Microturbine-powered hybrid supercar to debut in Los Angeles

The CMT-380 serial hybrid sports car is built on a Factory Five Racing kit car platform.

In an unlikely alliance, Capstone, manufacturer of electricity-generating microturbines, and Electronic Arts Chief Creative Director Richard Hilleman have built a hybrid sports car for the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. The CMT-380 uses an electric power train with a range-extending diesel-fueled microturbine. A lithium polymer battery pack gives the CMT-380 80 miles of pure electric range, and the microturbine generates power for an additional 500 miles.

The car itself is built on a kit car platform, the Factory Five Racing GTM supercar. Capstone cites performance figures of 3.9 seconds to 60mph and a 150mph top speed. Impressively, the microturbine burns its fuel so cleanly that no catalytic converter or other exhaust treatment is needed for the car to meet California's Air Resources Board emissions requirements.

Not the first name that comes to mind in the automotive industry, Capstone has been making microturbines for stationary facilities and hybrid public transport vehicles since 1988. The microturbine in the CMT-380 is the company's smallest, generating 30 kilowatts. Capstone claims many benefits of its microturbine technology over an internal combustion engine, such as compact size, low maintenance, and efficient operation.

But forget buying your own CMT-380. Capstone says it may build a limited number based on interest at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but the car really serves as a demonstration of microturbine technology. Capstone will look for interest in the technology from automakers.

Production 2011 Chevrolet Cruze previewed

Chevrolet has confirmed details and unveiled images of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan, which is set to be revealed in the sheet metal at the 2009 LA Auto Show on December 2. Set to compete directly with the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet expects the Cruze to stand out because of its expected highway fuel economy of 40 mpg.

The Cruze achieves this 40 mpg rating (and a cruising range of more than 500 miles) when equipped with its new, small-displacement Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. Standard on LT and LTZ models, the Ecotec 1.4L engine develops an estimated 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.

Stepping over to the LS model nets you, among other things, a larger displacement 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine and access to a larger wheel and tire package. With either engine, the Cruze is available with automatic and manual transmissions, both of which are six-speed units.

Keeping the Cruze connected to the road is a MacPherson strut suspension up front and a Watts Z-link independent suspension in the rear, which, according to Chevy, helps to keep the Cruze's handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, traction control, antilock brakes and electric power steering also do their part to keep the Cruze's 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels on the tarmac.

According to Chevy, the Cruze's interior is "Corvette-inspired."

Meanwhile, inside the "Corvette-inspired" cabin, the Cruze benefits from an array of noise canceling technologies, from hydraulic ride bushings to nylon baffles filled with sound-absorbent foam in the body to improved weather seals and tighter panel gap tolerances. Expect a reasonable list of infotainment technologies, including a six-speaker stereo system with MP3 playback capability, an auxiliary jack for personal playback devices as standard with available XM Satellite Radio, and OnStar. Premium audio comes in the form of a Pioneer sound system with a USB port for iPod operation, Bluetooth, and navigation.

The full list of cabin technologies hasn't been carved in stone yet and much can change between now and the Cruze's launch in third-quarter 2010. Stay tuned to our coverage of the 2009 LA Auto Show for more details as they emerge.

Mazda shows off U.S.-spec Mazda2

This Mazda2 gets custom wheels and a roof rack to celebrate its U.S. debut.
The Mazda Mazda2, 2008 World Car of the Year, finally gets its North American debut in U.S. production trim. However, while the diminutive B-segment hatch was certainly on display at the 2009 LA Auto Show, Mazda was surprisingly shy with the details. We weren't even allowed to take interior photos, which doesn't exactly bode well for a vehicle that's scheduled to launch as early as summer 2010.

What we do know is that the Mazda2 will feature a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion-beam axle setup that's similar to the European variant. The subcompact is designed with weight reduction and aerodynamics in mind, which--when combined with whatever small displacement engine finds its way under the Mazda2's hood--should equate to respectable fuel economy. However, Mazda is also being tight lipped about the fuel economy estimates as well.

