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The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, the fastest fuel cell car in the world, is on display at the LA Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center Wednesday, November 14, 2007. This Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 set a land speed record for a production-based fuel cell powered car this year at 207 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The LA Auto Show runs through November 25.
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    • Los Angeles --- Dates can be confusing. Last year we were blessed here in Los Angeles with two Auto Shows. The last of the conflicted January shows that rubbed up against Detroit and the new fall show which debuted in December. The January show was the 2006 edition and the show that opened December 1 was dubbed the 2007 LA Auto Show.

    So here we are nearly a year later, the show now having moved yet a couple of weeks earlier on the calendar - and here comes the confusion - this new show that opens today (November 16) is not the 2008 show but yet again the 2007 show. Albeit with a different cast of characters, sheet metal, drama and excitement befitting a show with international stature in one of the great auto markets in the world and a car crazy culture second to none.

    The Los Angeles Auto Show continues to grow in significance on the international auto show calendar as it sets a new record with better than 40 World and North American debuts this year. Many of these debuting vehicles are 2009 models and some of the concept vehicles are targeted for 2010 and beyond - some never to see the light of day on the production line and some as close to production that the term concept is only thing separating it from fruition. And while all these dates can be confusing (at least to me) there is nothing more exciting than this vast array that will satisfy even the nuttiest of car nuts amongst us.

    Note the show organizers, "This year's show delivers vehicles ranging from the most fuel efficient and smallest to the most expensive, fastest and most powerful vehicles ever built. Attendees can expect to see more than a thousand of the latest vehicles in every segment including subcompacts, coupes, sports cars, convertibles, sedans, pick-ups, SUVs, crossovers and minivans."

    Indeed this show has something for everyone, and if you think "Green" you won't be disappointed - there are more hybrids, plug-ins, hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles, and even a few diesels that will keep you engrossed for a better part of a day. Clean and green is an LA Show mantra and the venue will include the naming of the "Green Car of the Year," by Green Car Journal magazine.

    Here are some of the highlights that you'll find throughout the show:

    Ford Motor Company: Lincoln expands its lineup with the debut of the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS - a large luxury sedan based on the MKR seen at the Detroit Show. The new flagship features an impressive suite of state-of-the-art technologies including industry exclusive features like EasyFuel capless fuel fill system and SYNC , hands-free, voice activated information and entertainment system. The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle in the brand's modern product portfolio to deliver the signature Lincoln design cues that draw their inspiration from the iconic Lincolns of the past including a double wing split grille inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental. MKS features a 3.7-litre 270-horsepower engine with 265 lb-ft of torque. Base price should be around $38,000 with availability in the summer of 2008.

    It has been 40-years since Steve McQueen jumped into the dark green Mustang GT marking one of the most memorable car chases in motion picture history in the film "Bullitt." The 2008 Bullitt Mustang marks the second tribute to the iconic 1968 Bullitt Mustang. Ford launched a specially modified Mustang GT in 2001 after receiving overwhelming positive response from consumers who saw the concept version at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new limited edition 2008 Bullitt is all about the details from the chrome bead around the grille to being the only Mustang not to have a horse on it. The 2008 Bullitt is not without modern touches - from the 18" wheels to the satin aluminum ball shifter knob. It may not be a 390GT but the Bullitt will get plenty of pop from the 315-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 with 320 lb-ft of torque. On sale in January 2008 and priced from $31,075 the 7,700 production run won't be around long.

    The brilliant new Jaguar XF makes its North American debut at the LA show marking the introduction of Jaguar's new design language. Contemporary in and out the striking new XF will be powered by either a naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 with 300-horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque or a supercharged version with 420-horsepower and 408 lb-ft torque both matched to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters for manual mode driving. XF will be available in March 2008. Pricing has yet to be announced.

    Volvo is showing both the V70 and the XC70 wagon/crossovers. Aside from their safety prowess these two vehicles are performance enhanced and the XC goes just about anywhere you want to go if you're so inclined to scratch a new car. Lots more contemporary exterior and interior - and comfort highlight this new effort. And from Volvo's version of a skunk works comes the C30 ReCharge - a possible Ford Motor Company answer to GM's Chevy Volt - with plug-in technology in the newest package from Volvo. Just one of the many new "green" cars on the show floor.

