2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: Day Two
Day two of the 2007 Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show brought to light several unusual projects by various automotive manufacturers. Topping the list of unique, Mazda designers, together with a special guest, will sculpt a clay model concept car to completion in front of thousands of curious onlookers.
To win the chance to work with Mazda, Facebook members were asked to submit a 150 word description and optional sketch drawing of their vision for the 2018 Mazda3.
Choosing a winner was difficult given the quality of work submitted, but the team persevered and one design was finally selected. The winner was Mallory McMorrow; an industrial design student from the University of Notre Dame.
Over the two weeks of the show, she will work alongside Franz von Holzhausen, director of design for Mazda North America and his team to complete the project. A small scale version of her vehicle stands next to the high-tech work space for reference. Upon completion of the model, the clay shape will be plastic wrapped in appropriate colors and represent a full-scale replica of Ms. McMorrow’s winning design.
Mazda also took the opportunity to showcase the 2008 CX-9, recently awarded Motor Trend’s 2008 Sport Utility of the Year. In addition, the rotary engine turned 40 years old and a full collection of original cars were displayed spotlighting this radical technology. Mazda is committed to the rotary for future green applications and currently has hydrogen powered vehicles being tested in Japan.
Lotus continues to grow in importance as a maker of sexy, small sports cars.
The Exige S 240 stood center stage, glowing under the spotlights in orange and black. Featuring a 1.8L inline 4-cylinder engine, it offers 240 horsepower @ 8000 rpm and 170 lb/ft of torque @ 5500 rpm.
Acceleration is fast! Zero to 60 mph takes a mere 4 seconds, while 100 mph is reached in only 9.9. A two-seater designed to handle curves with aplomb; it is priced to be exclusive starting at $64,890.
At the most elite end of the market, Ferrari drew upon their extensive racing heritage and unveiled the 430 Scuderia to North America consumers. Priced at over a cool quarter of a million dollars, it swells the ego with 503 horsepower, a 6-speed sequential gearbox and rear-wheel drive.
A “lightweight” version of the venerable Ferrari F430, carbon fiber accessories shave extra weight from an already svelte body. Sans radio, carpeting and a few other unimportant features, a total of 220 lbs is removed from the mix. Handling is crisp, performance astounding, and the waiting list two years long.
A second Italian debut took the wraps of the 2008 Maserati Quattroporte GT S for the U.S. and Canada. Originally introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, this is the sportiest version of the full-size sedan to date. Brembo composite disc brakes offer superior, no hassle stopping power. This is essential given the performance available from the Ferrari-built, 4.3 -liter DOHC V8 engine.
Inside, luxury abounds. Leather and suede seats add a distinctive, yet practical touch to both front and rear seats. Carbon-fiber trim is displayed throughout, highlighting a distinctive aluminum -weave design. Decked out in black chrome, it looks mean enough to take on all comers. Of course, luxury and performance are at the heart of every Maserati, so no doubt the ride will be fast and sumptuous.
When discussing performance, few cars scream “drive me!” as much as the all-new Lancer Evolution. Sixteen years old and counting, version X offers a drive experience generally reserved for vehicles costing much more.
Underfoot is 295 horsepower derived from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Powerful and willing to run, it connects to the road with sophisticated ease. The official press release at the L.A. Auto Show refers to the handling of this affordable rocket as follows.
“The Lancer Evolution's S-AWC system regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sport ABS brakes. Integration of ASC is new for all markets”. As a complete package, the new Evolution is hard to beat.
Additional performance cars making their North American debut on day two included the new Subaru WRX STI and Lamborghini Reventón. Infiniti chose a different course of action for one of their newest high performing models, launching the 2009 EX35 with 297 horsepower as a sport wagon vehicle. Sumptuous seating with wood and chrome accents is an Infiniti staple and the newest vehicle delivers.
Day Two at the 2007 Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show came to a close for the assembled journalists, leaving the next few weeks for those visitors who really count, the buying public. With so many new and exciting vehicles to see, it promises to be a great show!
