horsepower V6 version shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month.

The Camaro convertible, on the other hand, will likely match the specs of its hard-top counterpart: a V6 or V8 engine with 304 to 426 horsepower, 18-inch heritage steel wheels, polished exhaust tips, leather seats and a rear spoiler — not to mention that unmistakable Camaro rumble. It’s slated as a 2012 model but will likely start production in early 2011.

Honda’s Hot Hybrid

Honda’s new coupe is designed to break ground among that same enthusiastic driving set. Rather than other hybrids (the family sedan or soccer-mom SUV with a "hybrid" badge on it), the CR-Z Sport Hybrid is designed primarily for driving enjoyment, Honda says. The car comes with a Civic-inspired 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, three-mode drive system and optional manual gearbox.

While the motor, battery and electronics — not to mention the platform itself — will be the same as the Honda Insight hybrid, the new car will be smaller, making for a more fun, spirited ride.

Unsuspecting drivers likely won’t be able to tell they’re in a hybrid when they slip into the front seat, either. The aerodynamic shape, paddle-shifters, illuminated three-dimensional gauges and black and aluminum trim are all designed to appeal to those for whom green driving isn’t necessarily front-of-mind.

The CR-Z Sport would seem to fit into Honda’s philosophy.

"Our ultimate goal is not to achieve No. 1 market share," says CEO Takanubo Ito. "Our goal is to manufacture products which make our customers happy."

We’ll know by next year’s auto show whether such a strategy pays off.