Lexus continues to probe the U.S. market to see if it is ready and willing to accept a premium hatchback model. At the LA Auto Show, Toyota’s luxury division is displaying the LF-Ch hybrid hatchback concept that the company first introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Lexus has confirmed the model will inspire a production model but company representatives initially insisted it would only be offered in Europe. Now execs in the U.S. are openly commenting that if there is interest, the car could see dealerships by as early as 2012. Lexus has already confirmed that the car will see production in Europe in 2011.

While the LF-Ch concept is a hybrid, recent reports suggest the production model might not be. However, Lexus has applied for a patent on the name CT200h – which certainly sounds like a hybrid to us.

In production form the LF-Ch would compete against vehicles like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Ch Debut in LA

Volvo’s entire product lineup is in a state of change as the Swedish automaker works to update models with new curvy designs inspired by the brand’s revolutionary XC60 luxury crossover. The latest two models to receive the stylistic upgrade are the C70 convertible and C30 hatchback.

The C30 gets a new front end with a new bumper, grille and headlights. There’s also a new rear end using colored panels, as opposed to black plastic ones, while on T5 models large 90mm exhaust tips will be included. A new Orange Flame Metallic paint job (shown here) will also be offered, as will white wheels. In addition a sport chassis will be offered with stiffer bushings, a tighter steering ratio (by 10 percent) and springs that are 30 percent stiffer as well.

As for the C70, it gets a similar redesign and will now be offered in a new Flamenco Red Pearl paint (shown here). Out back, the C70 now also gets LED tail lights. Inside, a slight dash redesign helps keep things modern and luxurious.

Along with updating the rest of its product lineup over the next few years Volvo has said it will introduce diesel engines as well as diesel-hybrids to North America in an effort to meet the new 2016 CAFE standard of 35.5 mpg. Volvo has already announced a plug-in hybrid vehicle will arrive in Europe in 2012 and we’re likely to see diesel-powered models (which are big sellers for Volvo in Europe) soon. In Europe Volvo now offers its new C30 1.6D DRIVe diesel model, which gets an incredible 74.3 mpg.

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo C30

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo V70

There was no pomp and circumstance surrounding the unveiling of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition at the LA Auto Show. In fact, the car didn’t even get an unveiling. We thought it would be best to snap a few pics of it, however, as when Volkswagen announced the car a few weeks back they only release one photo. (So be sure to take a look through the gallery below).

The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition takes its name from VW’s Jetta TDI Cup racing series, which has been visiting major racing venues around the United States and Canada since 2008.

Sold as a “TDI Cup Edition Kit” the package includes a full four-piece aero kit as well as sway bars, a sport suspension (the same found on the Jetta GLI) and larger brakes with red painted calipers. (Sadly, these are not the R8 calipers the race cars get). Additional features include 18-inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires, sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifters (with the DSG).

Under the hood there’s a familiar 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 140-hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque. The package will be available on cars with either the six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available starting in January with an estimated price of $25,000. The car also qualifies for a $1,300 Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

The seconds of two production hybrids to get their North American debut at the LA Auto Show, the X6 ActiveHybrid joins the ActiveHybrid 7 in using the new green technology to make ridiculous amounts of power with modest (very modest) improvements in fuel consumption. In fact, BMW’s engineers have chosen to exploit hybrid technology to develop a vehicle that sits, performance wise, half way between the current twin-turbo V8 model and the new X6 M.

Using a 400hp twin-turbocharged V8 engine from the X6 and combining it with two electric motors, the X6 hybrid achieves a massive 480-hp and 575 ft-lbs of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. By comparison the X6 M makes just 500 ft-lbs of torque. It, however, can hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

As a two-mode hybrid system, the X6 ActiveHybrid will be able to travel on pure electric power up to a speed of 37 mph. Unfortunately it can’t drive on electric power long, just 1.6 miles at speeds up to 37mph, before the gasoline engine kicks in.

Interestingly the X6 ActiveHybrid makes use of a 7-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted by the driver. BMW says the tranny is “based on” a CVT transmission and works in two separate modes. There is one mode for around town where one electric motor operates and when the speed is increase or more power is called for the second electric motor kicks in an engages the gasoline engine. That second electric motor then powers the vehicle’s electric systems (power steering, radio, etc.).

When the hybrid crossover debuted in Frankfurt BMW claimed a fuel-economy rating of around 23.8 mpg (average) on the European cycle. The EPA’s numbers aren’t so impressive, at just 17/19 mpg (city/highway), which is only slightly better than the V8’s 13/18 mpg rating.

The X6 ActiveHybrid is priced from $89,775.

