LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h

Lexus dropped the third-generation RX on the world today here at the LA Auto Show. As before, the RX luxury crossover comes in two forms, the standard issue RX350 and the hybrid RX450h. The 3.5L RX350 gets a power bump to 275 hp while the hybrid engine grows from 3.3L up to 3.5L and 295 total horsepower. Lexus has improved the inverter that converts between DC power from the battery to AC for the motor, making the whole hybrid drivetrain more efficient. The RX450h gets a unique grill and badging to set it slightly apart from the new RX350, while both models get plenty of new gizmos and gadgets including an upgraded navigation and telematics system. For instance, a new controller for the nav system that Toyota calls Remote Touch provides customizable haptic feedback as you use it. A larger brighter OLED display screen also offers an improved angle of vision and a heads up display is available for the first time. The design is an obvious evolution of the previous RX, but now features a more broad-shouldered look just like the Toyota Highlander with which it shares its platform.

LA 2008: Toyota shows off Camry CNG Hybrid

Toyota isn't holding a press conference at the LA Auto Show this year, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything to show. The Prius purveyors have built a CNG-fueled Camry hybrid. According to Toyota spokesperson Jana Hartline, the purpose of the CNG hybrid is to demonstrate the versatility of Hybrid Synergy Drive. The car gets 50% better fuel efficiency than the last production CNG vehicle offered by Toyota, which was based on the 2000 Camry. Hartline explained Toyota has no immediate plans to produce either CNG or CNG hybrid vehicles, but the company is looking at all alternatives for the future.

LA 2008: 2010 Mazda3

Mazda has unveiled its 2010 Mazda3 sedan here at the LA Auto Show and we managed to snap some nice shots off as it was spinning around on a huge rotating stand. It's a good looking car that Mazda says carries on its "family face" with stylish bulges and creases that attract the eyes, and we're really looking forward to seeing the hatchback version as well. Underhood is a newly-enlarged 2.5-liter version of Mazda's MZR inline-four that offers up 167-horsepower and can be mated to either a 6-speed stick or 5-speed auto. As before, a standard 148-horsepower 2.0L four will be available and can be had with either a manual or auto tranny with 5 forward ratios each.

Considering the low price class in which the Mazda3 competes, features like dual-zone automatic climate control, Xenon self-leveling head lamps, push-button start and hands-free Bluetooth are very nice touches, as is the iPod integration and an optional leather interior. Increasingly important these days is fuel mileage, so the 3's low .29 coefficient of drag is an important piece of the overall efficiency puzzle and helps the 2010 Mazda3 hit 33 mpg on the highway with the smaller engine option.

LA 2008: 2009 BMW 7 Series and Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid unveiled LIVE

We already knew pretty much everything there is to know about the U.S. 2009 7 Series, but BMW pulled the covers, both literally and symbolically, off its new range-topper right on schedule anyway. In person, the new 7 has much more presence than it appears to have in photos, with an eye-catching crease that runs the length of the car and incorporates the large protruding door handles. The only engine option at the time of launch is the twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that's capable of launching the big 7 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, but we'd be surprised if a force-fed 3.0L gas-powered inline-six didn't make an appearance sooner or later, as well. The Bavarian automaker also revealed that it has production plans for a hybrid 7 Series as previewed by its Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid and believes it can get it launched within a year. What's more, BMW made a big deal about its upcoming diesel technology, so we could definitely see an oil-burning 7 Series on our shores before too long.

LA 2008: Bentley Azure T arrives in style

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. "

LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept

The first real surprise at the LA Auto Show today came from Honda in the form of its FC Sport fuel cell design study. The designers at Honda's advanced design studio in Pasadena decided to take advantage of the packaging flexibility afforded by a fuel cell powertrain and mounted it mid-ship driving the rear wheels. Using the vertical flow fuel stack mounted behind the driver and an electric motor between the rear wheels, the FC Sport is a three-seater in the style of the McLaren F1 where the driver sits in the middle of the car with the two passenger seats on either side and further back. The FC Sport is strictly a styling study right now, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a fully functional version at some point.

LA 2008: 2010 Lincoln MKZ unveile

Lincoln's foray into the entry level luxury sedan market has gone through several changes over the past few years, starting with the introduction of the Zephyr in 2006 and evolving into the MKZ in 2007. In addition to the name change, Lincoln replaced the 3.0L V6 with a 3.5L unit, added a 6-speed automatic and provided the option of AWD. Now for 2010, Lincoln has given the MKZ a substantial refresh to keep pace in one of the most competitive segments.

The most notable changes are to the exterior design, which now carries over styling elements from the MKS. The entire front end has been altered and features Lincoln's split-wing grille that flows into thinner headlights, giving the MKZ a more aggressive and modern appearance. The rear end has also been given a makeover, featuring a new decklid and wider, thinner LED taillights. Standard are 17-inch aluminum wheels, with chrome coming as an option as well as 18-inch polished wheels that come as part of the Sport Appearance Package.

The MKZ's interior also gets a refresh with a focus on high quality materials that's highlighted by new genuine aluminum and wood trim and an all-new instrument panel with a next generation voice-activated navigation system. The seats are now wrapped in high quality Bridge of Weir leather and are available in perforated suede. Other interior changes include new door trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts.

In an effort to separate itself from the competition, Lincoln also focused on providing a high level of standard technology features. The Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, SYNC, and adaptive HID headlights are all exclusive to the entry level luxury sedan segment. The MKZ also features real-time traffic and weather data via SIRUIS Travel Link, a reverse camera system, and a premium THX II sound system with 14 speakers and a 10BG hard drive.

The 3.5L Duratec V6 carries over unchanged from the previous model. We found it to be efficient and capable in our test of the 2007 MKZ, although not a class-leader by any means. Part of our lack of satisfaction with the powertrain was due to the 6-speed automatic transmission that lacked any manual control. Fortunately, this option has been added for 2010 with the new SelectShift transmission. The powertrain is also now more efficient, dropping the 0-60 mph time from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds. All-wheel-drive remains an option, although it has been retuned for better traction and less noise.

The MKZ suspension received a few minor changes, as well. The position of the rear lower control arms have been changed for improved handling characteristics, and the steering pump has been altered to provide better response and less effort at low speeds. For the AWD system, the suspension has been tuned for more neutral handling in corners.