One of the few remaining Japanese automakers without a hybrid vehicle in its lineup, Mitsubishi brought its new Concept PX-MiEV to the LA Auto Show to let Californians know that it too has the capability and is considering its options. First unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show the PX-MiEV name combines the automakers “MiEV” nomenclature, which stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, with a new “PX” designation, which stands for Plug-in Hybrid Crossover.

As a full plug-in hybrid, the Concept PX-MiEV can operate using either the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both. On pure electric power it can travel up to 30 miles. Mitsubishi rates that crossover at an impressive 117.6 mpg!

In EV mode the vehicle uses just electric power for the short 30 mile distance. When the batteries are depleted, the gasoline engine then kicks in to recharge the batteries and power the electric motor (much like on the Chevy Volt). At higher speeds, the gasoline engine takes over completely. In addition, the PX-MiEV features the company’s S-AWC and E-AYC all-wheel drive systems, along with a new center differential electric motor that works to send power to the rear wheels. All these technologies are part of what Mitsubishi calls E-4WD, which uses electric rather than mechanical systems to optimize grip.

Other highlights include an air-ride suspension with three height settings and an innovative driver alert system that uses a camera to monitor the driver’s eyes to see if he or she isn’t paying attention to the road.

The concept seems to suggest that Mitsu is considering introducing a hybrid crossover in the near future, but recent reports have pointed towards a hybridized version of the next generation Lancer Evolution.

GALLERY: Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Concept

Audi is no doubt thrilled that it’s new A3 TDI model was just awarded the honor of Green Car of the Year today at the LA Auto Show. It sounds perhaps more prestigious than it really is, however, as the award has only been given for five years by the Green Car Journal.

The list of previous winners isn’t overly spectacular either including the Mercury Mariner Hybrid in 2006, the Toyota Camry Hybrid in 2007, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in 2008 and the VW Jetta TDI Clean Diesel as last years winner. Yup, not a Prius in the bunch. Even more surprising is that the A3 TDI won over cars like the all-new 2010 Prius and even the more likely VW-Group model, the Golf TDI.

Still, what the A3 TDI does offer is performance, fuel economy and luxury. In fact, its rating of 42 mpg on the highway makes it the most efficient of any luxury car in the U.S. Power comes from a TDI 2.0-liter engine with 140-hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque.

“The Audi A3 TDI really defines what a ‘green’ car should be,” said Green Car Journal Editor Ron Cogan. “At 42 mpg, it sets the bar for highway fuel efficiency in the luxury car segment. Its 50-state certified clean diesel engine is quiet, responsive, and achieves its mission without the need for exotic technologies. Plus, it’s sporty and just plain fun to drive.”

Audi of American Boss Johan de Nysschen was on hand to accept the award stating that, “We consider the Green Car of the Year title one of the most important industry accolades. It is of paramount importance for us to develop vehicles that achieve the very touchstones this award stands for — fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Rather than novelty features, we consider these attributes imperative to the future of automobile design. We are honored with this recognition for the Audi A3 TDI.”

Official release after the jump:

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It may have been a big deal when it launched back in 1998 but the New Beetle just doesn’t have the staying power of the original. Volkswagen has announced the “Final Edition” model of the car, unveiling both the limited edition coupe and convertible models at the LA Auto Show.

VW will build 1,500 units each of both the coupe and convertible with a special Aquarius Blue paint. The coupe gets a black roof, while the convertible gets a two-tone paint job with Aquarius Blue and Campanella White paint. In addition, these Final Edition models will get a “sports suspension” and 17-inch wheels. Under the hood, things stay familiar with a 150-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder and six-seed Tiptronic transmission.

Pricing for the new Final Edition models is set at $20,240 for the coupe and $27,170 for the convertible.

GALLERY: 2010 VW New Beetle “Final Edition” Coupe and Convertible

Official release after the jump:

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Buick has just officially announced the release of the all-new 2011 Regal at the LA Auto Show. With the car, General Motors is taking aim at luxury rivals like the Acura TSX in the entry-level sport/luxury market. Normally, you’d expect a Buick to underperform in this dynamic segment but Buick insists the Regal will be up to the task, even touting the car’s Autobahn upbringing. After all, the Regal is based on the same chassis as the award winning Opel Insignia, which was made in (and for) the German market. This is also the same chassis used for the new Buick LaCrosse, but is shortened by four-inches between the wheels and shrunk by 6.7-inches in total. The smaller overhangs should make for a more dynamic driving experience, as should the standard 18-inch wheels.