GALLERY: BMW X6 ActiveHybird Debut in LA

At the LA Auto Show, Swedish automaker Saab had on display for the first time on U.S. soil, its new 9-5 sedan, which was touted by many to be the struggling automaker’s savior. The only problem is, with Saab current instability, this baby might just be stillborn. Recently the leading candidate to buy Saab, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg, pulled out of the deal, putting not just the car’s future, but the entire automaker’s future in jeopardy.

GM has announced, however, that it will continue to look for a new buyer for the brand.

As for the car, well, it will be offered with five different engines in total, although few of them are likely to make it to the U.S.  All five engines are turbocharged and relatively small, meaning fuel-economy should be quite good. Also helping in the fuel-economy department is the fact that all five engines will be paired with six-speed transmissions.

When the car first goes on sale in Europe three of the five engines will be available: a 160hp 2.0-liter turbo diesel, a 220hp 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a range-topping 300hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 – the same engine found in the Cadillac SRX. Both front-drive and AWD models will be avaialble.

Later on, Saab will also offer a 180hp 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine as well as an E85-capable 2.0-liter motor.

The car’s proportions are somewhat awkward, but the interior is definitely luxurious and original.

Notable features on the new 9-5 include a heads-up display driver information system, adaptive lighting, adaptive cruise control, Saab DriveSense adaptive suspension, keyless entry and starting, tri-zone air conditioning, dynamic parking assistance and the option of AWD with Saab’s impressive eLSD system.

Saab has yet to set pricing and while a specific on-sale date has not been set, the car will be release some time in 2010.

GALLERY: 2011 Saab 9-5 Debut in LA

First shown in concept format the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Mitsubishi has just officially debuted the new 2010 Outlander GT compact crossover at the LA Auto Show.

Most noticeable is the EVO-styled front grille, however, there are several other minor changes to update the Outlander to GT status. For starters there’s a revised 3.5-liter V6 with 230-hp and 215 ft-lbs of torque mated to a new six-speed automatic tranmission also results in improved fuel economy numbers, but the big-for-its-class Outlander still doesn’t get good results. At best Outlander models are rated at 21/27 mpg (city/highway) with the AWD V6 GT rated at just 18/24 mg.

What really sets the GT trim apart, however, is the addition of Mitsu’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system to deliver improved performance. The system comes with three settings, including Tarmac, Snow and Lock, for AWD grip to suit each situation.

Other GT trim highlights include standard 18-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights and a 710-watt audio system.

GALLERY: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

More 2010 Mistubishi Outlander GT details after the jump:

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With California being an important market for BMW’s MINI brand, the LA Auto Show would have been a perfect place for execs to spill a few more details on the planned production versions of the MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts. Would have been…

Se we got yet another opportunity to look at the funky new designs, but still no word on official powerplants or what exactly makes these cars all that different from the Cooper models. Even the interiors are quite similar, although a clock for tracking lap times might hint that these will be even higher performance models than the Coopers.

Both concept cars are powered by the same John Cooper Works turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder as the current line of top-level MINIs, making 211hp and 192 ft-lbs of torque, with a bump to 206 ft-lbs possible thanks to an overboost function.

GALLERY: MINI Coupe, Roadster Concepts

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

Perhaps it’s just the relaxed West Coast way of doing things, but we were surprised at the accessibility Rolls-Royce was giving to its new Ghost model at the LA Auto Show. Normally at auto shows the public are kept away from cars and only the media are allowed up close. Except with Rolls.

We’re not saying the media can’t get intimate with a Rolls, but rather than just walk up you usually have to ask. And once past the velvet rope (both a literal and figurative rope), the regal British automaker’s representatives won’t stop you from dropping your bargain suit bottom where only Armani has been before, but you do get a sense of unease about the situation as their fingers twitch and their faces turn to a police wince.

Then again, perhaps the folks at Rolls were a little more inviting as this is just an “entry-level” model.

The Ghost is the first entirely new model from Rolls-Royce since 2003, when the flagship Phantom debuted. Slightly smaller than that uber-luxury land-yacht the Ghost is still massive and excessively luxurious. It’s real claim to fame, however, might be its more performance-oriented engine, a 6.6-liter V12 that makes 563hp and 575 ft-lbs of torque at just 1500 rpm. Using a new eight-speed automatic transmission the Ghost will be able to hit 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

The Ghost will be available with a very long list of standard an optional equipment, including rear-seat LCD screens with fold out tables and, of course, umbrellas in the doors.

