Photos: 2009 L.A. Auto Show -- Production cars

Porsche Boxster Spyder

Like the 550 Spyder of the 1950s, this baby is light; the lightest Porsche offered today. Its claimed curb weight is 2,811 pounds, some 176 pounds lighter than a Boxster S. These savings came from a strict diet that eliminated accoutrements like air conditioning, the radio, cup holders and door handles.

It gets 320 horsepower, up 10 from the Boxster S, through the 3.4-liter flat-six. Additionally, the Spyder hits that peak output at 7,200 rpm.

-- David Undercoffler

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(David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 6:46 PM PT

Dodge Viper SRT10

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2011 Toyota Sienna

Three models -- standard equipment, mid and special edition -- use two powertrains, a 3.5-liter V-6 and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder (from the Highlander) that gets about 26 miles per gallon highway. With the resculpted, more muscular front end, a reworked back end with LED taillights, and a luxury interior, Toyota aims to attract young families and empty-nest boomers to its latest minivan.

Most upgrades are in the interior: Toyota’s Bob Carter introduced the new model as a “living-room”- type concept. Upscale touches on the limited edition include a moon roof and extendable leather seats. It’s plush in there, believe me. I wish my living room looked like that.

-- Craig Howie

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(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI

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(David Undercoffler / Los Angeles Times)

Chevrolet Cruze

So it is that the Cruze’s highway mpg (40 mpg) tops the Civic’s by a respectable 4 mpg (the Civic Hybrid, however, gets 45 mpg on the highway). It’s also interesting to note Chevy will market a special “high efficiency” model of the Cruze, much as Honda used to sell the gas-sipping FE model.

The interior of the LTZ trim-level package on the show stand was handsome and well sorted, the “twin cockpit” crafted of quality resins and fabrics. The thing’s got an enormous trunk. And generally the Cruze makes an excellent argument for itself.

-- Dan Neil

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(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Jaguar XJ

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(Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

Volvo C30

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(Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

Volvo C70

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(Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

Fisker Karma

Overview:
50 mph on electric-only power
67 mpg, with CO2 emissions around 83g/km (134g/mile)
Electric-only range: About 40 miles

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(Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Mercury Milan Hybrid

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Ford Fusion Hybrid

Overview:
41 mpg city and 36 mg highway
191 horsepower (combined)

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Ford Fiesta

Ford first lifted the curtain on a prototype of the current-generation Fiesta more than two years ago, at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and has practically worn out the thread on the curtain raising it time and again. Ford claims the Fiesta will get 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 mpg in the city. And because it will be built in Mexico, it is likely to come in at a price that handily beats the European Fiesta that we’ve come to know so well over the years, although Ford won’t reveal that number until sometime next year.

-- Ken Bensinger

Overview:
40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 mpg in the city

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(David McNew / Getty Images)