Autoblog

Click above for high-res images of the 2008 US Mazda5

While we just showed you the revised 2008 Euro Mazda5 that will make its debut in Bologna, we wanted to let U.S. 5 fans know that it will be more than a year before most, if any, of those changes find their way to our shores. We say this based on the fact that we've already seen the 2008 Mazda5. Quietly sitting in one corner of Mazda's display area at the L.A. Auto Show was the 2008 version of this fun and practical microvan. Besides some minor exterior tweaks to the front and rear fascias, different wheels and arguably better looking taillights, all of the changes appeared to be to the interior. Some of the complaints about the current 5 had related to the lack of dual armrests for all seats, the lack of rear vents for the HVAC system, no rear window tint, and a very limited interior color palette. Well, those concerns have been addressed. The show model was painted in a new darker red that has essentially replaced the salmon-like "Cardinal Red" that disappeared in '07. The interior, however was a light gray over dark gray leather, which will supplement the tan and black leather that first appeared with the Grand Touring model this year.

Although the photos are a bit dark, you can see the light side and rear window tinting Mazda is now using, as well as the new dual armrests and the revised dash and center console, which is a huge improvement over the previous edition. The pop-up navigation screen has been replaced by an in-dash unit with new controls. The center console loses its deep storage bin and cover in exchange for revised cupholders, heated seat switches, an open storage area and those all-important rear vents. You'll also notice that the hidden power outlet has been relocated a little higher up and has been given some company via a second port. While we didn't get a look under the hood, the transmission appeared to be the same 4-speed auto from the current lineup and this unit didn't sport any power sliding doors or rear view cam either. Whether or not they will be available is unknown, but it would make sense that if Mazda had planned to offer them they would probably use the show to flaunt those features. Anyway, these are some nice changes to an already very desirable nanovan.

Check out the full gallery below.

What would an auto show be without all those lovely models? Although they weren't deployed as numerously as at some other recent shows (Frankfurt, Tokyo and SEMA come to mind) Los Angeles had its fair share of pretty faces representing the various manufacturers. It also had a few celebrities floating around to make you know you were close to Hollywood. Former NBAer John Salley, racer Derek Bell, "The Transporter" himself, Jason Statham, architect Frank Gehry, and California's own Governator made it into our files this year. Aside from the ones in our gallery there were several others who proved too elusive even for our shutterbug corps, which included occasional helper Las de Alwis as well as several AB and ABG regulars. We'll just have to try harder next time.

Click image at right for high-res gallery of some of the beautiful people from Los Angeles.

Large high-res gallery of all of the Lotus models available by clicking above

This week in LA, veteran Lotus development engineer Roger Becker told the assembled press about the changes we'll see in the Elise and Exige for 2008. He also talked a bit about some of the changes happening at the factory and even gave us some info about new models in the company's future.

The biggest recent news for Lotus was that the Elise SC and Exige S were given an optional power boost via a Magnuson-developed supercharger that raises horsepower from 190 to 218 or 240 depending on the application. Other changes were made to all 2008 model year cars in the lineup.

Aside from upgraded brakes and a few other tweaks, the biggest changes came inside, where a new security system has been installed that for the first time ever allows a single key for Lotus owners. As a nod to American driving habits, TPMS and a new information display were also added, because as Becker put it, we aren't too aware of when a tire is going down and need to have it pointed out. That line was delivered without missing a beat and expertly showed a typically dry British sense of humor. Funny guy. Follow the jump for individual model news and to hear more about the upcoming Eagle and Esprit replacement too!

[Source: Lotus]

Click for all of the fresh-squeezed orange zestiness

Well, we saw it in person here in LA, and the Aston Martin N400 Roadster we told you about a few days ago is just as orange as the coupe.

click above image to view more pics of the Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition

Porsche displayed one extra cool looking Cayman S at the LA Auto Show, with a heckuva mouthful of a name. This black on black Cayman S was sporting 997 Turbo wheels and a unique stripe and lettering set, plus a moniker that would cost more than the car if sold by the syllable. Officially known as the Porsche Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1, it impressed us with its surprisingly attractive stripes and its handsome Turbo rims. Very sharp. As we told you back in August, this special Cayman S was built to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche's original Porsche Design project, their first chronograph. Porsche Design is perhaps best known for its consumer goods, but this 777-car limited edition Cayman shows that they can dress up cars, as well.

Porsche has worked hard to incorporate the Porsche Design look into a Cayman S. The gauge cluster takes on the appearance of a Porsche Design chrono, and the entire car is finished in black inside and out. The body is lowered 10mm and the exterior is further set off by the 19-inch 911 Turbo wheels and matte black accent striping on the doors, hood, roof, and rear deck. Black Alcantara and a special plaque on the instrument panel help trim out the passenger cabin. Each car also comes with a briefcase packed with Porsche Design goodies including a chronograph, pen, sunglasses, knife and keyring. Like the car, these personal items are finished in all black. Porsche Design Edition 1 sales kick off this month in Germany, with US sales following in January of 2008. The price? €58,600 in Germany (€69,942 with the 19% VAT factored in). We presume US pricing will be announced closer to its arrival Stateside and don't harbor any doubts that Porsche will easily sell out the 777-car run.

[Source: Porsche]

click image above for more pics of the Vector Avtech WX-8

Remember the new Vector we told you about yesterday, the one we likened to a previous gen Camaro? Believe it or not, the Vector Avtech WX-8 looks way worse in person. But don't let that turn you off. This is clearly just a prototype and although the overall shape may stay the same, there are a lot of tasty nuggets we learned about the car from stopping at its booth here in LA. First of all, the engine will be longitudinally mounted, not transverse. Secondly, besides that 7.0L V8 with its twin-turbo setup, there will also be an optional upgrade to a single whippled marine mill that should pump out somewhere north of 750 HP. If that seems too tame, you can opt for a twin-supercharged version that promises a whopping 1850 HP (!). The performance stats for that one are listed as 0-60 in 2.5, the quarter in a superbike-like 10.0, and a top speed of 275 MPH+. Well, that plus sign after the 275 can make it 300 MPH with Bonneville gearing, according to Vector. By the time this thing reaches production, we wouldn't doubt claims of 3,000 HP and 400 MPH knowing Vector. And as a slightly veiled slap at a certain super-Lambo displayed just on the other side of the wall, there is a huge photo of an F-22 Raptor behind the Vector to remind us of the inspiration and aeromotive engineering behind it. No pricing or production dates were announced though, so stay tuned.

UPDATE: Video of live reveal added after jump

click above image for high-res live shots of the U.S.-spec Nissan GT-R

Not only did we finally get to see the new U.S.-spec Nissan GT-R for the first time on these shores, but we also found out how much it will cost when it goes on sale next June in the States. Starting at $69,850 or slightly more for the premium package, this 7:38 Ring lapper represents a true performance bargain. In fact, with its twin-turbo 3.8L V6 churning out a healthy 480 HP and 430 ft-lbs of torque, this AWD supercar may bump the Z06 as the best bang-for-your buck when you factor in the practicality of its design. Fans of the new GT-R are well-versed in what they get for that money and can now see the undisguised face and tail in American trim. Carlos Ghosn himself revealed the car after we were teased with a quick animated trailer in which the GT-R led a certain German Turbo around various tracks and roads, seemingly without working up a sweat. That aforementioned Ring time certainly seems to back up the performance claims. Look for the GT-R in a select group of Nissan dealers that meet specific and stringent certification standards by early summer. Pre-orders will start in January, but we suggest you buy a tent and start camping out now.