The Mazda KAAN won the Los Angeles Design Competition and it represents a race car from 2025. KAAN took first place for how well it integrated a high level of innovation and technology into the design, as well as its truly unique styling.
Mazda’s patented electronic tire system uses this technology to power the KAAN to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions.
The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together. Using strategies similar to those in cycling peletons, the tighter the group sticks together, the more aerodynamic and powerful it becomes.
Inspiration for the KAAN comes from electric fields and textures seen in nature, particularly those in a lightning bolt. The car is uniquely designed around its powerful electric wheels while the cockpit acts as a capsule to safely house the driver, allowing for tighter peloton formations and a team victory.
Maserati has a lot on its plate for a small car manufacturer. There are rumored plans for new "S" sport models GranTurismo, a GT Spyder version, a new baby coupe and sedan, as well as its already shown off a racing version of the GranTurismo. The Italian boutique Italian firm has so many projects going on, we sometimes question if it will be able to go through with them all. So we are a little comforted to see progress being made on one of the more obviously needed projects, the GranTurismo Spyder.
The spy shot shows a car with a metal folding hardtop, but according to Car Magazine spacial requirements for the trunk require a cloth roof in production. Car’s closer inspection confirmed there will be back seats in the GT’s Spyder (something that was deleted on the 3200 and 4200 drop-top models.)
The new Spyder is designed by Pininfarina and will use the family architecture of the Granturismo and Quattroporte. It will use the same the same 4.2- and 4.7-litre V8 engines. Expect to see an almost finished version in late 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to begin in 2010.
Kia unveiled the all-new Kia Borrego FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Available with two and three tank systems with 70MPa pressure, the Borrego FCEV’s power plant is located under the center floor and boasts an additional 47 hp of power to produce a peak output of 154 hp (a 44-percent increase compared to the previous generation) and propel the vehicle to a top speed of 100 mph while boasting a best-in-class system efficiency of 62 percent. With a 202-liter hydrogen storage tank located underneath the vehicle and ahead of the rear wheels, this latest Kia Motors research vehicle has a range of about 426 miles.
With the use of lightweight aluminum body shell components, the Borrego FCEV has a power-to-weight ratio that is similar to the new production model SUV. The FCEV also retains the roomy cabin, low noise levels and overall driving refinement of its new gasoline/diesel-powered sibling.
Press release after the jump.
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Volkswagen will continue the US diesel offensive with the launch of the Touareg TDI model in early 2009 (it will be available in all 50 states).
The Touareg V6 TDI clean diesel is powered by a 3.0L, turbocharged six cylinder engine capable of producing 221 hp and an impressive 407 lbs-ft. of torque. The fuel economony is: fuel economy of 18 mpg (City) and 25 mpg highway.
The Touareg V6 TDI – shifted by a six-speed automatic – accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.5 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.
One of the most important technologies in the new Touareg is the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter. This system converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder made official debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new LP 560-4 Spyder combines the Coupé’s design, performance and handling characteristics with the open-air pleasure only a soft top super sports car can deliver.
The Gallardo Spyder will be powered by a the same 5.2 liter V10 engine that is in the coupe version. It delivers 560 hp and over 380 lb ft. of torque to all four wheels. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and can go up to 201 mph.
Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder adds a new, lighter transmission, which allows increased shift times by 40 percent (Corsa Mode), combined with an all-new chassis, suspension and Lamborghini’s permanent all-wheel drive system. Despite increased performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 18 percent.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Toyota unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show the compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle. According to the company the car features "just one of the many alternative fuels we’re exploring in our ongoing advanced technology research and development."
The CNG Camry Hybrid Concept is powered by a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive and the gasoline fuel system has been replaced by CNG system. The maximum output is 170 hp (Engine + Electric Motor + Generator + Power Storage).
The CNG Camry features a sporty look: a sleek custom front fascia and front bumper cover eliminate the grill opening, while a custom rear bumper covers the tail pipe and visible exhaust system. The vehicle is fitted with 19 x 7.5 alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza 225/35ZR19 run-flat tires to accommodate the lack of a spare tire.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Honda unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show today the FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept. It basically takes the technology from the FCX Clarity sedan and stuffs into a "hey, look at me" coupe.
Although it is known that Honda has been working on hydrogen cars, the FC Sport was a true surprise in LA. Honda seems to be having some fun with this water-maker because it’s using a lightweight body, a low center of gravity, and an electric motor that Honda described as "powerful". Honda sees this as a design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain. Very green, very cool.
The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.
The design could be a good one. The front is very cat-like and the profile is similar to the original NSX. Unfortunately the back end look like it’s hunting for truffles.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Isn’t homologation wonderful? If manufactures want to go racing in the GT2 class, they have to cough up a few examples for the public to fight over. One such street racer is Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85, which will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is a road version of its GT2 LeMans car and will be limited to only 24 units. The car will go into production by the end of 2008 and will be offered in both left and right hand drive.
The LM85 is powered by an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 400 bhp. The engine is mated to a manual six-speed Getrag gearbox, driving the rear wheels with a Drexler limited slip differential.
It will come with lots of racing characteristics: aluminium chassis, GT2 livery (Burnt Almond Orange with Gun Metal ‘S’ logo), carbon fiber rear spoiler, and GT2 windscreen streamer.
Press release after the jump.
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Mercury unveiled the 2010 Milan, a new generation that adds for the first time a hybrid model to the line-up. The new Mercury will be built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and will go on sale in spring 2009.
The 2010 Mercury comes with new grille, fenders, hood, and front and rear fascias. The chin was pulled forward and the fascia was pulled down to give the 2010 Mercury Milan a wider, sportier look. Those changes as well as substantial underbody work made for a cleaner, more aerodynamic car.
Under the hood there is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 155 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT. The hybrid version comes with a new smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20 percent more power. It can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.
More details in the press release after the jump.
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The L.A. auto show is one day away, and the auto show page revealed new images of the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. The drop-top G37 will go on sale in the U.S. early next year, and Europe should get the car by the end of 2009.
The convertible version is based on the current G37 coupe and will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop, enabling it to keep a coupe-like roofline. The convertible also features a unique interior treatment with automatic adjustment to audio and ventilation systems so the top-down driving experience is still pampered.
Under the hood Infiniti is using an engine already used in the coupe and sedan versions, as well as another car debuting in LA, the 370Z. The engine is the 3.7-liter V-6 rated at 328 hp and is mated to a choice of a new 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
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