Los Angeles Auto Show

LA Auto Show: Infiniti M Hybrid for 2012 Model Year

Hybrid cars in the luxury car segment continue to proliferate despite the fact that most engineers will tell you that heavier vehicles like luxe sedans and SUVs achieve better fuel economy at a lower cost with a diesel engine.

The latest is the Infiniti M Hyrbird, introduced by the luxury brand of Nissan at the LA Auto Show this week. The new gas-electric version of the luxe sedan will hit showrooms the end of 2011 as a 2012 model.

The M is a rear drive sedan, and comes with a seven speed automatic transmission. Official fuel economy figures are not available yet. But Infiniti expects the M Hybrid to get 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (27 combined).

The M Hybrid comes with premium amenities as you would expect: Active Noise Control; an audible pedestrian warning system for when the car is silently cruising in electric mode; navigation; Bluetooth; satellite radio.

The M will join Audi, BMW, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz with high end Hybrids.

Tags: Hybrid luxury cars, Infiniti M hybrid, Infiniti M Series, infiniti m35 hybrid, la auto show 2010, los angeles auto show, los angeles auto show 2010

LA Auto Show: Porsche Cayman R

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

We regularly report on what seems like an endless stream of new variants on Porsche's iconic 911. But the latest model from Porsche isn't a 911 at all: it's the ultimate version of the smaller Cayman.

Called the Cayman R, it packs more power and less weight: 330 horsepower from the 3.4-liter flat-six engine and 120 lbs less heft. There's also a revised suspension and an interior decked out in Alcantara microsuede and leather, plus straps for door handles (like on the similarly treated Boxster Spyder) as well as some visual tweaks to let everyone know this isn't an average Cayman.

With a 0-62 time below 5 seconds and a 175 mph top speed, the Cayman R was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will hit dealerships within a year from now with a $66,000 price tag.

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Tags: 2010 la auto show, 2010 los angeles auto show, cayman, cayman r, la auto show, los angeles, los angeles auto show, porsche cayman, porsche cayman r

LA Auto Show: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante

There are two things which Lamborghini does better than just about anyone else: high performance and incredibly long names. And if the outgoing Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce wasn't enough for you on either front, the Italian automaker has now unveiled its latest: the Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante.

Unveiled in Los Angeles, the Spyder Performante is the ultimate convertible Lamborghini. Think of it as a Gallardo Superleggera, only without a roof. Compared to the "standard" Gallardo Spyder, the Performante version drops some 140 pounds of excess weight thanks to the extensive use of that magical material: carbon fiber. The aerodynamics have also been improved, helping the Spyder Performante accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds, according to Lamborghini, but we wouldn't be surprised if it were even quicker than that.

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Tags: 2010 la auto show, 2010 los angeles auto show, gallardo, la auto show, lamborghini, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante, los angeles, los angeles auto show, Spyder Performante

LA Auto Show: Audi Q5 Hybrid

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

German automaker Audi is best known for diesel engines when it comes to alternate drive-trains that save on gas. But at the Los Angeles auto show this week, Audi is debuting a hybrid version of its Q5, which will go on sale in 2011.

Audi has paired a 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a 33.6 mpg highway fuel economy claim.

Combining the two drive systems, the Q5 Hybrid produces 245 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. If the driver is gentle on the pedal, he or she, in city driving or stop-and-go traffic, might be able to get about 1.9 miles without burning any gas. Audi claims the Q5 will also cruise at speeds of up to 62 mph using only electric power for very short distances.

The Hybrid will be priced above the Q5's gas versions--in the $45,000-$49,999 range. For comparison, the Lexus RX 450h V-6 hybrid with all-wheel-drive carries a $45,700 sticker.

Audi says the Q5 Hybrid will go 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is part of the package, as is engine start-stop technology, which shuts off the engine at stop-lights and idle, but kicks back on as soon as the driver touches the gas pedal.

Tags: Audi Q5 Hybrid, HYbrid cars, la auto show, los angeles auto show

LA Auto Show: Will The Fiat 500 Draw Luxe Buyers in America?

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Fiat is not a luxury brand in Europe and South America where its vehicles are primarily sold. And neither has MINI been a luxury brand. But just as MINI has created a small-car premium category that has attracted many luxury car owners, Fiat is hoping to draw the same customers with its 500 model, which will go on sale in the U.S. starting in January.

The 500 has been on display at previous U.S. auto shows, but it was in Los Angeles, that the automaker unveiled the final version. It is slightly different than the model Fiat already sells in Europe, with changes made to the front end and rear-end to comply with U.S. safety standards.

With a starting price of $15,500, the 500 can hardly be called "luxe." But the car, which will go on sale in about 130 Chrysler Group LLC dealerships across the country, is only about $500 less to start than the BMW Mini Cooper.

