Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had a chance to chat with Lotus USA spokesman Kevin Smith at the LA Auto Show and he shared a bit of news with us. He confirmed that while we unfortunately won't be getting the limited edition Exige Scura/Stealth that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, we will will get something close. The problem is the special matte black paint on the Scura. We reported on the rubberized finish at the time after talking with Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker. The matte finish can be marked up, and because of process used to apply it, it's not possible to do spot repairs on the affected area.

Because of the litigious nature of America when it comes to product liability, Lotus has apparently opted not to offer the special paint job. We will, however, get essentially the rest of the car including the new wheel design that debuted on the Scura. The rest of the mechanical bits are largely the same as the Exige 260 S that we had so much fun with a few months ago. Lotus is still finalizing the spec of the new limited edition model but Smith tells us that it will be available in four colors including Phantom Black. Approximately 20-30 units will be built for the U.S. market in two-to-three months with availability in early spring.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Lotus]

LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exige scuraexige stealthExigeScuraExigeStealthla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009lotuslotus exigelotus exige scuralotus exige stealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealthThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19263014/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/19263014/article-detail.xml 19263014 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mini brought its birthday presents to itself out to the LA Auto Show for their North American debut today. The Cambden and Mayfair were there, but we spent a lot more time ogling the Coupe and Roadster. As you may recall, Mini created these two sports cars to celebrate its 50th anniversary and showed them off alongside the two special edition Coopers at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The changes are slightly less obvious on the open-top roadster, but you can definitely see that there's no back seat and the windshield is laid back a claimed 16 degrees over the standard Cooper. The backwards baseball cap on the coupe is a bit odd looking in pics and the real world view doesn't do much to change that impression.

None of the display vehicles sported any detail changes but it was still fun to see all of them packed into a booth the size of Toyota's Venza section. Ian Robertson of BMW did share a few more details about the future of MINI, with the "R60" 4-door-4-liter-4wd about to get a real name and even more models in the works. For now we have the Coopers and Clubmen and the coupe and roadster to keep us happy. Check out the gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: MINI]

LA 2009: MINI Coupe & Roadster Concepts are so LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperLAla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowminimini coopermini coupemini coupe conceptmini roadsterMINI Roadster ConceptMiniCooperMiniCoupeMiniCoupeConceptMiniRoadsterMiniRoadsterConceptWed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19261843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/19261843/article-detail.xml 19261843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---00.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-2011-toyota-sienna-could-wear-a-lexus-badge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-2011-toyota-sienna-could-wear-a-lexus-badge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-2011-toyota-sienna-could-wear-a-lexus-badge/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Toyota Sienna SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the new third-generation 2011 Toyota Sienna shows up in dealerships next February, parents should head straight to their closest dealer after dropping the kids at soccer. Notice we didn't say "Moms." We said "parents." Although other minivan makers have attempted to butch up their people movers in the past, those efforts have been mostly lamentable. Toyota, on the other hand, has actually made a van (there's nothing mini about this new Sienna) that arguably looks sporty enough to chip away at the undeserved mommy-mobile stigma of the class. Don't let that purse tray dissuade you.

And if NASCAR dads drag their feet a bit before heading over to trade in the old Previa or Chevrolet Suburban, they may choose the sportier SE in the showroom come April. While even the base Sienna will boast a design theme that looks surprisingly assertive, the SE adds an aggressive body kit and 19-inch six-spoke wheels to go with its stiffer suspension and remapped transmission programming. There's also a different grille and clear tail lamps. Unfortunately, there won't be a TRD supercharger underhood or even a cold air intake or freer-flowing exhaust to up the power, but on looks alone, this thing might have what it takes to broaden the appeal of minivans to the XY set.

Debuting at the LA Auto Show today, the 2011 Sienna looks like a more macho 2009 Sienna cross-bred with Toyota's Venza crossover. The family resemblance is striking, particularly from the rear. Nifty details are to be found all around - things like the cleverly hidden high-mounted rear wiper. Toyota promises that this third-generation Sienna will also drive more like a sedan while still swallowing people and cargo with equal ease.

We've had an advanced in-person look at this model, and the seven or eight people who find themselves filling the seats inside this new Sienna figure to be impressed by the Lexus-like interior with its new three-tone color scheme, ample use of wood, and clever luxury touches. Particularly "wow" inducing are the wooden swoosh across the dash, the second row seats with their integrated retractable leg rests that slide a long way forward to grant access to the power-operated 60/40 Split & Stow third row, and the 16-inch dual view LCD screen for rear seat entertainment. Yes, sixteen.

