Nissan Prices 2008 Altima Coupe

We were surprisingly impressed with the Altima Coupe after getting up close with and sitting in one at the New York auto show. It’s certainly a good-looking two-door, inside and out. Now Nissan has given us the last piece of the puzzle to determine if it really is an appealing value.

The base coupe 2.5 S with a 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual will start at $20,490; the 2.5 S with a continuously variable automatic transmission will start at $20,990. That’s actually a very low premium for the bump to an automatic or CVT transmission.

Move up to the Altima Coupe 3.5 SE with its 270-hp V-6 and the cost moves up to $24,890 for the six-speed manual and $25,390 for the CVT. None of the prices include the $625 destination charge.

The Altima Coupe goes on sale May 25, but Nissan is taking pre-orders starting today.

Related: 
2006 L.A. Auto Show: Nissan Altima Coupe

L.A. Auto Show Flashback: In Video

The L.A. Auto Show closed its doors Sunday, and auto fans across the country are a bit depressed at the prospect of waiting until January for more auto show news to filter out from Detroit. At Cars.com, we’ll have a ton of coverage from Cobo Hall, but for now you can check back on all the happenings from L.A. Our content includes three videos focusing on concept cars, production cars and the all-important “reveal” — when a new model debuts to the press. It’ll give you something to break up your day of mindless holiday shopping on the web. Oh … and work.

A Tale of Two Schwarzeneggers

The last time I saw and photographed Arnold Schwarzenegger at an auto show, he stormed down Broadway into New York's Times Square amid a phalanx of law-enforcement vehicles, flanked by two Hummer H1s — military SUVs in civilian garb. He drove up onto the sidewalk and into ABC’s ground-level studio in an open-bed version of the Hummer H2 SUV.

He was helping promote what was at the time a relatively new and more refined Hummer that he had helped design (at least according to AM General, a GM partner that manufacturers the Hummer). Ahh-nold was one of Hollywood's few remaining action heroes and one of the biggest box office draws the film industry had ever seen, and I was in my fourth year as senior editor of Cars.com.

It was April 11, 2001.

Stranded at the L.A. Auto Show

Stranded for 24 hours after a couple of long days covering the L.A. Auto Show, I did what any sane person would do: went back to the auto show. It was more fun this time around, surrounded by the show-going public instead of the rest of the media, and I noticed some things I hadn’t seen over the past few days.

Why does Porsche project Lincoln symbols in the corridor that leads to its display?

Nissan Sneaks 2007 350Z Into L.A. Auto Show

During the mad rush of last week’s media days at the L.A. Auto Show, we somehow forgot to mention there was a pre-production 2007 350Z sitting in the same area as the all-new Sentra SE-R and Altima coupe. The new 350Z, while looking just like the 2006 version, will sport the same engine as the all-new Infiniti G35 and produce 306 hp. 

That may not sound like a lot more than the 300 hp the previous 350Z put out, but with a new method of calculating power ratings in place, the 306 hp figure is roughly 17 - 20 hp more than the 2006’s actual output.

Don’t expect a new design for the 350Z next year, but we’re hoping that by 2008 it will get the same treatment the G35 did.

Update: Autoblog was on its toes at the L.A. Auto Show and snapped this picture of the 2007 350Z complete with a new bulging hood to harness its upgraded engine.

Related: Nissan Improving 350Z for '07

Winners & Losers at the L.A. Auto Show: Concept Cars

We already recapped the production cars from L.A., now it’s time to take a look at the forward-thinking and often radical designs that make up this year’s crop of concept cars. Most of these will never see the assembly line; many won’t even influence future models. Here are the cars Joe Wiesenfelder and David Thomas thought won and lost on the show floor.

Volkswagen Tiguan
DT - Winner: This one’s not hard to pick. The Tiguan is the most likely to be produced, has the best proportions and, if they do build it, will probably sell pretty well.

JW - Winner: Yep. It looks great, and it would be several things the Touareg SUV isn't: lightweight, fuel-efficient and quick. Maybe the folks at VW have learned some lessons; they obviously missed the one on car names.

