Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5 makes its North American debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-2009-audi-q5-makes-its-north-american-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-2009-audi-q5-makes-its-north-american-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-2009-audi-q5-makes-its-north-american-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Audi Q5

Although we've already seen the Audi Q5 in a variety of forms after its initial unveiling in Beijing this past July, the four-ringers decided to finally show off their cute 'ute in North America for the first time at the LA Auto Show. The compact(ish) CUV is packing the award-winning 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine putting out 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque through the seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission, and Audi is quick to point out that with a drag coefficient of just 0.33 and a turbocharged four, the Q5 will be one of the most fuel-efficient offerings in its class. Check the galleries below for more and see our previous post for all the details.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5


Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

LA 2008: 2009 Audi Q5 makes its North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 Audi q52009AudiQ5audilala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowq5Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1379778/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/21/la-2008-2009-audi-q5-makes-its-north-american-debut/1379778/article-detail.xml 1379778 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_audi_q5_la_live_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_audi_q5_la_live_450op.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: U.S. smart fortwo BRABUS is officially official]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-u-s-smart-fortwo-brabus-is-officially-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-u-s-smart-fortwo-brabus-is-officially-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-u-s-smart-fortwo-brabus-is-officially-official/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the smart fortwo BRABUS

The BRABUS edition of smart's diminutive little fortwo is, as we like to say, officially official as of yesterday when the brand pulled the wraps off the new-for-USA model. Unlike the Europeans who have had access to BRABUS smarts for the last few years, we won't be getting the force-fed 112-horsepower three-cylinder engine here in the States, but that means we get to keep the 41 miles per gallon efficiency of the standard smart fortwo. You win some, you lose some, right? It's a nice package that definitely stands apart from other fortwo models thanks to its unique alloy wheels, monochromatic paint in either black or silver and numerous BRABUS emblems inside and out. Want one? It'll cost you $17,990 for the coupe or $20,990 for the cabriolet, which initially strikes us as a fairly steep sum considering it comes with the same 70 horsepower engine of the standard smart. As of right now, only those with fortwo reservations are eligible for the new BRABUS, but that seems likely to change in the near future if the model continues to prove as popular as smart claims it has.

Gallery: LA 2008: Barbus smart fortwo revealed

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sebastian Blanco and Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: U.S. smart fortwo BRABUS is officially official

LA 2008: U.S. smart fortwo BRABUS is officially official originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brabus smartbrabus smart fortwobrabus smart u.s.BrabusSmartBrabusSmartFortwoBrabusSmartU.s.la 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008smartsmart brabussmart fortwosmart fortwo brabussmart fortwo brabus u.s.SmartBrabusSmartFortwoSmartFortwoBrabusSmartFortwoBrabusU.s.Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1378272/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/21/la-2008-u-s-smart-fortwo-brabus-is-officially-official/1378272/article-detail.xml 1378272 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/11/smart-fortwo-brabus-live-re_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/11/smart-fortwo-brabus-live-re.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Top 25 Desktop Wallpapers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-top-25-desktop-wallpapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-top-25-desktop-wallpapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-top-25-desktop-wallpapers/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a super high-res gallery of the 2008 L.A. Auto Show

When the press conferences have died down and most of the cars have made their debuts, we like to roam the halls of the convention center and simply enjoy the cars. This also gives us a chance to take photos of the cars away from the crowds of journalists, and we've put together the 25 best shots of the past few days in a super-high-res gallery meant specifically to adorn the background of your desktop. The photos are available at 1,920 pixels wide to accommodate even the largest of screens (they'll download at that size and can be viewed in the gallery at that size by clicking the "Hi-res" button). Enjoy!

