Autoblog

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Saab 9-3 Cabrio 25th Anniversary Edition

A couple of days ago we told you about this special edition 25th Anniversary Saab 9-3 Cabrio. It's a sure sign that there's not much happening when automakers launch these specials in lieu of any real new models. Saab is guilty of this right now. This is the second limited edition of the 9-3 convertible alone this year. At least this one isn't as colorful as the Yellow edition that came out this summer. This latest special edition 9-3 Convertible is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the very first Saab convertible. Believe it or not that was way back in 1983.

To celebrate the model, this special edition takes some cues from the Turbo X, like the design of the front bumper and steering wheel plus carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with special piping. Also, like the Aero, it sports dual exhaust pipes and an anthracite gray bumper insert out back. Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard and you can choose Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne (above) for the exterior. The standard Saab 2.0L turbo with 210 hp is the only engine. All of that for "just" $46,725. Oh, and those big BioPower stickers on the sides? It apparently can run on E85.


Live photos copyright ©2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ferrari California

The Ferrari California delves into new territory for Ferrari, both in theme and design. Many faithful to the marque may be against its styling, but the true test will be sales numbers. As Porsche has proved over the last few years, the addition of successful new models can be a valuable asset to a company's finances, and we're all in favor of Ferrari's increased capability to improve the breed. The LA Auto Show is the first time we've seen the car in its namesake state, and we took the chance to give it another close inspection after our recent first encounter with the Ferrari California in Sicily. The style is definitely growing on us, and we dearly loved the car in Azzurro Blue. Still on the fence? Check out the gallery below and see if you can make up your mind.

Live photos copyright ©2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

When we got word that Lamborghini was bringing a new model to the LA Auto Show, it wasn't hard to guess what it would be: the Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Sun-loving Californians would all drive convertibles if they could, making Los Angeles an ideal venue for the debut, and Lamborghini has a habit of following up its coupe models with a drop top version. Our hunch was confirmed earlier this morning when pictures flooded the internet, and we know have live shots from the show floor, along with more details on the car. The new folding top runs via a hydraulic pump as well as electric motor that can close and raise the top in around 20 seconds. The headlights have been slightly updated with new LEDs and daytime running lights. As with the coupe version, the Spyder features the new 5.2L V10 producing 552 bhp and 398 lb-ft torque, and the suspension and e-gear transmission upgrades carry over as well. With the reduced weight and added power, the Spyder now reaches 100 km/h in four seconds flat and tops out at a touch over 200 mph. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, and both live and press shots are in the high resolution galleries below.

Live photos copyright ©2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Even as the industry swirls in turmoil, Porsche continues to offer hope to enthusiasts as they relentlessly increase performance without sacrificing efficiency. For 2009, Porsche has given the Boxster and Cayman a mild facelift, along with updating the interior and accessories. More importantly, and following in the footsteps of the 911 Carrera PDK, all 2009 Cayman and Boxster models are also offered with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission (aka PDK). Mated to the new transmission are two significantly reworked engines featuring direct injection. The result is more power, and improved fuel economy (we shouldn't fail to mention that the PDK accelerates faster than the six-speed manual). Porsche is offering two engines in 2009. The standard engine is a 2.9-liter flat-six rated at 255 hp. The "S" models are fitted with a more powerful 3.4-liter sending 310 hp to the gearbox. Like the Carrera, go-fast options on the sporty mid-engine two-seaters include active suspension (PASM) and ceramic brakes (PCCB). Look for both to arrive in showrooms in early 2009.

Photos copyright ©2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Infiniti did it. While most manufactures struggle to make their convertibles even remotely as attractive as their coupe siblings, this luxury brand has delivered a drop-top that looks every bit as good (or better) than its fixed-roof kin. In person, even with the top up, the convertible is sleek as it lacks the heavy B-pillar of the coupe (giving it an airy appearance). With its three-piece automatic power hardtop retracted, it screams sophistication and luxury as all of the hardware disappears beneath a flush fitting tonneau cover. Aesthetics aside, motivation for the new convertible comes from a 325-hp 3.7-liter V6 driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic. As expected in this segment, the G37 Convertible arrives in the spring with a long list of standard equipment (see the press release after the jump). While Infiniti hasn't released pricing, our best guess says the G37 Convertible will start in the mid-40's.