Winners & Losers at the L.A. Auto Show: Production Cars

There were some wild concept cars here at the L.A. Auto Show, but it’s the production cars that have the most impact on everyday car buyers. The models we saw are on sale now or will be next year, and some of them are extremely important to their makers’ bottom line. Mike Hanley and David Thomas took some time to dissect the winners and losers — plus a few cars they couldn’t agree on — in this photo blog.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
DT - Winner: Pure sensuality in this British roadster. Though it’s more exotic than the Audi R8, I still prefer the German car. I wouldn’t turn down a ride in this, though; it turns heads standing still.

MH - Winner: You really have to see this car in person to appreciate its perfect proportions and sleek profile, so if you live near L.A., stop on by the convention center; I give it the nod for best in show.

Recapping Day 2 of the L.A. Auto Show

Day 1 might have been busy, but the second of the L.A. Auto Show’s media days wasn’t as slow as we thought it would be. We were able to catch a few more debuts and finish our reports on every significant vehicle we could find. Check out all the full stories and live photos of the vehicles we caught yesterday in the main Cars.com Auto Show section. It’s a must-read if you’re headed to the show in person today through next Sunday, or if you’re just visiting it via the web.

Concept Cars

• Acura Advanced Sedan Concept
• Hyundai Hellion
• Volkswagen Tiguan

Production Cars

• 2008 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid
• 2007 Kia Amanti
• 2007 Kia Rondo
• 2008 Land Rover LR2
• 2007 Lotus Exige S

Checking Out the Tesla Electric Roadster

One of the cool things about the auto show this week has been the chance to see all the cars that debuted overseas, or at other much smaller events, we were unable to get to. One of them is the Tesla Roadster, which is completely electric. GM may be promising a plug-in hybrid in the future, but this plug-in, totally-electric car is here now.

OK, so it’s not produced yet, but Tesla’s chief technical officer, JB Straubel, says the company is in the middle of crash and durability tests of the car right now and will start filling its orders in the early fall of 2007. The company has 250 orders in hand that have been paid in full at $100,000 per car. Straubel pointed out that’s $25 million in funding right there.

My initial thoughts of an alternative-fuel repeat of Tucker went out the window when I heard that figure.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: 2007 Kia Rondo

In a press conference that spouted oddball terms dubbed “Rondoisms,” the North American public was introduced to Kia’s new SUV/minivan/wagon/we-don’t-know-what called the Rondo. The big deal with this thing is that there‘s room for seven people with a third row of seats wedged into the back. That’s about all the Rondo can do.

In a rare auto show move, the company announced the starting price along with the model itself. The four-cylinder Rondo LX will start at $17,985 and get 21/29 mpg city/highway. A V-6 Rondo will also be available with a minimal gain in horsepower, from 162 hp in the four-cylinder to 182 hp in the V-6. Keep reading for more photos of this auto oddity.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Land Rover LR2 Price Announced

We already saw the LR2 when it debuted in Europe earlier this year, but the exciting thing here in L.A. was not only seeing it in person, but hearing there was a price tag attached. When we say price — singular — we mean price. The LR2 will come standard with almost every goodie – leather seats, a two-part panoramic sunroof and a six-disc Alpine stereo — for $34,700. The only add-ons are a technology package with navigation for $3,400, a cold-weather package with heated seats for $400, and a lighting package with bi-xenon headlights for $1,050.

The price is perfectly aimed at the Acura RDX, which starts at $32,995, and the BMW X3, which starts at $38,000.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: The Governator

"Think beyond gasoline."

That was the order from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today during a press conference just outside the L.A. Convention Center praising the development of alternative-fuel cars.

Schwarzenegger, who recently pushed for stricter emissions standards for California, was tanned and jovial as he introduced what he called "the cars of the future." His message: Praise for automakers like BMW and GM for building cars that cut emissions and reduce the use of gas, and a call for other car manufacturers to join in the innovations.

Recapping Day 1 of the L.A. Auto Show

A whole lot went on yesterday, and we wanted to take this time to round up the onslaught of new models we got to see and touch here at the L.A. Convention Center. We took on 12 press conferences in seven hours and filed our thoughts over on the Cars.com Auto Show page. Check out the full reports with live photos on the following debuts:

Concept Cars

• BMW Hydrogen 7 Prototype
• Honda FCX
• Honda REMIX
• Honda Step Bus
• Mazda Nagare
• Mustang Giugiaro

