Autoblog UK

Even as adults, we still like to play with toy cars. In fact, the only thing we enjoy more is actually constructing them ourselves. And this was the thought that occurred to those nice people at PWM who normally manufacture adjustable workbenches.

Workbenches are not all that spectacular in their own right, although it's fun to dismantle them after they've been used and reconfigure them for a different purpose, which can be quite cool.

Anyway, as we were saying, workbenches are always going to lose out in any comparison with cars. But that wasn't going to deter the boys from PWM. When they arrived at the LA Auto Show, they did their best to vie with their four-wheeled competitors for public attention.

They used an array of workbench components to build a full-scale model car which certainly attracted some curious though not necessarily benevolent or admiring looks. However, what we'd like to know is, when are we going to see a full-size LEGO kit?

KIA Cube Soul - Rocker, Shocker and O.T.T. An inexperienced car freak would have been fully justified in thinking that Nissan had frantically made some desperate changes following their presentation on day one of the L.A. Auto Show, because the Cube was something that one - err - had to get to used to. Nope - big mistake! The badge up front is not a Nissan one, but proudly boasts the legend "KIA"! A different company, different country and completely different philosophy, even if that doesn't become apparent right away.

Still, with the aid of a little concentration, a very close eye and a certain degree of fantasy, you can see some differences. Unlike its competitor, the KIA Soul is a touch more rounded off at the edges, In the case of the Cube, the windows are visually separated, whereas the Soul shows a flowing transition. On top of that, the Koreans offer a wide range of options in models, colours and equipment.

Would you prefer the 1.6 litre engine with 118 HP or can you handle the 2.0 litre power pack with its 142 HP?

Manual or automatic? The combinations available are apparently almost unlimited, because with their KIA Soul, the Koreans are going for the young market and offering them everything to gladden their hearts. Once you have made your choice from the Rocker, Shocker and O.T.T. models, you can really get down to business with the myriad options. For instance, there is a USB port for all those who prefer not to listen to music from a mobile phone. Connect an iPod and you can operate it directly from the steering wheel, which must be a reassuring step in the direction of collision-free motoring.

If KIA were to put in a kettle, you could virtually move into the new Soul with your mates and live there. But hang on - there's the USB port! With what we've heard about USB central heating, USB microwaves through to USB washing machines, surely some kind soul can come up with a USB kettle?

Modern racing cars are the ultimate in hi-tech engineering, boasting massive speed, tremendous performance and sophisticated safety features. But the future promises to be even more spectacular, as is clear from this year's Design Challenge at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The organisers challenged the auto design studios of Southern California to come up with their visions for motorsport in the year 2025. What emerged were some bold ideas that go way beyond motor racing as we know it today.



Nine design studios dared to show us what they thought the next 17 years hold in store. Their visions have gone on display in the form of gigantic posters within the context of the fifth such competition at the LA Auto Show. The constructors squaring up to each other are Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Volkswagen.

The best of these studies came from Mazda R&D of North America. Their contribution, going under the title of 'Kaan', was selected as the winner of the Design Challenge 2008. It was not only the combination of innovation, technology and design that set the Mazda 'Kaan' apart from the rest but also its individual style. This electric racing car derives its power from induction between tyres and track surface. It reaches a maximum speed of over 400km/h without emitting any harmful substances at all. Each competing team consists of 30 cars. Team members benefit from each other's slipstream, just like in cycle racing. That way, they achieve higher speeds and save energy.

Other entries:

The Quattroporte S already came in for some admiring glances at the Paris Autosalon. Now it has made its North American debut in Los Angeles.

The most immediately apparent change is the grille which seeks to emulate the venetian blind design of the GranTurismo. There have also been a few updates for the lights, with LEDs front and rear. For the cockpit, there is a new central console and a new Maserati multimedia system plus navigation.

The Quattroporte S is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine packing 430bhp and has six-gear automatic transmission.

Since 2005, the Green Car Journal has been using the occasion of the Los Angeles Auto Show to award a prize for the most environmentally friendly car of the year. The victor may not get its name in stars on Hollywood Boulevard, but it does get to call itself 'Green Car of the Year'.

There were five vehicles on parade in the finals: the Ford Fusion and Saturn Vue 2 Mode hybrids, the Smart fortwo low-consumption mini, the sporty BMW 335d diesel limousine and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.



And walking away with the title was... the VW Jetta TDI, the first time any diesel has taken the honours. The nine-person jury was made up of experts from the environmental lobby and the automotive industry, with four of the panel being chosen from staff at the Green Car Journal who sponsored the award. Also on the panel were two iconic figures: talk show host and motor freak Jay Leno plus the legendary Carroll Shelby.

The VW Jetta TDI boasts a two-litre turbocharged engine and ultramodern diesel direct injection. This is what enables it to fulfil the draconian exhaust regulations that apply in all 50 federal states. The jury were particularly impressed by the fuel efficiency of the Jetta TDI, which compares favourably with that of petrol-electric hybrid models. The fact that the Volkswagen could be even more fuel-efficient than a hybrid was a further decisive factor in its selection as 'Green Car of the Year 2009'.

At the LA Auto Show, they had been expecting a prototype of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. What the Korean constructor actually turned up with was a drivetrain for the new Sonata 2010.

