LA Auto Show Preview: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

Expected to make its public debut next week at the LA Auto Show, the Cadillac CTS Coupe will join the CTS sedan and wagon in the brand’s lineup for the 2011 model year. The coupe will have the same wheelbase as the sedan, but it will be two inches lower and shorter. As expected, it shares much with the sedan, but the Coupe has distinct hidden B-pillar, touch pad for the doors (in place of conventional door handles), and a steeper angle for the windshield and rear window, which contributes to the sleek aerodynamic look.

The coupe doesn’t get the “budget” 3.0-liter V6. Instead, it’s powered by the direct-injection, 304–hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine. A six-speed manual and six-speed automatic will be offered. The EPA estimates that highway fuel economy will reach 27 mpg. Two suspension packages will be available, including a performance package with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive. A summer tire package comes with 19-inch tires and wheels.

The coupe will hit showrooms in the spring of 2010 with a high-performance V-Series edition arriving later in 2010. Unfortunately, there won’t be a convertible version to compete with the likes of BMW 3 Series and Audi A5.

Visit the Cadillac CTS model overview for ratings, road test, and more.

—Liza Barth

LA Auto Show Preview: 2010 Lexus GX 460

Lexus has revealed the second-generation of its GX midsized luxury SUV, the GX 460, ahead of its official debut next week at the LA Auto Show. The same size as the model it replaces, the new GX 460 is still an old-fashioned, body-on-frame design that shares a platform with the redesigned Toyota 4Runner. Both are traditionally capable off-roaders. But it promises more refinement, through technology and conveniences. For example, a power-folding third-row seat folds flat into the floor, rather than up against the sides as the old one did. And that is just the beginning.

The name change also represents moving to a new 4.6-liter V8, which makes 301 hp, up from 263. The standard transmission is a new six-speed automatic–upgraded from last year’s five-speed. EPA fuel economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 20 highway, for a combined 17 mpg; the last GX returned 15 mpg combined.

A host of new high-tech features provide protective systems for everything from off-road driving to on-road crash performance.

Previously optional, the new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is now standard. It hydraulically controls the anti-roll bars for reduced body lean in corners, and disengages the bars for greater off-road articulation. The vehicle also has downhill assist control to automatically limit descent speeds on steep slippery grades off-road. The Crawl Control, trickled down from the Land Cruiser, is a feature that automatically controls the throttle to maintain a set speed on slow off-road ascents. Crawl Control engages automatically when low-range is selected and the crawl speed can be adjusted manually. Hill start assist keeps the vehicle from rolling back when starting on an uphill.

The GX 460 is available with Lexus’s full complement of electronic safety aids, including lane departure warning, a pre-collision system bundled with radar-guided cruise control that applies the brakes and pretensions the seat belts if it determines an accident is unavoidable. A Driver Attention Monitor alerts the driver when approaching an obstacle while failing to look where the vehicle is going. Lexus’s standard Safety Connect telematics system automatically calls 911 after an accident. A wide view monitor displays the area around the vehicle to help with parking maneuvers.

We last tested a GX in 2004. It was plush, refined and capable off-road, but lacked agility. The new GX seems like an incremental step but brings significant improvements in convenience, luxury amenities, and high-tech safety equipment. We’ll report how it all works together as soon as we buy and test our own GX.

Pricing starts at about $53,000 for the base model, and $57,500 for the Premium trim. It goes on sale late December.

—Eric Evarts 

Ford hybrid tax credits are going fast

Ford will soon launch the revitalized Fusion and Mercury Milan lines, continuing the pattern of ongoing improvements to these well-rated sedans. Highlighting the 2010 models is the addition of hybrid variants. Ford is touting a 41 mpg city, 36 mpg highway fuel economy rating for the Fusion hybrid—notably more efficient than the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry hybrids based on EPA numbers. (Photo is from the 2008 LA Auto Show.)

These Ford Motor Company hybrids, along with the Escape and Mariner hybrid SUVs, are eligible for full tax credits if purchased or ordered before March 31st. After that time, the credits are reduced by 50 percent due to Ford crossing the 60,000-vehicle threshold that begins a scale-down process for tax credits. (See what vehicles are eligible and their credit amounts.)