Gallery: LA 2008: Desktop Wallpaper


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2008: Top 25 Desktop Wallpapers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 LA Auto Show2008 Los Angeles Auto Show2008LaAutoShow2008LosAngelesAutoShowLA 2008LA Auto ShowLa2008LaAutoShowThu, 20 Nov 2008 20:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1378475/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-top-25-desktop-wallpapers/1378475/article-detail.xml 1378475 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/la08wallpaper_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/la08wallpaper_lead.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Mazda takes top honors in Design Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-mazda-takes-top-honors-in-design-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-mazda-takes-top-honors-in-design-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-mazda-takes-top-honors-in-design-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more renderings of the Mazda KAAN concept

It wasn't the number one pick of our readers (earning the silver medal in your voting), but Mazda managed to take the top honors at the LA Design Challenge with its KAAN concept. The design itself is a fanciful look into a future where all the roads in California are paved with... um, sub-level electro-conductive polymer (m'kay), which provides juice to the electronic tires that allow the KAAN to reach speeds of up to 250 mph. Up to 30 KAANs would travel together in formations that would cheat the wind, so MAZDA designed the vehicles so that they could fit tightly together in the peloton.

The theme of the competition was to depict what motorsports would be like in 2025. Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles, said that the choice was made because Mazda's entry was "the most innovative and artistic design," and that the KAAN "ultimately brought unique styling back to motorsports." Unique? That seems like a major understatement to us. See all of the contenders after the break

Gallery: 2008 LA Design Challenge: Mazda Kaan


[Source: LA Auto Show]

Continue reading LA 2008: Mazda takes top honors in Design Challenge

LA 2008: Mazda takes top honors in Design Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2008la auto showla auto show 2008la design challengela design challenge 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008LaDesignChallengeLaDesignChallenge2008mazdamazda kaanMazdaKaanThu, 20 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1378656/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-mazda-takes-top-honors-in-design-challenge/1378656/article-detail.xml 1378656 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/mazda_03_l_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/mazda_03_l_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: PWM offers adult Erector Set to build work benches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-pwm-offers-adult-erector-set-to-build-work-benches/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-pwm-offers-adult-erector-set-to-build-work-benches/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-pwm-offers-adult-erector-set-to-build-work-benches/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the American Modular Tooling by PWM
While heading out to our first press conference of the morning here at the LA Auto Show, we spotted this... this... thing. It sort of looks like a car, but is actually an adult Erector Set of sorts. Paul W. Marino Gages (PWM) offers this line of customizable shop benches and tools known as American Modular Tooling. The pieces can be put together in virtually any configuration allowing workers to hold any part in just about any position. It's a pretty cool line and allows shops to build the bench they need for the job, then tear it down and build something different for the next one. It should also help businesses cut down on space and expenses by giving workers a sizable bag of building blocks to work from rather than requiring they buy a new bench or holder for each task. To show off their goods at this year's auto show, they did the natural thing and built what looked like a car out of their parts. If you're interested in this type of equipment (and frankly who isn't?), check out their website and our gallery of high-res images that show their demonstration "car" from different angles.

Gallery: LA 2008: PWM offers adult Erector Set car


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2008: PWM offers adult Erector Set to build work benches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Modular ToolingAmericanModularToolingla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLa2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Paul W. MarinoPaulW.MarinoPWMThu, 20 Nov 2008 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377120/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-pwm-offers-adult-erector-set-to-build-work-benches/1377120/article-detail.xml 1377120 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/pwmmodulartooling---5_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/pwmmodulartooling---5_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Restyled Maserati Quattroporte makes North American debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-restyled-maserati-quattroporte-makes-north-american-deb/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-restyled-maserati-quattroporte-makes-north-american-deb/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-restyled-maserati-quattroporte-makes-north-american-deb/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte S

The updated Maserati Quattroporte made its debut at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year, but us Yanks are getting our first look at the LA Auto Show this week. The most noticeable new feature is the front grille that mimics the GranTurismo's vertical slat design. Both front and rear lights have also been updated with LEDs. Inside, the center console has been reorganized and a new Maserati Multimedia System features an upgraded navigation system. The Quattroporte S also benefits from a new 4.7L V8 with 430 horsepower mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission found in the standard model, as well. We've included the original press release after the jump, and added more live photos of the world's most gorgeous four-door in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: LA 2008: Maserati Quattroporte