But just as options and accessorizing can drive a MINI Cooper price up well above $20,000, even close to $30,000, Fiat is hoping the 500 has cachet enough to attract people who will pay up to personalize it.

Pricing for the 500 starts at $15,500 for the base model, which is referred to as the Fiat 500 Pop. The 500 Sport is priced at $17,500 and the top-shelf 500 Lounge will cost you $19,500.

Gallery: Fiat 500 for USA

Tags: Fiat 500, LA Auto Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, sergio marchionne

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LA Auto Show: Cadillac's New Urban Concept

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The last time Cadillac gave us a small, or smallish, car, it was a disaster--the Cimarron, sold during the 1980s. It was a weak attempt by General Motors to put a Caddy in the market that got better fuel economy than its big sedans. But the underlying engineering platform was shared with the Chevy Cavalier, and it felt like it.

GM, a day before it starts selling stock in the new post-bankruptcy company, is showing a small, "urban" Cadillac concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show that could lead to a car Cadillac can sell to U.S., European and Asian buyers who are looking at similar cars from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Peugeot, Renault and soon, BMW.

Called The Urban Luxury Concept, the car has a wheelbase of just 97 inches with an overall length of 151 inches. The width is 68.1 inches and the height is just under 57 inches.

There is a lot of fanciful interior touches to show how interior space can be maximized through innovation with the instruments. Projectors and a slew of capacitive touch screens that glow tanzanite blueish-purple take the place of knobs. There's also a hide-away right-hand touch pad. See the details in the gallery.

Gallery: Cadillac Urban Car Concept

Tags: Cadillac, Cadillac city car, Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept, LA Auto Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, los angeles auto show 2010

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Essence Sculpture by Infiniti and Louis Vuitton

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Art, Architecture & Design

This isn't the first time Infiniti and Louis Vuitton have teamed up. The last time was on the bespoke fitted luggage to accompany the show-stopping Essence concept car unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Now the two have come back together for a follow-up.

This limited-edition resin sculpture is created by the same talents behind the concept car, and comes in a specially-crafted Louis Vuitton carrying/presentation case. Only 300 examples will be offered, each fetching $300. The sculpture and case will be unveiled at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, after which it will become available via infinitilifestyle.com.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Sculpture

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Tags: 2010 la auto show, 2010 los angeles auto show, expire-images:2010-12-16, infiniti, infiniti essence, infiniti essence concept, infiniti essence sculpture, la auto show, los angeles auto show, louis vuitton, sculpture

Infiniti to Launch M35 Hybrid at Los Angeles Auto Show

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

The highlight of the Infiniti stand at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November will be the brand's first gas-electric model, the new M35 hybrid. The M35 uses an all-new hybrid powertrain developed in-house by Nissan, unlike the Toyota-sourced system currently used in the Altima hybrid.

Since Nissan doesn't use the Infiniti brand in Japan, the M35 is sold as the Nissan Fuga hybrid in its home market where it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall. The hybrid uses the popular 3.5-liter V6 found in several Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in combination with a 50 kilowatt motor that can drive the M35 electrically at speeds up to 62 mph. The M35 also uses a smaller capacity version of the same lithium ion battery used in the new Leaf battery electric vehicle. The M35 hybrid will go on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Infiniti M35 hybrid

[Source: Infiniti]

Tags: 2012, 2012 infiniti g, 2012 infiniti m35 hybrid, Infiniti M, Infiniti M35, infiniti m35 hybrid, la auto show, los angeles auto show, los angeles auto show 2010, M35 Hybrid

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Allard J2X Roadster Revived at LA Auto Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Reviving old auto marques long deceased has become de rigeur in the car business. But while cases like Mini and Spyker have brought dormant brands back with new interpretations on the classics of yore, Allard takes a different approach entirely.

Rather than remake the legendary J2X in a modern guise, the revived Allard Motor Works has opted to continue the tradition with the J2X MkII. Essentially the same vehicle that was produced in the early 1950s, the J2X MkII – unveiled last week at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show – looks every bit like its forbearer, but with the help of modern propulsion. Buyers can choose from a range of American (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Chrysler or Ford) V8 engines. But the exquisitely-crafted leather and aluminum interior is the same, as is the chassis with its unique portals and leather hood straps.

The $138,500 Allard J2X MkII is being built in limited quantities in upstate New York and in Montreal for the time being, until production is centralized at one location.

Gallery: 2009 LA Auto Show: Allard J2X MkII

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Range Rover Sport Autobiography Edition Comes Stateside

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It was a long time ago, but once upon a time the Range Rover was the be-all-and-end-all when it came to luxury sport-utility vehicles. Since then, every premium automaker and its cousin has gotten into the luxo-SUV game, but the Range Rover isn't about to yield the high ground it's held for so long. Hence the Autobiography edition.