Under the hood, Buick will offer two engines – both of which are four-cylinders. Initially, the base engine model will be available with the same 2.4-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder as found in a lot of GM’s products lately. It will make roughly 182-hp and get 30 mpg on the highway. Later an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder will be offered with 220-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque and get 29 mpg highway. Both engines will come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission that features driver shift control.

Buick has confirmed that the turbocharged model will be available with a six-speed manual transmission as well, which it hopes will help promote the idea that the brand is now more youth and performance oriented than ever.

Having just had our first up-close experience with the Regal we have to say it’s not quite as exciting as we had expected – although the car’s touted European driving experience may change that. It’s not overly exciting to look at (being a smaller and more tame interpretation of the LaCrosse) and the interior is just so-so. In fact, after sitting in the car we scurried back over to the newly launched  Tucson to double-check it the Hyundai’s interior does seem higher grade.

When the turbocharged model launches in the summer of 2010, it will also come with a new Interactive Drive Control (IDC) option that will let the driver choose from three settings (Sport, Tour and Normal) for the suspension, throttle, steering and transmission. Cool stuff!

The 2011 Buick Regal will go on sale in the first half of next year. Only the 2.4-liter model will be offered in top-level CXL trim, with the turbocharged motor arriving in the Summer and other trim levels after that.

At the press conference Buick did announce that it is planning yet another more entry-level luxury sedan to fit in under the Regal.

GALLERY: 2011 Buick Regal

Hyundai has just unveiled the all-new 2011 Tucson compact crossover at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Tucson gets a complete list of upgrades including a more powerful and fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine, as well as several new features and an all-new look.

Powering the Tucson is an improved version of the company’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, that now makes 176-hp and 168 ft-lbs of torque. Fuel-economy has also taken a huge leap forward, with a rating of 23/31 mpg (city/highway), which Hyundai says puts it ahead of both the RAV4 and CR-V. Interestingly, this revised engine makes roughly the same power as the old 2.7-liter V6 and at the same time gets 20 percent better fuel economy than the previous 4-cylinder.

Part of the reason for this is the car’s light weight, tipping the scales at just 3,203 lbs it’s the lightest vehicle in its class. And yet Hyundai says it’s also the widest compact crossover on the market, boasting even more room than a BMW X3. Rear passenger room is also good thanks to sculpted front seatbacks to make room for even longer legs.

Hyundai also promises an improved ride, with a sportier feel thanks to stiffer sway bars all around.

Additional highlights include items like a downhill brake control, hillstart assist, a backup camera and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson will be offered as a GLS and Limited model in both front and AWD. In total just 10 different models will be offered to keep the buying process simple. Sales are schedule to start this month.

GALLERY: 2010 Hyundai Tucson

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the new small car it will introduce to North America next year is the Colt. Currently the Colt is in its 7th generation overseas, with some of the past iterations having been sold in North America as Mitsubishis, Dodges, Plymouths and Eagles.

Mitsubishi, it seems, will be one of the last automakers to re-enter the sub-compact market in the U.S., with both Ford and Mazda having just debuted their new (respective), Fiesta and Mazda2 models at the LA Auto Show. Currently the market is already dominated by cars like the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.

Overseas the Colt comes with many different engines, with a 104-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder a likely candidate for North America – although even that seems underpowered. Some special edition Ralliart models have, however, produced in excess of 150-hp.

Now we’re just waiting for Suzuki to bring back the Swift as VW takes its time getting the Polo to U.S. shores.

[Source: Autoblog]

After having just debuted the all-new 2011 Sonata with an impressive new direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, Hyundai has announced it will offer a high-performance turbocharged model (as well as a hybrid) starting next year. The news of the hybrid model has been known for quite some time, but this is the first Hyundai has said about a turbocharged version, using the company’s 2.0-liter Theta engine and direct-injection technology

In fact, we’re quite surprised Hyundai is taking this step, as this new turbo motor is set to replace the V6 option it the company’s lineup. Hyundai has already admitted that in the past just 10 percent of consumers opted for the V6 and with a significantly more powerful 4-cylinder for 2011, a more powerful option seems almost trivial. Still, we’re certain this new motor will make its way into many other Hyundai products in the near future.

The new GDI engine, offered standard in the 2011 Sonata makes 198-hp (or 200-hp in the SE trim level with a dual-exhaust setup). Torque is rated at 186 ft-lbs. In total, that’s 25 more horsepower and 18 more ft-lbs of torque than the old 4-cylinder. The car’s fuel-economy rating is set at 23/35 mpg (city/highway), which Hyundai says will make it the most fuel-efficient (non-hybrid) mid-size sedan on the marker.

As for the Hybrid Blue Drive model, it will use the new 2.4-liter GDI Theta II engine and a lithium polymer battery pack.

