The German automaker Volkswagen revealed a few days ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show the new generation of the CC model which will no longer carry the “Passat” designation. Some of the most noticeable exterior modifications include a new chrome grille, revised headlamps that now feature LED daytime running lights, along with a new bumper. At the back we find updated LED tail lamps, along with new bumper and boot designs.
2013 Volkswagen CC
Inside the cabin there are new trim options and climate controls as well as new stainless steel door sills. Probably the most important change inside is the inclusion of a three-seat rear bench which replaces the previous two individual bucket seats.
2013 Volkswagen CC
The U.S.-spec model will be available with the same engines as before: a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter unit that produces 200 hp and a beefier naturally aspirated V6 3.6-liter that generates 280 hp. Both of these engines benefit from the direct injection technology.
2013 Volkswagen CC
For the new model Volkswagen decided to add a bunch of systems like the Side Assist Plus with Lane Assist which warns the driver of the car’s blind spots and it can also make the necessary direction changes in order to avoid an accident. The U.S. model will also be available with an optional Dynamic Light Assist plus a traffic sign detection system.
2013 Volkswagen CC
The 2013 Volkswagen CC will be launched at first in Germany in February 2012, followed by the rest of Europe and the United States.
The 2013 Ford Mustang Boss made a public appearance at this year’s edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is motivated by a V8 5.0-liter engine that develops 444 hp and 380 lb.-ft of torque. As far as the changes that have been brought in comparison to the outgoing model, the 2013MY features a new design for the splitter, functional bonnet vents, standard HID headlights, LED tail lamps and easily removable covers.
2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Inside the cabin, this powerful rear-wheel coupe comes with Ford’s SYNC infotainment system as a standard feature. This includes a USB connection for digital music players as well as hands-free with voice activation calling through Bluetooth. Other than that, the system incorporates an on-demand diagnostic and information service plus an automated “911 Assist” emergency calling service which is entirely free.
One of the models introduced last week in L.A. by Infiniti is this gorgeous 2013 IPL G Convertible which is powered by a V6 3.7-liter engine that churns 343 hp (348 PS / 256 kW) and 273 lb.-ft (370 Nm), mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The car rides on seven-spoke 19-inch IPL graphite-finish alloy wheels that are wrapped around in Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires.
2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible
Customers will be able to choose from one of the two available exterior colors: Malbec Black and Moonlight White, along with two colors for the interior: Monaco Red (IPL exclusive) and Stone. Surprisingly, the 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible will come in one fully-equipped package and buyers won’t be able to add other options.
2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible
The car is scheduled to hit Nissan/Infiniti dealerships in the U.S. starting with the spring of next year.
Source: Nissan/Infiniti via WCF
Post tags: Tags: Infiniti, infiniti ipl g, Infiniti IPL G Convertible, la-auto-show
Besides introducing the 2013 MKS model, Lincoln also brought to this year’s edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show the 2013 MKT model which is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2012. The stylish crossover comes with a new front fascia as well as an updated front grille. Inside the cabin not much has changed compared to the outgoing model, but we should mention that there’s a new instrument cluster, a revised MyLincoln Touch infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof.
2013 Lincoln MKT
The car can be fitted with either a 3.7-liter V6 engine or a more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The first one is capable of developing 300 hp (304 PS / 224 kW) and a peak torque of 275 lb.-ft (372 Nm), which is an increase of 32 hp (32 PS / 24 kW) and 8 lb.-ft (11 Nm). Lincoln expects that the crossover will be able to return 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway thanks to the twin-independent variable camshaft timing.
2013 Lincoln MKT
The beefier EcoBoost engine is rated at 355 hp (360 PS / 265 kW) and has a maximum torque of 350 lb.-ft (474 Nm). With this power unit, the 2013 Lincoln MKT should do 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway.
