2008 LA Auto Show Highlights

As the first major American auto show of the new model year, the Los Angeles event invariably signals what can be expected for the coming season. Like the Paris Motor Show in early October, Los Angeles saw performance and luxury share the spotlight with "green" themes.

Sales Blues Mixed with Hope
Judging by speakers' comments made at news conferences and overheard on the show floor, wilting auto sales in late 2008 are having a damaging impact on the mood in the car business. Press Days at the Los Angeles Auto Show began in mid-November, just as the Detroit Three automakers were heading back to Michigan from their tussle with Congress over the proposed bailout.


While Ford held an enthusiastic session to promote the redesigned Mustang, Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ, most of the action revolved around the import brands. Included were the next-generation Nissan sports car and fun-focused Cube, reworked Mazda3 compact, Infiniti G37 convertible, redesigned Porsche Boxster, Lexus RX, and production-ready Kia Soul. On the fuel-efficiency front, Mini unveiled an electric hatchback, Hyundai revealed only the chassis of its coming hybrid, and Volkswagen won "Green Car of the Year" honors.

1.) Z-car thrills plus Cubic sense: 2009 Nissan 370Z and Cube

Two forthcoming models could hardly be more different than the pair introduced by Nissan in Los Angeles. First up: the sixth-generation Z-car, with its model designation changed to 370Z to denote the new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. On sale in January, the redesigned Z-car comes in Base and Touring editions, starting at $29,930. With 332-horsepower on tap, it's the most powerful Z-car ever, yet promises an estimated 26 mpg in highway driving.


Shorter in wheelbase, the 370Z has a lighter body than its 350Z predecessor. The new six-speed manual gearbox features a Synchro Rev Match system–the "world's first," according to Nissan. A seven-speed automatic transmission also is offered. New "barbed" headlights and taillights help give the "all-new" Z-car a fresh appearance.

First seen in concept form, the coming-soon Cube is shaped much like its name, but with rather rounded edges. Nissan calls it a "whimsical combination of squares and circles," accurately noting that it looks like no other vehicle on any road. An asymmetrical wraparound rear window complements the refrigerator-style back door. Scheduled to reach dealerships in spring 2009, the Cube will come in three trim levels, with six standard airbags. A 122-hp, 1.8-liter engine drives either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2.) Ponycar passion meets frugality: 2010 Ford Mustang and Fusion–including new Hybrid

On the evening before the Mustang was unveiled at the auto show, a thousand invited guests got an off-site peek at the next-generation model. Part of Ford's lineup since 1964, the 2010 Mustang adopts a "meaner" look, gaining more V-8 power, a "throatier" exhaust, and sequential LED taillamps. Mustangs will contain a 210-hp V-6 engine or, in GT trim, a 4.6-liter V-8 that generates 315 hp. Coupe and convertible body styles will go on sale, along with a glass-roof model. Either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission may be installed. Ford notes that the 2010 GT has borrowed elements from the recent Mustang Bullitt.

In the family-sedan field, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan have been modified for 2010. "We are serious about cars," said Mark Fields, Ford's president, the Americas. "Great cars. Fun-to-drive cars." Mating with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the four-cylinder base engine makes 175 horsepower. Ford's 3.0-liter V-6 has gained 19 horsepower (now 240). New for 2010 is a 3.5-liter V-6, standard on the Sport sedan. The midsize sedans are now flex-fuel (accepting an E85 ethanol/gasoline blend), with an all-wheel-drive option. Ford is adding a Fusion Hybrid sedan that can travel as far as 47 miles on battery power alone.


Ford also showed the reworked Lincoln MKZ sedan, which borrows some design cues from the company's MKS crossover. All-wheel drive will be available. Lincoln will soon add an MKT three-row luxury model.