2010 L.A. Autoshow

It’s been a helluva week!!  There are plenty of new cars to discuss thanks to the L.A Autoshow and there’s something for everyone. Keep in mind this show goes until the 13th I think and this isn’t even all the cars that have appeared thus far! Stay tuned!

2011 Ford Fiesta: The U.S spec 2010 Ford Fiesta debuted with a new front grill and bumper, but  remains mostly the same as the Euro spec version. Only one powerplant thus far, the 1.6liter 119hp inline 4 pot hooked to either 5 speed manual or 6 speed autobox.  It’s not going to win you and stop light drag races, but it will net you about 40mpg.  Base price should be around $13k and top out somewhere around $19k Look for a full test drive review of the car from me in the near future.


2011 Hyundai Sonata: The mid-sized sedan gets a total do-over and is it ever drastic! This sucker is all new and I’m actually excited about.  The exterior looks part Passat CC, mostly CLS 55, and I’m not sure I’m lovin’ yet.  But power sounds promising. The shiny new Accord fighter packs a 2.4liter direct injection , naturally aspirated 4 cylinder engine that outputs around 200hp! Transmissions come in two flavors: 6 speed manual and 6 speed auto. With a slightly lengthened wheelbase and a reduction in weight, the new Sonata should give the competition a good fight. Look for a turbocharged version of this engine in the future as Hyundai nixes the V6 to keep with  future CAFE standards.  I haven’t seen pricing yet, but expect a base price around $18k and with a ceiling of about $30k.  Bah dup bop bah bah..

2010 Hyundai Tuscon: More news from Korea!!  The all new crossover ute makes its way to stateside with eye-catching styling and practicality. Even though the new Tuscon is only slightly bigger than the model it replaces, it gives 3 more cubic feet of cargo room and weighs 85lbs less.  In the same fashion as the new Sonata, Hyundai trades the V6 for a flat 4.  This not only aids in weight reduction, but nets the CUV 3 extra horses for 176hp and provides nearly the same torque rating 168 ft-lbs, all routed through a 6 speed manual or automatic tranny.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe: Umm..well..it’s like the CTS, but..it’s a coupe. So..it’s got like 2 doors and um…the roof slopes….yeah…

2010 Jaguar XJ: Holy Mother!!!!  What a gorgeous thing!!  It’s a car we’ve seen before, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. When this big cat hits the streets, it’ll be bigger, more luxurious, and packing 3 snarling V8 engines: a direct injection 5.0liter V8 putting out 385hp, the same engine being force fed by a supercharger making 470hp, and a full blown version of that engine making 510hp.

2011 Buick Regal: Buick has been re-imagining itself in the marketplace by putting out modern, fresh designs like the Enclave and Lacrosse.  Now comes a European import rebadged for America’s mid-sized sedan segment.  The Regal shares many of its parts with the Opel Insignia, but gets retuned suspension, a different front fascia, and 2 engine picks: 2.4 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engines, making 183 hp and 220 hp respectively. Both automatic and manual transmissions come with 6 forward gears. Hopefully, if the car sells well, Buick will also import the high performance wagon variant of the Insignia.

2011 Mazda 2: The Mazda 2 is already sold in Europe and beyond, but they’ve seen fit to bring it to the states now. The weird thing is that it’s a Ford Fiesta underneath. That said, not much is different, but Mazda does promise that Zoom-Zoom stuff in this smaller package. And I will admit, it looks great in white with black wheels.

2009 Mini Coupe Concept: Again, this is one we’ve seen before, but, with this second showing, I do like it more than I did the first go ’round. I’ve never had an issue with the Mini, but I thought these coupe concepts were a bit lazy.  I think part of me would like to see more of a fastback shape and with a hatch for rear access, but I do still like this car. I’m particularly found of Cooper Works performance package. 211hp makes me happy.

2011 Lexus LF-A: Lexus jumps into the deep and prestigious waters of luxury supercars with their LF-A.  I’m still not sure if I’m in love with this car, but it is…what’s the word? Impressive? Yes, that’s the word.  Let me just name a few figures for you: 4.2 liter V10 engine, 552 hp, heavy use of carbon fiber, 3200lbs, 0-60 in last than 3.5 seconds.  Make no mistake, this $420,000 offering is slotted to murder Nissan GT-Rs, Ferraris, McClarens, Porsches and the like.   Only about 500 will be made, so marry someone old with tons of liquid cash.

2010 Aston Martin Rapide: Aston Martin makes a sports sedan to take on the not-so-pretty Porsche Panamera.  Where Porsche botched the overall styling of their car, the Rapide holds fast to the silky, oozy sex appeal that Aston Martin has been known for bringing to the market.  It looks like a stretch DB9, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Power comes from the same V12 in the DB9, but horsepower has been increased to nearly 50o as opposed to 450. The question is, however, is it worth it’s $233k price tag when you measure it against the $133k Panamera Turbo…or even against the DB9?

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder: As you’ll hear me say from time to time, I’m not brand fanboy.  So when I say, “I want that car!!”, I bloody mean it.  The Porsche Boxster is the sort of car that driving purists dream of.  The Boxster has been around for some time now, but this version is stripped down and focused.  It’s 3.4 liter straight 6 puts out 320 hp. Yes, it’s  only 10 more ponies than the standard engine, but this car is lighter.  With better brakes, retuned sport suspension, a limited slip differential, and the brand’s impressive dual clutch transmission, none of that power is going to get wasted.  If you love a true sportcars, don’t care for air conditioning or radio, and have $61,000USD burning a hole in your golfing pants, you might want to bother your nearest Porsche dealer.