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[Mazda CEO charts how to reach 2 percent of world market, rotary engine far from dead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/mazda-ceo-charts-how-to-reach-2-percent-of-world-market-rotary/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/mazda-ceo-charts-how-to-reach-2-percent-of-world-market-rotary/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/mazda-ceo-charts-how-to-reach-2-percent-of-world-market-rotary/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



To launch into this year's LA Auto Show festivities, the Motor Press Guild hosted Mazda president and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi, who proceeded to map out for us Mazda's plan to go from stylish underdog to a more seriously considered Japanese innovator.

"So long as I remain involved with this company... there will be a rotary engine offering or multiple offerings in the lineup."

Key to the next decade of planning for Mazda HQ in Hiroshima is the comprehensive vehicle strategy called SkyActiv. At the show today, Mazda, in fact, is showing off its next vehicle with SkyActiv tech onboard, the new CX-5 small crossover with the 2.0-liter direct-injection engine.

Following the Japanese tsunami tragedy in the midst of an already hurting world economy, Yamanouchi emphasized that the worldwide support and open sharing that happened following the tsunami allowed Mazda in particular to get up and fully running in June, just three months after the catastrophe, versus the six to nine months anticipated.

Continue reading Mazda CEO charts how to reach 2 percent of world market, rotary engine far from dead

Mazda CEO charts how to reach 2 percent of world market, rotary engine far from dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto showcx-5lala 2011la auto showla showmazdaskyactivyamanouchiWed, 16 Nov 2011 13:50:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/mazda-ceo-charts-how-to-reach-2-percent-of-world-market-rotary/20107843/article-detail.xml 20107843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mazda_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mazda.jpg <![CDATA[2009 LA Auto Show Wrap Up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/2009-la-auto-show-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/2009-la-auto-show-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/2009-la-auto-show-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under:

Did you miss our coverage of the 2009 LA Auto Show? Don't know where to look to find it? No worries. We've assembled the best parts for you below, and you can visit our LA Auto Show page to view every last piece of coverage we did.

THE CARS
Allard J2X MkII
Gallery | Post		 Audi e-tron
Gallery | Post		 Audi R8 Spyder
Gallery | Post
2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Chevrolet Volt
 Gallery | Post
2011 Dodge Viper
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Ford Fiesta
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Ford Mustang V6
 Gallery | Post
Honda P-NUT Concept
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Hyundai Sonata
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Hyundai Tucson
 Gallery | Post
2011 Infiniti G
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Infiniti M
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Kia Sorento
 Gallery | Post
2011 Mazda2
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder
 Gallery | Post		 2010 Range Rover Sport Autobiography
 Gallery | Post
2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0
 Gallery | Post		 2010 Spyker Aileron C8 Spyder
 Gallery | Post		 2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition
 Gallery | Post
Toyota Prius Plug-In
 Gallery | Post		 2011 Toyota Sienna
 Gallery | Post		 Toyota Billabong Venza
 Gallery | Post
2011 VW Final Edition New Beetle
 Gallery | Post		 VW Up! Lite Concept
 Gallery | Post

THE NEWS
LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog
We're here in the City of Angels to watch Fritz Henderson deliver GM's keynote address to all us media types here at LA Auto Show. Only thing is, Fritz resigned yesterday, and for some reason interim CEO Ed Whitacre will not be delivering the keynote. Which can only mean one thing -- GM's Vice Chairman of Marketing and Communications Bob Lutz will be delivering the opening address.
LA 2009: Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60 named International Car and Truck of the Year
Hold onto your hats folks, because while magazine award ceremonies appear to be just about finished, the auto show trophies are just starting to be handed out. This time, it's the International Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, and we've got two winners from within the Ford empire. The Ford ...
LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat
At the LA Auto Show this morning, the Audi A3 TDI was crowned the 2010 Green Car of the Year, wresting the title away from last year's winner, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Even though three hybrids made this year's list of finalists, the A3's win marks the second year in a row that a TDI diesel car ...
LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us
Wow. Lexus brought their new LFA supercar to the LA Auto Show this year. That might not seem particularly wow-worthy, but it definitely becomes more surprising when you hear that they actually brought an LFA and a half. While a white LFA was happily humming along, spinning slowly on a rotating ...
"Viridian Joule" picked as winner of Chevy Volt Paint Color Contest
The votes have been cast, the tallies tallied and the winner determined: Viridian Joule will be the official name of the silvery-green hue as seen on a slew of Chevrolet Volt marketing material for what seems like the last decade or so. So, um, what does Viridian Joule mean? We'll let the winner ...

