After first debuting in Frankfurt and then traveling to Tokyo, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept is set debut on U.S. soil for the first time at the LA Auto Show next week.

Using Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive and lithium-ion batteries, Toyota says the Prius PHV will be able to reach highway speeds on pure electric power. Toyota also claims the car will be able to recharge fully in 90 minutes using a conventional household outlet.

The car has a zero-emissions electric mode that will allow it to travel up to 12 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in. This is considerably less than the Volt’s 40 mile claim.

Toyota has announced that some time in 2009 it will deliver 500 Prius PHV vehicles, 150 of which will be sold in the United States. It is expected that with only one month left for the year, delivery of those 150 vehicles will be announced at the LA Auto Show.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Toyota Prius PHV Concept Debut in Frankfurt

One of Volkswagen’s premieres set for the LA Auto Show next week is the newly-launched Polo BlueMotion. Now VW has no plans to offer this European model in North America, but the automaker is using the debut to promote its message that diesel is an immediate solution to using less fuel, while continuing to test the U.S. market’s reaction to the sub-compact Polo, which fits in underneath the Golf in VW’s European lineup.

Offered with several different gasoline and diesel engines in Europe, the Polo BlueMotion is the most efficient of the bunch with a 75-hp 1.2-liter turbo-diesel engine that gets a incredible 71.3 mpg! Volkswagen claims that with a 12 gallon fuel tank, this diesel Polo can travel 847 miles.

The Polo is eventually set to reach North America, but not until 2012. And when it does arrive it is expected to be slightly larger with an elongated frame. VW’s biggest issue with importing the Polo is that due to the cost of shipping and manufacturing the vehicle in Europe, it might not be able to compete with sub-compact offerings, like those from Honda and Toyota. The German automaker’s reluctance to bring the Polo over so far does seem odd as Volkswagen practically pioneered the small car segment in the United States in the past. VW also risks fighting an up-hill battle in 2012 as most automakers already have sub-compact models on the markets and those who don’t, like Ford and Mazda, are about to introduce their new small cars (the Fiesta and Mazda2) at the LA Auto Show.

We’ll be sure to bring you any updates on the Polo for North America, with live coverage from the LA Auto Show starting December 2nd.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Debut in Frankfurt

The mystery of the Dodge Viper LA Auto Show world premiere has been solved, with the automaker announcing it will debut a revised version of its ACR model. With just a few minor tweaks, the 2010 ACR also lays claim to the production car lap record at Laguna Seca Raceway.

In 2008 pro-driver Randy Pobst set the record with the ACR running a 1:35.117, which stood until August 6 of this year when it was trumped by the Viper-based Devon GTX with a 1:35.075 time. As of today, the new 2010 ACR has reclaimed the record with a new lap record of 1:33.915.

The car was driven by SRT engineer Chris Winkler who said that, “It was definitely exciting but a somewhat uneventful lap overall from behind the steering wheel. The Dodge Viper ACR has amazing power and handles like a dream, so following my first practice here last month, I came away pretty confident that we’d be able to set a new record.”

That’s right, Winkler set the record having only ever having driven on the track once before.

Additions to the 2010 model include a shorter fifth-gear ratio of 0.80 from 0.74, as well as a short throw shifter, and a new rear wing design. The car now also gains 4 mph on the top with a new top speed of 184 mph. The shorter fifth-gear came as the direct result of testing on the Nürburgring when the ACR set the (then) production car lap record in 2008.

“I’m still amazed with what the Dodge Viper can do on and off the race track,” said Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles. “After our record-setting lap at the Nürburgring circuit, we’re excited to set a second performance benchmark record at another world-famous road course.”

Gilles also gave Viper aficionados hope saying that Dodge is, “investigating what the next-generation Viper is going to be. When we have partners across the ocean who are known as the best sports carmakers in the world, the future opportunities are huge.”

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR

Official release and a brief video about the record setting lap after the jump:

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Dodge appears to be readying a special edition of the Viper to celebrate the car’s three generations of American performance before the legendary V10-powered machine is retired.

We noticed on the LA Auto Show website that one of the World Premieres listed is a Dodge Viper. Now were obviously not getting an all-new Viper for one model year, so we’re left to assume this will be a special Final Edition model. And if the ACR is any testimony to what Dodge can do, this Viper is sure to be extreme.