Built on a revised version of the outgoing platform, the 2011 Sienna has the same wheelbase but is slightly shorter, lower and wider than its predecessor. It will be available in five different trim levels: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel-drive will still be available on V6-powered LE, XLE and Limited models. That V6 is the same 3.5-liter Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) unit available today, with 266 horsepower. The engine is stout enough to give the Sienna a 3,500-pound tow capacity while returning mileage of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Also available in Sienna and LE will be the VVT-i 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horses and a slight bump in mileage to 19/26.

We'll have lots to say about this new Sienna after our first drive in a couple of weeks, but for now, you can read more about it in the press release we've pasted after the jump and check out high-res shots in our gallery below.


Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge

LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 sienna2011 Toyota2011 toyota sienna2011Sienna2011Toyota2011ToyotaSiennaLA 2009LA autoshowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoshowlaautoshow2009LaShowminivanSiennatoyotaToyota minivanToyotaMinivanWed, 02 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19216065/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/la-2009-2011-toyota-sienna-could-wear-a-lexus-badge/19216065/article-detail.xml 19216065 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2011toyotasienna_stock_000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2011toyotasienna_stock_000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As we slowly emerge from our Thanksgiving food comas, we can start gearing up for more holiday food, family, and fun in December, with an automotive twist. We can also look forward to the real beginning of the auto show season with the first major American show, the LA Auto Show. There are also some smaller shows like the New England Auto Show in Boston, and the conclusion of the San Francisco International Auto Show at the Moscone Center.

All of the major motorsports seasons have concluded, but there will be plenty of silly season news to cover. There are small concours and special events going on in December as well -- The 2nd Spirit of Competition Awards Dinner at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, East Coast Indoor Nationals at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, Gulf Coast Motor Sports Holiday Cruisin Southern Style, 8th Annual Kustom Kulture Show in Anaheim, CA, and the 4th Annual Family Picnic and carnival at The Petersen Automotive Museum in LA,

There will also be a slew of Toys for Tots-type charity car shows as we head into the Holidays. We'll be returning to two of our favorites, the 6th Annual Motor4Toys event, and the 6th Annual Toys for Tots Drive hosted by the Schnuerer family in Huntington Beach, CA, but there are many more such events going on all around the country. Check your local paper for more and if you come across any, feel free to post details and links in the comments.

If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowautoblog calendarAutoblog calendar of eventsAutoblog event calendarAutoblogCalendarAutoblogCalendarOfEventsAutoblogEventCalendarcalendarEast Coast Indoor NationalsEastCoastIndoorNationalsGulf Coast Motor Sports Holiday Cruisin Southern StyleGulfCoastMotorSportsHolidayCruisinSouthernStyleKustom Kulture ShowKustomKultureShowLAla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeleslos angeles auto showLosAngelesLosAngelesAutoShowMotor4ToysNew England Auto ShowNewEnglandAutoShowpetersen automotive museumPetersenAutomotiveMuseumSan Francisco International Auto ShowSanFranciscoInternationalAutoShowSchnuererSimeone Foundation Automotive MuseumSimeoneFoundationAutomotiveMuseumSpirit of Competition AwardsSpiritOfCompetitionAwardsThe PetersenThe Petersen Automotive MuseumThe Petersen MuseumThePetersenThePetersenAutomotiveMuseumThePetersenMuseumtoys for totsToysForTotsWed, 02 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19259339/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/19259339/article-detail.xml 19259339 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/abcalendargraphic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/abcalendargraphic.jpg <![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - click above for high-res image gallery

More than a year after first showing us a styling buck and nearly as long since launching it overseas, General Motors is finally showing off the production Chevy Cruze for North America. Set to be shown publicly this week at the LA Auto Show, the Cruze is still a good eight or nine months away from arriving in U.S. showrooms.

When it does finally arrive, the Cruze should be a huge step forward from the Chevy Cobalt, and GM hopes it will be an able competitor to the next-generation Honda Civic and Ford Focus, which are slated to arrive not long afterward. The Cruze is slightly larger than the Cobalt, but will be powered by downsized engines, including a new 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, as well as a 1.8-liter normally-aspirated unit with similar power but less torque. All Cruze models will get six-speed gearboxes - either manual or automatic. The turbo Cruze is expected to score an impressive 40 mpg EPA highway rating.