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

2009 LA Auto Show Wrap Up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowlala 2009la auto showla auto show wrap upla showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShowWrapUpLaShowFri, 04 Dec 2009 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19266123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/2009-la-auto-show-wrap-up/19266123/article-detail.xml 19266123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-allard-live_opt_rap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-allard-live_opt_rap.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just some of the beauty in LA - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the state of the economy, it didn't come as much of a surprise that manufacturer presence was down at the LA Auto Show this year. The carmakers that did show up, however, brought their "A Game" - mostly. As much as that was true for new vehicle introductions, it also applied to the deployment of booth professionals as well.

Many booths didn't hire models this year, unfortunately, and companies that have traditionally been reliable sources of model employment weren't even here in 2009. We're looking at you, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Still, it was nice to see even a few smiling faces while we scoured the darkened halls of the LA Convention Center trying in our obsessive search for postworthy material.

While we didn't encounter many spokesmodels, we did find a lot of beauty in the City of Angels. We've assembled a small gallery of random shots and artsy-fartsy images to give all of you a taste of this year's show from LA. Click below to see our small but satisfying high-res gallery.


Gallery: LA 2009: LA beauty


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babe galleryBabeGallerybabesbooth professionalsBoothProfessionalsla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Convention CenterLA ladyLA ShowLA womanLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaConventionCenterladiesLaLadyLaShowLaWomanlos angeles auto showlos angeles international auto showLosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesInternationalAutoShowspokesmodelspokesmodelsFri, 04 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19263307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/19263307/article-detail.xml 19263307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lababes---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lababes---0.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Billabong Toyota Venza - Click above for high-res image gallery

No, this isn't a leftover post from SEMA, although to be perfectly fair, it is a leftover vehicle from SEMA. While reporting on the Hot Rod Toyota Tundra and Tacoma All-Terrain Gamer, we somehow missed this tricked-out Venza. Kitted out by the Australian surfwear mavens at Billabong, it's called the Ultimate Venza Concept. Umm, yeah. While the vast majority of Venza crossovers are probably never going to be used off-road, this Ultimate Venza apparently wants us to know that any extreme sports fan will be happy in one.

Toyota had Street Image do the build. They started with a 2009 Venza and added a body kit with Outback-worthy fender flares and alloy wheels. That crazy custom roof rack can accommodate surfboards, snow boards and wake boards, and can be lowered for easier loading. There's even a hidden cargo rack that allows skis and snow boards to be mounted at the back. There are front and rear hitch receivers, a Grinch Winch to "pull wake boarders into waves or snow boarders and skaters across flat land to a jump or rail," and a TRD big brake kit in there as well.

Besides being identified by the massive graphics along the flanks, Billabong also chipped in wet suit material for the seats and an homage of sorts on the headliner which features a collage of Billabong athletes in action. The vehicle also incorporates certain "living" features like a heated shower system to help you rinse off after surfing and a Verizon Wireless access point router to keep you abreast of current surf and snow conditions. Look for it at upcoming Billabong surf events, read more about it in the press release after the jump, and see it in our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Billabong Toyota Venza


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

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza

LA 2009: Toyota and Billabong craft one funky Venza originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Toyota2010 Toyota Venza2010Toyota2010ToyotaVenzaBillabongBillabong Toyota VenzaBillabong VenzaBillabongToyotaVenzaBillabongVenzala 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowSEMASEMA 2009SEMA2009toyota venzaToyotaVenzavenzaVerizon WirelessVerizonWirelessFri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/toyota-venza-billabong-los-angeles-2009/19264811/article-detail.xml 19264811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/billabongvenza---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/billabongvenza---0.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII drops our jaw]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-allard-j2x-mkii-drops-our-jaw/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-allard-j2x-mkii-drops-our-jaw/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-allard-j2x-mkii-drops-our-jaw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Allard J2X MkII - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tucked away into the nookiest cranny of the LA Auto Show and literally parked behind a Morgan sits the Allard J2X MkII, perhaps the most breathtaking car in the joint. You nerds out there might be saying, "They dragged an admittedly concours-condition J2X out to Los Angeles? Big deal." Which is precisely what we thought as we strolled right past the spiffy, spankin' Allard for nearly two days. But then we took a closer look. Why would someone fit humongous Wilwood brakes to a vintage car?

Because this puppy ain't vintage. See that "MkII" suffix hanging off the end of the title there? This Allard is all new. As in a modern, hand-built continuation of the original Allard. Not only does the Allard Registry recognize the roadster and issue each one its own continuation serial number, but the president of Allard Motor Works is named Roger Allard - though he's not a descendant of founder Sydney Allard. But even if it wasn't a bang-on recreation of the hugely successful 1951-1954 J2X race car, this car would tickle us you know where.

Why? So many reasons.



Besides the usual "Just look at it!" bloviation, the frame is built from tubular steel with double roll bars covering the cowl and fuel tank. And inboard rear-brakes. Then there's the absolutely stunning, jewelery-like hand-fitted instruments and aluminum dash. And the red leather. And the leather hood straps. And the (functional) portholes. The knock-off hubs. The twin side-pipes. And on and on and on. And on.

Then there's the little (or not so little) matter of what's under the hood. In this particular car, it's a 5.7-liter Chrysler Hemi V8 with a massive throttle body and a lot of other reworked jazz that's good for around 500 horsepower. You want a 600-hp 6.1-liter Hemi? Not a problem. You can also opt for a Chevy 350, Caddy Northstar or Ford 351. The sprint from zero to 60 happens in about 4.5 seconds and, depending on the motor, you could pop off a quarter-mile in the low 12 seconds at 110 mph.

Currently the Allard J2X is being built in two places (Montreal and Upstate New York), although there are plans to move to a single factory soon. Roger Allard plans on keeping the new Allard pretty exclusive, limiting its numbers to just one hundred per year. Oddly, about a quarter of that total is slated for Australia. Or maybe not so oddly, as when we shut our eyes we can totally picture ourselves blasting across the Outback in a J2X MkII, bugs in our teeth and roos bouncing off the nerf bars. Cost of entry? The new Allard starts at $138,500.


Gallery: LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII


[Source: Allard]

LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII drops our jaw originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowAllardAllard J2XAllard J2X MkIIAllardJ2xAllardJ2xMkiiHemiLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowSydney AllardSydneyAllardFri, 04 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/la-2009-allard-j2x-mkii-drops-our-jaw/19264760/article-detail.xml 19264760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-allard-live_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-allard-live_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-is-the-devil-in-the-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-is-the-devil-in-the-details/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-is-the-devil-in-the-details/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Where to even start? Oh right - that interior! With the possible exception of a couple of British-ish cars (BMW-owned Rolls-Royce Phantom, Volkswagen-owned Bentley Mulsanne, Tata-owned Jaguar XJ), no interior even comes close. And frankly, being honest, those luxo-barges just pale in comparison to the blinged out old-world splendor of a Spyker cockpit. And the C8 Aileron Spyder ups that already pricey ante. And get this - all C8s are now built in Coventry, England, shaving about $9,000 off the asking price, which is somewhere south north of $200,000 depending on baubles options.

Normally, photographing cars at auto shows feels like a strange, exotic form of torture, at least for us writerly types. The bright lights, the bumrush, the awkward positions (you try crawling on your hands and knees between a posing CEO's knees to get a shot of a wheel) - it's not fun. But when photographing this car, we were overcome with a rush of (let's just say) endorphins. We could imagine ourselves winding up the California coast, fondling that leather-wrapped aluminum gear shifter for hundreds of breezy, dreamy miles. And get this - it's an automatic... and we don't care!

For you number junkies who choose to hastily look past the incredible innards, the C8 drop top is powered by a 4.2-liter Audi V8 good for 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That medium-amount of gumption is routed to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed slushbox. Top speed is 187 mph and 0-60 happens in 4.5 seconds. Spyker claims that the car's strength is in the frame (stouter than a Ferrari F430, so they say) and therefor chopping off the roof has limited negative structural impact. Want more tech details? See our post from Monterey.



Let's get back to that interior. If you're into fancy cars (hi mom!) you've no doubt heard of special leather coming from "free range" cows raised without barbwire so as to ensure the leather is flawless. Well get this, the leather in the Aileron Spyder comes from a Dutch tannery that works with free range cold weather cows. Why cold weather? No mosquito bites. No, really. And you can get that interior in any of fourteen colors, most of which are (hopefully) equally eye-searing. Finally, anyone else as in love with the tonneau cover-mounted quilted leather briefcase as we are?


Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowAudiC8C8 Aileron SpyderC8 SpyderC8AileronSpyderC8SpyderLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowSpykerSpyker C8Spyker C8 AileronSpyker C8 Aileron SpyderSpykerC8SpykerC8AileronSpykerC8AileronSpyderFri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264680/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/la-2009-spyker-c8-aileron-spyder-is-the-devil-in-the-details/19264680/article-detail.xml 19264680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/spykerc8la000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/spykerc8la000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX


[Source: NADAguides.com]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Kia2010 Kia Forte2010 Kia Forte Koup2010Kia2010KiaForte2010KiaForteKoupcar of the yearCarOfTheYearCotyforteForte CoupeForte KoupForteCoupeForteKoupkiaKia ForteKia Forte CoupeKia Forte KoupKiaForteKiaForteCoupeKiaForteKoupKoupla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009nadanada guidesNadaGuidesnadaguides.comFri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264591/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/19264591/article-detail.xml 19264591 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2010kiafortereview_00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2010kiafortereview_00.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal's Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

With the British automaker's latest model taking center stage, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, "On to the Next One," a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn't set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar's renewed focus on "making Jaguar Jaguar again" and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world's elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It's just a shame about Jay Z's new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Jag2011 Jaguar2011 jaguar xj2011 XJ2011Jag2011Jaguar2011JaguarXj2011Xjblueprint 3Blueprint3HovajagJaguarjaguar xjJaguarXjjay zjay z jaguarjay z jaguar xjjay-zjay-z jaguarJay-zJaguarJayZJayZJaguarJayZJaguarXjJiggalala 2009la auto showla showLa2009la2009showLaAutoShowLaShowlashow2009music videoMusicVideoOn to the Next OneOnToTheNextOneThe Blueprint 3TheBlueprint3Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264649/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/19264649/article-detail.xml 19264649 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/jaguar-xj-jayz-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/jaguar-xj-jayz-630op.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.


Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius


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

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowplug inplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in priusPlug-inHybridPlug-inPriuspluginPlugInHybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybridFri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/19264869/article-detail.xml 19264869 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lapluginprius---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lapluginprius---0.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mazdaspeed2 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As cool as some of those custom Ford Fiestas are at the LA Auto Show, these even tidier Mazda2 customs really jumped out at us. Okay, maybe not all of the concepts so much as the "Mazdaspeed2" you see above. The Active2 Surf and Active2 Snow barely registered when we saw this green and grey fun machine. Dubbed the 2Evil Special and not really an official Mazdaspeed2 at all, this concept blends weekend track car with urban commuter in just the right proportions.

The other two concepts aren't quite as eye-catching as the 2Evil, but are fun nonetheless. The Active2 Surf has a slightly restyled exterior, 17-inch wheels, an H&R coil over suspension and was painted a bright green with MINI-like white wheels and mirror caps. We really dug the carbon fiber surfboard in the Thule roof rack, too. The Active2 Snow gets similar bodywork tweaks, along with the 17-inch wheels and the H&R setup with another Thule roof rack sporting matching snowboards.. Both cars also wear Active2 graphics. These two cars look like they are going to be easily duplicated by accessing the Mazda Accessories catalog.

Meanwhile, the 2Evil sits even lower thanks to its H&R coil-over setup, and is visually lowered even more courtesy of the aggressive body kit with its curb-scraping front lip and deep side skirts. The 2Evil also includes a new diffuser and spoiler in the back, limo-black windows, Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B tribute graphics, 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokahama Advan tires, and a Magna performance exhaust system. The green highlights really bring the whole thing together to make it look like a spec series racer. Now if Mazda could just shoehorn in the Mazdaspeed3 turbo mill, they'd really be onto something. We can just imagine Grand-Am adding a CC (commuter car) class for fun little runabouts like this Mazda2, the MINI Cooper, Fiesta, Fiat 500, Honda Fit and the like.