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Restyled Maserati Quattroporte makes North American debut

LA 2008: Restyled Maserati Quattroporte makes North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LA 2008La2008MaseratiMaserati QuattroporteMaserati Quattroporte SMaseratiQuattroporteMaseratiQuattroporteSQuattroporteQuattroporte SQuattroporteSThu, 20 Nov 2008 15:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1378465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-restyled-maserati-quattroporte-makes-north-american-deb/1378465/article-detail.xml 1378465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/quattroportela_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/quattroportela_lead.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Two Gumperts are uglier than one]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-two-gumperts-are-uglier-than-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-two-gumperts-are-uglier-than-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-two-gumperts-are-uglier-than-one/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Gumpert Apollos

In case you hadn't noticed, the Gumpert Apollo isn't the prettiest car. Its garish and over-emphasized styling make it look cartoonish, but what it lacks in the visual department is made up with one of the most capable chassis and motor combinations ever produced. In fact, a pair of Apollos were tucked away in one of the connecting halls at the LA Auto Show, and as far as we know they are the only two examples in the country. We've seen the black one tackling speed bumps and taking on the Gumball 3000, and Streetfire featured the orange one a few months back. We're always up for new photos of interesting cars, so behold the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: LA 2008: Gumpert Apollo duo


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2008: Two Gumperts are uglier than one originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GumpertGumpert ApolloGumpertApolloLA 2008La2008Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-two-gumperts-are-uglier-than-one/1377186/article-detail.xml 1377186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/gumpertlalive_03_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/gumpertlalive_03_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Kia's Soul-ful debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-kias-soul-ful-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-kias-soul-ful-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-kias-soul-ful-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more live shots of the Kia Soul in LA

Kia put on quite a show today, prancing out a slew of new Souls at the LA Auto Show. Expected to drop as an early 2010 model in late '09, the new boxy Soul will go head-to-head with the equally-new Nissan Cube for the affections of ex-xB buyers here in the States. While the Cube really goes after the square-edged look, Kia has softened the Soul. The box's rising beltline starts lower in the front and gradually sweeps skyward at the rear, adding a unique look to the little crossover. A standard 1.6L four banger pushes roughly 120 horses through a five-speed manual tranny and an optional 2.0L unit with about 140 horsepower can be mated with either the stick or a four-speed automatic on uplevel models. Each should exceed 30 mpg on the highway.

The Korean automaker promises that there will be an abundant number of customization possibilities for its new Soul and there will be three separate Soul models in addition to the base kit, including the Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. We think that they may be trying a bit too hard to be young and hip with these odd model designations, but standard auxiliary and USB input jacks in the center console with full iPod control through the steering wheel audio controls strike us as an excellent idea for its target demographic. Details on what each model gets are in the press release pasted after the break.

Gallery: LA 2008: Kia Soul Live Debut


Gallery: 2010 Kia Soul


Live Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Kia's Soul-ful debut

LA 2008: Kia's Soul-ful debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 kia soul2010KiaSoulkiakia soulKiaSoulla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1378439/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-kias-soul-ful-debut/1378439/article-detail.xml 1378439 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/kia_soul_la_live_10_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/kia_soul_la_live_10_450op.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: VW Jetta TDI named Green Car of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-vw-jetta-tdi-named-green-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-vw-jetta-tdi-named-green-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-vw-jetta-tdi-named-green-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Green Car of the Year

There are a few standouts in the emerging green sector of the U.S. auto market that are hitting the market in 2009. BMW's first clean diesel in the United States, the 335d, is one such vehicle that has torque-loving enthusiasts salivating, and General Motors' upcoming Saturn Vue is the first application of the 2-Mode hybrid system in a front-wheel drive vehicle. No green car discussion is complete without a mention of the smart fortwo, which sports the best mileage of any non-hybrid car available. Of course, the new Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid from Ford are shaping up to be real contenders in the green mid-size sedan sweepstakes and they may take a chunk out of Camry hybrid sales when it finally debuts. Still, there is one '09 car that seems to offer the best of all worlds, with a relatively low starting price, excellent fuel economy and refined driving dynamics: The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. For these reasons, the oil-burner from Germany has been selected by Green Car Journal as the 2009 Green Car of the Year. We're not arguing with the decision, but you are, of course, free to make your voice heard in the comments section.