Based on what we know about the Euro-variant, we expect the Mazda Mazda2 to be powered by a gasoline engine displacing somewhere between 1.3 and 1.5-liters and sipping fuel at a rate somewhere about 35 mpg. Final numbers remain to be seen, so stay tuned for more details as they emerge.

Audi A3 TDI wins 2010 Green Car of the Year

Audi/VW's TDI technology grabs a Green Car of the Year twofer.
For the second year in a row, the Green Car of the Year award has been handed to a clean diesel vehicle. This time around, it's the 2010 Audi A3 TDI and its 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo-diesel engine that's beaten its way to the top of a field populated mostly with gas-electric hybrids from Toyota, Mercury, and Honda.

Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, which sponsors the award, cites the A3's EPA-estimated 42 highway mpg, five-seater hatchback functionality, and fun driving experience seasoned with healthy portions of low-end torque as the reasons for its success.

The Green Car of the Year is awarded annually at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Previous winners of the award include the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

Infiniti's new M steps over the 5-liter line

Infiniti chose an alternate location to show off its M56 during the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Infiniti didn't make it to the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, but the company was near by, showing its 2011 Infiniti M56 in Beverly Hills. The update to Infiniti's top model is an attempt to stay competitive with luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, while maintaining a performance focus. As such, the M56 gets a revised interior with some nice woodwork, new running gear, and a raft of driver-aid technologies.

Along with blind-spot detection and lane departure warning, Infiniti adds lane drift prevention, which keeps the car from crossing a lane line by braking the offside wheels a little. This technology can prevent a sleepy driver from going off the road, or a distracted driver from changing lanes into an occupied lane. We've tested this technology previously and found it easily overcome, so it won't prevent a driver making an emergency lane change.

The car also has an adaptive cruise control option, an around-view camera that makes maneuvering through tight parking garages easier, and a new technology called Eco pedal. This last feature pushes back slightly on the gas pedal for heavy-footed drivers as a means of training people to drive more economically. This feature can be easily turned off.

The new power train in the M56 includes a seven-speed automatic transmission and a direct injection 5.6-liter V-8, producing 420 horsepower. This engine is more powerful yet more economical than the outgoing 4.5-liter V-8. The M model is also available as an M37, with a 3.7-liter V-6.

2011 Ford Mustang: V-6 is no longer a dirty word

When Ford launched the revised Mustang last year, we were pretty bummed to learn that there wasn't a new power plant to go along with the improved aesthetic. At the 2009 LA Auto Show, this inequity has been rectified with a new 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 that boosts engine output to 305 horsepower while raising fuel economy to an estimated 30 mpg on the highway. For the first time ever, a V-6 Mustang is nothing to be ashamed of.

We've already taken a look at how the Duratec achieves such power and economy through a combination of weight and friction reduction, along with a new variable valve timing system. Spinning the crank to the tune of 305 horsepower means that the Mustang is now more powerful than the Chevrolet Camaro (304 horsepower). Of course, a one pony gap isn't much to write home about, but bragging rights are bragging rights.

Along with the new heart, the Mustang receives a few aero tweaks to the front end and undercarriage that will likely be invisible to all but the most diehard 'Stang lovers. Revised spring rates and a new thicker rear anitroll bar also help the Mustang V-6 to handle slightly better, but an optional Performance Package adds the suspension and stability control programming of the Mustang GT, bringing the V-6 model dangerously close to the V-8 in terms of performance--at least, until the new GT is revealed at the Detroit Show in January.

Hyundai's new Sonata gets by without a V-6

The Hyundai Sonata midsized sedan will be powered by a variety of four-cylinder engines.

Debuting at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is the first vehicle to feature Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language--"Fluidic Sculpture" obviously being market-speak for bulbous and swoopy.
The Sonata will debut with a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engine and a pair of six-speed transmissions, one automatic and one manual. However by the end of 2010, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a Hybrid Blue Drive model are set to join the lineup. However, the Sonata will not get a V6. This is a four-banger only party. The 2.4-liter launch engine will output 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while delivering 23 city/35 highway mpg. A performance oriented SE model boosts the horsepower to and even 200-ponies and adds uprated suspension components.

