Scenes from the 2008 L.A. Auto Show

Visitors get a close look at the exhibits during a media preview at the 2008 L.A. Auto Show, open to the public Nov. 21 to Nov. 30 at the L.A. Convention Center.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Mitsubishi’s iMiEV is one of many electric cars on display at the L.A. Auto Show. Some think the name needs work. Chime in with your suggestions.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A crowd gathers around a tuned version of Smart ForTwo. The car has been tricked out by the Brabus design shop, reports Times staff writer Martin Zimmerman. He adds, “The tuner version of the Smart features the usual accessories for the fast-and-furious crowd: 15- and 17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension and exhaust system (including chromed tailpipes), front and rear skirts and a roof spoiler.”  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

“The Brabus car, which will be available in the U.S. next year, comes in two colors –- silver and black (which might appeal to Raiders fans, if there are any left) –- and will be offered first to consumers already on the reservation list for an untuned Smart,” said Times reporter Marty Zimmerman.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The Mazda 3 is one of the most anticipated cars at this year’s L.A. Auto Show. “RX-8 style front fenders, a long hood and high rear deck make it look like an amalgam of an RX-8, Nissan 350Z and Lexus IS 250,” describes Times staff writer Peter Y. Hong.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A customized version of the Toyota Venza, which is part of Toyota’s 2009 model year lineup. “The Venza is Toyota’s latest offering and it’s a big, new sensible shoe,” writes Times automotive blogger Colin Ryan. “It has the higher-up driving position that so many people like, an optional panoramic sunroof and plenty of practicality -- stowage areas galore.”  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The Chrysler Town & Country range-extended EV with gasoline and electric powertrain gets 400 miles on 10 gallons. Chrysler showcased two other electric vehicles besides the minivan: a Dodge sports car and a Jeep Wrangler.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Volkwagen’s 2009 Jetta TDI took home Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year honor. For more on the award and its finalists, check out this gallery.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The 2009 Audi clean diesel Q5 TDI has a 3.0-liter V6 engine. Audi drove the vehicle from coast to coast in October during the brand’s mileage marathon.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Chrysler showcased the Dodge EV concept car at the L.A. Auto Show. A bit of a mighty green giant, the electric car recently beat the Dodge Challenger in a race. Don’t believe us? Watch the video.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The 2010 Kia Soul, which resembles the popular Scion xB, makes its U.S. debut at the L.A. Auto Show.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The 2010 Kia Soul’s styling has been a joint project between Kia’s California and South Korea (Seoul?) design studios, reports Times automotive blogger Colin Ryan.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Ferrari officials talk about the Ferrari California during it’s official North American debut at the 2008 LA Auto Show. The California will go zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds and will be available in June 2009 for about $200,000. Still, writes Times staff writer Peter Y. Hong, “Ferrari purists either are or are likely to be miffed by the car’s placement of its V-8 engine in the front of the car, rather than its usual mid-engine configuration.”  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

“The California’s curb weight is 3,817 pounds, almost 500 pounds more than a Ford Mustang GT California,” writes Peter Y. Hong. “But with 460 horses prancing under the hood (in front), Ferrari says, the California will do zero to 60 in less than four seconds.”

For more on this vehicle, check out Times automotive critic Dan Neil’s video commentary.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)