Pivotal New Cars Debut in L.A.

The 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public November 16 through 25, is host to new vehicles that portend interesting changes in the industry, particularly for American car companies. Cadillac is putting hybrid technology in its worst gas guzzler and Lincoln is redefining the large American luxury sedan after decades of using the same formula. Below are new or significantly updated vehicles making their world debut at this year's show in L.A.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

After putting a new hybrid system into the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, it's only natural that General Motors would spread the green love to its high-profile luxury SUV, the Cadillac Escalade.

The pairing of a 6.0-liter V8 engine and battery-powered electric motor -- the same combo propelling the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids -- should improve fuel economy by up to 50 percent in city driving and by up to 25 percent on the highway. The Escalade Hybrid can run solely on battery power, solely on engine power, or on a combination of the two. Half of the gasoline engine also shuts down when full power is not needed to further improve fuel efficiency. An Electronically Variable Transmission can function like a continuously variable transmission or a traditional automatic.

Cadillac says that the Escalade's aesthetics are critical to its success, so the hybrid version will look identical to the regular version, with no concessions made for aerodynamics or rolling resistance as in the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids. Read more about this vehicle here.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid will benefit from the same "two-mode" hybrid powertrain as used in the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon. General Motors says the Silverado Hybrid's fuel economy will improve by up to 40 percent in the city and 25 percent on the highway over that of the standard version.

The Silverado Hybrid will retain much of its rugged utility, with a towing package and heavy-duty locking rear axle, although it will only be able to tow 6,100 pounds, as opposed to the standard Silverado's 10,500-pound capacity. The Silverado Hybrid will be available in the crew cab body style, which means it will have four doors and a second row of seating for passengers. Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions will go on sale in late 2008.

2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

Chrysler pulled the wraps off of two hybrid SUVs at the L.A. show, and the big news is that they'll both use the automaker's legendary Hemi engines. The Aspen Hybrid will employ a 5.7-liter V8 engine and two-mode hybrid system that is not altogether different from the powertrain underpinning the aforementioned Escalade and Silverado Hybrids, allowing the Aspen to run just on electric power, just on gas power, or use both propulsion sources simultaneously. Maximum output is 385 hp.

A "Multiple-displacement system" further conserves fuel by allowing the Aspen Hybrid to operate on fewer engine cylinders during light operation. Its fuel efficiency should improve by 40 percent in city driving and by 25 percent on the highway, and it will be able to tow a maximum of 6,000 pounds.

Inside, the Aspen Hybrid will crib from the manufacturer's Town and Country minivan, with a MyGIG entertainment system, rear DVD screen, power accessory outlets galore, and multiple seating configurations, including a 60/40 split-folding third-row seat. A host of safety features include an Electronic Stability Program, a back-up camera, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows.

2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid

The other Hemi-equipped hybrid SUV bowing in the City of Angels is the Dodge Durango. Its engine and hybrid system are mechanically identical to those in the Aspen Hybrid, with identical performance numbers for horsepower, towing, and fuel economy. The Durango Hybrid is likewise packed with the same comfort, convenience, and safety features.

The only real difference is the Durango's looks. Although its green powertrain may provide more peace of mind, its tougher image might be more appealing to those looking to roll around in something that at least looks like a brawny SUV, as opposed to the jacked-up minivan aesthetics of the relatively prim Aspen.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

There are times when enough is clearly not enough. Case in point: the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR. The ACR ("American Club Racer") edition of the legendary snake builds on the highly capable platform of the standard SRT10. The 600-horsepower 8.4-liter V10 engine still provides the power, but the ACR is otherwise modified into a street-legal racecar, with lightweight wheels, suspension components, and brakes that trim 40 pounds.

An optional "Hard Core" package drops another 40 pounds by forgoing the radio, under-hood sound insulation, trunk carpeting and tire inflator. A racing suspension and new front stabilizer bar improve the Viper's handling, and high-performance StopTech brakes help facilitate rapid reductions in speed. Exterior enhancements complete the race-inspired makeover, with a tall rear wing and aggressive front fascia to improve aerodynamics. A bold two-tone paint scheme is also available. Dodge says the Viper SRT10 ACR will cost less than $100,000 and offer unmatched performance for the price.

2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt

Now you can own an updated version of the car that Steve McQueen drove into cinematic history 40 years ago in the movie "Bullitt." The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt gets a massaged version of the 4.6-liter V8 found in the standard Mustang GT, and pumps out 320 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A sport-tuned chassis and suspension will improve the Mustang Bullitt's handling and create what Ford calls "the most balanced Mustang ever." A revised rear-axle ratio provides better off-the-line acceleration.

The vehicle will be available with the same Dark Highland Green paintjob as the classic Mustang from the movie, as well as a complete lack of exterior logos, a modification the film production crew performed so that the original Mustang could be used without having to pay Ford for the use of its name and logo. The designers even went so far as to listen to a digitally remastered DVD of "Bullitt" to recreate the exhaust sound in the new version. Only 7,700 Ford Mustang Bullitt coupes will be produced, each with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $31,075.

2008 Honda FCX Clarity

Honda showed the hydrogen-powered FCX sedan at the Frankfurt auto show earlier this year, but trotted it out what seems to be a production-ready version in Los Angeles, and with a slight name change: It's now called the FCX Clarity. Named so because it offers "a clear solution to the challenges of the future," the Clarity emits only water by using a compact lithium-ion battery and single hydrogen storage tank to drive an electric motor. Honda says the fuel cell has been designed to operate in extreme heat and cold, and can achieve two to three times the fuel economy of a gas-powered car. Its proposed range is 270 miles, but filling up will require either a specially installed home fueling unit or a trip to one of the country's few hydrogen stations.

