Top 10 Unveils from the 2008 L.A. Auto Show
Not many vehicles sold in America have a following like that of the Mustang. For 2010, the Pony car is all-new . . . well, relatively speaking. At a glance, it closely resembles the current model in size and shape. However, up close and personal you’ll find refreshed exterior styling, a vastly improved interior and more power under the hood. Kudos should go to Ford for focusing on areas that needed the most improvement, and leaving the rest nearly untouched. The greatest effort went to improving the interior. We can no longer call it low-rent, although we loved doing so. The soft-plastic molding and leather used throughout actually conjures up images of quality and luxury. And the metallic trim adds a touch of class. On the outside, the front end is bolder, with larger grille openings as well as restyled headlights inspired by the 1970 Mustang. The taillights carry on the traditional three-lens design, but are lit by LEDs and light in sequence as they did on the Mustangs of the 1960s. The V8 gets an infusion of power, upping output to 315 ponies — but at the same time fuel-efficiency has also been improved. Still clearly a Mustang, this new version is bound to attract even more buyers to the corral.
This is the first major redesign of the legendary Z car since it returned to America in 2003. It is completely new inside, outside and under the skin. As the name indicates, the latest Z gets a 3.7-liter V6 that puts out an impressive 332 horsepower. Shorter but wider than its predecessor, the 370Z has true sports car proportions with an aggressive stance. Headlights and taillights are integrated into the sheet metal for a unique look. While there’s plenty of technology in this new sports car, the feature we’re most excited to try is the new SynchroRev Match system. An industry-first, it automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting with the manual gearbox, to set the exact speed of the next gear position — essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any upshifts and downshifts, letting any driver feel like a professional racer. The Nissan 370Z Coupe is scheduled to go on sale in North America in January 2009, priced around $30,000. Look for a new 370Z Roadster to arrive in the 2010 model year.
It’s tough to choose between these two cars. However, because these mid-engine sport coupes are so similar, it makes sense to include them in the same blurb. While both vehicles have freshened exteriors, as is common with new designs from Porsche, the changes are very subtle. But also common with Porsche, most of the new bits are noticeable only from behind the wheel. Both the base and S, or Sport, versions of the Boxster and Cayman boast power increases — look for 310 horsepower in the Boxster S with an additional 10 horses in the Cayman S. In addition to the powertrain updates, both the Boxster and Cayman get larger wheels, an upgraded suspension and larger brakes, all designed to provide even better handling than the outgoing versions. Porsche’s innovative PDK dual-clutch gearbox that was introduced on the 911 will now be available on the Boxster and Cayman when they go on sale in March.
With the popularity of Infiniti’s sporty G37 sedan and coupe soaring, it was only a matter of time before the lineup expanded to include a convertible. The new G37 convertible sports an attractive 3-piece hardtop that folds into the decklid at the push of a button, headrest-mounted Bose speakers with top-down volume adjustment, a rear windscreen and climate control that has the ability to compensate for top-down conditions by adjusting fan speed based on top position and vehicle speed. For those looking for sportier performance, the G37S Convertible also provides more responsive steering, bigger brakes and standard 19-inch wheels and tires. The G37 Convertible is expected to arrive in Infiniti showrooms starting next spring.
Mazda’s popular Mazda3 compact sedan gets redesigned for the first time. The changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, incorporating more of Mazda’s signature design elements from the RX-8 and CX-7. Two engines are available, including a new, more powerful 2.5-liter unit that helps this compact maintain its sporty nature. The interior has also been completely revised and features an innovative lighting system designed to welcome the driver - footwell and door handles light first, followed by brightening the instrument cluster, center stack, audio and climate controls. Changes to audio or air conditioning settings are acknowledged with a change in illumination. Only the sedan was shown at the L.A. Show, but we’re assured the versatile 5-door will be following soon.
The RX Series is one of the most popular luxury crossovers on the market. Though the all-new 2010 models are still recognizable as RXs, they also feature wider track, a more aggressive shoulder line and longer overall shape. Inside are further updates, including a new heads-up display and hard-drive-based navigation system that incorporates real-time traffic and can display a 5-day weather forecast, too. Wide-angle cameras mounted underneath the rearview mirrors help with parallel parking and blind spots. A more powerful, more efficient hybrid RX 450h will also be available when the new version goes on sale next February.
2009 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
Now this is a convertible. Like its hardtop sibling, the LP560-4 Spyder offers those top two-percenters that can afford its sizeable price tag a massive amount of power (560 ponies, to be exact) and “I am way too sexy for my shirt” styling. Molto bene! When the Gallardo first hit the pavement it was revolutionary for Lamborghini in terms of drivability and user-friendliness. But it took the LP560-4 to level the playing field with Ferrari and the Italian Stallion’s F430 in terms of performance. The Spyder tightens the competition. It develops power from a 5.2-liter V10 engine and is controlled via a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. This latest Gallardo Spyder is distinguished from the previous version by more prominent lower, larger air intakes up front that increase the flow of air to the engine. And a center spoiler has been added between the intakes to improve aerodynamic balance at high speeds. Able to gallop from zero to 60 mph in around 4 seconds and boasting a top speed over 200 mph, this car redefines wind in your hair.
Already a lot of fun to drive and fuel-efficient, the popular Mini Cooper will soon gain even more favor with environmentally conscious drivers. The Mini E electrocar is powered by a 204 horsepower electric motor and will reportedly have a driving range of 150 miles. With 162 lb-ft of torque on tap, the Mini E will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 95 mph. To match the handling and driving enjoyment of the MINI Cooper, the suspension has been tuned to match the even weight distribution of the Mini E, which weighs in at 3,230 lbs. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the Mini E will initially be available only as a two-seater and, unfortunately, only 500 lucky customers in California, New York and New Jersey will have the opportunity to lease one for one year with the option to extend, but at the end of the lease they go back to MINI for analysis. The price of the lease has not been released, but it does include any required technical service including all necessary maintenance and the replacement of worn parts.
After 10 years of success in the Japanese market, the Cube is finally coming to America. More than just a box on wheels, the Cube features an asymmetric design with a wraparound window on the right rear. It may look small on the outside, but it is surprisingly roomy inside with seating available for five and plenty of space for groceries. Rear seats can slide forward or back for greater flexibility, and even recline for those looking to lounge. Not exactly built for speed, the Cube gets a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower that can be teamed with either Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) or a 6-speed manual transmission. But the high-performance comes in fuel economy — Nissan expects the Cube to achieve more than 30 mpg on the highway when it goes on sale next spring.
A new compact crossover with urban-chic style, a budget-friendly price, and econocar fuel-efficiency, the Kia Soul is aimed straight at the heart of young car buyers who wish to make a statement with their vehicles. With an angled window line, rounded nose, large headlights and chrome grille, the Soul offers a unique style in the very crowded crossover segment — something that should make dealers happy. To further stand out from the fray, Soul owners will have multiple options to personalize the interior with different colors, fabrics, lighting and audio systems; sounds a lot like Kia borrowed a page right out of Scion’s playbook. A number of different option packages will be available, but Kia expects a fully loaded Soul to be priced below $20,000 when it arrives in showrooms early next year.