2013 Lincoln MKT
Both of these engines are linked to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that sends the power to all four wheels. Some of the car’s most important features include bigger brakes, a new electronic power steering system and continuously controlled damping system for the models fitted with the aforementioned EcoBoost engine.
For this year’s edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Lincoln has decided to bring the new generation of the MKS model. On the outside we notice that there’s a new front fascia with redesigned headlights and a revised front grille, along with a new bonnet, fog lights and modified bumper. At the back the taillights have been updated while the boot lid has also suffered some changes. Lincoln has also stated that the exhaust tips and the front fenders are new, and that the car will be available with 19- or 20-inch alloys.
2013 Lincoln MKS
The 2013 Lincoln MKS will be available with a choice of two power units: a 3.7-liter V6 Ti-VCT engine and a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost power plant. The first one is capable of producing 300 hp @ 6,500 rpm and has a peak torque of 275 lb.-ft reached at 4,000 rpm when running on 87-octane fuel. The new generation of the MKS is more frugal and is able to return 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The EcoBoost engine churns 355 hp at 5,700 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 lb.-ft available between 1,500 rpm and 5,250 rpm.
2013 Lincoln MKS
Both engines can be linked to one of the two 6-speed SelectShift Automatic gearboxes that come with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. While the all-wheel drive system is an optional feature for the model fitted with the 3.7-liter engine, the one that is powered by the EcoBoost unit gets an all-wheel drive configuration as standard.
Other modifications compared to the outgoing model include beefier brakes, active park assist system, CCD – Continuously Controlled Damping that has two driving modes: Sport and Drive, along with other goodies like the Lincoln Drive Control system, Lane Keeping System, auto high-beam headlights, BLIS, collision warning system and adaptive cruise control.
For this year’s edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Infiniti has decided to bring the new generation of the JX seven-seat luxury crossover, after they’ve unveiled the concept version back in August during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The production version of the Infiniti JX will get a V6 3.5-liter gasoline engine under its hood, a power unit that is capable of developing 261 hp. The car will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, and it will adopt various new technologies, including the Backup Collision Intervention which will allow the driver to spot crossing objects behind the car and the system is capable of applying the brakes in order to avoid collision.
The car will feature an impressive 14-speaker Bose studio surround sound system along with the Infiniti Connection Telematics system which will be able to automatically synchronize the driver’s calendar and offer navigation aid to appointments.
The Infiniti JX35 FWD will carry a starting price of $40,450 while the JX35 AWD will be available from $41,550.
This year, the Japanese automaker Lexus has introduced several GS models, starting with the GS 350 that made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. In September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, they’ve unveiled the GS 450h while at the SEMA show they brought the GS 350 F Sport.
Lexus GS 360 F Sport
All three cars are on display these days at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will continue to be there until November 27th when the show closes its doors. The 2013 GS 350 is motivated by a V6 3.5-liter engine that pumps out 306 hp, enabling the sleek sedan to hit 62 mph from start in only 5.7 seconds. Fitted with the F Sport Package, the GS 350 adopts an aero kit as well as upgraded chassis components in order to improve the car’s handling capabilities.
Lexus GS 450h
As for the GS 450h, this one is powered by a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with the company’s Hybrid Drive and it is capable of producing 338 hp.
Mini has introduced last week during the L.A. Auto Show the 2012 Cooper B-Spec which was developed by Mini of Charleston. This turn-key racer has been fitted with a coilover suspension, 15-inch rims with Hoosier tires and Carbotech brakes. Inside the cabin there’s a Kirkey racing seat, window net and a roll cage.
2012 Mini Cooper B-spec
Under the hood there is a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine that develops 121 hp (123 PS / 90 kW) and a maximum torque of 114 lb.-ft (154 Nm). They haven’t released any official details about the performance specifications, but the regular model needs 8.4 seconds for the 0-62 mph sprint, on its way to a top speed of 126 mph (203 km/h).
Most likely many of you will not agree with the cars featured in this top but nevertheless these are some of the most important cars that were revealed this week during the Los Angeles Auto Show.