Live photos copyright ©2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

There isn't much more to say about the 2010 Ford Mustang, so we'll keep this brief. The new coupe and convertible, as standard versions, will get some of the upscale Bullitt treatment from the current Mustang, so life should be even better for even more. We'll let the press release after the jump, our definitive overview, video synopsis and the gallery of high-res shots below do the rest of the talking for us.



Live photos copyright ©2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

The Bentley Azure T sits on its raised, hardwood decking like it's about to dance with the stars. At 18 feet and 5,700 pounds, it probably won't be pulling any Thriller moves, but we bet it could do a mean tango. The lowered stance and larger wheels make the car gentlemanly mean, and the 6 3/4-liter engine is good for 500 hp and 738 lb-ft. and a 176 mph top-down speed for your hair's pleasure. We could tell you how much it costs, but there are far more interesting things to talk about. Frankly, all you need to know is, as AB'er Alex Nunez wrote: "It comes with everything. Bring money. "

Live photos copyright ©2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

While Lamoborghini's press conference at the LA Auto Show today doesn't begin until later this afternoon, we can at least show you what the Italians will have on display. Meet the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, a natural evolution of the closed-top, mid-engine car with a soft-top mechanism to keep the rain and sun from sullying the Italian-crafted interior. We don't have much information on the 560-4 Spyder yet, except that the new soft-top will open and close in 20 seconds, we love those new wheels and the car's mechanicals will be identical to the standard car. That means the 5.2L V10 still produces 560 hp and this thing will go like a bat, or a bull perhaps, out of hell.


[Source: 4wheelsnews.com]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Mustang live unveiling

The doors have yet to open to the LA Auto Show, but that doesn't mean the unveilings haven't started. Last night Ford rented out a hangar at the Santa Monica airport and invited dozens of Mustang club members to come out for the 2010 Mustang's official introduction. For those of us that didn't get a peek at the car earlier in Detroit, this was our first time seeing the car in person. The event started out with a car show featuring all 45 years of the Mustang. Ford even arranged to have a Mustang from every year since 1964 in attendance. Each was lined up in order, starting with a stunning 1964 1/2 red convertible and ending with a 2009 Mustang GT. Perhaps our favorite part was walking behind the early cars to see how the Mustang logo had evolved over the years. Owners also brought out nearly every type of Mustang, from Saleen to Roush to Shelby. Seeing all the beautiful cars and the loyal owners, it's no wonder that the Mustang has had such success over the years.

After the car show it was time to head inside for the unveiling. While a few of us have already seen the car in person and we've all seen the photos, there was still excitement for what would happen next. Ford had several historically-significant Mustang racecars on display, from Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am car to John Force's Mustang funny car. Fittingly, many of the drivers were in attendance as well, and greeted the crowds one by one. Carroll Shelby arrived last, with the crowd erupting in cheers.

Read on for more from last night's unveiling and check out plenty of high-res pictures in the galleries below and full details on the 2010 Ford Mustang are in the press release after the jump.

All photos copyright ©2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

There's not a whole lot going on for General Motors at the LA Auto Show, but the company's making some minor announcements via press release before the shindig in la-la land gets underway tomorrow. The Pontiac G6 receives a minor facelift as a 2009½ model, with updated front and rear fascias and some interior tweaks. Those interior improvements bring the G6 up to par with its platform-mate brethren and include new trim bits, the standard GM radio (in a 2007 G6 I drove, the radio had this ridiculous ribbing on the dials -- a very 90s-Poncho feel), "all-new" (read: GM partsbin) HVAC controls, and an optional MY LINK communication package that includes Bluetooth, a dash-mounted USB port and related tech. You can also get a more attractive 2-tone interior with leather or cloth seats as an upgrade over the standard (and dreary) all-black treatment.

Underhood, the G6 Coupe is now available with the 4-cyl/6-speed powertrain combo, complete with paddle shifting. A flex-fuel 3.5L V6 is also available at no additional cost over the gas version in the full range of body styles, so the dozen G6 shoppers who also have access to actual E85 pumps should be enthused. The convertible's 3.9L V6 carries over and the 3.6L "high feature" V6, as before, is exclusive to the GXP. By the way, the GXP does not get any facelift love, and thus the infamous "Street Edition" remains ugly enough to stop every clock in a 132-mile radius.




[Source: Pontiac via finchannel.com]