#LaAutoShow2009

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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…

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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.