Having just finished up the major auto shows, it's probably not a bad time to ask if America's auto industry is headed in the right direction. As auto enthusiasts we like the idea of ass-kicking, high-output RWD rides like the 2009 Dodge Challenger, 2010 Camaro and Pontiac G8 GXP as much, if not more, than the next guy. But will they sell? A weakening economy, higher gas prices and a general perception that it's cool to be green sort of runs counter to the aims of all these vehicles.

What are the foreign automakers doing? Hyundai has the Genesis Coupe, which promises great performance with a V6 at a lower cost. Subaru has come out with another capable Forester while Ford will soon be selling the seemingly contradictory Ford Flex and Transit Connect. It's "A New Day" at Chrysler. Or is it? Are the "Big 3" seeing what the market wants and delivering, or grasping at straws? Quo Vadimus? Where are we going?

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