Compact cars debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

Fuel prices may have eased, but the economy remains sluggish. Never fear: A fresh batch of peppy economy cars is heading to showrooms in the near future. Here are four all-new offerings that debuted last week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

JAE C. HONG/APThe 2011 Chevrolet Cruze debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009.
CHEVROLET CRUZE

On sale fall 2010 The Korean-designed compact Cruze will replace the aging Cobalt for 2011. Powering the sedan is a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Chevy says the turbo engine returns 40 mpg in highway driving.

As a follow-up, Chevrolet will release the subcompact Spark in 2011. Also designed in Korea by GM-Daewoo, the four-door, four-cylinder Chevrolet Spark will be the brand’s smallest U.S. car, measuring 143 inches long, three inches shorter than the diminutive Mini Cooper.

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/GETTYThe new Ford Fiesta is displayed during the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2, 2009.
FORD FIESTA

On sale March 2010 Ford of Europe’s sporty five-door hatchback or four-door sedan comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 119 horsepower. Ford says the subcompact Fiesta returns 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway when paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual also is available.

Like the forthcoming Mazda 2 and Chevrolet Spark, the Ford Fiesta is designed to battle the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. The subcompact features electronic stability control, side and head-protecting air bags, keyless entry, push-button start and leather trim.

DAVID McNEW/GETTY IMAGESThe new Hyundai Tucson is displayed during press preview days at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 3, 2009.
HYUNDAI TUCSON

On sale December 2009 Crossover SUVs, such as the car-based Hyundai Tucson, are finding favor with buyers downsizing from larger, truck-based SUVs. Because they’re based on cars, they return better fuel economy. Consider the Tucson, just 173 inches long. It gets 31 mpg on the highway from its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Designed in Germany, the Tucson offers two features that assist in low-traction situations: "Downhill Brake Control" and "Hillstart Assist Control." Options include a panoramic sunroof, touch-screen navigation and a Bluetooth hands-free phone.

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/GETTYThe Mazda 2 is displayed during the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2, 2009.
MAZDA 2

On sale summer 2010 Known for its models with "zoom zoom," Mazda is adding a dose of fuel efficiency in the form of the Mazda 2, which has been sold in Japan, Australia and Europe since 2007. The company says it will be the most fuel-efficient Mazda when it goes on sale, but didn’t disclose fuel economy or performance ratings.

Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda 2 shares its platform with the Ford Fiesta. It was named 2008 World Car of the Year at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.

2010 Nissan GT-R Updates Confirmed, Spec-M Hints Revealed

The Spec-V’s rear diffuser will feature, along with new side intakes, suspension improvements, and the option to include a NISMO data-logging tool for analysing and sharing driving data.

Mizuno said that marginally stiffer front spring and damper rates, along with stiffer bushing for the rear torsion control arms will make up the majority of the minor suspension upgrades.

The rear diffuser of the Spec-V will migrate to the regular GT-R, joining new vents aft of the rear wheels, for improved airflow and brake cooling.

Basic engine tweaks include improved compatibility with the Euro 5 emissions regulations, and an ECU modification to provide improved low temperature, low speed tractability while the transmission fluid is still cold.

Audi Electric Car R*

Before today it was widely accepted that Audi would be launching an electric powered R8 at Frankfurt this week. Tomorrow, in fact.

These leaked images, which first surfaced a few hours ago, all but confirm the the rumours of the car we know will be called the e-Tron. For now, we don’t know much else, other than we won’t have long to wait for details to be confirmed by Audi.

[Source: Autocar]

2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

Before the official launch of the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser at the Frankfurt Motor Show, here are more details about the vehicle. Available exclusively in the UK, the vehicle has five doors and seven seats and will only have the option of one diesel engine – the 171bhp 3.0-litre D-4D, which will be mated to a five-speed auto’ ‘bo

Toyota claims that its new Land Cruiser is the most economic and most environmentally friendly in its class with recorded fuel economy of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 214g/km. While the body-on-frame construction is from the old model, its rigidity has been increased by 11%. To improve ride comfort, insulating frame-to-body mounts have been added to absorb engine, drivetrain and road noise.
A new electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system, which adjusts the front and rear anti-roll bars for optimized on and off-road performance, will be offered for higher spec models. The top-of-the-line LC5 model gets Toyota’s adaptive variable suspension system (AVS) with roll posture control, which offers a choice of three damper settings.

Working with the AVS is an electronically controlled rear air suspension system that provides an auto-leveling function and switchable height control. The vehicle has a new multi-terrain select system, which automatically controls power and braking to optimize performance for different types of off-road surfaces. The driver receives more information from his immediate surroundings with the help of a multi-terrain monitor that feeds real time images from around the vehicle from a network of four cameras.

