Under the bright lights of Tinseltown, USA the automotive world will once again take center stage. As the unofficial start of the 2008 auto show season, the Los Angeles Auto Show is a favorite for auto journalists and enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the highlights we expect to see this week.The 2008 Green Car of the Year Award was presented at the start of this year’s show. Jay Leno joined the panel of judges that already includes Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society. Green Car Journal, a leading automotive environmental magazine, narrowed the list of finalists to the following 5 vehicles: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and Saturn Aura Hybrid.
Hybrid technology isn’t necessarily the only way to win this award, as there are numerous paths to minimize the environmental impact of an automobile. "The fact that all five Green Car of the Year nominees are hybrids this year is a clear indication that the auto industry's significant investment of time and resources into gasoline-electric hybrid technology is paying off," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal.
The winner of the 2008 award is the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. While it may seem unusual to name a large SUV, Green Car of the Year, the Tahoe was chosen for its low impact on the environment while offering class-leading hauling and storage capabilities with seating for up to eight. It seems the days of driving fuel conscious SUV’s and CUV’s has finally arrived.
Affordable luxury is the theme for the all-new 2009 Toyota Corolla that first debuted at SEMA two weeks ago. Available in four models, standard engine sizes range from a 1.8-L, DOHC 4-cylinder with 132 hp engine offered in the CE, LE and S models, to a more robust, 2.4-L, DOHC 4-cylinder with 158 hp in the XRS.
All models come with either a manual or automatic transmission, the XRS featuring an optional 5-speed automatic. Interior dimensions remain unchanged, though Toyota claims the new Corolla offers passengers a larger feel. The 2009 Toyota Matrix should be a second buzz-maker for the company. Outward styling changes to the new Matrix may seem subtle at first, but include a lower stance and enhanced coupe-like silhouette.
Whether you consider the Matrix an SUV, wagon or 4-door coupe is a matter of personal opinion, of course, but the new model builds on the success of the 1st generation model manufactured at TMMC. Interior refinements include new seats with side-mounted airbags, moveable front cupholders and a fold-down front passenger seat. At SEMA, the new Matrix glistened on stage, showcasing a TRD carbon fiber engine cover and air filters in true Las Vegas style. What Toyota has planned for the Los Angeles Auto Show we’ll just have to wait and see.
Based on the Toyota Matrix platform, General Motors will introduce the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. Expect the new car to distinguish itself from the crowd with clear Pontiac design queues including crisp edges, a large rounded front nose and sharply defined window treatments.
North America will see the launch of the all-new 2008 Volvo V70. Increased interior space is the theme for this venerable wagon from Sweden. Delivering an expected 235-horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels, the all-new 3.2-litre, in-line 6-cylinder engine is mated to a smooth shifting, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Safety is tantamount with Volvo and the new V70 continues to set the benchmark for overall occupant protection. Airbags are taller and double chambered in the front to better suit passengers of varying sizes. In addition, the new V70 body benefits by being constructed of four different kinds of steel to help distribute crash energy around the passenger cabin. Sales are expected to start in February, 2008.
Mazda enters the confines of the L.A. Auto Show’s West Hall with several things up their corporate sleeve. A perennial sales leader in every market other than the U.S., the Japanese car company partnered with Facebook to help in their search for future automotive design.
The Mazda Design Challenge was launched as a new way to blueprint the 2018 MAZDA3 concept. Mallory McMorrow of South Bend, Indiana was chosen as the winner by Mazda designers and Facebook members. Together with Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda’s North American director of design and his team, they plan to turn her design sketch into a full-size concept car on the show stand in a mere ten days.
In addition, Mazda will showcase 40 years of rotary power, along with a heavily updated 2008 MAZDA5. Ford is set to hit the target with their green 2008 Mustang Bullitt just in time for the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the original Steve McQueen movie. Hyundai could steal the show if they present the Genesis Coupe in final form, while Volkswagen will spotlight new variations of the Up! concept first seen at Frankfurt as well as a production version of the Tiguan and Clean-Diesel TDI.
As always, we will be providing daily coverage of the media events with a full breakdown of what’s new in pictures and stories. It should be exciting and we’ll make sure you see all the action here at Yahoo! Autos.
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