Green – that was the theme of choice for just about every manufacturer at the LA Auto Show this year. How serious was their message? Would you believe that even Porsche showed off a Cayenne Hybrid as well as their first zero-emissions vehicle built back in 1901? Well it’s true. Thankfully, Porsche said that if they do come to market with the Cayenne Hybrid, it will exude all of the dynamic qualities that Porsche owners expect.
The 2008 Green Car of the Year award went to the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid thanks in part to its overall fuel economy boost of 30 percent compared to a standard 5.3-liter V8. In city driving, the Tahoe Hybrid’s mileage is increased by 50 percent and equals that of a four-cylinder Toyota Camry.
This year’s show featured two especially outrageous cars on display. One was the 1.46 million dollar Lamborghini Reventon. This is a limited production vehicle (only 20 will be made) and was sold-out within days of showing to select customers and VIPs in August. The mostly composite carbon fiber machine looks more like a stealth fighter for the road and in fact is finished with a mid opaque green/grey metallic color. With 650 horsepower on tap and its aerodynamic shape, Lamborghini claims excellent road holding – even at 211 mph! As wild as the exterior was, the interior gauges are truly ahead of their time. There are three TFT liquid crystal displays and can be changed to different display pages and styles by the driver. Included in the display is a G-Force Meter in a graduated 3D grid.
The other outrageous car was the Suzuki Sport XL7 Hill Climb Special. This car piloted by Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima broke the Pikes Peak Hill Climb record set by Rod Millen back in 1994. Still, it was just shy of breaking the magical 10-minute mark by just over 1.4 seconds. This Suzuki is powered by a twin-turbo V6 that puts out an incredible 1,007 horsepower! The rear wing was bigger than that found on a Top Fuel dragster, and the front splitter was wide enough to sleep two! Combine that with the massive under body tunnels and this Suzuki certainly qualifies as the monster of the show.
Perhaps the most anticipated and long-awaited debut of a supercar to come to America was the Nissan GT-R driven out on stage by no less than president and CEO – Carlos Ghosn himself. After reviewing the pictures from the Tokyo Auto Show previously, I found the GT-R to be better looking in person. This daily driver exotic can go from 0-to-60 in 3.5 seconds thanks to its all-wheel drive and 480 horsepower twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6. Coincidentally, Nissan did their part to stay in tune with the “green theme” of the show by garnering a ULEV rating. Out of the video games and movies and finally here stateside, the GT-R will go on sale in June 2008 starting at $69,850.
Hyundai thrilled with the debut of their Concept Genesis Coupe. The most striking design cue on this hot rod is the “Z” bodyside line under the rear quarter windows. This concept is configured as a rear drive 3.8-liter V6 pumping out over 300 horsepower. “Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse.”
Speaking of Infiniti, they didn’t launch the EX35, but did announce pricing (starting at $31,300). This all-new luxury crossover sport utility vehicle offers such high-tech features including an Around View Monitor, Lane Departure Prevention, and Scratch Shield – a self-healing scratch-resistant paint.
The North American debut of the new BMW 1 Series Coupe was well received. According to BMW, the new 1 Series draws inspiration from the iconic 2002 of nearly 40 years ago representing BMW’s core philosophies of pure performance and premium design. Both the 128i and 135i are powered by 3.0-liter, inline six cylinder engines. The 128i puts out 230 horsepower and the 135i is powered by a twin-turbo, 300 horsepower version. The 1 Series Coupe is scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2008. My question is – how much will the new 1 Series Coupe bite into 3 Series sales?
The debut of the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI impressed with 305 horsepower coming out of the tiny 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. The five-door wagon sits on a longer wheelbase, wider track, and has an even more aggressive body style based somewhat on its competition heritage. Although the name is the same, extensive revisions have been made to this third generation car including engine, chassis, suspension, body, safety, and comfort items. It sure looks like a winner.
Not to be outdone, Mitsubishi showed off their latest Lancer Evolution. For 16 years the Lancer has been a success story and for 2008 it only gets better with an all-new 291 horsepower, aluminum, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, Super-All Wheel Control, and 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. The striking front end styling means business and the huge air intakes are inspired by jet fighters. Multiple convenience features are also available on this road rocket including Bluetooth, Navigation, and hands-free keyless entry system.
Mazda had a very unique display with a full size working clay model of the 2018 Mazda3 Concept car. This car was designed by Mallory McMorrow as part of a contest by Mazda hosted by Facebook.com. McMorrow, a student at the University of Notre Dame, was on hand to work with Franz von Holzhausen, director of design, Mazda North American Operations, and his team to bring this model to “life” during the show days. The clay was flying as the craftsmen worked hard to match the drawings in 3D.
All-in-all, there was a tremendous selection of vehicles to look at, and in some cases, drool over. Whether made out of steel, fiberglass, aluminum, carbon fiber, or even clay, the LA Auto Show is getting bigger and better every year.
This 1901 Porsche used electric motors housed within the front wheels to deliver power to the road as a zero-emissions vehicle.
Photo by Larry Mason
The Lamborghini Reventon is all about speed.
Photo by Larry Mason
“Monster” Tajima’s Pikes Peak record breaking Suzuki Sport XL7 Hill Climb Special is all about horsepower and grip on gravel.
Photo by Larry Mason
Carlos Ghosn shares the performance story of the Nissan GT-R with the media.
Photo by Larry Mason
Video: Carlos Ghosn drives the new GT-R onto the North American debut stage.
Hyundai’s Concept Genesis Coupe is a rear-wheel drive model that is designed to be an Infiniti killer at a Mitsubishi price.
Photo courtesy of Hyundai
Here’s a close-up look at the Infiniti Around View Monitor from the driver’s perspective.
Photo by Larry Mason
Year One of the 1 Series Coupe could be year one of many more to come for BMW.
Photo by Larry Mason
The purposeful looking new WRX STI is sure to satisfy the Subaru fans.
Photo by Larry Mason
The wide mouth opening of the Lancer Evolution is ready to devour the competition.
Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi
The full-size clay model of the 2018 Mazda3 Concept car is a work of art in progress.
Photo by Larry Mason
Video: Franz von Holzhausen, director of design, Mazda North American Operations, talks about what’s unveiled.