Advertisement
Autos

2008 L.A. Auto Show -- production cars

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder Overview: The Gallardo, the smaller of Lamborghini’s mid-engined supercars is now available as a convertible. The 560 in the name refers to an Italian method of rating the 5.2-liter V-10 engine’s power. In real money, it’s 553 hp, going to all four wheels and pinging the car from standstill to 60 mph in four seconds flat before hitting a top speed of 201 mph. Unlike the Ferrari California, the Gallardo Spyder (the Spyder/Spider nomenclature is often applied to Italian convertibles) has a fabric roof, but it’s still power-actuated. No word on money yet, but considering the tin-top version is $198,000, don’t expect much change from $220,000. Our take: Let’s enjoy a slight swelling of local pride because Lamborghini chose the L.A. Auto Show for this car’s world debut. And having the top down makes it even easier to hear the snarl from those four chromed exhaust tailpipes. Long may the incredibly rich live while there are cars like this still being made for them. -- Colin Ryan More in Autos: • Up to Speed: LA Auto Show news • 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Production cars • 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Concept cars • 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Green cars • 2009 Green Car of the Year finalists • Preview: L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

Overview: The Gallardo, the smaller of Lamborghini’s mid-engined supercars is now available as a convertible. The 560 in the name refers to an Italian method of rating the 5.2-liter V-10 engine’s power. In real money, it’s 553 hp, going to all four wheels and pinging the car from standstill to 60 mph in four seconds flat before hitting a top speed of 201 mph. Unlike the Ferrari California, the Gallardo Spyder (the Spyder/Spider nomenclature is often applied to Italian convertibles) has a fabric roof, but it’s still power-actuated. No word on money yet, but considering the tin-top version is $198,000, don’t expect much change from $220,000.

Our take: Let’s enjoy a slight swelling of local pride because Lamborghini chose the L.A. Auto Show for this car’s world debut. And having the top down makes it even easier to hear the snarl from those four chromed exhaust tailpipes. Long may the incredibly rich live while there are cars like this still being made for them.

-- Colin Ryan

More in Autos:
• Up to Speed: LA Auto Show news
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Production cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Concept cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Green cars
• 2009 Green Car of the Year finalists
• Preview: L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge
  (Gabriel Bouys/ AFP/Getty Images)

2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S

2009 Porsche Boxster/Boxster S

Overview: A redesign that would make a tough “Spot the Difference” competition differentiates the 2009 Boxster roadster from its predecessor, along with more power (255 horsepower in the 2.9-liter Boxster, 310 hp in the 3.4-liter S), more gadgets (iPod, Bluetooth), and the option of Porsche’s excellent seven-speed double-clutch transmission. The 2009 Boxster starts at $46,600, and the S version is priced from $56,700, going on sale spring 2009.

Our take: Still one of the best open-top sports cars out there. The trick transmission allows quicker 0-to-60-mph times in tandem with lower fuel consumption.

-- Colin Ryan

More in Autos:
• Up to Speed: LA Auto Show news
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Production cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Concept cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Green cars
• 2009 Green Car of the Year finalists
• Preview: L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge
  (Reed Saxon/ AP)

2009 Porsche Cayman/Cayman S

2009 Porsche Cayman/Cayman S

Overview: The tin-top version of Porsche’s mid-engined sports car has received a styling tweak milder than Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Luckily, the other changes will only result in tears of joy. The flat-six powerplant in the entry-level Cayman now has 265 horsepower, and the S model gets 320. The optional seven-speed double-clutch transmission improves acceleration and fuel consumption while being a joy to use. Both models go on sale next spring, starting at $50,300 for the Cayman and $60,200 for the Cayman S.

Our take: Sports cars really don’t get much better than this without spending more money and getting a 911.

-- Colin Ryan

More in Autos:
• Up to Speed: LA Auto Show news
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Production cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Concept cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Green cars
• 2009 Green Car of the Year finalists
• Preview: L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge
  (Gabriel Bouys/ AFP/Getty Images)

2009 VW Touareg V-6 TDI clean diesel

2009 VW Touareg V-6 TDI clean diesel

Overview: This is the biggest SUV made by VW. And now it has a 50-state-legal diesel engine. Looking at the horsepower rating, 221 doesn’t seem like much from three liters, but the 406 pound-feet of torque more than make up for it, making the engine flexible and fruity. Fuel consumption should be around 18/25 mpg, city/highway. It goes on sale in January, starting at $43,490.

Our take: The Touareg is a good machine and the 3.0 TDI a good engine. If anyone is still thinking of buying an SUV, put this one on the list.

-- Colin Ryan

More in Autos:
• Up to Speed: LA Auto Show news
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Production cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Concept cars
• 2008 L.A. Auto Show: Green cars
• 2009 Green Car of the Year finalists
• Preview: L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge
  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Autos

More From the Los Angeles Times

Advertisement