Gallery: LA 2009: Custom Mazda2 Concepts


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

Continue reading LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA

LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow2Evil2Evil Special2evilSpecialActive2Active2 SnowActive2 SurfActive2SnowActive2Surfla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowmazdamazda2mazdaspeed2Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/19264157/article-detail.xml 19264157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---3_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---3_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Luna, left, and Toby, model the Honda Element Dog Friendly edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda certainly can't be accused of running a dog and pony show here at the LA Auto Show, because there were no ponies. They did, however, have the adorable Luna and Toby on hand to demonstrate their clever Dog Friendly system on this Honda Element. It's essentially a collapsible ramp and pup tent (couldn't resist) with tethers that keeps dogs secure in back while protecting the interior of your vehicle from stains and pet hair.

We've shown you this Dog Friendly setup before, but couldn't resist snapping a few pics of the system in action, especially now that it's available. The Dog Friendly package is available on any 2010 Honda Element model for an extra $995. besides the nylon kennel and ramp, the system includes a cushioned bed, a spill-proof water dish, a small 12-volt ventilation fan, seat covers for the second row, and rubber floor mats with a bone motif. Seems like a reasonable price for keeping one's pets safe and secure, especially considering it's a custom fit package from the people who actually build the vehicle itself. There's a full press release after the jump and some more pics of Toby and Luna in our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Dog Friendly Honda Element


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

Continue reading LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package

LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dog friendlyDog Friendly carDog Friendly ElementDog Friendly Element ConceptDog Friendly HondaDog Friendly Honda ElementDog Friendly Honda Element Conceptdog safetyDogFriendlyDogFriendlyCarDogFriendlyElementDogFriendlyElementConceptDogFriendlyHondaDogFriendlyHondaElementDogFriendlyHondaElementConceptDogSafetyhondahonda doghonda dog friendlyHonda dog-friendly Element concepthonda elementHondaDogHondaDog-friendlyElementConceptHondaDogFriendlyHondaElementla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowpet safepet safetyPetSafePetSafetyThu, 03 Dec 2009 20:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264362/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/19264362/article-detail.xml 19264362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hondaelementcanine---0_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hondaelementcanine---0.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hughes Telematics recently announced its partnership with Mercedes-Benz on the automaker's new line of "mbrace" mobile telematics solutions. The system, which connects mbrace-equipped vehicles with an app installed on the user's Apple iPhone or RIM Blackberry, allows people to lock and unlock their doors, contact roadside assistance, get in touch with a local dealer or find their vehicle in a crowded parking lot. It's a relatively trick technology that we spent some time with at the LA Auto Show, and there's plenty of potential on the horizon.

Continue reading LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps

LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowhughes telematicsHughesTelematicslala 2009la auto showla showLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowmbracemercedes-benzThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/19264538/article-detail.xml 19264538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hughes-la-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/hughes-la-630op.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Galpin Motors makes up for Aston Martin no-show, brings the whole lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-galpin-motors-makes-up-for-aston-martin-no-show-brings/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-galpin-motors-makes-up-for-aston-martin-no-show-brings/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-galpin-motors-makes-up-for-aston-martin-no-show-brings/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Galpin Aston Martin at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's been a meager LA Auto Show this year for exotic cars. Many didn't even show up, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bentley. Aston Martin wasn't on the list as well, but to our surprise their full line of cars was on display. Apparently Galpin Motors decided to pick up the slack and brought a decent selection of the inventory from the Van Nuys, CA showroom. We generally don't think of Aston Martin when we hear about Galpin, but the world's largest Ford dealer also has an impressive showroom for the British marque. In fact, it's where we were able to get up close and personal with the Aston Martin One-77.

Beau Boeckmann, Vice President of Galpin Motors, told us that they considered the show important enough for their Aston Martin sales to make the investment. This makes us wonder how the absence of Ferrari, Lamborghini and the like will impact local dealers. If so, we can see many following Galpin's lead and bringing cars next year like many of the regional shows. Only time will tell, but we can't imagine the exotic car manufacturers staying away from the auto show in one of their most important markets for too long.


Gallery: LA 2009: Galpin Aston Martin


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Galpin Motors makes up for Aston Martin no-show, brings the whole lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowAston MartinAstonMartinGalpin Aston MartinGalpin MotorsGalpinAstonMartinGalpinMotorsLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowThu, 03 Dec 2009 19:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262891/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-galpin-motors-makes-up-for-aston-martin-no-show-brings/19262891/article-detail.xml 19262891 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/galpinamla09_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/galpinamla09_lead.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-audi-a3-tdi-green-car-of-the-year-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-audi-a3-tdi-green-car-of-the-year-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-audi-a3-tdi-green-car-of-the-year-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the LA Auto Show this morning, the Audi A3 TDI was crowned the 2010 Green Car of the Year, wresting the title away from last year's winner, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Even though three hybrids made this year's list of finalists, the A3's win marks the second year in a row that a TDI diesel car took top honors in the Green Car Journal competition.