Rolls-Royce is expected to follow the same product development strategy with the Ghost as with the Phantom, so expect to hear rumors of both a coupe and a convertible starting soon.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Ghost Debut in LA

Korean automaker Kia has officially announced the introduction of the all-new 2011 Sorento compact crossover to the U.S. market – where it will be built.

The Sorento’s new design and corporate front-end design come from the KND-4 concept first shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show back in 2007.

Following in the tire-treads of the Forte Koup, Kia is eager to market itself as a performance-oriented brand – something that even applies to the crossover segment. That being said, it has class-leading engine output with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 276-hp and 248 ft-lbs of torque. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 175-hp and 169 ft-lbs of torque will be standard. Both engines come with six-seed automatic transmissions for ideal performance and improved fuel economy.

Either engine can be paired with a front-drive or all-wheel drive setup. Fuel economy ranges from 21/29 mpg for the front-drive 4-cylinder to 19/25 mpg for the AWD V6.

The vehicle itself is longer and lower to the ground than the previous Sorento and delivers improved interior room with more head and leg room, as well as increased cargo room, stretching 5 extra cubic feet for a total of 149.4 cubic feet.

The Sorento is also capable at pulling what you can’t fit inside, with a 1,650 lb tow rating for the 4-cylinder and a 3,500 lb rating for the V6.

The 2011 Sorento will be the first Kia to be built in the United States at Kia’s new West Point, Georgia assembly plant. It will be available at dealerships early next year.

GALLERY: 2011 Kia Sorento

Official release after the jump:

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Subaru has just officially debuted the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition model at the LA Auto Show, sporting a unique paint scheme and upgraded suspension. The new Special Edition model is inspired by and assembled with suspension components from the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Spec C model. It even gets a set of custom Spec C wheels.

Suspension modifications include a 1-millimeter thicker rear stabilizer bar, stiffer rear subframe bushings, front springs that are 16 percent stiffer and rear shocks that are 29 percent stiffer. As for the wheels, they come in a special charcoal color and measure 18×8.5-inches.

All other aspects of the car remain unchanged, including the 305-hp boxer engine.

Subaru will build just 125 Special Edition models in the Aspen White color, before the car goes into series production and becomes available in standard STI colors.

In addition, Subaru today announced the release of the new WRX Limited model, which gets all the goodies of the Premium trim, but adds leather interior, a standard moonroof and Sirius satellite radio.

GALLERY: Subaru WRX STI Special Edition Debut in LA

Along with the Boxster Spyder world premiere, Porsche gave North American debuts to the updated GT3 RS and the popular 911 Turbo model at the LA Auto Show today. For 2010 the 911 Turbo gets an all-new, larger 3.8-liter engine with direct-injection, making 500-hp. Possibly more important, however, is the fact that the clumsy bush-buttons have been replaced with paddle shifters with the addition of Porsche’s impressive 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. Porsche says the new Turbo will be capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds and can blast on to a top speed of 194 mph.

The new engine is also significantly more fuel-efficient than the previous Turbo, consuming just 24.1 mpg with the manual transmission (compared to 22.1 mpg before), meaning it avoids the gas guzzler tax in the U.S. And when combined with Porsche’s PDK tranny the Turbo gets even better mileage at 24.8 mpg.

The 2010 Turbo will be lighter than it predecessor and feature updated versions of Porsche’s PTM and PSM systems. A PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) system will also be offered for the first time.

Coupe models will be priced at $132,800 ($165,300 CDN), with the Cabriolet costing $143,800 ($178,400 CDN).

GALLERY: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo Debut in LA

After yesterday’s sneak preview of the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, there isn’t much new to tell other than that GM officially debuted the car today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is worth revisiting the car, however, as it is sure to be an important car for GM and the industry as a whole.

The main newsworthy item that sets the Cruze apart is its turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec engine (standard in LT and LTZ models) that makes 138-hp and 148 ft-lbs of torque. Those are pretty standard numbers for this class of vehicle, but what makes the engine so impressive is that it achieves 40 mpg on the highway. A larger 1.8-liter unit will come standard on LS models and is expected to make roughly the same amount of horsepower but less torque. Both engines will be offered with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

With a 40-mpg highway rating the Cruze easily has the best highway mileage in its class, besting the current highway leader, another Chevy product, the Cobalt XFE.

Style wise, it has a prominent front end, with Chevy’s corporate face that premiered on the new Malibu and can be found on vehicles like the Traverse. From some angles, the car does look like Hyundai’s Sonata – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Chevy says the Cruze has more passenger and cargo room than either the Civic or Corolla and due to significant efforts to reduce exterior noise is supposed to deliver a much more high-end driving feel than compact competitors. In addition, Chevy wants to position the Cruze as a segment leader in safety with standard equipment including ABS brakes, StabiliTrak as well as 10 airbags.

