Super high hp puts industry in jaws of the enemy.(Opinion)(North American International Auto Show features high horsepower cars that raise environmental, fuel economy concerns)(Brief Article)

Press preview days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit had such an abundant array of new products and concepts that it was almost a sensory overload. In some ways, it was like Alice in Wonderland.

Early on, there were promises about more hybrid vehicles or fuel cells from General Motors, Ford, Toyota and other automakers. But they weren't the stars. Star status was reserved for wonderfully engineered concepts such as the Cadillac Sixteen with a 1,000-hp V-16 engine, Ford's V-10-powered 427 sedan and the Dodge Tomahawk motorcycle with a V-10 Viper engine.

The big, throaty engines are a lot more fun to see - and hear. But if automakers …