Gallery: 2009 Green Car of the Year: VW Jetta TDI



Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: VW Jetta TDI named Green Car of the Year

LA 2008: VW Jetta TDI named Green Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 green car of the year2009GreenCarOfTheYeargreen car of the yearGreenCarOfTheYearlala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowvolkswagen jetta tdivolkswagen jetta tdi green car of the yearVolkswagenJettaTdiVolkswagenJettaTdiGreenCarOfTheYearvw jetta green car of the yearvw jetta tdiVwJettaGreenCarOfTheYearVwJettaTdiThu, 20 Nov 2008 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1378344/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-vw-jetta-tdi-named-green-car-of-the-year/1378344/article-detail.xml 1378344 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/pb201564_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/pb201564_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Ferrari California comes home]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-ferrari-california-comes-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-ferrari-california-comes-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-ferrari-california-comes-home/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ferrari California

The Ferrari California delves into new territory for Ferrari, both in theme and design. Many faithful to the marque may be against its styling, but the true test will be sales numbers. As Porsche has proved over the last few years, the addition of successful new models can be a valuable asset to a company's finances, and we're all in favor of Ferrari's increased capability to improve the breed. The LA Auto Show is the first time we've seen the car in its namesake state, and we took the chance to give it another close inspection after our recent first encounter with the Ferrari California in Sicily. The style is definitely growing on us, and we dearly loved the car in Azzurro Blue. Still on the fence? Check out the gallery below and see if you can make up your mind.

Gallery: LA 2008: Ferrari California


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2008: Ferrari California comes home originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari californiaFerrariCalifornialala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowThu, 20 Nov 2008 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377400/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-ferrari-california-comes-home/1377400/article-detail.xml 1377400 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/ferraricalla_lead2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/ferraricalla_lead2.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Honda Insight Eco Assist dashboard

There's more to driving green than just the car you choose. The way you pilot the vehicle makes a huge impact on your fuel mileage, and automakers are now beginning to endow their new wares with technology that teaches you how to drive green. Honda's upcoming Insight is a perfect example, with its new Eco Assist dashboard that keeps tabs on the driver's right foot and relays information back via a color-changing speedometer and and "economy scoring function." Honda aims to make "the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding" with these technologies -- kinda like a video game -- that are activated by a green ECON button on the dash. When pressed, the CVT transmission changes modes and computers adjust the operation of the A/C, stop the engine from idling sooner and increases regenerative braking capabilities.

With this announcement, Honda joins Ford in the eco-dash wars. The Blue Oval recently revealed its LCD gauge cluster called SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which will debut in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid. The tech wars are heating up fast and new innovations such as these green gauge clusters may make driving a rewarding experience for a completely new reason. Progress?

Gallery: LA 2008: Honda Insight Eco Assist


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard

LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco assisteco assist dashboardEcoAssistEcoAssistDashboardhondahonda insighthonda insight eco assisthonda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsightEcoAssistHondaInsightHybridla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1378162/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/1378162/article-detail.xml 1378162 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/eco_assist_system_1_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/eco_assist_system_1_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Hyundai approves HED-5 i-Mode for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-hyundai-approves-hed-5-i-mode-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-hyundai-approves-hed-5-i-mode-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-hyundai-approves-hed-5-i-mode-for-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode

We first saw Hyundai's rolling CUV shapeship, the HED-5 i-Mode, back in Geneva, but today at the LA Auto Show is the first time the Korean automaker has shown the car in the States. New to the crossover is a 2.0L gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine that Hyundai plans to roll out in production machines shortly. The new Theta Turbo GDI engine puts out 286 horsepower, which is very impressive for such a small powerplant. Hyundai puts its direct injection and turbo technology to good effect and combines these new features with its Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to allow for a 15-20 percent fuel economy increase compared with a standard 2.0L four-banger. Expect to see this new engine make its way into a production car sometime in 2010.