The Clarity FCX will come equipped with plenty of advanced technology that has little to do with its fuel cell. There's the adaptive cruise control, Collision Mitigation Brake System, Bluetooth connectivity, and, also handy in those extreme temperatures, climate-controlled seats. Starting next summer, Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity for $600 per month, which includes maintenance and collision insurance.

2009 Lincoln MKS

Some consider the new MKS to be Lincoln's replacement of the classic (and long-in-the-tooth) Town Car. The full-size sedan will launch with a 3.7-liter V6 good for 270 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, but Lincoln hopes to add Ford's new direct-injection turbocharged engine to the MKS less than a year later as a way to offer the performance and power of a V8 but with better fuel efficiency. A six-speed automatic SelectShift transmission has a manual mode. Front-wheel drive is standard. A sophisticated all-wheel drive system is optional and can transfer up to 100 percent of the engine's power to the front or rear wheels.

The MKS will come loaded with technology and convenience features, including SYNC, a hands-free in-car communication system developed by Ford and Microsoft that allows users to control the audio system and a Bluetooth-integrated cell-phone. Other electronic goodies include a surround sound audio system with Sirius satellite radio, real-time traffic updates, and weather forecasts, and adaptive cruise control. An EasyFuel capless gas tank allows for quick refueling. MKS pricing will start below $38,000, which significantly undercuts competing models from Japanese and European luxury brands. Lincoln expects up to 60 percent of MKS buyers to be new to the brand.

2008 Lotus Elise SC and Elise California

The newest addition to the Lotus family gives away some crucial information in its name — the "SC" in Lotus Elise SC stands for "supercharged." This mighty mite puts out 220 horsepower, right in line with the power number for the likewise supercharged Exige S. The convertible Elise SC 220 can't use a roof-mounted intake to feed air to the supercharger like the Exige S does, but the only substantive difference in its tweaked setup is a slight loss of torque, down to 153 pound-feet from the Exige S's 165. Still, the one-ton Elise SC is a screamer, able to sprint to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and 100 mph in 10.7. The base price is $54,500, which undercuts the Exige S MSRP by $7,500.

Lotus also showed the Elise California, a limited-edition customized roadster featuring upgraded wheels, two-tone interior, and rear spoiler. Only 50 units of the $51,770 vehicle will be produced: 25 in Saffron Yellow and 25 in Ardent Red. And yes, this Elise will be available outside of the Golden State, even if that is the roadster's biggest market.

2009 Nissan Murano

The second generation of this midsize crossover SUV gets a more aggressive appearance and a new structure. It uses Nissan's "D" platform, which was first introduced on the 2007 Altima. The new setup includes a lighter, stiffer suspension, which should make for a sportier ride. The 2009 Murano will be available with front- or all-wheel drive.

The new Murano's 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has the ability to mimic set gear ratios for more spirited acceleration and better control over the engine's power. As is becoming the norm, traction control will be standard.

The interior features a push-button ignition, a standard audio system with a six-disc CD changer, and an auxiliary jack for portable audio devices. An iPod-specific connector will be available on the pricier LE model. Other options include heated front and rear seats, DVD navigation, an upgraded Bose audio system, and a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive to store music and other data.

The 2009 Murano will go on sale in January 2008.

2009 Pontiac Vibe

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe debuted via webcast earlier this month in Detroit, but its official world debut at an auto show was in L.A. Along with new interior and exterior styling cues, this generation marks the return of the Vibe's all-wheel-drive and GT models. The Vibe is based on Toyota's all-new Matrix, which debuted at the Tokyo auto show.

The Vibe's base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that puts out 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A 2.4-liter engine capable of 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque is optional on the base model and comes standard on all-wheel-drive and GT models. Transmission options vary: Base front-wheel-drive cars with the 1.8-liter engine will come with either a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. A four-speed automatic is standard on all-wheel-drive models with the 1.8-liter engine. Vehicles with the larger 2.4-liter engine will offer a five-speed manual or an optional five-speed automatic.

Fuel economy ranges from 26 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway for the 1.8-liter manual, to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway for all-wheel-drive models.

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is expected to hit dealerships in a few months. Pricing won't be announced until mid-December, but is estimated at $16,000 to $21,000.

2008 Toyota Sequoia

One of the few non-hybrid SUVs unveiled in Los Angeles, the next-generation Toyota Sequoia seems to take cues from the automaker's new Tundra pickup with a rugged and rather bulky new shape. The Sequoia also gets a power upgrade to back up its visual makeover — a 5.7-liter V8 putting out 381 hp and 401 pound-feet of torque will be available, and a six-speed automatic transmission will help distribute the power accordingly. The 4.7-liter V8 in the current Sequoia will remain the standard engine. The Sequoia will also benefit from an optional air suspension system with settings for "comfort," "sport," and "normal." With the proper equipment, it can tow up to 10,000 pounds.

According to the Sequoia's press release, its chief designer "went so far as to live for a time with an American family that owned a fullsize SUV so that he could better understand the way SUV users relate to their vehicles." To that end, the Sequoia's interior space is determined to appeal to parents and their children. Besides being able to seat eight in relative comfort, it packs a DVD entertainment system for those sitting in the rear and a plethora of storage cubbies. Audiophiles and those who like to talk and drive will be pleased by the JBL stereo system and integrated Bluetooth connectivity.