By Laura Berman

Sexy is back at the North American International Auto Show. Of course, any signs of life would seem sexier than the past two grim years of cars on carpet, drizzle from the Cobo Center roof and the scent of fear hanging heavy in the air.

But this show, opening to the public Saturday, brings sizzle on the floor, plenty of buzz to the senses and a residue of that historic auto show staple: attractive women — and a few men — conveying sex appeal and more than a hint of fantasy and fun. This year, the cars are sexier and so are the people presenting them.