After all, the ACR still holds a significant margin over the Corvette ZR1 and Nissan GT-R on the Nürburgring and track versions of the car have proved themselves time and time again in motorsports. Since the takeover by Italian automaker Fiat, it has been announced that 2010 would be the last year for the Viper.

When asked about a “Final Edition” Viper, Dodge reps were coy, but promised us more news later today. We’ll keep you posted. There is, of course, the possibility that the debut is not a Final Edition model but a concept version of a future Viper successor – but then we’d think the info would be listed in the “Concepts” category on the LA Auto Show website.

With high-end automakers like Ferrari and Lamborghini announcing that they will not be participating in the LA Auto Show this year, we’re thankful that Porsche has decided not to keep its high-performance goodies from us. Along with the updated GT3 RS model, Porsche will use the LA show to debut its updated 2010 911 Turbo in North America.

The car made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show a few months back and while it doesn’t look that different (Porsche’s never do), there’s a long list of updates.

For starters the 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).

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo Debut in Frankfurt

Porsche will give North American audiences their first look at the updated 2010 GT3 RS when the car debuts alongside the revised 2010 911 Turbo at the Los Angeles Auto Show in just a few weeks time. The new car gets even more extreme, but, claims Porsche, is now even easier to drive, with more power, a wider front track, a reduced curb weight and increased downforce.

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).

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: 2010 Porsche GT3 RS Frankfurt Debut

In a weeks time at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru will display its Hybrid Tourer Concept which will be the focal point of an announcement that the Japanese automaker will introduce a hybrid engine in 2012.

The new gas/electric hybrid engine will be a first for Subaru and will be based on one of the company’s boxer engines. In the Hybrid Tourer Concept, the hybrid setup works with a direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine. The concept version uses lithium ion batteries and uses two electric motors (one for the front and one for the rear), to help deliver optimum all-wheel drive performance.

The setup uses only the rear electric motor at low speeds, while under normal driving conditions, the gasoline engine is used. When more power is needed, the rear electric motor again kicks in. And finally, for optimum grip, the front motor will be engaged when needed – for example when accelerating up a hill.

It is not clear if Subaru intends to debut its new hybrid engine in a new vehicle (possibly based n the Hybrid Tourer Concept) or if this new hybrid engine will be used to offer hybrid versions of vehicles like the Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and Forester.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Official release after the jump:

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The highlight of Subaru’s LA Auto Show display will be the WRX STI Special Edition model, which gets upgrades donated from the Japanese-market spec C model. Available in Aspen White paint, the real highlight of the Special Edition STI is an upgraded suspension that comes directly from the Japan-only spec C model. Additional upgrades include a set of custom spec C wheels.

The 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 will 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 built 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 will also announce the release of a new WRX Limited model, which gets all the goodies of the Premium trim, but adds leather interior, a standard moonroof and Sirius satellite radio.

AutoGuide will bring you more on both models with live coverage from the LA Auto Show starting December 2nd.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: 2010 Subaru WRX STI Special Edition

Official release after the jump:

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With Infiniti already having announced that it would debut the all new 2011 M at a private event the evening before the LA Auto Show, news has now leaked that the automaker will use the venue to showcase two more vehicles.

First up is the new G37, which is expected to get only minor changes, as shown in these leaked photos. The updates include tweaks like revised bumpers with separate fog lights. The photo above (obviously) shows the sedan, while the close-up photo below shows the updates to the front fascia of the coupe.

In addition to the G37, it has been reported that the new QX model will debut at the same venue. Little is known about this model other than what the spy photos (below) show. The truck does get a stylish new look that is certainly more cohesive than the old QX… plus, there’s plenty of chrome. Don’t expect big changes under the skin, however, as Infiniti isn’t likely to have invested too heavily in a model that, due to the recession and recent downsizing trends, is becoming increasingly unpopular.

As for the new 2011 M, expect a 330-hp 3.7-liter M37 model as well as a 400-plus horsepower 5.6-liter M56.

AutoGuide will be on hand with live coverage from the Infiniti event starting December 1st.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Updated Infiniti G37

GALLERY: New Infiniti QX

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: TheInfinitiSource]

With Infiniti’s parent company (Nissan) have made it clear that it would not display at the LA Auto Show due to budget concerns, the automaker is preparing to use the event to its advantage by showing the all new 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 at a private event the evening prior to the show.