Based on our brief experience driving a Chevy Volt powertrain mule (Cruze and Volt share common DNA), the Chevrolet Cruze should be more refined than the outgoing Cobalt by an order of magnitude, with a roomier interior and much better-executed passenger cabin. We'll see it in person later this week in L.A., and in the meantime, you can check out the first official images from GM in the gallery below. The official press release follows after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim

LA Preview: 2011 Chevy Cruze finally unveiled in U.S.-market trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 chevrolet cruze2011 chevy cruze2011ChevroletCruze2011ChevyCruzebreakingchevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechevychevy cruzechevy cruze interiorchevy cruze lordstownChevyCruzeChevyCruzeInteriorChevyCruzeLordstowncruzela auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeles 2009LosAngeles2009Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19257007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/29/la-preview-2011-chevy-cruze-finally-unveiled-in-u-s-market-tri/19257007/article-detail.xml 19257007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/x11ch_cz007-1259492947_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/x11ch_cz007-1259492947_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-mazda2-to-make-its-north-american-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-mazda2-to-make-its-north-american-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-mazda2-to-make-its-north-american-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Mazda2 - click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda has finally made it official this morning: it will be bringing its B-segment Mazda2 to the North American market late next year. As you are likely aware, the current generation Mazda2 has been sale in Europe and elsewhere for two years, but we'll be seeing it here for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a couple of weeks. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta which will also make its U.S. production-spec debut at the West Coast show.

Mazda hasn't revealed any other details yet about powertrains or where the car will be sourced from. We expect a 1.6-liter four-cylinder to will be the primary engine. Judging by the teaser shot they released above, we can certainly expect to see the car at least in five-door hatchback form, but given that this is sedan-loving America, we would also expect a four-door with a trunk to show up in Mazda stores, although perhaps not at the LA Auto Show.


Gallery: 2007 Mazda2


[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut

LA Preview: Mazda2 to make its North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeleslos angeles auto showLosAngelesLosAngelesAutoShowmazdaMazda 2mazda2mazda2 north americamazda2 usMazda2NorthAmericaMazda2UsWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19244279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/18/la-preview-mazda2-to-make-its-north-american-debut/19244279/article-detail.xml 19244279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/mazda2_la-ms09_teaser__jpg300_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/mazda2_la-ms09_teaser__jpg300.jpg <![CDATA[LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Soccer moms, NASCAR dads and empty-nesters rejoice! It looks like Toyota is going to debut its 2011 Sienna minivan in Cali next month at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Although the minivan market doesn't get a lot of playtime on enthusiast websites, the segment remains an important (if shrinking) one for full-line manufacturers. While Toyota's past minivans have ranged from the bizarrely interesting (Previa) to the drab but competent (current Sienna), word has it Toyota plans to introduce a van that will once again make it the segment's top choice.

No specifics have been released, but we've previously heard that the new Sienna would be shifting to the MC platform that Toyota uses for the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Venza and even the Prius. Personally we're hoping for a lower, wider track, luxury vehicle with an available hybrid model. That, or something like the JDM Alphard/Vellfire we saw at SEMA. We'll have all the details and a bunch of live shots on December 2 when we see it at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but in the meantime, you can check out Toyota's brief press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan

LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 sienna2011 toyota sienna2011Sienna2011ToyotaSiennala auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009minivanminivanstoyotatoyota siennatoyota sienna miniva...ToyotaSiennaToyotaSiennaMiniva...Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19229558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/19229558/article-detail.xml 19229558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/06_09sienna_le_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/06_09sienna_le.jpg <![CDATA[LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-preview-porsche-reveals-new-lightweight-boxster-spyder-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-preview-porsche-reveals-new-lightweight-boxster-spyder-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-preview-porsche-reveals-new-lightweight-boxster-spyder-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're less than a month away from the LA Auto Show, which means that automakers are starting to dribble out some of what we'll be seeing there. The gang from Zuffenhausen will be rolling out a new lightweight edition of the Boxster dubbed "Spyder" especially for those who live where the sun shines and the roads twist. Like the classic 550 Spyders of the Fifties, the top mechanism in this new Boxster is merely a formality - rather than providing fully enclosed driving is more of a sun-shade than anything else.

