2011 Detroit Auto Show Buzz Worthiness

SEE ALSO: Detroit Auto Show-Press Pass Coverage

Detroit January 7, 2011; The AP reported that the North American International Auto Show in Detroit opens to the public Jan. 15. Among the cars that will generate buzz:

Prius V: Toyota will unveil a larger Prius, the first vehicle of a new brand built around the hybrid. Toyota has released little information about new vehicle, dubbed the Prius V. But teaser photos show more cargo space and panoramic sunroofs.

Sonic and Verano: GM is introducing two new small cars, the Chevrolet Sonic, a subcompact which will replace the Aveo, and the Buick Verano, a compact car based on the Chevrolet Cruze that will be the smallest car in Buick's lineup.

C-Max: Ford will introduce this small minivan. It's about the size of the Mazda5, but unlike the Mazda, which seats six, the C-Max seats seven. It also has an industry-first feature: A liftgate that opens when the driver waves his or her foot under the back bumper.

New Civic: Honda will unveil the latest version of the Civic, one of the best-selling cars in the U.S. Honda bills it as a concept car, but it will likely be very close to the version that hits dealerships in March.