Production Cars

• 2008 Audi TT Roadster
• 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
• 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
• 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster
• 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
• 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R
• 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line
• 2008 Saturn Vue
• 2008 Buick Enclave
• 2007 Cadillac DTS-L
• 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Strange Sights at the L.A. Auto Show

There were a few oddities we couldn’t help but notice during the first press day at the L.A. Auto Show. For starters, Chevrolet hoisted a new Corvette high above its booth to tie in to the company’s recent advertising campaign touting a new warranty.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Mazda Nagare Concept

Mazda says the Nagare — the word means “flow” in Japanese — Concept shows the future of Mazda’s design language. Translated from PR speak that means we might see some of the swooshes above the wheels or the grille treatment or who knows what from the Nagare on a future Mazda production vehicle. We’d buy that if the Nagare wasn’t so hard to decipher.

Perhaps the severe rearward slope of the windshield and cabin will be the flow we see in future models but otherwise we’re a bit dumbfounded. Plus that sharp, front beak doesn’t look like it would pass safety standards that look out for pedestrians these days. This could impale someone. More photos below. 

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Hyundai Hellion Concept

It has a tough name and aggressive lines, but this three-door concept is yet another flight of fancy. In fact, we can’t remember a Hyundai concept that came to life as a real production car. The most interesting thing about the Hellion is that its architecture was inspired by those hard-shell backpacks that make pedestrians look like human-turtle hybrids. No, we don’t get it either, but supposedly it makes the Hellion look more organic. And yes, we’re getting tired of the PR speak ourselves. Now on to the photos…

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Acura Advanced Sedan Concept

Um … honestly? We don’t know what to make of this one, folks. We’re about eight hours into Day 1 of the L.A. Auto Show and aren’t sure if our weary eyes are playing tricks on us or not. The Acura Advanced Sedan Concept shown here is out there. Way out there.

We’re going to quote the press release here because we don’t want you to think we’re making this stuff up: “The primary goal of this design study was to create a sophisticated, refined sedan with a mysterious presence.”

Mysterious is right, but is the mystery “Why make something so ugly?” or “Are we supposed to like this?” We’re just not sure. Acura has been making such eye-pleasing designs for the past few years we don’t see the need for a radical shift in design philosophy — and definitely not one that shifts in this direction.

There aren’t many vitals because this is a pure design concept. All we can give you are the following images for you to ponder — and discuss — among yourselves.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Honda Step Bus Concept

Whoa! Now this is a concept. Honda’s Step Bus is pretty wild. It’s small and boxy and has a mid-engine layout to provide maximum space in a small package. Of course, we’re not sure where that engine is, given that in the images there doesn’t appear to be enough room to hide a backpack in this thing, much less an engine.

The key features are the sliding front doors — though they don’t really seem necessary and in the real world would add a lot of weight to a vehicle that will need to keep the pounds low. It’s a bit too crazy for us, but perhaps a future production version could compete with the Scion xBs of the world.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Honda REMIX Concept

Honda used a high-profile car show to debut a pure concept: The REMIX was developed at the company’s Southern California design studio. It’s a front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, six-speed manual sports coupe that’s supposed to be “fun to drive,” but which, like most concepts, probably can’t go very fast in real life. It sure is interesting to look at, though. More photos below.

Plug-In Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid Announced

There’s no time frame for it, but GM just announced plans to build a plug-in hybrid based on the Saturn Vue that debuted to the public just minutes ago at the L.A. Auto Show. The main reason the company can’t announce a timeline is that the battery technology — GM is looking at using lithium ion batteries — isn’t advanced enough to be mass-produced in this type of application. It will be worth it though; one executive was overheard saying such a plug-in could get around 70 mpg on the highway.

Other news is that the Saturn Vue Green Line will get a more advanced — and more expensive — two-mode hybrid system in calendar 2008. Vue Green Lines with that system will be available alongside ones with the current, less-efficient belt-alternator system, which is what’s in the all-new 2008 Vue Green Line debuting today. Customers will be able to choose between the two types. The belt-alternator setup will deliver roughly 25% better fuel economy than the regular Vue, while the two-mode system will see up to a 45% improvement. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have the standard Vue’s estimated mileage in order to do the math.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Saturn Aura Green Line

L.A. is the perfect place for a car company to roll out a hybrid vehicle and GM just introduced its latest, the Saturn Aura Green Line. The car is fully functional and will go on sale this spring with a four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. The resulting fuel economy is said to be 25% better than the standard Aura XE that gets 20/29 mpg while maintaining the same performance as the standard V-6.

