Innovation, optimism a plenty at flagship US automobile show

The mood is exuberant at this year's North American International Auto Show. Automakers are flush with profits and the show gleams with performance cars, beefy trucks and exciting experiments, from plug in hybrids to cars carved by a 3-D printer. Here are some key takeaways from the show, which opens to the public on Saturday.

Optimism

The US economy is rejuvenated. Interest rates are low and auto financing is readily available. Car maker shave lots of new offerings with cool features. And gas prices are at a five-year low.