Overall, Porsche's engineers have pared off about 176 pounds from the Spyder, bringing it down to 2,811 pounds. Propulsion comes via a direct-injected 3.4-liter boxer six with a 10 horsepower boost over the Boxster S for a total of 320. With the automaker's seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox, the Spyder gets to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and manages a combined 25.3 mpg (US) on the EU drive cycle.

In Porsche's time-honored "less is more" (money) world, the Boxster Spyder goes on sale in February 2010 with a base price $61,200. We're quite sure your local Porsche dealer will happily offer to put back some additional weight in your car in the form of options, but, hey - at least your wallet's heft will be pared back significantly to help offset the difference. For the rest of you dreamers, be sure to check out our high-res gallery below along with the some videos and the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 porsche boxster2011 porsche boxster spyder2011PorscheBoxster2011PorscheBoxsterSpyderla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009los angeleslos angeles auto showLosAngelesLosAngelesAutoShowPorscheporsche boxsterPorsche Boxster SpyderPorscheBoxsterPorscheBoxsterSpyderThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19224279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/05/la-preview-porsche-reveals-new-lightweight-boxster-spyder-w-vi/19224279/article-detail.xml 19224279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/p10_0069_a4-1257420335_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/p10_0069_a4-1257420335_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Mitsubishi shows a pair of '70s novelties]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-mitsubishi-shows-a-pair-of-70s-novelties/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-mitsubishi-shows-a-pair-of-70s-novelties/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/la-2008-mitsubishi-shows-a-pair-of-70s-novelties/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of these fun '70s Mitsubishis

We might have skipped the Mitsubishi booth altogether this year at the LA Auto Show if it hadn't been for this pair of eye-catching cars from the '70s. While checking out the neighboring Audi booth we spotted a toad-green FTO and then caught a glimpse of what looked like an old F1 car. The racecar turned out to be the last single-seat racer Mitsu ever made, the 1971 Colt F2000. It actually won the Japan Grand Prix that year. It was powered by a 4-valve dohc 1,994 cc R39B that put out 290 PS. It was also one of the first open-wheelers to use those side-mounted radiators that became the standard in many forms of single-seater racing.

The other car was a 1973 Galant FTO GS-R. Fittingly painted toad-green, this little beast had warts all over it. Built between 1971 and 1975 the FTO was a rear-drive coupe that could be had with a number of different Neptune and Saturn fours ranging from 86 hp up to 110 hp for the top option 1,597 cc mill found in the GS-R. A spiritual predecessor to the Evos of today, both are some fun finds here at an otherwise somber LA Auto Show.

Gallery: LA 2008: Mitsubishi shows a pair of '70s novelties


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

LA 2008: Mitsubishi shows a pair of '70s novelties originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Colt F2000ColtF2000F2000Galant FTOGalant FTO GS-RGalantFtoGalantFtoGs-rla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008los angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShowMitsubishi Colt F2000mitsubishi galantMitsubishi Galant FTOMitsubishi Galant FTO GS-RMitsubishiColtF2000MitsubishiGalantMitsubishiGalantFtoMitsubishiGalantFtoGs-rFri, 21 Nov 2008 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377718/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/21/la-2008-mitsubishi-shows-a-pair-of-70s-novelties/1377718/article-detail.xml 1377718 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mitsubishigalantftogsr---1_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mitsubishigalantftogsr---1_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: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-lexus-unveils-the-third-generation-rx350-and-rx450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-lexus-unveils-the-third-generation-rx350-and-rx450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-lexus-unveils-the-third-generation-rx350-and-rx450h/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h

Lexus dropped the third-generation RX on the world today here at the LA Auto Show. As before, the RX luxury crossover comes in two forms, the standard issue RX350 and the hybrid RX450h. The 3.5L RX350 gets a power bump to 275 hp while the hybrid engine grows from 3.3L up to 3.5L and 295 total horsepower. Lexus has improved the inverter that converts between DC power from the battery to AC for the motor, making the whole hybrid drivetrain more efficient. The RX450h gets a unique grill and badging to set it slightly apart from the new RX350, while both models get plenty of new gizmos and gadgets including an upgraded navigation and telematics system. For instance, a new controller for the nav system that Toyota calls Remote Touch provides customizable haptic feedback as you use it. A larger brighter OLED display screen also offers an improved angle of vision and a heads up display is available for the first time. The design is an obvious evolution of the previous RX, but now features a more broad-shouldered look just like the Toyota Highlander with which it shares its platform. Check out the press release after the jump as well as our high-res images in the galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h