Infiniti has already teased us with a few CGI images, but not the real thing. What we do know is that, as the names suggest, the M37 will be powered by a 3.7-liter V6, much like in the G37, with an expected 330-hp. And as for the M56, well, it will boast a massive 5.6-liter V8 with more than 400-hp!

AutoGuide will be on hand with live coverage of the Infiniti unveilings starting December 1st.

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M

Rumors that a Lexus might bring a premium hatchback model to North America have been swirling since the automaker first introduced us to the LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show a few months back. Toyota’s luxury arm then stoked those flames by announcing that the premium hybrid hatchback concept would be shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Now a company exec has confirmed Lexus is using this showing, as well as one a month later at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, to gauge the public’s interest.

In an interview with TheDetroitBureu, Lexus General Manager Mark Templin said that if response is favorable, then a production model could see dealerships by as early as 2012. A model based on the LF-Ch is already confirmed for European Lexus dealerships for 2011.

Templin also said that while the car would be premium and come with plenty of high-tech goodies, it would not be cheap. He pointed to a more European-style buyer that is emerging in North America, that doesn’t necessarily equate luxury with size. He even said that in the future Lexus would look at even smaller luxury cars, but ones priced beyond the ES or IS.

Word hat the LF-Ch would become a production reality in the U.S. first emerged when it was confirmed that Lexus has registered the CT200h name – which presumably stands for a compact touring (read wagon or hatchback) model with roughly 200-hp and a hybrid setup . Surprisingly, however, Templin said that despite the focus on a hybrid model, it is likely the car would launch with a conventional gasoline engine.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

[Source: TheDetroitBureau]

Despite the huge concentration of exotic and high end cars in Los Angeles, many exclusive automakers won’t be in attendance at this year’s annual LA Auto Show. The latest two to drop from the list are Bentley and Lamborghini. That means attendees won’t be able to see the amazing new Reventón Roadster or the massive Mulsanne luxury sedan, with both vehicles having recently made their official world debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Mulsanne, also made an appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance earlier this year.

Bentley’s Pebble Beach debut proved successful and was part of the brand’s approach to better utilize its resources, by showing the vehicle in front of a crowd where almost everyone in attendance could buy the vehicle – or a few of them. Official auto shows, like in Los Angeles, don’t usually bring buyers, however, the media exposure also has a lot of value in spreading the word about a new product.

High end automakers have been hit particularly hard in the recent recession and many are still scaling back to meet decreased demand. With far fewer vehicle sold than a Toyota or General Motors, every unit moved by a company like Lamborghini represents a much higher percentage of overall sales. In total, this year Lambo’s U.S. sales are down roughly 40 percent, while Bentley’s have been chopped in half.

Other automakers that have already announced they will be no-shows include Ferrari/Maserati and Aston Martin, which recently said it will have a dealer display. Unfortunately, this means we don’t see the new 458 Italia, GranCabrio or Rapide either.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Bentley Mulsanne Debut in Frankfurt

GALLERY: Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Debut in Frankfurt

[Source: TheDetroitBureau]

Rather than the more traditional venue of Detroit, the Ford Motor Company will use the LA Auto Show to debut its new lineup of 2011 Mustang models. Just last year the car was significantly revised with a modernized exterior and a significantly improved interior that is now well beyond what the competition is offering. There’s only one problem, with just mild updates to the engine, both the V6 and V8 are lagging well behind in the horsepower war.

Ford is expected to rectify the situation with the 2011 models, with reports indicating that a new V6 could offer up as much as 300-hp, while a new V8 could deliver 400-hp – with a displacement of 5.0-liters, no less! Expect news of six-speed transmissions as well. The other rumor is that the GT500 will get an aluminum block, helping it shed pounds and improve the car’s overall balance.

Ford won’t confirm or deny these reports but Ford’s global product boss Derrick Kuzak did tell the folks at Autoblog that all questions would be answered at the LA Auto Show in December. Also, when asked about the aluminum-block GT500, Kuzak said, “That’s a good thought.”

The engine updates are much needed for the Mustang to put it back on top. The car has suffered significantly in sales in 2009, being beaten out by the Camaro for three straight months. While the Mustang is quite capable, even with the less powerful engine, horsepower numbers sell cars. And if the Mustang can offer everything it has now, plus more power and (presumably with a six-speed transmission), better fuel economy, then there’s no reason to buy anything else.