2010 Porsche Panamera at 24 mpg on highway

The new Panamera is unlike the other sports cars on Porsche’s lineup that are known for being quite fuel-efficient. It’s not exactly a gas-guzzler either and certainly won’t be taxed as such, according to Porsche Cars North America spokesman Gary Fong.

The large four-door Panamera has an impressive size and power and comes standard with 400 horsepower. Fong tabs fuel economy for the 4.8-liter, 400-horsepower Panamera S and 4S models at an impressive 16-mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Fong adds that the 500 pony Panamera Turbo will still have a 15/23 rating. On the other hand, Maserati’s rival Quattroporte GT S achieves 12 mpg/18 highway, and its power is lower by 66hp. Fuel economy numbers for the Panamera are really not that shabby though. It beats even some sport coupes in the $100,000+ range. While the car isn’t lightweight, it has these fuel economy numbers due to its dual clutch transmission and the inclusion of start/stop technology. By the way, be reminded that these figures came from Porsche. We’ll have to wait for the Environmental Protection Agency’s own numbers.

2010 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita Specification and Pictures

When sunlight hits the car, it sparkles like millions of silvery white diamonds infused inside the visible carbon fiber weave bodywork.

Trevita is an abbreviation in Swedish and translates into - three whites. The Koenigsegg visible carbon weave body work is renowned around the globe for its perfection and uniqueness. However, so far it has only been possible to utilize the classic black carbonfibres.

As Koenigsegg always strives to create new unique technologies and solutions, we have now reached a new milestone -The Koenigsegg Proprietary Diamond Weave.


By utilising a new and unique method, Koenigsegg has managed to coat fibers with a diamond finish. The process was fully developed at Koenigsegg headquarters in Ängelholm Sweden, where the fiber treatment is conducted carefully in small quantities, prior to further processing the prepreg material.

Koenigsegg will only produce three Trevitas in total, hence the name. This makes the Trevita one of the most rare versions in the Koenigsegg family cars.

The three cars are fully equipped with Koenigsegg Shimmering Diamond Weave bodywork, double carbon wing, paddle-shift, inconell exhaust system, carbon ceramic brakes with ABS, hydraulic lifting system, infotainment system, tyre monitoring system, chrono instrument cluster and airbags.

Koenigsegg’s Trevita — The Diamond-Like CCXR Special Edition

One of the most exclusive Koenigsegg models, the CCXR has been revealed with a brand new biofuel 749kW and 1,060Nm engine that should boost the CCXR Trevita to new limits. The CCXR featured here is called the Trevita and it means “three whites”, which pretty much means — expect three models only.

The unique style and design was developed by Koenigsegg engineers where the body houses carbon fibre with a diamond finish. The sparkle will be similar to that of millions of silvery white diamonds when the sun shines on it. Koenigsegg calls this effect the Koenigsegg Shimmering Diamond Weave.

Koenigsegg’s new CCXR Trevita will come standard with an infotainment system, a new chrono instrument cluster and of course paddle shifts. The exteior will have a double carbon fibre wing and carbon ceramic ABS brakes.

GM Will Allow Customers To Return New Models Within 60 Days For A Full Refund

General Motors has announced that any customer unhappy with a car is more than welcome to return it for a full refund within 60 days of purchase. The system is known as “Satisfaction Guarantee” and it will come standard with any new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle.

“We think if consumers give us a fair chance and look at the facts on the things that matter most to them, like design, fuel economy, warranty and safety, our vehicles are the best choices – that’s what makes an offer like this possible,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman, Marketing and Communications. “The Cadillac SRX and CTS Wagon, the Buick LaCrosse, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, for instance, are all outstanding new products. This new marketing effort should help us communicate these facts to consumers.”

Press Release:

Details of GM’s new Satisfaction Guarantee:

· Offer covers 2009 and 2010 Model Year Chevys, Buicks, GMCs and Cadillacs (except medium duty trucks)

· Customers (one per household) can return their vehicle between 31 and 60 days with less than 4,000

· Customers will be informed in writing before they buy the vehicle of the terms of the Satisfaction Guarantee

· Customers must take delivery by Nov. 30

· The Satisfaction Guarantee covers the vehicle purchase price and sales tax, but not other add-ons like accessories, negative equity on a trade-in or other fees; other restrictions apply

· Leased vehicles are not included

· More details are available beginning Monday, Sept. 14, online at [Chevy][Buick][Cadillac][GMC].com/guarantee

BMW xDrive 750i 7-Series

Hey Audi! All those A8s and S8s you’ve been selling from under us haven’t gone un-noticed. At least that’s what I imagine the board of directors at BMW has been thinking for the last 10 years. Whereas a brand like Mercedes always holds a certain elite cache with the S-class sedan, BMW, Audi and Jaguar continue to fight for drivers in search of a more sporting ride. Jaguar and BMW have held the rear wheel drive trophy and Audi has taken the sub-set of those buyers who were either living in Colorado, Alaska or wanted the extra safety of the Audi quattro system. Well, no longer will BMW let Audi steal all those cars without a fight.

