The Melbourne International Motor Show is now officially under way. This morning saw a number of ‘new’ products launched onto the Australian market. It will be interesting to see how the show is covered in the media, as from where I was standing, there weren't many show stopping acts this year.

The media preview morning opened with the Mitsubishi unveiling of what is to be the new Lancer. On display was one of the sports concepts. Interestingly, Mitsubishi have dropped the sedan styling of previous models to incorporate more of a ‘hot hatch’ vibe into the new unit. As a whole the vehicle cut a sleek figure, and based on what I saw, is destined to shift quite a few units upon its release.

The other major unveiling came from the Holden stand, with the Chevrolet Camaro concept on display. The car just screams ‘grunt’ from the moment you lay eyes on it. For me, the design styling provides a tip of the hat to the US muscle cars of the late 60’s. No word on whether or not it will make its way into production, although I’m tipping that if it does, it will be accompanied by a hefty price tag.

This year a number of manufacturers are really pushing the ‘environmentally friendly’ vehicles in their ranges, with a number of big names launching hybrids. Hybrid technology is fantastic in theory, and in application. Why then, do the designers insist on fitting the hybrid engines to awkward looking bodies? Two of the hybrid unveilings, from Honda and Lexus, attempted to overcome this shortfall by dazzling the crowd with beautiful women. For all I know it may have worked, as from what I overheard, there were a lot of fans of the Honda girls (not too much said about the car though!).

Lexus employed supermodel Erica Baxter as it’s environmentally friendly “face”.

For me, the good old Ralli-art Evo’s still take a lot to beat!

If I were to summaries my highlights for the morning they would be the new look Lancer, the Camaro, Honda Civic Type R and the chrome Lexus IS250. Putting aside the vehicle side of things, my other highlights would be, meeting former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, the Honda girls, Miss Australia and the gourmet sausages.