The judges selection kind of meshes with AutoblogGreen readers, who overwhelmingly picked the VW Golf TDI from the list of five finalists. The other contenders were the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid (we still don't get why this car beat out the better-selling and nearly identical Ford Fusion Hybrid) and the Toyota Prius.

Each year, Green Car Journal picks the five finalists and then hands over selection duties to celebrity jurors (Jay Leno, Carroll Shelby, and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope, to name a few). During the award ceremony, Green Car Journal editor Ron Cogan said that the five finalists are notable because they are all mainstream vehicles that are available today. They exist because that's what the market is asking for. Whaddya think? Is the A3 TDI this year's rightful Green Car of the Year?


Gallery: Audi A3 TDI - 2010 Green Car of the Year


[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat

LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow2010 audi A32010 Audi a3 tdi2010AudiA32010AudiA3Tdia3a3 tdiA3Tdiaudiaudi a3audi a3 tdiaudi dieselAudiA3AudiA3TdiAudiDieseldieselgreen cargreen car journalgreen car of the yearGreenCarGreenCarJournalGreenCarOfTheYearla 2009la auto showla showla2009LaAutoShowLaShowlos angeleslos angeles 2009LosAngelesLosAngeles2009tdiThu, 03 Dec 2009 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/2010-audi-a3-tdi-green-car-of-the-year-los-angeles-2009/19264045/article-detail.xml 19264045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la-2009-green-car-15_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la-2009-green-car-15_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Bye-bye boxy, hello 2010 Hyundai Tucson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-at-2009-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Hyundai Tucson - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai just took the wraps off their all new 2010 Tucson CUV. A right-sized (i.e. compact) crossover designed in Frankfurt, Germany - as opposed to the California designed Sonata we saw yesterday - but still uses Hyundai's new design language, the oddly named Fluidic Sculpture. Like the Sonata, the new bigger-yet-lighter Tuscon (61 pounds, to be precise) has been designed to convey a sense of motion. Of course, whether they succeeded or not is up to the beholder's eye.

Hyundai feels that the compact CUV market is growing (as does the rest of the industry), however the small crossover buyer is changing. Used to be that when people shopped for say a Tucson, it was because they couldn't afford an Excursion. No more. The new small CUV buyer expects a higher level of comfort and refinement from their little truck-like rides. If what Hyundai's peddling proves true, the Tucson's impressive list of standard bells and/or whistles fits this projected market to a tee (see the press release for the full lowdown).

The most impressive Tuscon attribute is in likelihood its frugal MPG rating. 23 miles per gallon in the city, 31 at highway speeds. In addition to the slight weight reduction, the Tucson achieves these numbers via innovations such as a switch away from parasitic hydraulic power-steering in favor of an electric system. There's also an all new six-speed automatic that uses 62 fewer parts than the outgoing five-speed. Interestingly, the new slusher is built fully in house by Hyundai.

The engine of course contributes to the good-for-a-CUV mileage. The new Tucson comes with a 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder that produces 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. You will notice that the Tucson does not come with the more powerful Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) Theta II that ships with the new Sonata. We asked Hyundai if a future iteration of the Tucson (say the 2011) would in fact receive the GDI motor. "That's a logical conclusion."

We also asked if the turbocharged GDI motor would make it into the Tuscon. "It would fit." We then asked if we'll see a hybrid version as the new Sonata will eventually show up in gas-electric guise. "No comment." Then after a pause, "We all have to get to 35.5 mpg." Finally, we asked if we'd see an all-electric version of the Tucson. We received another "No comment," but Hyundai North America President and CEO John Krafcik did state that they will be selling an electric car in the States. As to when, "Not next year." Read the press release, after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Hyundai Tucson


