Top 10 at the L.A. Auto Show 2006

While still small in comparison to such automotive juggernauts as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the L.A. Auto show in Los Angeles seems to have hit a quick step of its own in 2006. Although known as the "City of Angels," any angels visiting this city, sort of by the sea, would likely have two or three cars, and perhaps an SUV, instead of the usual wings. The automobile is literally an integral part of the landscape here, and the city has long been at the forefront of emerging automotive trends. To that end, the annual L.A. Auto Show changed its dates for 2006. While the show typically occurs after the NAIAS, as of this year, it took place before the show in Detroit, in order to ramp up its efforts to become the season opener of automobile shows. Everything from hydrogen-powered sedans to concept crossovers inspired by backpacks was on display for the motor going public.

10-PLUS VEHICLES


Honda FCX
A North American production debut of great significance was the Honda FCX, with Hoopla surrounding this otherwise sedate looking sedan. The FCX will use hydrogen for fuel. As the hydrogen-fueling infrastructure is still developing, Honda will also make available an FCX Home Energy Station, which converts common natural gas to hydrogen fuel. At the heart of the FCX is the Honda PEFC, or Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell. What this means is that hydrogen gets converted into electricity to run the FCX, and the end result is zero tailpipe emissions. Expect the FCX to begin appearing in showrooms with limited availability in 2008.

Porsche GT3 and 911 Targa 4
On the opposite end of the practical automobile spectrum was news that the Porsche GT3 will finally be available on North American shores. The GT3, which sports 415 naturally aspirated horsepower under the bonnet, is a Porsche with one foot on the street and the other on the racetrack. With a red line at 8400 RPM the GT3 is sure to make beautiful music. Club racers and road going lead foots attending the show rejoiced in the news of the American arrival of the ultimate in German sporting precision. The GT3 is the most powerful non-turbocharged Porsche ever offered in North America. Porsche also rolled out the new to North America 911 Targa 4 and 4S.

Volkswagen Tiguan Concept
Keeping in line with the theme that environmental transportation need not be dull or boring is the Volkswagen Tiguan Concept. Built specifically for debut at the L.A. Auto show, the Tiguan is a preview of the coming Toureg-based compact SUV, which will feature the new ultra clean burning BLUETECH turbo-diesel powerplant under the hood. BLUETECH is a new series of efficient and powerful diesel engines developed in joint partnership with Audi, Mercedes, and Volkswagen. While some of the styling features of the Tiguan may in fact make it to production, Volkswagens fans of bouncing tigers will be sad to note the orange and black tires will likely remain a show-only item.