2008 Los Angeles Auto Show: Day Two
It may seem obvious, but auto shows are filled with a series of firsts. A world premier here, a North American reveal over there, media days offer a seemingly endless parade of new vehicles to enjoy.
One thing that is very unusual at an auto show, however, is having the chance to drive a vehicle that has just made its worldwide debut. So it was with great excitement we buckled into the new Mini E and took it for a spin in downtown Los Angeles.
Mini E
For many, the next unveiling of product for the Mini brand was expected to be a production version of the new SUV-like concept vehicle introduced in Paris earlier this year. A Mini Cooper powered by electricity was a bolt out of the blue for the automotive industry. Powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor, the new Mini E demonstrates all that is good about not using gasoline to drive our vehicles.
Pulling away from a stoplight, the Mini E feels in some ways akin to a golf cart. A powerful golf cart for sure, but the sense of overcoming inertia is very real. Starting is slow, but once you get underway, I was amazed at how quick the Mini E accelerates. Deceleration is equally rapid and taking your foot off the accelerator stops the car almost as fast as applying the brakes.
Driving in L.A. isn’t necessarily a fun experience. At one point on the drive, however, we outraced a taxi to the next stoplight to make a right turn at a very busy intersection. Don’t be fooled by the outward appearance. The Mini E is a very quick electric car ready for the U.S.; 0-60 mph takes a mere 8.4 seconds, top speed is limited to 95 mph.
Maximum travel distance on a single charge for the Mini E is 150 miles (240 km). This is vital because unlike many Europeans, North American drivers journey significant distances between destinations. A simple plug in to a wall outlet is all that is required to recharge.
On the downside, seating is currently limited to two, as the back seat area houses a lithium-ion battery. The upside is available storage in the back of the Mini E is excellent, possibly besting even the Mini Clubman in useable space. Limited to 500 vehicles in select states including New York, New Jersey and California, the zero emission Mini E is expected within the new year.
Ferrari California
The 2009 Ferrari California is a calculated move on the part of Ferrari to attack a previously untapped market. Top up or down, the appeal of the California is sure to be equal with both male and female buyers who desire to standout from the crowd. What color they choose may end up being the biggest demographic differentiator.
Passion and pride is at the heart of every Ferrari. Power for the California comes in the form of a 4.3-liter V8 engine mounted in a mid-front position. The result is a near perfect 53/47 front to back weight distribution.
Engine compression ratio is set at 12.2:1. Direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and a flat crankshaft typical of modern F1 engine design, are additional reasons why it is hard to wipe the smile off your face when stepping on the accelerator.
The resulting performance is the stuff legends are made of; 460 hp (107 hp per liter) at 7,750 rpm and 357 lb.-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Zero to 60 mph takes approximately 4 seconds. Top speed is listed at 193 mph.
It is impossible to design the perfect sport coupe as styles and trends constantly change. Ferrari has a way, however, of sensing what the market wants and the new California is a calculated response that I think works very well.
Audi Q5
Not all vehicle introductions at the show were targeted to a worldwide audience. First revealed at the 2008 Beijing International Auto Show, the Audi Q5 made its North American debut in L.A. The Ingolstadt, Germany automaker’s answer to the BMW X3, the Q5 raises the bar in several ways for the small SUV market.
Audis are known for superior design, excellent performance and beautifully sculpted interiors. But how does one achieve this in a small to medium-sized SUV?
Based on the look of the much bigger Q7, the Q5 resides on a 9.22 ft. wheelbase. The result is a roomy interior for up to 5 passengers. The rear seat offers angle-adjustment and folds flat for easy storage.
Several engine choices will be available for the Audi Q5. At the forefront of technology should be the 3.0 TDI with 240 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy is expected to be best-in-class.
Audi has taken the route of waiting to see who the players are in this market and then designing a vehicle to compete. The rest is up to consumers to decide which one is best.
Conclusion
Additional significant vehicle introductions represented every market segment.
Moderately priced new vehicles included the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul to name a few. Near luxury introductions showcased the BMW 335d and Lexus IS 250 Convertible among others. While the luxury consumer now has the Bentley Azure T, Porsche Cayman S, Porsche Boxster and Boxster S plus the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series and many others to choose from when buying a new vehicle.
The 2008 L.A. Auto Show represents the start of the new auto show season worldwide. As we approach 2009, there are more uncertainties facing the automotive industry than in the recent past. With regards to new product, the future looks bright and more will be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. As always, we’ll be there with the latest news. See you then.
