DETROIT (CBS) — Every Saturday morning we look at cars, kick some tires, take a test drive. This week, I drove out to the Detroit Auto Show.

In coming weeks I’ll tell you about some of the great cars headed to the Chicago Auto Show.

For me, my trip to Detroit was an inspiring look at one U.S. auto maker’s products.

Lots of great cars and a great Detroit car story. It’s a new Corvette. More horsepower, better mileage, made of aluminum and carbon fiber. A symbol that GM is on its feet and running wide open.

“I think it’s very sophisticated,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. “I think it takes Corvette to a different place, that’s why we’re calling it Stingray. Yet it reaches on the heritage of what used to be, and what the past generations bring, which is technological excellence, performance and attain ability.”

The car’s a rock star. An important GM survivor, that fans waited 9 years for.

Drawing on its rich history, with cutting edge design and technology is what GM’s been up to.

Like the Cadillac ELR. It has the heart of a Chevy Volt. An electric car with an extended range gas generator. It’s styling, cutting edge, but clearly Cadillac.

“Well, you look at the new ELR, absolute newest, hottest, advanced looking vehicle here at the show and on the street,” said Ed Welburn, VP Global Design at General Motors. “There’s a hint of a Cadillac fin. Go around take a look at the rear of it. The shape of the tail lamps, the shape of the quarter panels. There’s a hint of a Cadillac fin on the rear of this car. Kind of homage to the heritage of the brand.”

GM remembers where they’ve been. But nobody’s looking back.

General Motors still has a ways to go after their controversial bailout but they’re driving in the right direction.

The Cadillac ELR will be built in Michigan and the Stingray will be built in Bowling Green, Ky.