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.
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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The third generation RX 350 made its debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. First launched in 1998, the RX 350 comes completely redesigned and will continue to set new benchmarks in areas that have made it the best-selling luxury utility vehicle: innovation, styling, performance, utility and comfort. Sales will begin in February 2009.
Under the hood there will be an improved 275-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.
The luxury SUV features a strong stance and powerful new body design with the goal of enhancing comfort and maneuverability. The inverted-trapezoid design in the front and the horizontally integrated rear are incorporated together via a pronounced shoulder along the RX’s profile. Stylish molding around the side windows and at the base of the doors provides low-profile strength.
It sits on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and comes with a selection of f luxury and sport option packages, which include features like Lexus’ exclusive Mark Levinson® Surround Sound system, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension.
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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The last generation 3 shared a platform with the Ford Focus, and so now that the (European) Focus has upgraded its chassis, so will the 3. The new look of the 3 takes cues from the Mazda6, and continues what Mazda says will be the base of its future design language.
On the North American market, the new Mazda3 will be launched as a sedan only, with the hatchback version arriving at a later date.
2010 Mazda3 is offered with two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 148 hp at 6500 rpm and 135 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm; and Mazda3 s powered by a MZR 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 167 hp at 6000 rpm and 168 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The i version gets a five-speed manual transmission while the s version gets a six-speed stick-shift transmission.
The Mazda3 i achieves 25 mpg in city driving with the manual transmission and 24 mpg with the automatic. The highway mileage with the 2.0-liter engine is 33 mpg with either transmission. The Mazda3 s also tops 20 mpg in all conditions. Equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, its city rating is 21 mpg, rising to 22 mpg with the 5-speed automatic. The highway rating is 29 mpg with either transmission.
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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