    General Motors: Pontiac will offer up the 2009 Vibe with new looks and new tweaks. The second generation sporty crossover and kissing cousin to the Toyota Matrix will be offered in three versions with an affordable base model, an all-wheel drive version for those afflicted with real weather conditions and a GT for who want a bit more zip in their do-dah. Look for the 115-volt AC plug as a practical and nifty extra. The targeted youth market will enjoy an optional Monsoon audio package, standard XM radio and an MP3 jack. OnStar is also standard. Set to hit showrooms in February 2008.

    You can't say GM isn't putting its money where its mouth is. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu currently in the midst of a rumored $100-million ad campaign that has been targeted to reach 90-percent of the population. The totally redesigned and re-engineered mid-sized offering is the best $20,000 car that GM can build to paraphrase GM Vice Chair and product guru Bob Lutz. It truly is a quantum leap forward in the segment for GM and Chevrolet. Great looks, effortless and pleasing performance, top notch fit and finish make the Malibu just what the doctor ordered. While Malibu shares a platform and powertrains with Saturn's award winning Aura the Malibu carries its own good looks and nature with aplomb. Also to be available as a hybrid, Malibu is extending its audience reach. It should be noted that the Malibu Hybrid, the Saturn Aura Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid are among the five finalists for the 2008 Green Car of the Year award. And the winner is the Tahoe Hybrid with the newly developed two-mode hybrid system co-developed by GM, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW.

    Speaking of GM hybrids - At the Chevrolet stand you'll also find the world debut of the Silverado pickup truck Hybrid and over at Cadillac you'll find the hybrid version of the Escalade - where excess goes green with an all-new two-mode hybrid; co-developed by GM, Chrysler, Daimler and BMW - a step in the right direction.

    Aveo5 is the new 2009 5-door hatchback from Chevrolet (Daewoo), the newest update to the line. Featuring excellent fuel economy and bold new looks, it is said to be the most affordable car in America. The Aveo5 offers a low cost of ownership in the sub-compact segment with surprising standard features like OnStar and a higher output 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine.

    Also check out the Buick stand for the Riviera concept. A great old name on an interesting new car.

    Chrysler LLC: Introduced in Frankfurt last month the 2008 Dodge Journey makes its North American debut in Los Angeles. The Journey is a mid-sized crossover that combines the practicality of a minivan with the capability of a sport-utility and the comfort and efficiency of a passenger car. If you like the Dodge Avenger you'll really like the Journey. It is available as a two-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle.

    Hybrid lovers that marry large SUV lovers will pleased to find the world debut of the 2009 Dodge Durango and its sister ship the Chrysler Aspen. If there was a way to squeeze some extra miles per gallon out of a Hemi then Chrysler found it. In this case a new two-mode hybrid (see Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Tahoe above) could boost fuel economy by 50-percent in city driving. While a couple of common rail diesels would probably produce even better mileage the light in the window is currently lit by hybrids, and so be it. The hybrid development probably saved at least one these from Chrysler's product hatchet.

    MORE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LA AUTO SHOW

    Volkswagen/Audi Group: Not yet on sale and already an award winner in Germany the all-new A4 has new, sporty proportions, improved weight distribution and redesigned all-aluminum suspension. The 265 horsepower V-6 engine reduces fuel consumption by 13 percent over the previous model.

    The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph. A potent addition to the company's highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling and exquisite design.

    Audi Q5 - the smaller yet versatile stablemate of the vaunted Q7 makes its world debut at the show and the new VW Jetta TDi also makes it debut although production of the 50-state diesel has been postponed from January to next May or June because of some technical issues that VW says are already resolved. VW's Up! mini car is also on the stand. Could this be a challenge to Daimler's SMART?

    Toyota: Perhaps more important to Toyota than the 7th generation Land Cruiser which celebrates its 50th anniversary in the U.S. is the 2nd generation Sequoia SUV making its world debut. The full-size utility vehicle has been completely redesigned with comfort in mind. Ingress and egress into and out of the third row, which turns out to be pretty posh and comfortable is done with relative ease. Sequoia is more powerful than its predecessor, it tows 10,000 pounds and has a tight turning circle and is more fuel efficient. In this case everything is relative. Available in several trim levels in late December.