According to Hyundai, the HED-5 has been approved for production and a new six-seat production CUV will hit the market in 2010 that's inspired by its design. Of course, don't expect to see its far-out future-spec interior make it to production, but the GDI engine and general look of the concept is a lock.

Gallery: Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski and Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Hyundai approves HED-5 i-Mode for production

LA 2008: Hyundai approves HED-5 i-Mode for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct injecteddirect injectionDirectInjectedDirectInjectiongasoline direct injectionGasolineDirectInjectionhyundaihyundai hed-5hyundai hed-5 concepthyundai hed-5 i-modeHyundaiHed-5HyundaiHed-5ConceptHyundaiHed-5I-modela 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008thetatheta turboThetaTurboThu, 20 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/20/la-2008-hyundai-approves-hed-5-i-mode-for-production/1377585/article-detail.xml 1377585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/11/hed-5_live_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/11/hed-5_live_450.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder unveiled LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-lamborghini-gallardo-lp560-4-spyder-unveiled-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-lamborghini-gallardo-lp560-4-spyder-unveiled-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-lamborghini-gallardo-lp560-4-spyder-unveiled-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

When we got word that Lamborghini was bringing a new model to the LA Auto Show, it wasn't hard to guess what it would be: the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Sun-loving Californians would all drive convertibles if they could, making Los Angeles an ideal venue for the debut, and Lamborghini has a habit of following up its coupe models with a drop top version. Our hunch was confirmed earlier this morning when pictures flooded the internet, and we know have live shots from the show floor, along with more details on the car. The new folding top runs via a hydraulic pump as well as electric motor that can close and raise the top in around 20 seconds. The headlights have been slightly updated with new LEDs and daytime running lights. As with the coupe version, the Spyder features the new 5.2L V10 producing 552 bhp and 398 lb-ft torque, and the suspension and e-gear transmission upgrades carry over as well. With the reduced weight and added power, the Spyder now reaches 100 km/h in four seconds flat and tops out at a touch over 200 mph. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, and both live and press shots are in the high resolution galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder


Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder unveiled LIVE

LA 2008: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder unveiled LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LA 2008La2008LamborghiniLamborghini GallardoLamborghini Gallardo LP560-4Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 SpyderLamborghini Gallardo SpyderLamborghiniGallardoLamborghiniGallardoLp560-4LamborghiniGallardoLp560-4SpyderLamborghiniGallardoSpyderWed, 19 Nov 2008 20:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1376909/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-lamborghini-gallardo-lp560-4-spyder-unveiled-live/1376909/article-detail.xml 1376909 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/lp5604lalive_04_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/lp5604lalive_04_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: VW Race Touareg 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-vw-race-touareg-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-vw-race-touareg-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-vw-race-touareg-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Race Touareg 2

This is Volkswagens entrant in this weekend's Baja 1000: a spaceframe-chassis Touareg TDI with 75 cm of suspension travel competing in the top-dog Trophy Truck class and utilizing an oil-burning V12 with nearly 550 hp. That's a long way from the first VW win in 1967 that came courtesy of a VW Beetle converted into one of the soon-to-be-ubiquitous dune monsters. Driver Mark Miller won the Baja 500 last year in the first Race Touareg. Aided by helicopters and eight support vehicles, we'll find out on Sunday if he and navigator Ryan Arciero can take The Big One this year.