Gallery: 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h



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

Continue reading LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h

LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008lexus rxlexus rx350lexus rx450hLexusRxLexusRx350LexusRx450hWed, 19 Nov 2008 18:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-lexus-unveils-the-third-generation-rx350-and-rx450h/1377455/article-detail.xml 1377455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/rx450h_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/rx450h.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-honda-surprises-with-fc-sport-fuel-cell-sports-car-conc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-honda-surprises-with-fc-sport-fuel-cell-sports-car-conc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-honda-surprises-with-fc-sport-fuel-cell-sports-car-conc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Honda FX Sport fuel cell

The first real surprise at the LA Auto Show today came from Honda in the form of its FC Sport fuel cell design study. The designers at Honda's advanced design studio in Pasadena decided to take advantage of the packaging flexibility afforded by a fuel cell powertrain and mounted it mid-ship driving the rear wheels. Using the vertical flow fuel stack mounted behind the driver and an electric motor between the rear wheels, the FC Sport is a three-seater in the style of the McLaren F1 where the driver sits in the middle of the car with the two passenger seats on either side and further back. The FC Sport is strictly a styling study right now, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a fully functional version at some point. Check out Honda's official press release after the jump and our high-res image galleries below.

Gallery: Honda FC Sport Design Study

Gallery: LA 2008: Honda FC Sport live reveal

Continue reading LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept

LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfuel cellFuelCellhonda fc sportHondaFcSportla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1377300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-honda-surprises-with-fc-sport-fuel-cell-sports-car-conc/1377300/article-detail.xml 1377300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/fcsport_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/fcsport.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-porsche-to-debut-freshened-boxster-and-cayman/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-porsche-to-debut-freshened-boxster-and-cayman/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-porsche-to-debut-freshened-boxster-and-cayman/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Porsche Cayman

Porsche is going to unveil its newly freshened Boxster and Cayman models at the LA Auto Show today. As you can see in the galleries below, their noses and tails have been redone with a touch of Carrera GT, but each car now has a unique look. More importantly, the engines and transmissions have been updated as well, with the 2.9L and 3.4L powerplants getting Porsche's direct fuel injection for a 10-25 hp bump depending on the model. Along with the extra oomph, owners will get better mileage with fuel economy rising 11-16 percent. Part of that boosted mileage comes from the direct-injected engines, but the newly available Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or PDK, double-clutch gearbox also deserves praise.

The base Boxster and Cayman will now have 255 hp and 265 hp respectively, and the S versions will be rated at 310 for the Boxster S and 320 for the Cayman S. A Cayman S with PDK and Launch Control will also get to to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. At the other end of the lineup, the Boxster with a six-speed manual will do it in 5.9 seconds. Gas mileage should run 25.5-26.4 mpg. The new models will hit the market in February 2009, with European prices ranging from Euro 38,600 for a base Boxster to 61,493 for a Cayman S. The full press release is after the jump, and we have official high-res images set up in the galleries below. Plus we'll have our own live, firsthand impressions in a few hours.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster


Gallery: 2010 Porsche Cayman


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK

LA 2008: Porsche to debut freshened Boxster and Cayman with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxsterboxster sBoxsterScaymancayman sCaymanSlala 2008la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLa2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008porsche boxsterporsche boxster sporsche caymanPorscheBoxsterPorscheBoxsterSPorscheCaymanWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1376872/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-porsche-to-debut-freshened-boxster-and-cayman/1376872/article-detail.xml 1376872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/03_cayman09_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/03_cayman09_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

At the preview for the 2010 Ford Fusion, Frank Davis, Executive Director of North American Product Programs described Ford's goal as combingin best-in-class fuel economy with a much bolder appearance. The mid-size C/D segment in which the Fusion competes is the second largest in the U.S. market, accounting for 2.1 million vehicles last year including the best-selling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and Ford wants a bigger piece of it. The updated 2010 Fusion is technically a mid-cycle refresh, but it's much more than your typical face-lift. Three years after the Fusion and its Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ siblings debuted, Ford has given them a major stylistic overhaul fore and aft of the doors and inside the cabin. Its powertrains have also gone through a modernization program, which we already told you about a couple of weeks ago, so we'll skip over that here except to remind you that the 2010 Fusion can be had with a new hybrid drivetrain and a 3.5L V6 Sport model. Find out about the rest of what's new after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Continue reading LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion

LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingford fusionFordFusionla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mercury milanmercury milan hybridMercuryMilanMercuryMilanHybridWed, 19 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1367809/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/1367809/article-detail.xml 1367809 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/10fusionhybrid_01_hr_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/10fusionhybrid_01_hr_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2008: Live reveal of the MINI E in Beverly Hills]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e-in-beverly-hills/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e-in-beverly-hills/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e-in-beverly-hills/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the MINI E

BMW board member Dr. Friederich Eichiner unveiled the first MINI E this afternoon at a press event in Beverly Hills, California. The company has built 500 of the battery-powered cars that will be leased to customers in Southern California and the New York City area starting in January. Each car is equipped with electric drive systems and battery packs provided by California's AC Propulsion. The 35 kWh packs are expected to provide a range of about 125-150 miles on a charge and accelerate the car to 60 mph in an very reasonable 8.5 seconds. BMW is using the MINI E as the first step of its Project I, which is focused on developing new innovations for urban mobility. A web site will be launched in the next couple of days where people will be able to officially apply for the program. For those who get selected, the MINI E lease will cost $850 /month and only last one year. Check out ABG for more information on the car and what BMW is trying to achieve with it.

Gallery: MINI E reveal LIVE


[Source: AutoblogGreen]

LA 2008: Live reveal of the MINI E in Beverly Hills originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2008la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLa2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mini emini evMiniEMiniEvTue, 18 Nov 2008 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1376168/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/18/la-2008-live-reveal-of-the-mini-e-in-beverly-hills/1376168/article-detail.xml 1376168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mini-e-reveal-1280-04_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/mini-e-reveal-1280-04_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/la-preview-2010-ford-mustang-finally-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/la-preview-2010-ford-mustang-finally-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/la-preview-2010-ford-mustang-finally-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

When the 2005 Ford Mustang debuted, it thoroughly reinvigorated the pony car segment that it created four decades earlier. After 25 years of being assembled on the archaic rear-wheel-drive Fox platform, the Mustang finally had an all-new platform and styling that hearkened back to the late 1960s. Known as the S197, this Mustang appeared at a time when it was in fact the only surviving member of the muscle car class. The Camaro and Firebird had been cancelled two years earlier and Chrysler had been out of the rear-wheel-drive sport coupe market since the 1970s. The Mustang's enormous success inspired Chevrolet and Dodge to create their own retro-styled muscle cars in the form of the new Camaro and Challenger. Fortunately for Mustang fans, Ford has not been sitting idle, and even while it was creating all those special edition Mustangs over the past few years, it was also working on thoroughly revamping its core pony. For the 2010 Mustang, Ford has taken the best parts of the S197 and fixed most of what was broken. Read on to learn what's new.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang


Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang - LIVE

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang!

Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 ford mustang2010 ford mustang gt2010 mustang2010FordMustang2010FordMustangGt2010Mustangbreakingfeaturedla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1367807/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/17/la-preview-2010-ford-mustang-finally-unveiled/1367807/article-detail.xml 1367807 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/03_mustang2010_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/03_mustang2010_opt.jpg <![CDATA[2010 Ford Mustang GT pricing and options leak out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/2010-ford-mustang-gt-pricing-and-options-leak-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/2010-ford-mustang-gt-pricing-and-options-leak-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/2010-ford-mustang-gt-pricing-and-options-leak-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of 2010 Ford Mustang teasers

We're less than a day away from hearing all the official details on the new 2010 Mustang and bits of information are still dribbling out on the interwebs. The latest is that we now have some purported pricing and option information on at least the Mustang GT Premium package. If accurate, the price of the GT Premium will climb by about $935 to $30,095, a jump of 3.2%. Looking at the equipment list though, it appears some new features are included in that price like 18-inch wheels that were previously optional and SYNC. Other standard equipment includes automatic headlamps, LED tail-lights and body-colored mirrors. If this information is accurate, one other annoyance of the 2005-2009 Mustangs has been addressed with an interior trunk release, something that was previously missing. Ford will be revealing everything very soon, so stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Teased


[Source: MustangBlog]