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Tucson

Continue reading LA 2009: Bye-bye boxy, hello 2010 Hyundai Tucson

LA 2009: Bye-bye boxy, hello 2010 Hyundai Tucson originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow2010 Hyundai Tucson2010HyundaiTucson2011 Tucson2011TucsonFluidic DesignFluidicDesignHyundaiHyundai TucsonHyundaiTucsonLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowTucsonThu, 03 Dec 2009 18:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264166/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/2010-hyundai-tucson-at-2009-la-auto-show/19264166/article-detail.xml 19264166 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-hyundai-tucson-live-la-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-hyundai-tucson-live-la-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Best Buy Geek Squads to start testing Mitsubishi i-MiEV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mitsubishi Geek Squad i-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Mitsubishi didn't unveil any new vehicles at the LA Auto Show today, company president Osamu Masuko did announce the latest step in his company's plan to bring plug-in vehicles to North America. The vehicle - well, one of them - is an all-electric i-MiEV plastered with Best Buy's Geek Squad logo. The electronics giant will start using them in January (after they're shown off at CES) at some Geek Squad locations in California. Details have not yet been totally worked out, but the Geek EVs will start with a fleet of four vehicles and then expand and rotate to other stores over the course of three years. Most likely, the i-MiEVs will be doled out in pairs and the probable early cities where these vehicles will make house calls include Chicago, New York, Portland and San Francisco.

Best Buy plans to use the i-MiEVs just like any other fleet car, with the exception that they will be right-hand drive. Best Buy's Senior Vice President of emerging business, Rick Rommel, told AutoblogGreen that the idea is to learn "how these will fit into a Geek's daily life." The plug-in vehicle tests with Geek Squad are unrelated to how select West Coast Best Buy stores are selling electric bikes. That said, Rommel admits that the key thing is that Best Buy likes to conduct new experiments, and these EVs fit into that general concept.


Gallery: Best Buy Geek Squad i-MIEV


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Best Buy Geek Squads to start testing Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Best Buy Geek Squads to start testing Mitsubishi i-MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowbest buybest buy electric vehiclesbest buy evsBest Buy Inc.Best Buy StoresBestBuyBestBuyElectricVehiclesBestBuyEvsBestBuyInc.BestBuyStoresGeek SquadGeekSquadi-mievimievla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009la showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowlashow2009mievmitsumitsubishimitsubishi imievMitsubishiImievosamu masukoOsamuMasukoPX-MiEVrick rommelRickRommelThu, 03 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/best-buy-geek-squad-mitsubishi-i-miev/19264456/article-detail.xml 19264456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la-geek-squad-miev-2_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la-geek-squad-miev-2_opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW took advantage of California's proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW's first true hybrid, the X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn't really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.

The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW's Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase "L" model will start at $107,025.

The last car in the BMW eco show was the Vision concept. And never before has the phrase, "last but not least," been more appropriate. This thing looks like it could have come out of Minority Report, yet it has so much real world promise. We'll never see this car in production, of course, but don't be surprised to see many of its elements in future BMW models. We're still trying to decide whether we'd take this or the swoopy e-tron concept next door at Audi's stand, but why not have both?

Check out our gallery of live shots from LA by clicking below, or the official 7 Series pricing press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: BMW Active Hybrids and Vision Concept


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

Continue reading LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125

LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 7 series2010 BMW2010 BMW 7 series2010 bmw 7 series activehybrid2010 BMW X62010 bmw x6 activehybrid2010 X620107Series2010Bmw2010Bmw7Series2010Bmw7SeriesActivehybrid2010BmwX62010BmwX6Activehybrid2010X6activehybridBMWbmw active hybirdbmw active hybridBMW Active Hybrid 7bmw activehybrid x6bmw hybridbmw visionBMW Vision Efficient Dynamicsbmw vision efficient dynamics conceptbmw vision hybridBmwActiveHybirdBmwActiveHybridBmwActiveHybrid7BmwActivehybridX6BmwHybridBmwVisionBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsConceptBmwVisionHybridla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19262733/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/19262733/article-detail.xml 19262733 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---00.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Land Rover brings Autobiography package to 2010 Range Rover Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-range-rover-sport-autobiography-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-range-rover-sport-autobiography-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-range-rover-sport-autobiography-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Range Rover Sport Autobiography - Click above for high-res image gallery

We can't figure out exactly what the name Autobiography is supposed to convey, but Land Rover seems to think it's a fitting name to put on its top-of-the-line Range Rover models. Last year, they pulled the wraps off the Range Rover Autobiography at the British Motor Show, and this week at the LA Auto Show the Range Rover Sport Autobiography has just made its official debut.