All that green goodness will come at a price under $23,000. Saturn didn’t give away the exact price but if the past is any indicator it will come in right under at a figure like $22,995. That’s roughly a $3,000 premium over the XE. Keep reading for more photos and the full report should be live shortly.

Cars.com 2006 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue

We’ll have a full report on the all-new Vue shortly over on the main L.A. Auto Show page, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring you a ton of photos now and explain a few basic facts.

The new Vue is based on a European GM SUV and is new from the ground up compared to the current Vue. While we’re sure the ride, handling and engine choices will be far superior as well, we’re most looking forward to a better interior — and the outside’s not too shabby, either.

Does it wow you? If so, you’ll only have to wait until the spring of 2007 to get one. A hybrid version called the Vue Green Line will go on sale later in the year. 

2006 L.A. Auto Show: VW Tiguan Concept

We hate the name but everything else about this concept sure looks good. What is a Tiguan you ask? It’s Volkswagen’s attempt at a compact SUV to be slated above a Honda CR-V but below a BMW X3. The company calls it a “small Touareg” but that’s not really accurate. The Touareg is based on the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne while the Tiguan is based on the VW Golf, a small economy car. The concept is powered by a clean diesel engine.

If the Tiguan makes it to production — and all indicators say it will — it should sell well. We’re a bit surprised VW didn’t come out with something like this sooner. More on the Tiguan later today.

Cars.com 2006 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Nissan Altima Coupe

When we first heard Nissan was building a two-door version of its popular Altima sedan we weren’t really sure it made much sense. After seeing it here we’re pretty impressed with the looks. The coupe is based on the new Altima sedan and will feature all the same powertrains as the four-door. However, because of the lighter weight, shorter length, and lower height the company promises a sportier driving experience than the sedan.

A full breakdown of this new model for Nissan will follow later today. For now enjoy the pictures below and expect to see the new Altima two-door on sale this summer.

Cars.com 2006 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Nissan Sentra SE-R

Tonight, Nissan hosted an event near the Los Angeles Convention Center to unveil two new production models the Altima Coupe and the Sentra SE-R Spec-V. The SE-R is the high performance version of the economy sedan we’ve been seeing some guy live in via non-stop commercials. The SE-R — and especially the Spec V — aims at the driver who wants to drive, not live in his car.

The top of the line SE-R Spec V will have a 200 hp 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine while the standard SE-R will feature the exact same engine but most likely a few less horses. Nissan didn’t want to give out that info out tonight but supposedly we’ll hear more tomorrow.

Spec V buyers will also get the option of adding a limited-slip differential and the transmission is a six-speed manual. Stick with just the plain, old SE-R and it comes with a CVT instead. Prices are said to be near the $20,000 mark when it goes on sale in April of 2007. More photos below.

Cars.com 2006 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

Chrysler’s Sebring convertible has been one of the most consistent sellers in recent automotive history. The Sebring sedan underwent an underwhelming redesign earlier this year, and today Chrysler will unveil the all-new convertible, seen here, at the L.A. Auto Show. The company is joining the retractable-hardtop market, which also includes the Pontiac G6 convertible and Mazda MX-5 Miata, but Chrysler is going to produce two soft-top versions as well, one in vinyl and one in cloth. All will open automatically and feature a hard tonneau cover.

The cars will meet various price points, with the soft-tops dominating the lower end of the price spectrum and the hardtop being most expensive. Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date, in the second quarter of 2007, but Chrysler says they will be “surprisingly affordable.” The current base Sebring convertible starts at $26,115, and we don’t expect the price of the new model to be significantly lower than that. 

Engine and trim options will match the new sedan with base, Touring and Limited models, and engines ranging from a 173-hp four-cylinder to a 235-hp V-6. 

More images can be found below. 

Cars.com’s L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is still the best-selling compact SUV on the market after debuting in 2001. That’s a considerable achievement, especially with competition like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in the same segment. Ford has redesigned the exterior and interior of the Escape and given it new electric power steering for the 2008 model year, but the engines, suspension and almost all the underpinnings remain unchanged. The popular hybrid version is getting the same refresh and debuts alongside the standard Escape.