Gallery: LA 2008: Volkswagen Race Touareg 2


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Sebastian Blanco, Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: VW Race Touareg 2

LA 2008: VW Race Touareg 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baja 1000Baja1000la 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008motorsportsrace touareg 2RaceTouareg2volkswagenvolkswagen race touareg 2VolkswagenRaceTouareg2vwWed, 19 Nov 2008 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377467/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-vw-race-touareg-2/1377467/article-detail.xml 1377467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_baja_touareg_race_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_baja_touareg_race_450op.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-toyota-shows-off-camry-cng-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-toyota-shows-off-camry-cng-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-toyota-shows-off-camry-cng-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for high-res image gallery of the Toyoat CNG hybrid Camry

Toyota isn't holding a press conference at the LA Auto Show this year, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to show. The Prius purveyors have built a CNG-fueled Camry hybrid. According to Toyota spokesperson Jana Hartline, the purpose of the CNG hybrid is to demonstrate the versatility of Hybrid Synergy Drive. The car gets 50% better fuel efficiency than the last production CNG vehicle offered by Toyota, which was based on the 2000 Camry. Hartline explained Toyota has no immediate plans to produce either CNG or CNG hybrid vehicles, but the company is looking at all alternatives for the future.

Gallery: LA 2008: Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid



Gallery: Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid

LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cnghybrid synergy driveHybridSynergyDrivela 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008toyota camry cng hybridToyotaCamryCngHybridWed, 19 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-toyota-shows-off-camry-cng-hybrid/1377411/article-detail.xml 1377411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/11/toyota-camry-cng-hybrid-1280-12_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/11/toyota-camry-cng-hybrid-1280-12_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Mercury Milan

It's almost hard to believe that a few months ago Mercury was headed for the River Styx. Now it's slated to live, although life is only slowly returning. The Mercury Milan sat up on its plinth at the LA Auto Show today and didn't do much - not even turn - but it didn't look too bad. The revamped model has a new grille, fenders, hood, front and rear fascias, and a cleaner underbody for aerodynamic reasons. Inside gets more leather - embossed skins on the Premier Edition - and backlighting for the gauges.The 3.0L V6 gets an extra 19 hp to touch 240, and you'll get up to 5 mpg more than those other, previous-gen Milan owners. Sorry, no 3.5L V6 for the Milan though, as that larger, more powerful engine is exclusive to the new Fusion Sport. But the Milan has also been filled with more electronic doodads than the CES convention. Check them all out after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan


Gallery: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.






Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray

LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanlala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowmercurymercury milanMercuryMilanmilanWed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377349/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/1377349/article-detail.xml 1377349 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_2010_mercury_milan_live_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_2010_mercury_milan_live_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: the 2010 Mustang colonizes the interwebs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-the-2010-mustang-colonizes-the-interwebs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-the-2010-mustang-colonizes-the-interwebs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-the-2010-mustang-colonizes-the-interwebs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang

There isn't much more to say about the 2010 Ford Mustang, so we'll keep this brief. The new coupe and convertible, as standard versions, will get some of the upscale Bullitt treatment from the current Mustang, so life should be even better for even more. We'll let the press release after the jump, our definitive overview, video synopsis and the gallery of high-res shots below do the rest of the talking for us.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Ford Mustang LIVE


Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: the 2010 Mustang colonizes the interwebs

LA 2008: the 2010 Mustang colonizes the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 ford mustang2010 ford mustang convertible2010FordMustang2010FordMustangConvertibleconvertiblefordlala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowmustangWed, 19 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-the-2010-mustang-colonizes-the-interwebs/1377327/article-detail.xml 1377327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/11_2010_mustang_live_la_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/11_2010_mustang_live_la_450op.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mazda3-shows-its-smiling-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mazda3-shows-its-smiling-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mazda3-shows-its-smiling-face/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Mazda3 sedan

Mazda has unveiled its 2010 Mazda3 sedan here at the LA Auto Show and we managed to snap some nice shots off as it was spinning around on a huge rotating stand. It's a good looking car that Mazda says carries on its "family face" with stylish bulges and creases that attract the eyes, and we're really looking forward to seeing the hatchback version as well. Underhood is a newly-enlarged 2.5-liter version of Mazda's MZR inline-four that offers up 167-horsepower and can be mated to either a 6-speed stick or 5-speed auto. As before, a standard 148-horsepower 2.0L four will be available and can be had with either a manual or auto tranny with 5 forward ratios each.

