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Los Angeles International Car Show Highlights: Green Gets the Go
By Alan Haskvitz
Leaner and Cleaner are the theme at this year's Los Angeles International Car Show at the Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles. A new breed of smaller cars such as the cuddly Nissan Cube and Kia Soul join the anticipated electric hybrid Chevrolet Volt and Honda Insight concept cars to make this the most environmentally oriented display in history. Indeed, at least eight new hybrid vehicles will be on display and some are surprising such as an all-electric Mini E, a Mercury Milan Hybrid, and Saab's convertible BioHybrid.
For those interested in life in the fast lane the Ferrari California, Bentley Azure, and BMW's 7 Series are on display as well as the Maserati's updated Quattroporte sedan. Bring your Gold Card.
Mercedes-Benz has a large display that was highlighted by the SL65 AMG Black Edition of which only 175 will be produced. That low number could save our oil reserves as this coupe has the most powerful Mercedes-Benz AMG engine ever produced with a 6-liter V-12 engine encouraged by two turbochargers and producing 670-horsepower. And the engine's electronics can be stimulated to create even more should you need to get the dog to the vet in a hurry.
There are lots of little things to check on at the convention center such as the new Lexus RX 450 h's navigation system with a "Remote Touch" controller that is essentially a computer mouse that controls the car's center console operation. Then there is the Kia Soul, with an entertainment system that includes a notebook computer with a multi-purpose video game monitor that sits on a tray that can be swiveled for use by the driver or passenger. Also offered are a multimedia system that includes Bluetooth and MP3 technology, multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi and more. In other words, kid friendly. Matching the Soul in shape is the aptly named Nissan Cube that could start at $10,000 and is being outfitted as an electric only for some Oregon residents.
My choice for the car to buy as soon as they are available is the Honda Insight. Priced under the Honda Civic, this concept hybrid has what is called an "Ecological Drive Assist System" that uses a combination of color cues in the speedometer to indicate how economically you are driving.
The domestic brands are still fighting with Ford making some inroads with its Fusion and Milan hybrids. Chevrolet's Volt is a smart looking sedan that used a small gas engine to charge the main battery pack and provide extended range estimated at over 600 miles and Chrysler has a variety of cars that have been converted to run on battery power. That should be enough to spark more interest in American cars.
Hyundai debuted its HED-5 iMode concept that utilizes a 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine that is said to produce 286 horsepower while providing over 30 mpg on the highway.
Other significant debuts that are worth the trip are the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, which is very hot looking, and the new Ford Mustang with a more bulges and the availability of a new top, a glass one. Add to that a natural gas powered Toyota Camry, a sporty Lotus Evora 2+2, Dodge's EV sports concept car which is reported to be faster to 60 mph then the Dodge Challenger SRT8, and the hydrogen powered Honda FC Sport and the Los Angeles show starts to emerge as a significant one in terms of diversity.
The five finalist for the Green Car of the Year Award are also displayed with the diesel powered BMW 335d and Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and the Smart ForTwo in the running. All of these models get well over 30 mpg. The winner was the Jetta diesel thanks to its very clean burn technology that enables it to qualify as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.
Perhaps the biggest surprise at the show were the BMW Mini E, an all-electric vehicle that is going to be field tested by the public through a limited number of leases. The E has a lithium ion battery powering an electric motor with 204 horsepower and it wouldn't be inexpensive with payments of over $500 expected. If you are interested in being in this select group sign-up at http://www.miniusa.com.
Even the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder that produces 552 horsepower has gone sort of green with better fuel management and the possibility of actually getting 20 mpg. It could happen. Another convertible, this one the G37 Infiniti, is also on display as are the new BMW 1 Series convertible and a Saab concept version. The Infiniti marketing people must stay up late nights as they have come up with a plan to sell 200 premier editions through the Bloomingdale's Holiday Catalog. A good looking convertible, the Infiniti is ready to romp with the new Lexus IS convertible.
For a list of vehicle manufacture highlights go to www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html