The xDrive system has been in use (at least under that moniker) for a few years now and is now as robust as any other system out there (4Motion, 4Matic, etc.). It’s transition to the 7 series is an obvious evolution from the 3, 5 and X series cars. As such, the offering will be available in both short-wheel base and of course, long-wheel base, but it will not be available in the low-end petrol and diesel models.

With a 30:70 front:rear bias, the typical RWD driving feeling will stay, while the xDrive contributes to better traction & handling in slippery conditions. The new 7 Series is showing that in areas of design, engineering and innovation that will show evolution above and beyond most other full sized luxury sedans. It’s design goes back towards the mainstream with a lack of such dramatic “flame surfaces” in the previous model and a more agressive look and stance. No doubt, this will be the best 7er we’ve seen from BMW.

The 750i xDrive will be available at the Frankfur Auto Show next year. See below for pictures of the new 7 series chassis as well as pictures of the 4wd version thrashing around some snow banks.

Nissan GT-R SpecV Super Car

After a year of speculation and months of testing, Nissan finally has officially acknowledged the tuned version of the Nissan GT-R, the SpecV. For a mere $161,300, you get additional suspension tuning, chassis tuning and the 3.8L Twin Turbo V6 as the previous version. However, though the 3.8L has similar power, it has up rated torque and an over boost setting. While Nissan plans to produce 1,000 of the standard GT-R models worldwide a month, it can only make 20 or 30 of the Spec V cars a month. The GT-R Spec V goes on sale Feb. 2 at seven dealers in Japan, which can provide the extra maintenance services for the model. It is planned for sale later this year in Europe, but North American sales are still undecided.

Audi R8 GT3

Audi R8 GT3

Audi R8 GT3

2010 Ford Fiesta - Redefining The HOT Hatch

Simply put, it’s one of the most exciting cars coming to the United States. What’s so excited about a Ford Fiesta (besides the fact that the car’s green)? It’s a cheap, small car that gets great gas mileage and will not break the bank. Sure, you could buy a Prius that gets 50MPG (Fiesta should be just under 50MPG), but it costs well over $20k (the Fiesta should cost under $15k base price). You could buy a Mini Cooper, but again the price savings (and the Fiesta is still a cool car that could be in the same class as the Mini) is huge and the gas mileage is as good if not better.

In the end, if Ford does bring over a non-neutered version of the Fiesta (there is a 65+ MPG version in the UK), it will surely be a smash in a time when people are becoming more energy concious. Sure, it might not be as flashy as a Prius, but it was built without the use of VERY hazardous materials like battery acid and lead other battery waste. Expect to see this car tweaked by the import tuning crowd AS SOON as it hits American shores.

Fisker Karma S

Although sale of the first 2010 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrids are almost a year away, the company already put together a 4-door sports convertible. The two-door folding-hardtop concept is the hottest car I’ve ever seen. Combine this with the fact that it’s got a 4-cylinder that backs up the battery cell powered electric motor and you have a winner in both performance and efficiency.

The fascia, body and shape of the car are all based off the original Karma. It supposedly does 0-60 in the same six seconds, travels up to 50 miles on battery power and averaging nearly 100 mpg (so Fisker says). Fisker also quotes the Q-Drive’s output at 403 hp and almost a over 1000 lb-ft of torque. Sexy. Fast. Green. Move this to the top of my must have list.

525 Horsepower 2010 Audi R8 V10 Red

Audi unveiled the Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro yesterday ahead of its official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Now the first photos of the R8 V10 in red have been released.

The Audi R8 V10 is powered by a Lamborghini-sourced 5.2L V10 engine that puts out 525 horsepower and propels the car from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. The V10 engine is mated to either a a 6-speed manual or R-Tronic semi-automatic.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The first official images of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class have leaked onto the web today. We've seen lots of spy photos and renderings of the new sedan, so these photos aren't all that exciting.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Mercedes previewed the new E-Class with the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFascination and its apparent that the sedan draws many cues from the concept. The front-end ditches the four round headlights for four more angular pieces. There are also new led light strips on the lower front bumper. Overall the styling of the new E-Class brings it more inline with the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class sedans.

2010 BMW Z4 Exposed on a Movie Set

Test mules of the 2010 BMW Z4 have been caught testing around the world many times, but now we have our first look at the new Z4.

The new Z4 borrows styling elements from the new 2009 3 Series and 7 Series. It's also expected that the Z4 will also feature a retractable hardtop. Too bad that guy is in the middle of the shot or we could have seen more. The Z4 shown here is apparently in a BMW dealership during the filming of a new Michael Douglas movie.