Considering the low price class in which the Mazda3 competes, features like dual-zone automatic climate control, Xenon self-leveling head lamps, push-button start and hands-free Bluetooth are very nice touches, as is the iPod integration and an optional leather interior. Increasingly important these days is fuel mileage, so the 3's low .29 coefficient of drag is an important piece of the overall efficiency puzzle and helps the 2010 Mazda3 hit 33 mpg on the highway with the smaller engine option. See the full press release past the break for all the details and be sure to check out our live shots below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3


Gallery: 2010 Mazda3


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio, Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3 shows its smiling face [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mazda32010 mazda3 sedan2010Mazda3Sedanbreakingla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mazdamazda3Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377334/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mazda3-shows-its-smiling-face/1377334/article-detail.xml 1377334 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_mazda3_live_la_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_mazda3_live_la_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: 2009 BMW 7 Series and Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid unveiled LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2009-bmw-7-series-and-concept-7-series-activehybrid-unv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2009-bmw-7-series-and-concept-7-series-activehybrid-unv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2009-bmw-7-series-and-concept-7-series-activehybrid-unv/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

We already knew pretty much everything there is to know about the U.S. 2009 7 Series, but BMW pulled the covers, both literally and symbolically, off its new range-topper right on schedule anyway. In person, the new 7 has much more presence than it appears to have in photos, with an eye-catching crease that runs the length of the car and incorporates the large protruding door handles. The only engine option at the time of launch is the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that's capable of launching the big 7 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, but we'd be surprised if a force-fed 3.0L gas-powered inline-six didn't make an appearance sooner or later, as well. The Bavarian automaker also revealed that it has production plans for a hybrid 7 Series as previewed by its Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid and believes it can get it launched within a year. What's more, BMW made a big deal about its upcoming diesel technology, so we could definitely see an oil-burning 7 Series on our shores before too long.

Gallery: LA 2008: BMW Concept 7-series ActiveHybrid


Gallery: 2009 BMW 750Li


Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid


Live Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski, Sebastian Blanco, Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2008: 2009 BMW 7 Series and Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid unveiled LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw 7bmw 7 seriesbmw 7 series activehybridbmw 7 series hybridbmw 7-seriesbmw 750iBmw7Bmw7-seriesBmw750iBmw7SeriesBmw7SeriesActivehybridBmw7SeriesHybridla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-2009-bmw-7-series-and-concept-7-series-activehybrid-unv/1377189/article-detail.xml 1377189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_bmw_active_7er_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/01_bmw_active_7er_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-lincoln-mkz-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-lincoln-mkz-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-lincoln-mkz-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln's foray into the entry level luxury sedan market has gone through several changes over the past few years, starting with the introduction of the Zephyr in 2006 and evolving into the MKZ in 2007. In addition to the name change, Lincoln replaced the 3.0L V6 with a 3.5L unit, added a 6-speed automatic and provided the option of AWD. Now for 2010, Lincoln has given the MKZ a substantial refresh to keep pace in one of the most competitive segments. Follow the jump to see what's new for the MKZ, and check out our high-res image galleries below of official and live shots taken when we had a chance to preview the car in person last week.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ


Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ - LIVE


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveiled

LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lincoln MKZ2010 MKZ2010LincolnMkz2010MkzLA 2008La2008LincolnLincoln MKZLincolnMkzMKZWed, 19 Nov 2008 15:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1369035/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-lincoln-mkz-unveiled/1369035/article-detail.xml 1369035 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2010mkzlive_04_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2010mkzlive_04_opt.jpg -1 2