The 2008 Escape will still come with a choice of a 153-hp four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 200 hp. Even the hybrid powertrain is exactly the same for ’08, with its combined 155 hp from the four-cylinder and an electric motor.

Big changes are almost all design-related. Check out the beefier exterior – obviously meant to take on the more masculine Dodge Nitro rather than the Japanese cute-utes – and updated interior. We’re not sure if the redesign is perfect, but the simple change from Ford’s traditional green instrument lighting to blue here in the Escape is a much-welcomed end to a major nitpick of ours. 

More pictures can be found below.

Cars.com’s L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Ford Explorer Fuel Cell

Ford is debuting what looks like a standard Explorer SUV in L.A. this week, but it actually packs a hydrogen powertrain; a tank of the alternative fuel can take the Explorer 350 miles on a single fill-up.

The fuel cell prototype is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy in order to show a viable alternative to petroleum. We’d have to assume the government wouldn’t want to invest in any hydrogen infrastructure without seeing some real working samples on the road.

The fuel cell Explorer has been tested over more than 17,000 miles, and traveled 1,556 miles in a 24-hour period. Ford will also launch its next-generation Escape and Escape Hybrid compact SUVs tonight at midnight. Check back here for more.

Cars.com 2006 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Mustang Giugiaro Concept

Ford has gone Italian for some inspiration. The future of the Mustang may look something like this concept designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro of Italdesign. This may be just a concept — a flight of car-designer fancy — but many think it portends the next Mustang, arriving sometime near the end of the decade. We think it looks a lot like the Chevy Camaro concept shown at Detroit last year. The designer does deserve credit, however, for making it a fully functional 500-hp Mustang that can be driven on any street.

What do you think? Check out the slew of pictures below and check back on our full L.A. Auto Show coverage tomorrow for a full report and photos of the car in the flesh.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Cadillac XLR, STS, DTS Platinum Editions

Cadillac is using the platform of the L.A. Auto Show to launch a trio of new limited-edition models: the XLR Platinum, STS Platinum and DTS Platinum. There aren’t exact numbers to tell us how limited the Platinum editions will be, but there will likely be only a hundred or so Platinum XLRs, and numbers for the STS and DTS Platinum editions will be in low-four-digit territory. Prices have not been announced, but we do know each car will get a handcrafted interior. The XLR and STS will be available in early 2007, with the DTS arriving in August.

XLR Platinum

The hardtop convertible roadster adds some bling with 15-spoke 18-inch wheels, a brighter chrome grille and a Liquid Amethyst paint job. The interior is decked out with real ash wood, hand-stitched leather and an Alcantara suede headliner.

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Saab 60th Anniversary 9-3 and 9-5

The L.A. Auto Show kicks off tomorrow with a slew of all-new models most people haven’t seen before. Actually, it kicks off here on KickingTires tonight at midnight EST, but we digress. Today, GM is giving us some special editions to whet our appetite for the big reveals tomorrow, starting with Saab’s 60th Anniversary 9-3 sedan, SportCombi and convertible, plus its 9-5 sedan and SportCombi.

All the special editions get an Ice Blue metallic paint job, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, embossed black leather seats and dark walnut trim. They’re also loaded with options, like a six-disc CD changer, parking assistance and more, as a way to entice buyers. Unlike almost everything else we’ll be covering over the next few days, GM provided prices for all the 60th Anniversary Editions. The package is an $1,825 option on the 9-3 lineup and $1,595 on the 9-5 lineup.

Keep reading for more photos.

Cars.com 2006 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

2006 L.A. Auto Show: Buick Enclave

We all knew the Buick Enclave would look a lot like the concept vehicle we saw in Detroit 11 months ago, but the production vehicle is almost identical in every way, at least from the outside. The interior is nowhere near as luxurious as the concept, but we knew that would be the case — there’s no way a mass-production vehicle can match a handmade one. Still, the interior seems upgraded enough from the Saturn Outlook to warrant the estimated price increase from that sub-$30,000 sibling.

The exterior design of the Enclave is gorgeous for a glorified minivan. Don’t use that “M” word around GM, though. They call this a “luxury crossover SUV.” The real question will come down to price and whether or not the Enclave will step into Acura MDX territory (starting at $40,000). We’d expect GM to be savvy to that figure, though when the car hits dealers this summer.