AutoGuide’s live coverage of the LA Auto Show starts December 2nd.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

[Source: Autoblog]

Along with a hybrid 7 Series and a hybrid X6, BMW will use the LA Auto Show as the venue to introduce North America to its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. Built as a show-piece to display BMW’s fuel-efficiency expertise, the Vision ED Concept is also a true BMW, offering impressive fuel economy while not sacrificing performance.

A mean-looking 2+2 sports car, this concept uses both a turbo-diesel three-cylinder engine, as well as two electric motors in a full plug-in hybrid layout. BMW says the goal of the project was to build a vehicle that has the performance of one of its M cars, while delivering fuel-economy that is superior to current small cars. This they most certainly achieved with a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a claimed fuel economy figure of 62.6 mpg.

The diesel engine used is essentially half of that found in the current BMW 335d, displacing 1.5-liters. On its own the diesel makes 163hp and 214 ft-lbs of torque. The car also gets BMW’s impressive six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Two electric motors are paired to this engine, which is located in a mid-rear configuration. A 33hp motor sits between the engine and transmission while a second 80-hp motor delivers power to the front axle. The result it a total of 356hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque. Storing that energy is a lithium-polymer battery pack that runs down the center of the car for optimum weight distribution.

BMW says the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept can be plugging in a charged at a conventional outlet in just 2.5 hours and can travel up to 31 miles on pure electric power. A 6.6 gallon diesel tank will then allow an extended range of 400 miles.

To keep the weight of the vehicle to a minimum, BMW engineers build the chassis and suspension entirely out of aluminum, meaning the car weights just 3,076 lbs. Engineers also worked hand-in-hand with the designers to create the body of the concept, with a light weight polycarbonate body that boasts a aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.22 cd. BMW says part of the reason for the impressive aerodynamics is due to their ability to work on the front end of the car, made possible by moving the engine to the rear. New thermostatically controlled slats in front of the radiator can also close at speed to redirect air around the car when cooling isn’t a top priority.

In addition, one of the vehicle’s most progressive technologies is what BMW calls “Forward looking energy management.” BMW hopes that by using technology to foresee what is coming on the road ahead it can save energy by shutting down or powering up other systems. An example would be using the radar system built into the active cruise control to see when traffic is slowing down ahead, and then shut of the car’s engine while activating the regenerative braking ahead of time.

While some have speculated that the Vision ED Concept will make its way into production as a future BMW exotic car, it’s more likely that the vehicle was built to showcase new technologies that will eventually make their way into BMW products in the future.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: BMW Vision ED Concept Debut in Frankfurt

GALLERY: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

A project that was vehemently denied to exist by Audi executives, the E-Tron electric R8, was officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany a few months back. Now it is making its first trip to the U.S., with a planned North American debut at the LA Auto Show.

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 car 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. That’s no typo.

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.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Audi E-Tron Debut in Frankfurt

After lagging behind in the compact car segment for decades, Chevrolet may finally have the car that will not only silence critics, but please them too. The all new 2011 Cruze will replace the Cobalt and take on cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. And it’s sure to gain popularity amongst penny-pinchers with a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of 40 mpg on the highway.

As though that weren’t enough, Chevy is claiming the new Cruze will have more interior room and caro capacity than the Civic or Corolla and will offer optional items like a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Safety will also be a strong-point for the car with ten standard airbags!

AutoGuide will be on hand to bring you live coverage of the all-new 2011 Chevy Cruze from the LA Auto Show starting December 2nd.

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

Official release after the jump:

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What better venue to host the North American debut of the Rolls-Royce Ghost than the LA Auto Show?

Detroit? Hardly!

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.

We’ll be sure to bring you coverage of this car and all the rest with live coverage of the LA Auto Show starting December 2nd.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Ghost Debut in Frankfurt

Having recently been unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany, Hyundai will officially launch its new 2011 Tucson for the North American market at the LA Auto Show in early December. The Tucson is likely to keep much of the design we first saw in Frankfurt and is a bold departure from the rather bland look of the vehicle it replaces.

Hyundai promises added legroom and headroom and the European model offers a panoramic sunroof – which we hope is also offered here.