Most of the appeal of the package is inside. All of the seating surfaces are covered in beautiful two-tone leather, and the Autobiography logo can be found in the wood door inserts and the embossed headrests. The exterior gets a few special touches as well, including body-colored lower door panels, an extended roof spoiler, and special 20-inch alloy wheels.

Just 250 examples of the Range Rover Sport Autobiography will be built, all in Santorini Black with the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 as standard. Pricing is listed as an imposing $88,545, but we can see that in its exclusive circle, enough Land Rover buyers will likely be willing to cough up a $14,000 premium to have their own Autobiography, even if it's only a leather, wheel, and trim package. Hit the jump for full details, or check out our high-res gallery of live shots below.


Gallery: 2010 Range Rover Sport Autobiography


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: Land Rover brings Autobiography package to 2010 Range Rover Sport

LA 2009: Land Rover brings Autobiography package to 2010 Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 LA Auto Show2009LaAutoShow2010 Range Rover Sport2010 Range Rover Sport Autobiography2010RangeRoverSport2010RangeRoverSportAutobiographyautobiographyLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLand RoverLandieLandRoverLaShowlashow2009los angeleslos angeles 2009los angeles auto showLosAngelesLosAngeles2009LosAngelesAutoShowRange RoverRange Rover SportRange Rover Sport AutobiographyRangeRoverRangeRoverSportRangeRoverSportAutobiographyRR SportRRSRrSportThu, 03 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264214/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/2010-range-rover-sport-autobiography-los-angeles-2009/19264214/article-detail.xml 19264214 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/rrautobiography_lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/rrautobiography_lead.jpg <![CDATA[UPDATE: U.S. bound Mitsubishi Colt will be an all-new global small car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/breaking-u-s-bound-mitsubishi-colt-will-be-an-all-new-global-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/breaking-u-s-bound-mitsubishi-colt-will-be-an-all-new-global-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/breaking-u-s-bound-mitsubishi-colt-will-be-an-all-new-global-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Yesterday, we reported that Mitsubishi is bringing its small, B-segment Colt to our shores. And that's true, mostly. What we've learned between now and then is that Mitsu isn't bringing over the current Colt, but rather the replacement for the current Colt, i.e. the next Colt. In fact, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Osamu Masuko said as much during last month's Tokyo Motor Show. Here's what he told Automotive News:
"Mitsubishi will follow that with a global small car in 2012. That car will be smaller than the Colt, which is sold in Japan and Europe, and will have a 1.0- to 1.3-liter gasoline engine. A plug-in hybrid version and all-electric version of the global small car are scheduled for 2013. Mitsubishi is studying which of those would best suit the United States.
The scoop, then, is that this new global small car will be called Colt. As opposed to say, Havasu.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

UPDATE: U.S. bound Mitsubishi Colt will be an all-new global small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ColtLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowmitsuMitsubishiMitsubishi ColtMitsubishi Global Small CarMitsubishiColtMitsubishiGlobalSmallCarOsamu MasukoOsamuMasukoThu, 03 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19263953/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/breaking-u-s-bound-mitsubishi-colt-will-be-an-all-new-global-s/19263953/article-detail.xml 19263953 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/58977mit-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/58977mit-630op.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Buick rendering teases new compact sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Buick Compact Sedan Rendering - Click above for high-res image

Buick officially took the wraps of its 2011 Regal at the LA Auto Show, and in addition to showing off its sportier side, General Motors' reborn Lexus competitor confirmed its intentions to produce a compact sedan - and here's the first rendering.

Likely based on the Chinese market 2011 Buick Excelle XT (a rebadged Opel Astra with an upmarket interior), the new compact four-door is expected to lose its hatch in favor of a traditional trunk and gain a 181 horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed gearbox.

The sketch above (flashed on screen during the Regal unveiling here in LA) certainly bears a resemblance to the Excelle and to the larger LaCrosse, although a few tweaks to the fascia, headlamps and the addition of a few hood-mounted portholes could be found on the concept and later, the production model. We should know more later this year, when Buick unveils an official design study followed by the eventual production car that is expected by the end of 2010.


Gallery: Buick Excelle XT

LA 2009: Buick rendering teases new compact sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buick compact sedanBuickCompactSedanlala 2009la auto showla showLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowThu, 03 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19264203/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/19264203/article-detail.xml 19264203 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/buick-render-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/buick-render-630op.jpg -1 2