Cabin tech packages include a DVD/MP3-compatible Dimension audio premium audio system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation system that is optional on the GLS and SE trims. Stepping up to the luxury-oriented Limited trim adds HD Radio and makes a navigation-free version of the Dimension audio system a standard feature, as well as opening up the option to choose a 400-watt Infinity audio system with touchscreen navigation. Regardless of trim, choosing the premium audio option also nets a touchscreen navigation system. The nav system's data is stored on 8GB of flash memory, so we expect that it's a similar system to the one found in the Genesis Coupe.

XM satellite radio is standard (with three months of service included), as well as access to XM NavTraffic and XM Data Services when equipped with navigation. Also standard are Bluetooth handsfree connectivity and iPod/USB connectivity.
If Hyundai's Elantra Touring and Genesis coupe and sedan are any indication of the direction the Korean automaker is heading, we may find the new Sonata stealing a few Camry and Accord sales when it debuts in 2010.

Mini the Beachcomber

Mini's new concept is based on its upcoming crossover model.

Before its upcoming crossover enters production in 2010, Mini is already using this new platform for a concept.

Mini removed doors and roof to get passengers in touch with nature.

For the Beachcomber, Mini stripped off the doors and roof, opening up the cabin like a dune buggy or jeep. Lest occupants suffer sunburn or freezing rain, Mini includes what it calls "lightweight door and roof elements" that can be "installed within a few minutes."

For its sand-crawling duties, the Beachcomber uses a new all-wheel-drive that Mini calls ALL4, which will be a feature of the upcoming crossover. The suspension is raised, as well, with large wheels providing extra ground clearance.

Mini has used concepts in the past to herald its upcoming new models, such as the Mini Clubman. But, at least as far as North America is concerned, the Beachcomber heralds nothing. When the Mini crossover enters production next year, it won't be sold in North America.

The Mini Beachcomber will debut at the 2010 Detroit auto show.

New Toyota hybrid concept teased for Detroit

Well, we know three things: it's a Toyota; it's a hybrid; and it's green.

The 2010 car show season is set to kick off in January at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, affectionately and more commonly known as the Detroit auto show. Toyota is going to be there and, being Toyota, you can bet its booth will be stuffed to the gill with hybrids. We've just received a pair of teaser images for an unnamed Toyota hybrid concept.

The ultra-swept headlamps and rounded nose point toward a concept that's like no current Toyota offering.

The concept should be a new model and not simply a hybrid version of a currently selling vehicle. There's not much that we can tell from the pictures beside that it's a green Toyota hybrid. I'm guessing based on the steep angle of the A-pillar that this is going to be a tiny car. Perhaps a new subcompact hybrid that slots in below the Prius.

We'll keep our eyes peeled for more information as it comes available. In the meantime, give us your best guess as to what Toyota's got up its sleeve in the comments.

2011 Toyota Sienna packs two monitors in one

The Sienna's Dual View display seems a bit wide for single source viewing, but dual source may be OK.

This week the 2011 Toyota Sienna debuted at the LA Auto Show and while the minivan's new Venza-esque aesthetic, 3.5- and 2.7-liter power trains, and available all-wheel drive are, well, kind of interesting, we're most intrigued by the new Dual View rear seat entertainment system.

Folding down from its hiding place in the Sienna's ceiling, the Dual View display appears to be a superwide 16.4-inch display. However, it is actually two smaller displays seamlessly butted against each other in one frame.

When watching a single source, the Dual View displays a single image. Choose two video sources (such as a DVD and the RCA inputs) and the two Dual View system switches to a split screen mode, displaying the two images side-by-side.

The rest of the Sienna's cabin tech package consists of the same DVD-based navigation system that Toyota's been using since forever, Bluetooth connectivity for calls and audio streaming, USB and iPod compatibility, and an 180-degree Panorama Camera rear monitor.

Honda wins for wackiest concept

The Honda P-NUT was the strangest thing on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

In a time when most automakers limit their new production, Honda showed the most creative flair at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show with its Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) concept. The P-NUT explores new ideas for small city cars, using a 1+2 layout, with rear seats that can fold up, turning the car into a delivery cart. Honda has some interesting ideas for how the driver would interact with the car, and specifies a head-up display for the broad windshield.