Sold as the ix35 in Europe, those European models are offered with a selection of gasoline and diesel powerplants. Hyundai is expected to announce that North American models will get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 161-hp and a more powerful 2.4-liter motor. There is a strong possibility that both engines will feature direct injection. After all, just this week Hyundai announced in South Korea, a new 198-hp direct-injection 2.4-liter 4-cylinder.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: 2011 Hyundai ix35 Tuscon Debut in Frankfurt

After initially announcing that the production version of the LF-Ch hybrid hatchback concept would be offered exclusively in Europe, Lexus has hinted that it may bring the model to other markets including North America. After creating a feedback page for the car on its website, Lexus has now made the biggest move towards an acknowledgment of U.S. sales by announcing the vehicle will be on display at the LA Auto Show in early December.

Designed to compete against vehicles like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30, the LF-Ch is a premium hatchback suited to European tastes. It is also a hybrid and while there is no confirmation, it is expected to get either a version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system used in the Toyota Prius, or the version in the Lexus HS250h.

Lexus has said it expects a production version of the LF-Ch to debut in Europe in 2011. The company has also registered the CT200h name in the North America.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

Having just been the focus of a private showing at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, the all-new 2011 Buick Regal will get its official public world premier at the LA Auto Show in just a few weeks time.

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.

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.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: 2011 Buick Regal

Having already launched in Australia, we have been give a glimpse at what Mitsubishi’s 2010 Outlander GT will look like, but now Mitsu has released a full gallery of U.S.-sec photos, showing the new Outlander in detail. Much of the design for the revised crossover is the same, except for one glaring difference – the front end.

The corporate “jet fighter” grille, which was originated on the Lancer (and high performance Raliart and EVO models), is slowly making its way across the Mitsubishi lineup, with the Outlander being the latest vehicle to get a face-lift. Previous to this, the Eclipse received the new nose.

The new 2010 Outlander GT is also expected to get a version of Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system and a modified V6 engine, however, beyond that, there’s little to tell.

Mitsubishi is expected to debut the 2010 Outlander GT at the LA Auto Show on December 2nd. AutoGuide will be at the show, delivering full details with live updates.

GALLERY: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

With its world debut in Tokyo and a private industry-only display at the SEMA Show, Lexus will give its LFA supercar the official first public showing in North America at the LA Auto Show.

The LFA is powered by a 4.8-liter V10 engine with 552-hp and 354 ft-lbs of torque. Weighing just 3,263 lbs thanks to a chassis and body that is mostly constructed of carbon fiber, the LFA can hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and tops out a 202 mph! Just 5o0 LFAs will be built a a cost of $375,000 each.

After LA, the car’s plans are limited, with Lexus announcing that for 2009 it will visit just four more shows in Detroit (at the North American International Auto Show), Chicago, Dallas and New York.

AutoGuide’s live LA Auto Show coverage starts December 2nd.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Lexus LFA

GALLERY: Lexus LFA SEMA Show Debut

***UPDATE*** 2011 Toyota Sienna Info and Pictures Available Here ***UPDATE***

Has the crossover killed the minivan? Toyota doesn’t think so.. not yet, at least. Japan’s largest automaker has announced that it will debut the all-new 2011 Sienna minivan at the Los Angeles Auto Show in early December.

There are no details about the future of the Sienna but we expect Toyota to take an “evolutionary” approach. The minivan segment continues to shrink and so its unlikely huge resources were devoted to creating the new Sienna, but there will no doubt be plenty of innovative new features. Toyota is one of a shrinking number of manufacturers still making minivans, with all of the domestics (save Chrysler) dropping their family haulers in favor of crossovers.

We’ll be sure to bring you full info and pictures of the new van with live coverage or the LA Auto Show starting December 2nd.

See here for a full review of the 2010 Sienna

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

Official release after the jump:

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After much speculation, Porsche has finally announced that it will introduce a light weight Boxster Spyder model at the LA Auto Show. Designed with inspiration from the iconic Carrera GT, the Boxster Spyder gets lower side windows for that chop-top roadster look and also comes with a unique single clamshell rear with two bulges to really accentuate the two-seater nature of this sports car.

But what really makes the Spyder special is its light weight chassis and more powerful engine. In total 176 lbs of weight has been cut from the car, to deliver a curb weight of just 2,811 lbs. Power comes via the same direct-injection 3.4-liter flat-six as in the Boxster S, but with a 10-hp jump to 320-hp. Combined with Porsche’s new dual-clutch PDK transmission, the car can hit 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The Boxster Spyder will be priced from $61,200 and will go on sale in February of next year as a 2011 model.

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GALLERY: Porsche Boxster Spyder

See a video of the Boxster Spyder in action and the official release after the jump:

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