08/22/2006 10:48:00 PM 
VW was there with its new EOS Cabrio, Ford was showing off its new Jaguar, GM had its amazing Saab Aero Concept and it?s Dodge Hornet and Challenger.
Spyker and Tesla were two manufacturers who really stood out because they both exemplify the new trend towards limited batch high- performance vehicles aimed at the super-rich set.
Dutch company Spyker had a small stand showing some of their impeccably designed sports cars and in the concept car area showcased their new D12 SUV.
This model combines the classic Spyker looks with a performance to match; 0 to 60 in 5 seconds and a top speed of 185 mph.
Spyker is a company with an interesting past, it was founded in 1898 and made aircraft and cars until 1925. In 2000, the company was re-launched and was taken public on the Amsterdam stock exchange in 2004.
However, Spyker are one of the smallest players in the automotive world, production in 2005 was limited to 50, this year that number will double to 100.
The other star manufacturer attracting lots of attention was Tesla.
This highly innovative Silicon Valley company, had everyone talking, with its battery-powered sports car. The car blows away the idea that electric cars have golf cart-like performance; with a zero to 60 time of 4 seconds, a top speed of 130 mph and a 250-mile range between charges.
The company has already sold its first 100 cars at $100k a piece and is taking orders for the second 100.
These companies are two of many examples of a new breed of brand; one that produces in very limited quantities for a super-elite. Think of these brands as a notch above the traditional luxury brands of old. They many lack the heritage and history of the old world brands, but because of their technological/innovative edge or unique design, they attract significant attention.
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