LA Auto Show 2009 Preview

The Los Angeles Auto Show runs Dec 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More than 30 World and North American debuts are expected, including production vehicles and concept cars. With more than 900 vehicles on display, it will be hard to pick a favorite, but here are five vehicles we are really looking forward to seeing.

This is a really important car for Buick and for General Motors as a whole. Based on the European Opel Insignia, it is set to become the newest Buick, reviving the storied Regal nameplate. It features a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and promises 30 mpg on the highway. After the Regal debuts next spring a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will also be available with 220 hp and only a slight dip in fuel economy.

Okay, this is a bit of a cheat because it's two different cars, but they share a lot of mechanicals. This pair of two-seaters are based on the popular Mini Cooper, but have revised bodywork, laid back windshields and no rear seats. They will become something of the sports cars for the MINI lineup.

The S60 concept bears a strong resemblance to the upcoming midsize Volvo replacement. It takes Volvo styling another step away from its boxy heritage and makes it more of a contender with the most modern luxury sedans around.

The Hybrid Tourer is Subaru's first hybrid and although it's just a concept, it signals the design language for future Subaru sedans and wagons. It features Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive and a boxer four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and a CVT transmission.

The popular Cadillac CTS sedan will be getting some company in Cadillac showrooms when this coupe version debuts. Emulating the styling of the Converj show car, the coupe is one of the sexiest shapes we've seen wearing a GM badge in a long time. It appears Cadillac will even offer a CTS-V Coupe as well, for those who like their stylish coupes to move like a sports car.