The RX 450h (second generation) made its world debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show next to the RX 350. The car will go on sale in the spring of 2009.
The RX 450h will feature an exclusive grille, hybrid badging including blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, a special 19-inch optional wheel design, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.
Under the hood there is a Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This, combined to a new, more efficient inverter delivers 295 hp, 27 more hp than the current generation RX hybrid.
The RX 450h features a front-wheel hybrid drive or an electronically driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drive system, which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency via added weight and friction, the RX 450h’s rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.
Press release after the jump.
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The Porsche Cayman has always had a suspicious place in the Porsche lineup. The extra-potent "S" model comes very close to hitting performance figures of the base 911, at much reduced cost. But now that 2009 refreshening adds extra power to the Cayman, how will this stack up?
The second generation of the Cayman is making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show right along side its Boxster sibling. Just like the drop top, the 2009 Cayman is being offered in two versions: Cayman and Cayman S (the Cayman S Sport version goes away.)
The Cayman is powered by a 2.9-liter flat-six boxer engine that delivers 265 hp (an increase of 20 hp); the Cayman S gets a 3.4-liter power unit that delivers 320 hp (25 hp more). The Cayman S with PDK dual-clutch automatic and Launch Control can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. That’s a 0.2 second improvement from the previous Cayman S and is within 0.2 seconds of the published figures for the base 911.
As it turns out the increase in power will not mean worse fuel economy. The Cayman equipped with PDK averages 26.3 mpg, and 25.5 mpg for the Cayman S. That’s about a 4 mpg improvement from the Tiptronic automatic transmission cars.
Design improvements take cues from the V10 Carrera GT. The 2009 Cayman gets new front and rear ends with new halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators, new LED rear lights, new air intakes and new rear panels with a wind deflector plate.
Both the Cayman and the Cayman S will go on sale in February 2009 in Europe. It’s expected that the new Cayman will reach these shores soon afterward with only a marginal price increase.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Infiniti revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show the first ever convertible model in the G line-up. The car doesn’t stray much from the G37’s original recipe, and it carries over the coupe’s platform and engine. The biggest addition to the car is the extra sky available form the folding hardtop. Sales of the topless G will begin in spring of 2009.
The G37 convertible is powered by the same 3.7-liter V6 engine as the coupe version that delivers 325 hp @ 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 267 lbs-ft @5,200 rpm. The engine is mated to either an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
The model is offered in two different trim versions: the G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which adds sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires.
The problem with many convertibles is that top-down motoring can create a lot of wind in the passenger cabin. The G37 convertible combats the effects in two ways. When the three-pieces folding steel top is down, the Bose audio system will change the radio setting depending on detected outside noise. Also, the climate control system will adjust fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed.
For the Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog, Infiniti added a G Convertible Premier Edition limited to only 200 units.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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Lincoln unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show the new 2010 MKZ mid-size sedan. Sales will begin in spring of 2009 and production will be made at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant.
New for 2010, the MKZ features a new sport version with special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.
Under the hood there is a 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine that delivers 263 hp and 249 pounds-feet of torque. It is mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
The new MKZ also features Lincoln signature design elements, including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound head lamps for a wider, sportier look. Its chamfered front fascia also shares a family resemblance with the MKS, with a sculpted hood and ridges flowing into the A-pillar. In the rear, the Lincoln MKZ features a new decklid with wider LED taillamps accentuating the width of the car and separated by the Lincoln star.
Press release after the jump.
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History may remember the new Bugatti Veyron, being shown in North America for the first time at the LA Auto Show, as the one of the most powerful cars ever. With 16 cylinders, 64 valves and four turbochargers producing 987 hp, the Veyron is said to surpass 250 mph. A power gauge on the instrument panel tells the driver how much horsepower is being used. While it can’t use more than 987 horsepower it can hit 0-60 in under 3 seconds. Only 300 Veyrons will be built for about $1.2 million each.
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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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