Hyundai will provide more details on both the Sonata Hybrid and turbo models at the New York Auto Show in the Spring of next year.

GALLERY: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Official release after the jump:

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For what seems like the 100th time, Chevrolet was once again showing off its new Volt plug-in hybrid at the LA Auto Show, but what made this time special was an announcement about when the car will launch. Chevy has said the Volt will go on sale in late 2010, starting in California and expanding to other markets after that.

“It is natural that California is the lead market for Volt. Not only is it the largest automotive market, Californians are known to be leaders in adopting groundbreaking new technologies,” said Brent Dewar, Chevy Brand VP.

Initially 100 vehicles will be delivered for fleet use to three California utilities: Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Chevrolet plans to use its OnStar system to monitor the vehicles and get driver feedback.

As a part of the program, the three utilities have pledged to build 500 charging stations.

Official release after the jump:

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BMW officially declared war today on the Lexus LS hybrid, with its own hybrid version of the 7 Series. A hybrid 7 of any sort would be a serious competitor to the LSh, but the ActiveHybrid 7 is a true BMW, offering not only a dynamic drive (relatively speaking), but a big increase in performance with 455-hp on tap.

Debuting today at the LA Auto Show for the first time in North America, the ActiveHybrid 7 uses the same twin-turbocharged V8 as found in the 750i, but pairs it with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack to make 455hp and 515 ft-lbs of torque – that’s an increase of 25-hp and 35 ft-lbs of torque over the standard gasoline engine. The result is impressive performance and modest fuel economy. BMW claims it can race to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

Due to the use of a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack, the unit measures just 14.6 x 8.7 x 9.1 inches and only weights 59.5 lbs, making it just slightly heavier and larger than a conventional car battery. BMW has located the lithium-ion unit under the trunk floor, keeping an adequate amount of trunk space

The new ActiveHybrid 7 also features regenerative braking, as well as a start-stop system. Impressively, even when the engine is shut off at a stop light, the air conditioning continues to run as is it powered electronically, not by the gasoline engine.

No official EPA fuel economy numbers are available yet but BMW says the car should get an average of 24 mpg. It should be noted that BMW’s estimates for the X6 ActiveHybrid proved to be far removed from the EPA’s ratings, so perhaps the same will hold true for the 7. (So far, in independent testing, the car has achieved an average rating of around 21 mpg, which is on par with the Lexus LS hybrid).

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is set to go on sale in the Spring of 2010 as both a conventional wheelbase and an extended wheelbase version (in order to perfectly compete with the Lexus LS600hL). Pricing is expected to be just over $100,000.

GALLERY: BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Debut in LA

Yesterday we had the opportunity to see Cadillac’s brand new CTS Coupe model and today we were on hand for the car’s official world premiere at the LA Auto Show. The CTS Coupe expands Cadillac’s CTS lineup to now include a sedan, Sport Wagon and the CTS-V sedan. Cadillac has confirmed a CTS-V Coupe is coming and we expect it to arrive at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in about a month’s time. A CTS-V Sport Wagon is also a strong possibility.

One engine will be offered, a 304-hp 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 that achieves maximum power at 6400 rpm. Full torque of 273 ft-lbs will be available at 5200 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard with an available six-speed paddle-shift automatic. A limited-lip differential is also included. Cadillac rates this engine at 18/27 mpg (city/highway) for rear-wheel drive or AWD models equipped with the auto-box, while the manual transmission is rated at 17/25 mpg. AWD models will only be offered with an automatic.

The Coupe certainly has the style to compete in this segment against cars like the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Infiniti G37 Coupe, as well as more high-end offerings like the Audi A5 and Mercedes E-Class Coupe – we’r ejust not sure if it has enough horsepower to keep up.

The CTS Coupe is based on the same chassis as the sedan, with the same wheelbase, but an overall height that is roughly two-inches (51mm) lower and a length that is also 51mm shorter. Unlike the sedan, however, it is not a five-seater but a 2+2.

It may look significantly like the sedan, but little of the sheet metal (or anything else for that matter) is actually shared. In fact, the only identical arts are the headlights, front fenders and grille and the instrument panel and center stack. Original design cues on the two-door include the lack of B-pillars and the use of hidden door handles to give a smooth look to the coupe. Other highlights include a more steeply angled windshield and rear glass as well as a dual-exhaust setup with both pipes placed together in the center at the rear of the car.

Optional goodies include two performance packages, the first with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires, and a second with 19-inch wheels and high-performance Summer Tires. Also optional will be the 14-way power Recaro sport seats that until now could only be had on the CTS-V.

The CTS Coupe is scheduled to go on sale in the Spring of next year.

GALLERY: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Debut in LA