Don't expect the P-NUT to ever hit production; it is pure concept. Honda merely suggests some ideas that would work for its powerplant, from a traditional internal combustion engine to an electric drive unit.

Bentley S3 E design concept

Bentley S3-based concept it’s an amazing car that melds 1960’s styling from the original Bentley S3 with new millennium technology. That it is possible thanks to the Bentley Boys USA, and specifically Arturo Alonso who is an engineer and automotive visionary.and they will call it Bentley S3 E Design Concept. This splendid concept car will use the original body and chassis but some modern additions like 4-headlamp layout design, vertical grille, dual air conditioning system and a deluxe interior with leather and suede trim for maximized comfort. The car stands on 20 X 9.5 inch forged wheels wrapped with 275/40/20 Continental Sport tires.

Under the long hood will be a 4.4-litre V8 engine borrowed from German automaker BMW mated to a 5-speed ZF BMW automatic transmission producing close to 300 horse power. The S3 is fitted with customised exhaust system consist of stainless steel exhaust pipe, 2 rear muffler and double tips.
Alonso and the guys from Bentley Boys USA decided to build only three of these special, extremely exclusive and unique vehicles and each vehicle it’s going to be built one at a time over a period of eight months. The Bentley S3 Concept will be priced at 150,000 american dollars. The producers will be targeting cashed-up buyers in the usual places, such as the Middle East, Russia the UK and North America.

Bulletproof Bentley – A War-Ready Car

Are you a fan of James Bond. Did you watch all his movies? Yes, James Bond movies are full of action with super weapons and super cars used. But, did you know that super car for now is not only in movie? Yes, you read it right. There is now a new released car in market, a bullet proof car.

This bullet proof Bentley is a rebel’s dream. For only $500,000 this dream car can be your on JamesList.

The bullet proof Bentley offers safety features such as ballistic steel in the doors, pillars, bulletproof glass, run flat tires, an explosion-proof gas tank, Kevlar flooring. Other security options include a self-contained oxygen supply system in case of a poison gas attack and exploding hinge bolts that blast open the doors should a speedy exit become necessary.

2010 Saab 9-5

The new Saab 9-5 Sedan marks an all-new era for Saab. It is not onl;y the first model revealed after the Swedish brand is under Koenigsegg’s ownership, but it also comes with new design, inspired by both Aero X and Saab heritage. The all-new Saab 9-5 Sedan will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to start later in model year 2010.

For the new 9-5 sedan the front is inspired by the Aero-X Concept: deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
The car comes with a variety of engine options with the base model having a 1.6-lite engine that can produce up to 180 hp. On the other end of the spectrum, is a 9-5 that comes with a 2.8-liter turbo V6 engine that puts out approximately 300 hp. While engines may differ depending on which version of the car you get, all 9-5 sedans do come with the same six-speed tranny in either stick-shift or semi-automatic.

2010 Ford Figo

India’s role as an important player in the future of Ford Motor Company’s international strategy was underscored today when the company’s President and CEO, Alan Mulally, unveiled an all-new car targeting the heart of the Indian car market – the new Ford Figo. The Ford Figo, a new nameplate and a fresh face on the Indian market, signals Ford’s intention to compete in India’s largest and most important small car...

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show Ford of Europe is revealing the next step in its acclaimed low CO2 Ford ECOnetic strategy, the super-efficient new 2010 Focus ECOnetic. Dedicated Ford ECOnetic Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo and Transit models have already established themselves as credible alternatives for customers prioritising low carbon motoring and high levels of fuel efficiency. The new model for 2010 takes this formula even further by combining new technology... An all-new, two-model Ford C-MAX range makes its global debut at this year’sFrankfurt Motor Show . The exciting new C-MAX family brings new levels of style and desirability to the compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV) market, with a bold and dynamic new look which extends Ford’s acclaimed ‘kinetic design’ language. For the first time, Ford’s MAV customers will have the choice of a 5-seat C-MAX or the new 7-seat Grand C-MAX.

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

While it’s true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it’s equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse’s history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars. The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge