2009 LA Auto Show Coverage by Autoblog

Damon Lavrinc

- http://www.autoblog.com

Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman?

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 25th, 2009 at 3:42PM Spy Shots

Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?

If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel

Can gasoline fumes cause road rage?

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 25th, 2009 at 6:18AM



Gas prices, as low as they may be, may cause drivers to erupt in bouts of rage, but according to a new study, that's only the half of it.

A researcher at Cairo University exposed rats to unleaded and leaded gasoline vapors and discovered that the rodents forced to huff the fumes were more prone to violence.

After the gasoline treatments, the rats were put into a cage and exhibited a variety of aggressive behavior, including gnashing of teeth and biting. After the study was conducted, the rats were dissected and their brains showed signs of damage from the fumes.

Taken to its extreme, the researcher that conducted the tests, Amal Kinawy, believes that humans who are regularly forced to inhale fumes at the pump may be more prone to road rage. "Heightened aggression may be yet another risk for the human population chronically exposed to urban air polluted by automobile smoke," Kinawy wrote in her report, although a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain can cause similar effects.

[Source: Wired | Image Source: Frederic J. Brown/Getty]

XTR Carchip Porsche Cayman X-Wide is the RS we've always wanted

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 24th, 2009 at 7:56PM

XTR Carchip Porsche Cayman X-Wide - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not overly familiar with XTR Carchip, but the Berlin-based tuning company caught our eye with its "X-Wide" Porsche Cayman project. Designed as a daily-driver-turned-track-tool, the 987 S underwent a major exterior overhaul, with a detachable CFRP front splitter, fenders, side skirts, carbon fiber exterior mirrors and an adjustable rear spoiler, along with a set of three-piece, central locking 18-inch BBS RS wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber.

Inside, the stock stereo and air conditioning remain, but a set of Recaro GT3 seats with six-point Schroth harnesses and a roll cage make it ready for a late night assault on Hockenheim.

Somewhat disappointingly, the only modifications to the engine are a Super Sprint Magnum cat-back exhaust and an ECU tune which boosts output to 310 horsepower and brings a top speed of 177 mph. However, XTR isn't stopping there -- they're working on a twin-turbocharged version that will reportedly put out around 850 hp when it arrives next spring.


Gallery: XTR CarChip Porsche Cayman S X-Wide



[Source: XTR Carchip via Porsche Point]

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.24.09

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 24th, 2009 at 7:20PM

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37X Sport makes no excuses

The Infiniti G series relied on its lower cost of entry to make up for its shortcomings. With the G37X Sport, that's no longer the case.

Quick Spin: Nissan Leaf the tip of mass market EV spear

We take the Nissan Leaf all-electric vehicle for a spin in So. Cal. to see if one mainstream automaker is finally ready to bring EVs to the masses.

Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase, brand future up in the air

The Swedish supercar manufacturer that swooped in to save Saab has pulled out of its deal with General Motors. So what does that mean for the future of the brand?

Also of interest:

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Toyota extends Tundra rust recall to include 2000-03 models, totalling 110,000 trucks

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 24th, 2009 at 5:27PM



If you've been following the Toyota Tundra rust saga, you're aware that NHSTA recently requested data from Toyota about the purported frame corrosion affecting 2000 and 2001 models. Today, Toyota has extended that recall to include the 2002-03 model years, saying that a small number of trucks could suffer from frame corrosion that could cause the spare tire to detach from its underbody housing. That brings the total up to 110,000 Tundras located in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

Toyota will begin an inspection program next month which will run through January of 2010, and if you're driving one of the affected pickups, you can get all the details in the press release below the fold. Hat tip to Mike from Pickuptrucks.com.

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2011 Kia Cadenza bows in Korea, replacing Amanti in the U.S.

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 24th, 2009 at 1:56PM

2011 Kia Cadenza - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has taken the wraps off the 2010 Cadenza in its home market before its official debut at next month's Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, and if you're wondering what the South Korean automaker had planned for the next generation Amanti, this is it.

Based on an all-new front-drive platform (Type-N) spanning 195.5 inches, the Cadenza is slightly shorter than the Amanti it's due to replace, but its wheelbase has grown to 112 inches and Kia managed to reduce the weight by over 280 pounds while keeping torsional rigidity and overall strength up. MacPherson struts are employed up front with a multi-link suspension in the rear, while 11.8-inch discs (front) and 11.2-inch rotors (rear) are hidden behind standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch wheels.

Three engines, each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, will be available when the Cadenza launches outside of North America in January. Outputs will range from 162 (four-cylinder) to 286 hp (V6), with the latter like to come to the US. Kia hasn't released when the new Amanti will make it Stateside, but the smart money says sometime late in 2010. Make the jump for the full release.


Gallery: 2011 Kia Cadenza/Amanti



[Source: Kia]

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.23.09

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 23rd, 2009 at 7:20PM

First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport

GM's batting average for selling rebadged Opels in the U.S. is practically nil, but the 2011 Buick Regal may be the exception that disproves the rule.

Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped

Buick's product renaissance is in full effect and the latest addition to the tribe is a Cruze-based compact spied in near-production guise.

Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan

The 2011 BMW 5 Series has arrived and in addition to a new platform, two new engines and scad of interior improves, the newest 5er is finally a looker.

Also of interest:

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Redesigned 2010 Infiniti G and 2011 QX joining M in LA

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 23rd, 2009 at 3:30PM



Although Nissan and Infiniti won't have an official presence at next week's LA Auto Show, the luxury marque will unveil its 2011 M sedan at an event the night before the show and plans to webcast the proceedings at 7:00 pm PST on December 1.



Joining the thoroughly redesigned M on stage will be the updated 2010 Infiniti G and the oft-spied the 2011 Infiniti QX. Although official details haven't been released for either model, a set of promo shots have already leaked out, showing a slightly reworked fascia equipped with a few organic creases, new foglamp surrounds and a tweaked grille. The QX receives a similar, although much more elaborate redesign, with a bulging hood, acres of chrome and a canted D-pillar.

Powertrain and equipment details haven't been released yet, but expect all the information to be revealed in one week's time.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Infiniti QX


[Source: Infiniti, The Infiniti Source]

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 20th, 2009 at 5:32PM

The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.

According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."

Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia


[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7 caught in production form

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on Nov 20th, 2009 at 1:56PM Detroit Auto ShowGeneva Motor Show

2011 Audi A7 Spied - Click above for high-res image gallery

The intrepid spy shooters at KGP have caught the 2011 Audi A7 uncovered in a testing lab in Germany ahead of its official reveal next year, and the sleek, low-slung saloon/coupe hasn't lost much of its flavor in the transition from showcar to production.

Although the shots don't give us a clear view of the front fascia, the headlamps and front clip have obviously been toned down from its conceptual predecessor shown earlier this year the Detroit Auto Show. However, its sloping roofline and well-integrated hatch would appear to prove that at least one automaker can create a five-door hatch that's simultaneously attractive and functional.

If our tea leaf-reading is accurate, we'd expect to see the A7 make its production debut either in Detroit this January or at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Powertrain options should include everything from Audi's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four to the S4's supercharged six, along with a V8 option further down the line. And if the BMW 5 Series GranTurismo proves to be a hit in the States, we won't be at all surprised if Audi follows suit and by offering the A7 in North America.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A7

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