The top-of-the-line version of the avant-garde Range Rover Sport has been on sale for a few months now in overseas markets, but has made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The package includes special touches to the interior and exterior, from the 20" wheels and roof spoiler to the two-tone leather upholstery and special wood trim. They'll only be 250 examples on offer, commanding a princely $88,545 – about $14k over the standard Range Rover Sport – but then you can hardly put a price on exclusivity.

Gallery: 2009 LA Auto Show: Range Rover Sport Autobiography

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All-New Infiniti M Debuts in Los Angeles

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The new Infiniti M has been a long time coming. While its kid brother the G has been updated a couple of times, and the FX crossover has as well, the outgoing range-topping M has had to soldier on until now.

We first got a glimpse of its design – inspired by the show-stopping Essence concept – at the Monterey concours back in August, and it's finally made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The styling is a vast improvement over the boxy model it replaces, but as with many great Japanese luxury sedans, it's what's underneath all that curvaceous bodywork that counts most.

Available in M37 or M55 guise, the new luxury sedan can be had with a 330hp 3.7-liter V6 or a 420hp direct-injection 5.6-liter V8 (producing nearly 100 more horsepower than the 4.5-liter unit it replaces), both with Infiniti's proprietary valve-timing system. A hybrid system is in the works as well. The M packs either rear or all-wheel-drive with a seven-speed automatic and available four-wheel-steering, and benefits from such safety systems as Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Intervention, Distance Control Assist, Active Tracing Control, Intelligent Brake Assist and Forward Collision Warning, all in an effort to keep this svelte new sedan and its occupants safe along the journey.

Gallery: 2009 LA Auto Show: Infiniti M

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M sedan

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Infiniti Unveils Updated G37 at Los Angeles Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Infiniti has been busy at work. After charting the course for its new design direction with the breathtaking Essence concept in Geneva last March, Nissan's luxury division has been on a campaign to revise its entire range.

The G37 Coupe and Convertible have been recently revised. The FX crossover recently underwent a complete replacement. The M sedan is all-new for 2011. There's a new QX sport-utility coming early next year. Plans continue ahead for the company's first all-electric vehicle. And just to make sure its bread-and-butter luxury saloon wasn't left behind, they've revised the G37 sedan as well, unveiled just last week at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Updates over the outgoing model are subtle, but keep the sedan looking fresh for the next few years. The front end has been updated along the lines of Infiniti's new styling language, along with a subtly revised rear bumper and new wheels. Inside, the cabin has been revised with white instrument gauges, a 7-inch LCD touch screen to operate the sound system and real-time traffic and navigation system. The center console has been restyled, and there's new wood veneers and aluminum trim. Check it out for yourself in the high-resolution image galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 LA Auto Show: Infiniti G37 Sedan

Gallery: 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan

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Porsche Boxster Spyder debuts at LA Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The Porsche 911 comes in more flavors than Haagen-Dazs, from GT3 to Turbo, Cabrio to Targa and every permutation in between. Notwithstanding the odd designer edition, however, its kid brother the Boxster has had relatively few iterations. But now the diminutive roadster is catching up with the new Boxster Spyder.

Announced back a couple of weeks ago, the Porsche Boxster Spyder has made its official debut at the LA Auto Show. It packs more power (320hp) in a lighter package (176lbs less than the stock Boxster) with a decidedly upscale if minimalist approach. Deliveries begin in February with a base price of $61,200.

Gallery: 2009 LA Auto Show: Porsche Boxster Spyder

Gallery: Porsche Boxster Spyder

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2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Debuts at LA Auto Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Few thought it could really be done, but with the CTS range, Cadillac has proven itself capable of taking on Europe's finest. The original sedan has since been joined by a sport-wagon, and at the LA show this year, by a new coupe.

Taking its cues from the CTS Coupe Concept that made headlines at the show last year, the version you see here is in full production trim. The front end (from the sharp grille to the swept-back windshield) is identical to the sedan and wagon, but from there back it's all new. The coupe is wider in the rear than the others, and has a lower roofline for a more aggressive stance.

Power comes from the same 3.6-liter V6, but will be joined by the 556hp supercharged V8 from the CTS-V shortly after the coupe hits the market late next year.

Gallery: 2009 LA Auto Show: Cadillac CTS Coupe

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

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Porsche Boxster Spyder to Debut at LA Auto Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

In the world of high-performance sportscars, lighter means faster. That's why Porsche is preparing to take the wraps off the new Boxster Spyder.

Based on its entry-level roadster, the Boxster Spyder benefits from an aggressive weigh-reduction program to cut some 176 pounds off the stock model's curb weight, thanks in part to a lighter roof mechanism. The German automaker has also pulled an extra ten horses out of the direct-injection 3.4-liter flat six for a total of 320hp, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to drop the 0-60 time down to 4.6 seconds.

Of course the "less is more" philosophy comes with a commensurately exclusive price tag of $61,200. The 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will make its debut early next month at the LA Auto Show, but we've got a sneak preview for you right here in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche Boxster Spyder

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