On the fifth spot we’ve placed the Cadillac XTS. To be honest, we never were big fans of Cadillac but the all-new XTS manages to blend the best things that this brand has to offer, wrapped around in a luxurious sedan that is very spacious and has a lot of technology features to offer. Set to rival the BMW 5-Series or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the new XTS is powered by a V6 3.6-liter direct-injection engine that fires 300 hp. Inside the cabin it sports an 8-inch high resolution display that has iPad-style controls.
The Fiat 500 Abarth is our number four in this top because it is 50% more powerful than the standard version. At the heart of this tiny sports car is a 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter engine that develops 160 hp and a peak torque of 170 lb.-ft. Aside from the extra oomph, it sports a lowered ride height, stiffer adjustable Koni shocks, beefier brakes and 16-inch alloys (17-inch optional).
To be honest, I’m almost fed up with the many concepts Subaru has released based on the upcoming BRZ model, but I have to admit that the STI Concept shown this week in L.A. is absolutely stunning. It has a huge rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes and a carbon fiber roof. The production version of this model will (hopefully) be unveiled later on this month at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Our number two in this top is the Jaguar C-X16 which is perhaps one of the most beautiful cars revealed in L.A. Even though it was unveiled back in September during the Frankfurt Motor Show, it deserves this place in the top thanks to its gorgeous looks. When it will come out, it will carry a price tag of 55,000-70,000 pounds. The C-X16 will feature a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that develops 375 hp and a maximum torque of 332 lb.-ft. This engine will be mated to a revised version of ZF’s eight-speed transmission which will have a built-in electric motor.
We’ve saved the best for last, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible, a very powerful cabrio that has a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 engine under that vented hood. This power unit fires 580 hp (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft (754 Nm). The car rides on the 3rd generation of GM’s Magnetic Ride suspension and benefits from the Performance Traction Management system. This is perhaps the best looking convertible right now. Feel free to disagree.
At this year’s edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show there were some interesting cars unveiled, along with cool concepts and other vehicles that give us a preview about what we can expect from the future of the automotive industry. Here are the most important cars shown this year in L.A.
Yet another concept version of the highly anticipated BRZ model has been introduced. This time we’re talking about the STI concept which was unveiled this week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The production model is expected to make its debut on November 30 during the Tokyo Motor Show, before going on sale in spring 2012.
Subaru BRZ Concept STI
As most of you know this by now, the Subaru BRZ is the outcome of the partnership Subaru made with Toyota, and it is a sister model to Toyota’s FT-86 and Scion’s FR-S. All three rear-wheel drive coupes use the same platform and mechanical hardware, including Subaru’s flat-four 2.0-liter engine and the D-4S direct injection technology from Toyota.
Subaru BRZ Concept STI
The horsepower of the Subaru BRZ will be sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox, but we don’t know if the car will get also a 6-speed automatic gearbox, as the one that the Toyota FT-86 will have.
Subaru BRZ Concept STI
The model show in L.A. this week is the STI version which adopts a more aggressive body kit, including here a larger rear spoiler, a lower front spoiler and a carbon fiber roof. The prototype is wearing the traditional Subaru STI blue and comes with 18-inch multispoke alloys wrapped around in 215/45R18 for the front wheels and 225/45R18 for the rear ones.
Subaru BRZ Concept STI
Source: Subaru
Post tags: Tags: la-auto-show, Subaru, subaru brz, subaru brz concept sti
The British automaker Jaguar still hasn’t made its mind whether to launch the C-X16 as a convertible or a coupe. According to various rumors, they will probably launch the open top version first towards the end of next year, but the company’s boss Adrian Hallmark said that they haven’t made up their mind yet.