Keep reading for a bunch of photos. There will be more information on the Enclave’s powertrain and other features later today in the Cars.com L.A. Auto Show section.

The KickingTires Guide to the L.A. Auto Show

The 2007 auto show season gets a jump-start this year with the L.A. Auto Show moving to the fall, a full month before Detroit’s annual new-car spectacular. We’ll be covering all the madness from L.A. here on KickingTires and over in the main Cars.com Auto Show section this week. Why the two places for one show? There are a number of reasons.

The L.A. Auto Show is going to be extensive this year, with major production and concept cars from most manufacturers, and we need a quick way to get the information out to our readers. That’s what you’ll find here on the blog: Up-to-the-minute news and photos of new vehicles as soon as we’re allowed to post them, often at midnight.

Cadillac DTS-L: A Longer Caddie for VIPs

Cadillac’s biggest sedan right now is the DTS, but even that isn’t big enough to serve as a de facto limousine. To answer the need for more long-wheelbase vehicles in the livery industry, Cadillac is introducing the new DTS-L. The new Cadillac is certainly long. At 215.6 inches, it’s more than a foot longer than the new Lexus LS 460 L and bests most full-size SUVs in the length department. Rear legroom is 49 inches, which is also considerably more than the Lexus.

The large panel behind the rear passenger windows is meant to provide extra privacy for passengers, but we wonder why the rear seats offer only heat, not the heated and cooling abilities of the front seats. The rear seats don’t recline or offer a footrest, like others in the luxury long-wheelbase segment, either. As an executive car, however, it still delivers an attractive and more upscale alternative to the popular but aging Lincoln Town Car.

Editor’s note: While we realize car shoppers won’t be lining up to buy one of these, it’s still an interesting entry into a niche market that most of us only pay attention to on the way to the airport. For an interior photo click below.

Aston Martin Debuts V8 Vantage Roadster

We’re still a few weeks out from the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, but automakers can’t keep their excitement under wraps. Aston Martin just sent over information on the V8 Vantage roadster it will display at the show. Based on the Vantage coupe, the roadster version features the same 380-­hp engine as its hardtop brethren and hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Not too shabby for a convertible. Plus, it’s quite a looker. For those who want a British exotic, you can’t go wrong here.

Prices haven’t been announced, but we’d guess there will be around a $10,000 - $20,000 increase on the coupe’s $107,400 sticker. Expect the V8 Vantage roadster to arrive at an upscale dealer near you around the middle of 2007. We’ll bring you more on the V8 Vantage roadster during our coverage of the L.A. Auto Show at the end of the month. For now, enjoy the photos below.

Mazda Promises Wild Design Concept for L.A.

Mazda is whetting the appetites of car buffs everywhere with information about one of its concept vehicles for the upcoming 2006 L.A. Auto Show. Called Nagare, the concept is pure prediction of what future Mazdas will look like. The lead designer says it can all be summed up in one word: flow. From what we can glean from this sketch, the Nagare looks to be a radical evolution of the company’s current lineup.

Full coverage of the L.A. Auto Show starts Nov. 29 here on KickingTires and in the main Cars.com Auto Show section.

LA Design Challenge: Green Cars of the Future

Doc Brown would have been proud. Nine automakers have submitted entries in the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show’s Design Challenge, a competition aimed at conceiving a futuristic car that’s environmentally friendly, by both design and fuel source, and can be recycled after five years on the road. It’s the third such competition sponsored by the auto show, and all entries are strictly two-dimensional. Judges choose a winner based on originality, environmentalism, safety and how well it reflects Southern California’s “green” lifestyle.

For details on the winner, stay tuned for our full L.A. Auto Show coverage coming at the end of November. For now, here’s a sneak peek.

L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge

No, you didn’t sleep through October and November, the Los Angeles Auto Show is still more than two months away. That doesn’t mean the hype for the show hasn’t begun in earnest. Yesterday, show organizers announced nine entries for the show’s annual Design Challenge, including the Mercedes-Benz RECY concept shown above. The theme of this year’s challenge is how to design vehicles that are “environmentally aware.” The RECY, for example, is a roadster designed from 100% recycled materials. L.A.-based automaker design studios are partaking, including Acura, Audi, Honda, Hummer, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Toyota and Volkswagen. We’ll bring you more images as soon as we have them. The winner will be announced Nov. 30 during the L.A. Auto Show.