Along with some high-tech equipment like Bluetooth connectivity and an available navigation system, other optional highlights include heated front seats and available 18-inch rims.

The Cruze is set to be built at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio plant with sales scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2010

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

GALLERY: 2011 Chevy Cruze Debut in LA

GALLERY: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Preview

Alongside its new flagship R8 Spyder sports car, Audi also unveiled the E-Tron Concept for the first time on U.S. soil at the LA Auto Show today. And we have to say, it looks much cooler in its new orange paint.

Living up to its “Tron” name the oddly shaped E-Tron appears to be part Audi TT and part R8, with plenty of strange body work including a front grille that features air intakes than open when necessary to cool the electric motors. The same goes for flaps in front of the rear wheels. The headlights are original units too, with LED lighting that illuminates the entire field of vision (as opposed to having high beams and standard beams). When the car detects an oncoming vehicle, the angle of light in that car’s way is simply shut off.

The E-Tron is powered entirely by electricity with four individual motors. In total they produce a modest 313hp and a ridiculous 3,319 ft-lbs of torque. With all that power you would think this electric exotic could muster up a better 0-62 mph time than 4.8 seconds. The car’s total weight is 3527 lbs, although over 1,000 lbs of that is the battery pack situated behind the passenger compartment but ahead of the rear axle.

Like a true Audi, the E-tron is a quattro car with the four individual electric motors positioned at each wheel, ensuring power can be distributed to each corner individually.

A final piece of innovation on the E-Tron is what Audi calls car-to-x communication that allows the car to communicate with traffic lights or to know if traffic is slowing ahead or if an emergency stop of maneuver is needed.

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen has said that a car based on the E-Tron concept will be built and rumors have suggested it will wear the R4 badge. He expects fully functional examples to be ready in two years, but a production version may take slightly longer.

GALLERY: Audi E-Tron Concept Debut in LA

It’s sure to be one of, if not the car’s largest market, so it’s no surrise that Audi chose the Los Angeles Auto Show to introduce Americans to the new R8 Spyder. Having recently been given it’s world premiere in Frankfurt Germany after years of speculation and spy photos, the 525-hp drop-top R8 is finally here.

Power comes from a Lamborghini sourced 5.2-liter V10 that pushes the R8 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat and blast on to a top speed of 195 mph!

What might be most impressive about the drop-top R8 is that the exotic German sports car only weighs 13.23 lbs more than the Coupe, thanks in part to the R8’s already stiff chassis and a light-weight soft-top instead of a retractable hard top. The total curb weight of the car is now 3,792 lbs. Additional weight savings were made through the use of carbon fiber for not only the side blades but also the rear tonneau cover for the soft top.

As for the soft-top, it opens and closes in just 19 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph and Audi claims the interior noise with the top up is almost identical to that of the coupe.

As for the style of the R8 Spyder, it is certainly stunning, with a bold chrome grille, gloss black detailing and a rear tonneau cover with large vents. Special Y-spoke wheels in a 19-inch fitment complete the design with 235/35/19 tires up front and 295/30 tires out back. For added grip, Audi also offers the R8 Spyder with 305-wide rear tires.

GALLERY: Audi R8 Spyder Debut in LA

Porsche’s barely street-legal GT3 RS has received a long list of mid-cycle upgrades for 2010, including a larger and more powerful engine as well as an even lighter curb weight.

Thanks to an increased displacement from 3.6 to 3.8-liters, the new engine makes an additional 15-hp for a new total of 450. That power hits the ground (as it should) through a rear-drive setup and a six-speed manual transmission. Plus, the gear ratios for the 2010 model have been shortened further for increased acceleration.

As the GT3 RS is all about performance through light-weight, additional weight has been shaved off the body of the GT3 RS through the use of a titanium exhaust. Porsche will also offer an optional lithium-ion battery in place of the standard lead battery, which will help save an additional 22 lbs.

In terms of handling, the GT3 RS gets a dynamic engine mounts, which change their stiffness depending on how the car is being driven. A new special PASM suspension setup has also been included that takes into account not only the RS’s wider rear track, but also its wider front track (new for 2010). Inside those flared fenders you’ll find 19×9-inch wheels with 245/35/19 tires up front and 19×12-inch wheels with 325/30/19 tires in the rear.

The 2010 GT3 RS will be available as of March with pricing is listed at $132,800 ($163,000 CDN).

GALLERY: 2010 Porsche GT3 RS Debut in LA