Autoweek Design Forum returns for 2012

Last year, Pixar gurus gave attendees an early preview of their hit summer blockbuster, Cars 2, five months before it premiered in theaters. Two years ago, Chrysler's Ralph Gilles brought down the house with an insightful, hilarious keynote on the state of styling. This year, well buckle up: The 2012 Autoweek Design Forum returns on Jan. 12 with another A-list panel of presenters and insider access to the Detroit auto show.

The 2012 lineup will be equally star-studded—and timely—with Lincoln's Max Wolff and Cadillac's Clay Dean weighing in on the state of American luxury. Look for key reveals from both of their brands at the auto show just days before. They'll be followed by Peter Schreyer, Kia's design frontman, who has overseen an impressive surge of style for the Korean brand and who previously created eye-catching Audis.

Peter Horbury, a longtime industry veteran who recently took over as Geely's design chief after stints at Volvo and Ford, will cap things with the keynote address.

Autoweek will also present its Editors' Choice Awards from the Detroit show and offer tours during the industry preview at Cobo Center.

The Design Forum takes place on the top floor of the College of Creative Studies just north of downtown. The building was once the base of General Motors design, and visitors can see the location of Harley Earl's old office. The building was renovated and reopened in 2009, with the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education as a focal point.

A continental breakfast will be served at 8 a.m., with a strolling lunch at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $150 in advance, including the auto-show tour and meals. Students can sign up for a discounted rate of $75, and a limited number of $200 tickets will be available at the door.

For more information, including hotel and parking details, visit designforum.autoweek.com.

By Greg Migliore