Like all appealing incentives, there is a catch. Ford says the 2010 hybrids go on sale in the spring, though will not release a date. Spring begins March 20, less than two weeks before the tax credit is reduced.

A Ford representative explained that customers could order a vehicle prior to March 31st, to be delivered later, and still receive the credit. However, it may prove difficult, or even impossible, to secure a test drive prior.

In April, there will still be a significant credit available--$1,700. Ultimately, no matter which vehicle you are drawn to, if a tax credit is a significant factor, be sure to check with your accountant to ensure you can receive it based on your tax scenario. And remember, tax credits do not apply on a lease. (See “Hybrid cars and the vanishing tax credit.”)

Ford Hybrid tax credits

	1/1 - 3/31/09	4/1 - 9/30/09	10/1 - 3/31/10
2010 Fusion Hybrid	$3,400	$1,700	$850
2010 Milan Hybrid	3,400	1,700	850
2009 Escape Hybrid FWD	3,000	1,500	750
2009 Escape Hybrid 4WD	1,950	975	487.50
2009 Mariner Hybrid FWD	3,000	1,500	750
2009 Mariner Hybrid 4WD	1,950	975	487.50

Learn more about the updated 2010 Fusion and read our 2009 Mercury Mariner First Drive.

—Jeff Bartlett

2008 LA Auto Show: Hyundai sings the Blues

Most major manufacturers who held press conferences used the LA Auto Show to tout their green agendas. Hyundai came out swinging at its press conference, announcing they have a few near-future technologies up their sleeve.

"Hyundai aims to be the most fuel-efficient automaker on the planet," said Hyundai Motor America vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, John Krafcik.

That is no small goal, and one that Honda won’t make easy to accomplish. (See the Honda Insight concept for proof.)

Krafcik continued, saying, "We're aligning our global R&D resources in Michigan, California, Nam Yang, and Frankfurt to develop the Blue Drive technologies we need to achieve our goal - a 35 mpg U.S. fleet average by 2015." This is five years ahead of current federal mandates.

They are so green, they are blue
Hyundai used the LA show to launch its Blue Drive initiative—a technology-fueled effort to bolster mileage across its product range. The fired-up company will do this through separate strategies, including direct-injection gasoline engines, full hybrid powertrains, six-speed transmissions, and eventually fuel cells.

Shortly, Hyundai will offer Blue editions of the Accent and Elantra focused on bang for the mpg buck. These are conceived as low-cost models with fuel economy gains from low-rolling-resistance tires, enhanced aerodynamics, revised engine calibrations, and reduced final drive ratios.

The HED-5 i-Mode crossover concept on display showcased the Theta Turbo GDI. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine uses direct-injection to improve fuel efficiency, while applying a turbocharger to boost power output. The result is 286 horsepower, reportedly produced with less fuel than a comparable V6 would require.

The next-generation Sonata will be offered as a full hybrid in 2010. The hybrid drive system combines a 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission with a 30kW electric motor. The kicker is that while some manufacturers are focused on lithium-ion batteries as the step beyond current nickel-metal-hydride batteries, Hyundai is leaping to lithium polymer.

Hyundai explains: "Compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-polymer batteries deliver the same power with 30 percent less weight, 50 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency over the nickel-metal hydride batteries found in all of today's hybrids."

Lithium ion uses a liquid electrolyte, which is commonly sealed in a battery cell a little larger than a AA battery. Hundreds of these batteries are combined in packs. On the other hand, lithium polymer is a gel, and it can be stored in large quanities, avoiding the need for expensive cells. As a result, lithium polymer promises greater packaging flexibility and lower production costs.

Hyundai has developed their next-generation battery packs to have maintenance-free operation for at least 10 years and 150,000 miles.

Next up is a fuel-cell vehicle. Hyundai plans to begin series production on an FCV in 2012.

Hyundai has cast aside an old reputation for poor quality with its impressive current line up. Similarly, the company appears poised to cast aside its legacy of modest fuel economy. In fact, I spent some time in our four-cylinder Sonata last week and observed better fuel economy than a compact sedan I had just transitioned out of. (More on that in a future report.)

Whatever color you wish to assign it, Hyundai is a company to watch.

—Jeff Bartlett

See our complete 2008 LA Auto Show coverage, and read other blogs about the LA Auto Show.

2008 LA Auto Show: Honda Eco Assist teaches hypermiling

Honda will make it easier to be green with their new Eco Assist (short for Ecological Drive Assist System). Introduced on the Insight concept car, Eco Assist combines a dash display and an Econ powertrain mode to help maximize fuel economy.

To train the driver, the color behind the speedometer changes to indicate current fuel efficiency. By driving smoothly, a driver can shift the hue from blue to green, thereby learning the practices that save fuel and also money.

The system also tracks fuel economy over time, serving as part training tool and part video game. The driver’s performance is scored by displaying leaves—more the better.

To help the driver further, there is an Econ mode that optimizes engine and transmission performance to save fuel. It also impacts the air conditioning, idle stop, and energy capturing from regenerative braking.

When the Insight goes on sale in the spring, the Eco Assist features should have special appeal to hypermilers trying to maximize their performance.

—Jeff Bartlett

See our complete 2008 LA Auto Show coverage, and read other blogs about the LA Auto Show.

2008 LA Auto Show: Doors open to somber event

Major auto shows are typically electric with energy. Manufacturers tout the brighter tomorrow just around the corner, providing ample proof in the form of MTV-grade videos and multi-million dollar concept vehicles. Not so with the 2008 LA Auto Show.

From the moment the doors opened for media days, there was a somber mood to the gathering. In an unprecedented move, major automakers Chrysler, General Motors, and Toyota chose not to have press conferences. Such micro-events are opportunities for companies to schedule a time when the automotive and business press gathers to give executives their undivided attention. The days are full of back-to-back press conferences, and the speakers relish their captive audience. Yet, some big players decided to simply park some cars on the floor and leave their management teams at home.

Nissan Motor President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, an international leader who has become a turn-around legend, kicked off day one with a keynote speech. He began addressing the context of a post-election America suffering amid tough economic times and the troubles faced by the automotive industry in particular. Ghosn pointed out that "October was the worst month for U.S. auto sales in 25 years."

Last year, the industry sold a little more than 16 million passenger vehicles, and last month, sales plunged to an annualized rate of 10.6 million.

As Ghosn said, "We are clearly in uncharted territory."

He did speak at length about the many global efforts by Nissan to develop and launch electrified cars, balancing his depressing preamble with hopeful messages. Still, the initial mood seemed to hold through the day.

Absent from the press conferences were the usual (and often dreadfully boring) graphs and figures that each company presents to show they are experiencing unparalleled growth. It used to amaze how year-on-year sales for the industry hovered between 16 and 17 million, yet every company was selling more than ever. Just as puzzling, every manufacturer focuses their new products on youthful, active lifestylers, leaving aging couch potatoes as a massive, untapped market.

Ultimately, the theme that emerged on the first day was "green." Being an LA show, green is a given. California has been a leader for reducing emissions, and environmental concern is downright fashionable in the image-conscious Los Angeles area. Some companies, such as Audi, BMW, and Hyundai, presented serious technology solutions to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Others, not so much.

While executives from the Big 3 automakers flew their corporate jets to Washington, D.C. to make their case for federal assistance, the presenters in LA avoided hyperbole and simply presented their company’s plans.

The automotive market is rapidly changing, and it is clear the industry is struggling to react. As automakers seek to trim budgets, it is expected that this will be a tame auto show season with fewer fanciful concept vehicles. And that means every speech and show car will carry greater importance.

—Jeff Bartlett

See our complete 2008 LA Auto Show coverage, and read other blogs about the LA Auto Show.

Preview: 2008 LA Auto Show

The 2008 LA Auto Show opens its doors to the automotive media and industry this week, on November 19. As the first major event of the new-car show season, LA provides a sneak-peek at 2010 models coming down the road as well as concepts for the cars of tomorrow.

Over two media days, there will be nearly 40 world and North American debuts from Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lincoln, Lexus, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Announced models include the 2010 Ford Mustang, electric-powered Mini E, Mazda3, Nissan 370Z, and Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid. We also think there will be some surprises.

We will be on hand to cover the event, sharing first impressions, insights, and photos of the most significant models in the Consumer Reports Cars blog and in the special 2008 LA Auto Show section. The show coverage will be updated continuously throughout the week as information and images become available, so check back regularly to catch the latest.

—Jeff Bartlett

Learn more about the LA Auto Show. See our 2008 LA Auto Show coverage.