Jaguar C-X16
When it will eventually come out, the Jaguar C-X16 will cost somewhere between 55,000 and 70,000 pounds. As a reminder, the car will be motivated by a supercharged V6 3.0-liter engine that fires 375 hp and has a peak torque of 332 lb.-ft. The engine will benefit from the company’s recently introduced Twin Solenoid Starter stop/start system and it will be linked to an updated version of the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox that has a built-in electric motor.
Jaguar C-X16
In electric mode, the car offers 95 hp and 173 lb.-ft and it can be driven for small distances at a maximum speed of 50 mph, drawing on the tiny 1.6 kWh battery pack installed behind the seats. The CO2 emissions of the car are just 165 g/km, making it one of the greenest Jags ever made. It will be able to reach 62 mph from 0 in only 4.4 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h).
Approximately two years ago, the Italian automaker Lamborghini introduced the first rear-wheel drive version of the Gallardo model when they launched the Valentino Balboni edition. The new LP550-2 Spyder borrows most of the technology Lambo used for the special edition, ditching the FWD configuration in favor of a rear-wheel drive system.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder
The superb car is motivated by a 5.2-liter V10 engine that develops 542 hp which sends all those ponies to the wheels in the back via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed e-gear, robotized manual gearbox. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder is capable of hitting 62 mph from start in just 4.9 seconds and it will keep accelerating until it hits 198 mph.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder
The car weighs 3,351 pounds (1,520 kg) and Lamborghini has carried out extensive modifications in order to adapt the car to a rear-wheel drive configuration. One example would be applying damper settings and tweaking its aerodynamics which were necessary since the distribution of forces has been changed
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder
The car is scheduled to arrive in the dealerships in spring 2012 and it will carry a retail price of 158,797.60 pounds.
The fastest open-top GT in Jaguar’s history has been introduced this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, a car that is motivated by a V8 supercharged 5.0-liter engine that pumps out 550 hp and a peak torque of 501 lb.-ft (680 Nm). It enables the gorgeous convertible to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, en route to an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
Design-wise, the XKR-S Convertible borrows a lot of the design cues of its coupe sibling, including here the new design for the nose, the vented bonnet, a front bumper that has twin side inlets, new sills, new rear wing that has a carbon insert on the outside, along with a carbon fiber trim for the interior.
Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
Even though the car has lost its top, the British automaker said that the XKR-S Convertible’s aluminum chassis has a very high torsional rigidity, which they say makes it the stiffest vehicle in its class thanks to the implementation of reinforced rear suspension damper mounts.
Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
The front suspension of the convertible has a new aluminum steering knuckle that increases camber stiffness by 23%, which improves the accuracy of the steering as well as feedback. In order to diminish the steering sensitivity at high speeds, Jaguar has uprated the Active Differential.
Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
The stopping power is guaranteed by the 380 mm (front) and 376 mm (rear) disc brakes which come as standard with the model. In addition, the carmaker has revised the car’s dynamic stability control system to lower the intervention level when the driver chooses the Trac mode.
This week during the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Japanese automaker Mazda has brought the new CX-5 compact SUV model that we first saw back in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The car will go head-to-head with rival models like the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape, but it will also face the competition coming from the VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 and my personal favorite, the Kia Sportage.
Mazda CX-5
This would have to be the very first model released by Mazda to fully encompass the automaker’s SKYACTIVE TECHNOLOGY, which consists of various powertrains and chassis architecture that have been designed in order to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, while at the same time providing the car with a sporty drive.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 will be available in the United States in the first part of 2012 with a 2.0-liter gasoline SKYACTIV-G engine that develops 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 150 lb.-ft @ 4,000 rpm. Customers will be able to choose from two transmissions: the 6-speed manual SKYACTIV-MT and the 6-speed automatic SKYACTIV-Drive.
Mazda CX-5
According to Mazda, the new CX-5 model in the FWD configuration and the manual gearbox is able to return 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the FWD version with the automatic transmission can do 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. As for the AWD version of the CX-5, this will be available exclusively with the automatic gearbox and it will manage to do 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
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