    The 2009 Corolla is the tenth generation of the iconic small car with more than 30 million sales over its 40-year history. Like the Pontiac Vibe and the new Matrix (sister ships from mother NUMMI) the Corolla will be offered with either a 1.8-litre/132-horsepower engine or a 2.4-litre/158-horsepower for its top of the line XRS. With an all-new body style and numerous trim levels there are plenty of choices for the small car aficionado.

    Honda/Acura: The FCX, Honda's intriguing new fuel cell with a design flair that is absolutely daring from a company that's as conservative as it gets. The new FCX looks like it is ready for the real world with bold design and technology that at the very least is futuristic.

    Another, somewhat daring for Acura is the design of the now well received 2008 Accord sedan. The new Accord that features a new look, up-graded performance is the perennial leader as the most researched new car is the real deal. Already at dealerships.

    Mercedes-Benz: The C63 AMG is the road-going sibling to the car currently competing in the German Touring Car Championships (DTM). Its AMG 6.3-litre V-8 engine develops a peak output of 451 horsepower and provides 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 4.5 seconds.

    Also making its North American debut is the S400 Bluetec Hybrid. Offering a glimpse to the future the S400 combines a 20 horsepower hybrid module with a V-6 engine for a combined output of 265 horsepower and 464 lb.-ft. of torque.

    The SLR Roadster drives into Los Angeles topless and in style. Powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine with 617 horsepower and 575 lb.-ft of torque, the SLR McLaren Roadster boasts 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. Thanks to its fully retractable top, the SLR Roadster offers open-air driving pleasure that's practical for everyday use. Even with the top down, conversation is still possible at speeds well over 120 mph, thanks to its superior aeroacoustics.

    What can you say about a car that is as long as many cars are wide? The SMART has landed in the hopes that a real mini car can make the grade in the U.S. market. A small price might be able to lure some - but it only holds two and little else.

    Nissan: Nissan's highly anticipated supercar, the GT-R, is already a legend among enthusiasts even before it makes its North American debut. The twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V-6 delivers 473 horsepower to all four wheels. The GT-R's performance figures include 0 to 60 mph acceleration in approximately 3.4 seconds and a top speed estimated to approach 200 mph.

    The all-new 2009 Nissan Murano crossover SUV makes its world debut in Los Angeles. It goes on sale in early 2008 and offers dramatic new exterior styling, a redesigned premium interior and enhanced performance and ride comfort. It will be available in 2- and 4-wheel drive models.

    Practicality and a needed entry into the green-game bring us the Altima Hybrid, Nissan's response to a growing demand for hybrid cars. But can this play in a segment that was abandoned by Honda's Accord? Only the price will tell. Everything that makes the naturally aspirated Altima a success can be found in the hybrid plus any added efficiency.

    The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is another example of efficiency. Using the same platform as the very popular G35/G37 and Nissan Z the EX has the same great bases for a new crossover with either rear or all-wheel drive. Great flow both in and out makes this one attractive offering with 3.5-litre 297 horsepower performance and a plethora of innovative extras.

    Mitsubishi: The Lancer Evolution, EVO to those who relish the excitement of this car will indeed relish this newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began 16 years ago. New performance and handling technology includes an all-new 295-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control dynamic handling system. It's a WOW!

    Outlander ES, that family hauler SUV just got more practical with the introduction of a 168 hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder MIVEC engine that replaces the V6 and is combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This model is for consumers entering the market who want a value-priced compact SUV with plenty of power and space to take along family and cargo.

    BMW Group: The BMW 1 Series is a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models from 40 years ago. On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe goes 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

    Both the 2008 M3 sedan and coupe models share a high-revving 414-horsepower V-8 engine. The M3 will also feature driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls including steering, damping and stability as well as BMW's signature sumptuous interior.

    The all-new Clubman is MINI Cooper's version of a 'station wagon.' While offering the same driving dynamics as other MINI's in the line, the Clubman features a unique rear door that is split down the middle and opens to either side. Clubman does cheat by getting a bit larger than the beloved mini MINI.

