Auto News 5

Despite the demise of minivan programs at other automakers, Toyota plans to press forward with the traditional people mover formula. For those of you who still enjoy a minivan, feast your eyes on the 2011 Toyota Sienna which debuted at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show. Toyota hopes to become the segment leader by introducing more technology, comofort, and economy in its new minivan.inline_mediumwraptextright31553715/features/news/0912_2011_toyota_sienna2011-toyota-sienna-motion-view.jpgTrue

Ford may be throwing a party for its new Fiesta at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show, but it's not the only automaker introducing a subcompact hatchback into North America. In fact, Mazda's using the same venue to launch its 2011 Mazda 2 into the New World.inline_mediumwraptextright31530639/features/news/0912_2011_mazda_mazda20912_06_z+2011_mazda_mazda2+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Another year, another special-edition Scion. The 2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0 will debut this week at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show, and it carries some interesting special equipment.inline_mediumwraptextright31553223/features/news/0912_2010_scion_xb_release_series_70912_03_z+2010_scion_xB_release_series_7+front_three_quarters_view.jpgTrue

Crack as many jokes about the name as you want, but the Personal-Neo Urban Transport -- or P-NUT -- concept is another take on an ultra-futuristic Honda coupe.inline_mediumwraptextright2009 Honda P-NUT Coupe Concept26109119/features/news/0912_2009_honda_p_nut_coupe_conceptHonda_P-NUT_Concept_01.jpgTrue

Hyundai's upward climb will be bolstered by the addition of the 2011 Sonata to showrooms this January. Riding on the success of the Genesis sedan and coupe, the Sonata finally gives Hyundai a very competitive entry into the hugely important midsize sedan segment -- and it doesn't hurt that this time, the Sonata looks great.inline_mediumwraptextright27335461/features/news/0911_2011_hyundai_sonata0911_11_z+2011_hyundai_sonata+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

If you were to merge Volkswagen’s L1 and E-Up! concepts shown at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, you’d likely have something quite similar to the Up! Lite concept, which debuts at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show.inline_mediumwraptextright2009 Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept31552716/green/news/0912_2009_volkswagen_up_lite_conceptIMG_1885.jpgTrue

After nearly 12 years on the market, it’s time to say goodbye to the first-generation Volkswagen New Beetle. To do so, VW’s building a limited number of Final Edition models for 2010.inline_mediumwraptextright31554492/features/news/0912_2010_volkswagen_new_beetle_final_edition0912_04_z+2010_volkswagen_new_beetle_final_edition+front_three_quarters_view.jpgTrue

While the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze went on sale in Europe some time ago, GM didn’t release much information on the U.S-spec car until this year’s Los Angeles auto show.inline_mediumwraptextright27360925/features/news/0912_2011_chevrolet_cruze0912_03_z+2011_chevrolet_cruze+front_three_quarters_view.jpgTrue

We've already driven the Ford Fiesta in Europe where the car has been on sale for more than a year, but the subcompact is just making its U.S. debut at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show. The new details and specifications of the U.S. model confirm that the Fiesta will continue the trend of moving subcompacts upscale while keeping fuel economy at the front of the discussion when it goes on sale in summer 2010.inline_mediumwraptextright26135000/features/news/0912_2011_ford_fiesta0912_06_z+2011_ford_fiesta+front_three_quarters_view.jpgTrue

Porsche's Boxster S is one of our favorite cars for its balance, capability, and forgivingness. It's a stretch to say we thought the latest car need any significant improvements, but that hasn't stopped Porsche from delivering a new Boxster that's lighter and more powerful.inline_mediumwraptextright27232255/reviews/driven/0912_2011_porsche_boxster_spyder0911_02_z+2011_porsche_boxster_spyder+side.jpgTrue

Another Evo, another shocking price tag. At $41,710, I don't know what kind of buyer would spring for this no-options MR Touring model. Sure, it's loaded with features, but some of them, such as the automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, are just silly. I can only imagine that Mitsubishi is shooting itself in the foot by making the Evolution packaging so strange. Instead of the three-trim setup currently offered, Mitsubishi should mimic the Subaru Impreza WRX STI strategy by offering just one trim level.inline_mediumwraptextright27300364/reviews/editors_notebook/0911_2010_mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_mr_touring0911_05_z+2010_mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_mR_touring+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Building five generations of ES luxury sedans has taught Lexus how to do that job to perfection. Nonetheless, 2010 brings more gilding for a magnificently poised if not especially entertaining to drive lily. There are modest design changes inside and out plus a new telematics system shared with other Lexus models.inline_mediumwraptextright31525080/reviews/driven/0911_2010_lexus_es3500911_01_z+2010_lexus_eS350+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Looking back on the rash of luxury pickup trucks we've sampled this year, it's easy to see that, for the right price tag, it is possible to add creature comforts and style to a full-size truck. What's difficult is adding them in moderation. In some instances, primo features like Bluetooth phone connections and iPod connections come only in models wearing plush leather interiors, giant chrome wheels, and price tags pushing close to $50,000.inline_mediumwraptextright26027522/reviews/editors_notebook/0911_2010_toyota_tundra_double_cab0911_04_z+2010_toyota_tundra_double_cab+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue