The concepts are rolling out and there have been some surprises. Chrysler is out in front with the most risk taking concepts. Whether good, bad or indifferent, it is nice to see something new. The domestics seem to be holding strong with unique styling and innovative design (Dodge Ram) while the imports are all about reaching into new categories and spreading their wealth. I will wait to give much of a design critique until I see the cars in person on Wednesday at the Design Forum. But here are some quick jabs at the newborns of first impressions.

List of top picks after the jump….

Dodge Zeo

This is quite a departure for the Dodge brand. Good looking car with the wide fenders and clean surfacing. I am just having a hard time tying it to the Dodge brand. This would look sweet on the road though.

Lincoln MKT

Me likey the new face of Lincoln, it’s the ass that’s getting in the way, even in the midwest….

That aside, this is a really unique proportion and a great rebadge of the Ford Flex. I am hoping it looks better in person.

Cadillac CTS Coupe

I am glad to see coupes coming back, and this is just what Cadillac needs to bring their buying age down. The rear quarter could use some botox to add girth to the wheel flare. I am surprised they went with a hatchback look.

Chrysler ecoVoyager

I will wait and comment on this when I see it because I am sure it looks better in person, hopefully. Props for breaking up the of minivan, wagon thingy segment, but, uh, well, it looks interesting.

Ford Explorer

Way to go Ford. Somehow they incorporated all of the styling ques from their new vehicles and the heritage of the Explorer and put them into a new modern package. I think this looks great and is a huge step in the right direction.

Jeep Renegade

Has Jeep gone soft? I can appreciate clean lines and smooth surfaces as much as the next guy, but has this gone too far for the Jeep brand? Or is this another soft roader aimed at the female market? I am a huge supporter of Jeep, so I hope it wins me over at the show.

Land Rover LRX

Land Rover hits another one of the park. What a great little brother to the Land Rover Sport. I don’t know how Land Rover takes a design history of straight almost parallel lines and can inject them with such energy and emotion. Great product design on the details like the skid plate, grill, lights, etc..

Mazda Furai

What isn’t cool about a race car? The flowing lines of the Mazda design language look right at home here. Question is, when will this styling theme make its’ way to the production cars?

Hummer HX

It’s about time. Sweet truck with the best Hummer interior to date. This is a great modernization of the Wrangler. I only wish they take some notes from Land Rover and freshen up the details while keeping the Hummer theme, ex. grill, skid plates……

Toyota A-BAT

Except for the “Hoover” front end this truck looks pretty good. The size is a little misleading from the picture and the proportions will make this truck. Great interior and functional bed.

That is all for now, like I said earlier, these are all first impressions, so I have the right to change my mind come Thursday. Please add any comments of yours to agree or try and change my mind. Later.