2010 Ford Mustang GT pricing and options leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford mustang2010 ford mustang gt2010 mustang2010FordMustang2010FordMustangGt2010Mustangla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1374040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/17/2010-ford-mustang-gt-pricing-and-options-leak-out/1374040/article-detail.xml 1374040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2010mustangtaillight_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2010mustangtaillight_lead.jpg <![CDATA[LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/la-preview-lexus-confirms-debut-of-2010-rx450h-and-rx350/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/la-preview-lexus-confirms-debut-of-2010-rx450h-and-rx350/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/la-preview-lexus-confirms-debut-of-2010-rx450h-and-rx350/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Our friendly neighborhood Toyota/Lexus spokesman, Curt McAllister, dropped us a note with an official announcement of what's coming to the Lexus booth at next week's LA Auto Show, and as expected, the big reveal will be the reworked RX luxury crossover. Like the current crossovers, the RX will come in two prescription strengths: the conventional RX350 with a 3.5L V6 and the hybrid flavored RX450h. The bump in nomenclature from the current RX400h likely implies some enhancements to the powertrain including a bump from the current 3.3L V6 to the 3.5L engine used in the 350. It's assumed the RX400h will also boast enhancements to the hybrid drive system with tech pulled from the 2010 Toyota Prius. The photo above, taken of the Japanese brochure, appeared online showing an evolution of the current design rather than a revolutionary redesign. In addition to the RX, LA will host the North American debut of the all-wheel-drive equipped LS460 and the IS 250C Convertible.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350

LA Preview: Lexus confirms debut of 2010 RX450h and RX350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008lexus ls460lexus ls460 awdlexus rxlexus rx350lexus rx450hLexusLs460LexusLs460AwdLexusRxLexusRx350LexusRx450hWed, 12 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1369118/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/12/la-preview-lexus-confirms-debut-of-2010-rx450h-and-rx350/1369118/article-detail.xml 1369118 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/08-10-29-2010-lexus-rx-brochure_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/08-10-29-2010-lexus-rx-brochure.jpg <![CDATA[LA Preview: Saab to unveil 25th Anniversary special edition 9-3 convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/la-2008-preview-saab-25th-anniversary-special-edition-9-3-conve/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/la-2008-preview-saab-25th-anniversary-special-edition-9-3-conve/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/12/la-2008-preview-saab-25th-anniversary-special-edition-9-3-conve/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click to enlarge the Saab 9-3 convertible anniversary edition

When car makers don't have anything truly new to offer, they often make special editions. Such is the case right now with Saab. General Motors' Swedish brand is putting out its second limited run version of the 9-3 convertible this year. Unlike the somewhat garish Yellow edition that came out during the summer, the new one is more subdued. The latest special edition 9-3 Convertible is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the very first Saab convertible from 1983. The special part comes in a choice of Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne. Power comes from the standard Saab 2.0L turbo with 210 hp. The anniversary convertible will magically appear on the show floor at the LA Auto Show next week without a press conference before it goes on sale in January at the "bargain" price of $46,725. The 9-3 is a nice enough car, but with pricing like that it's no wonder the brand is struggling.

Gallery: Saab convertible 25th anniversary


[Source: Saab]

Continue reading LA Preview: Saab to unveil 25th Anniversary special edition 9-3 convertible

LA Preview: Saab to unveil 25th Anniversary special edition 9-3 convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008saab 9-3saab 9-3 convertibleSaab9-3Saab9-3ConvertibleWed, 12 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1369674/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/12/la-2008-preview-saab-25th-anniversary-special-edition-9-3-conve/1369674/article-detail.xml 1369674 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/x09sb_n3049-450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/x09sb_n3049-450.jpg <![CDATA[GM scraps LA Auto Show press conference]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/gm-scraps-la-auto-show-press-conference/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/gm-scraps-la-auto-show-press-conference/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/gm-scraps-la-auto-show-press-conference/#commentsFiled under: ,



General Motors' ongoing financial problems mean that the company Gulfstream won't be shuttling executives to the LA Auto Show next week. After canceling plans to unveil the new Buick LaCrosse and the production version of the Cadillac CTS coupe, it became clear that there really wasn't anything else to discuss in LA. As a result, there won't be a GM press conference at the show.

GM spokesman Scott Fosgard told the Detroit News that with all the bad financial news and discussions about a bailout, any product news would simply get lost in the shuffle. Instead, GM will still show the Saab 9-X Air concept from the Paris Motor Show along with the production version of the Chevy Volt.

Now, two questions remain: 1) Will GM last long enough to make it to the Detroit Auto Show in January, and 2) Why are they spending cash on a driving "experience" at the Alabama "International" Auto Show?

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading GM scraps LA Auto Show press conference

GM scraps LA Auto Show press conference originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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