    Rolls-Royce's Phantom Drophead Coupé seen earlier this year at the Detroit Show finally gets a showing in its largest market. The two-door, four-seat convertible is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design. Using the lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminum space-frame, it marries modern technology to a sleek, streamlined convertible body. Bring money - lots of money.

    Sports cars and others: The long-awaited 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi stands at the very top of Subaru's performance lineup. The new Impreza rides on a wheelbase that's 4.0 inches longer than before and incorporates a full set of aerodynamic trim pieces. The STi will highlight a revised version of Subaru's all-wheel drive.

    The probable successor to the Tiburon, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe makes an appearance at the show with dramatic flair and more essence of sport car inside and out, could this be the halo car that Hyundai has been searching for?

    Lamborghini Reventon is a $1.4 million investment and is the most extreme Lamborghini ever built. The angular styling is decidedly aeronautic, with stealth bomber inspiration. Built largely of carbon fiber, the V-12 engine's 650 horsepower is delivered through a 4-wheel drive system and will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed in excess of 210 mph.

    Ferrari 430 Scuderia joins the road-going V8 line-up alongside the F430 coupé and the F430 Spider. The new model weighs 220 pounds less than the standard F430 and the 4.3-liter V-8 engine produces 510 horsepower.

    Porsche 911 GT2 carries a turbocharged 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder boxer engine producing 530 horsepower. The GT2 is the most powerful production 911 in the company's history. Based on the current 911 Turbo, the 911 GT2 accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 204 mph. To mitigate the premise that sports cars are the end all Porsche also premiers it's Cayenne Hybrid SUV Concept, proving that there is balance in all things.

    The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate sporting expression of Maserati's flagship model. Developed for those looking for an even sportier ride from a luxury sedan, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, a high-performance suspension and composite disc brakes developed in collaboration with Brembo.

    --

    Los Angeles Auto Show Facts

    What: The Los Angeles Auto Show will host more than 40 World and North American debuts and showcase more than 1,000 of the newest vehicles in every shape, style and size; from subcompact to full-size cars, SUVs to crossovers, exotic sports cars to minivans and from fuel-efficient hybrids to the ever popular concept cars.

    New Dates: The show is being held two weeks earlier than last year and is open from: Friday, Nov. 16 - Sunday, Nov. 25. This includes the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend and Thanksgiving Day.

    Earlier show dates provide a new activity for families to enjoy over the holiday. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.

    Highlights: A Dozen World Premieres from Audi, Dodge, Chrysler, Lincoln, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen

    Nearly 30 North American Debuts from Audi, Bentley, Chevrolet, BMW, Dodge, Ferrari, Jaguar, Kia, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Spyker, Volkswagen and Volvo

    11 Concept Cars from Audi, Buick, Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Suzuki, Volvo, Volkswagen

    Expanded selection of hybrid models from Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, Saturn and Toyota

    Green Car of the Year: The Green Car of the Year® award winner will be announced at the LA Auto Show. Initiated by leading automotive environmental magazine, Green Car Journal, this award has become the auto industry's top environmental honor.

    Aftermarket Accessories: The LA Auto Show is a place to discover and purchase virtually any accessory for cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. All of Kentia Hall is dedicated to an extensive collection of automotive accessories, performance products, mobile electronics, wheels and tires.

    When: Friday, Nov. 16 - Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007
    Friday, Nov. 16 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Saturdays: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Sundays: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Mon. - Wed.: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Thanksgiving Day: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Friday, Nov. 23: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
    The show entrance closes one hour prior to the show closing.

    Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
    1201 S. Figueroa Street
    Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90015

    Admission: Adults: $10.00 (cash only)
    Children 12 and under: free when accompanied by an adult
    Seniors (65+): $7.00 Fri., Nov. 16 - Thurs., Nov. 22 (cash only)
    Ticket sales close one hour prior to show closing each night.

    Parking: DAILY: $12 - Convention Center garages; $30 - Valet

    WEEKENDS: $10 - Grand Avenue garage (Grand & Venice) with free shuttle service
    - Additional weekend parking is available in public lots a few blocks north of the convention center on Figueroa Street.

    Public Information: Visit www.LAautoshow.com or call 213-741-1151