'Blue Drive' is the name they have given to this hybrid system, plus they have signed up to the catchy slogan: "Blue is the new Green." What lies behind this is the target fuel consumption figure of 47mpg (6L/100km) in urban cycle that is being hawked by governments around the world. Hyundai is one of three manufacturers (the others being Honda and Toyota) who are aiming to establish a clear worldwide lead in the push for fuel economy.

The Blue Drive hybrid system functions with a 30KW battery and an automatic six-gear transmission. The three lowest gears have a more favourable ratio than conventional transmissions, so that the motor runs quite smoothly even at low speeds. The new electric motor compensates for the reduced mechanical components.

Hyundai have also announced the start of production for the HED-5 i-Mode. This concept made its debut at the 2008 Geneva Autosalon. The Los Angeles show gives the Americans their first chance to size up this vehicle. The HED-5 is a six-seater CUV (crossover utility vehicle) that has taken on certain elements from the i-Blue fuel cell concept. The new model is expected to appear in dealers' showrooms in about two years' time.

There will also be a Theta Turbo GDI version. Hyundai's Turbo GDI technology is also set to be incorporated into most of their other models.

The LA Auto Show has just kicked off, and on the very first day of the press preview, there was already one minor cause for astonishment.

And this is what it looks like - the first genuine surprise of this year's car show held in Los Angeles: a Honda design study of the FC Sport fuel cell. Honda's designers in Pasadena are veritable masters when it comes to packaging. The fuel cell has been accommodated in the mid section of the car and powers the electric motor located between the rear wheels.

The FC Sport is a three-seater styled like the McLaren F1, with the driver occupying a central position and the two passengers sitting somewhat further back. The Honda FC Sport is currently no more than a styling concept. But it would not be all that surprising if a fully functional version weren't eventually to appear at some showroom or other. But whether there would be many takers is a wholly different matter...

The Motor Show is every bit as exclusive as L.A. itself and it was here that Lamborghini presented the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder to the public. This sports car manufacturer is looking to continue with the success that the Gallardo has already seen.

Design and the good handling of the preceding model will provide a driving experience that is virtually unlimited. "With the design language and best-of-class performance of the completely new LP 560-4 Spyder, we are adding yet a further dimension to the Gallardo series," promises CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

With almost 40 HP more than the last model, the LP 560-4 Spyder should get the pulse of any sports car fan racing. Add to that the acceleration of 0-60 in 4 seconds, a top speed of 201 mph plus the fact that, despite its higher performance, the consumption is lower than that of the last Gallardo. A new and lighter transmission means quicker changing times and the running gear was completely redesigned.

Reservation orders can now be placed for the LP 560-4 Spyder. The price for this gem from Bologna is around EUR 160,920 and that does not include the VAT, which in itself would probably buy you a cosy little set of wheels. You can expect to hear the first of the new models from the new Gallardo generation howling along the roads in early 2009.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche are presenting the second generation of their mid-engined Boxster and Cayman sports cars for the first time. The prime features of this generation change are the fully redeveloped opposed cylinder engines that do not just pack a more powerful punch, but are also clearly more economical than their predecessors. There are further improvements in terms of fuel consumption and performance, thanks to the Porsche PDK double clutch transmission.

These newly-developed opposing cylinder engines with greater power and less consumption achieve between 10 to 25 added horsepower by comparison with previous models. The acceleration of the Cayman is from 0-60 in under 5 seconds, while the Boxster can also handle 0-60 in under 6 six seconds with its standard six-speed manual box.

The roadster and coupé have a differing appearance. The reshaped nose and rear with integrated indicators remind one of the Carrera GT's lights. Redesigned air inlets are an eye catcher and there are various light cluster options available.

This is the first time that the PDK transmission - developed from racing - is available for all four sports cars. In terms of consumption, the Boxster and Cayman are also below the 26 mpg level. The Porsche double clutch transmission replaces the previous Tiptronic S. Roadster and PDK will boost their 0-60 times by 0.1 seconds.

Newly created bodywork for both Boxster and Cayman will also increase driving dynamic and feel, while changes to the valve characteristics of the steering gear reduce the steering effort. The wheels have been given a new look and are half an inch wider than the predecessors in both cases. There are also changes in the audio and communications equipment. The new models will be on the market from February 2009.

BMW presented its new 7 Series at the L.A. Auto Show in good time for current discussion about innovation and progress in the area of more ecological cars. A new diesel concept could mean that the 7 Series is soon also equipped with diesel engines.

L.A. only saw the presentation of the latest model with its 4.4 V8 twin-drive engine, which accelerates from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, but it is expected that BMW will soon be expanding the 7 Series concept. A gas-fuelled engine with a consumption of 94 mpg will then follow if the experts have their way.

BMW also made it known that plans for a hybrid version of the 7 Series have already been developed and that production could start within one year. The ActiveHybrid is to be presented at the Paris Auto Show.

Visually, the new 7 Series doesn't stand out at first glance, but a longer look can be very persuasive indeed. The sides have a fold line at the height of the door handles, to incorporate these into the design. This helps to conceal the fact that that the door handles seem larger than usual.