2018 Mazda3: Winning LA Show Concept Complete

These are the first photos of the winning 2018 Mazda3 Concept that was sculpted into a full-scale model, live, at the LA Auto show. We remind you that the “Mazda Design Challenge” contest hosted on Facebook was won by Mallory McMorrow of South Bend, Ind., a 21-year-old Industrial Design major at the University of Notre Dame (see details here). We definitely like McMorrow’s design proposition and we can’t see any reason why Mazda shouldn’t take it in consideration when they design the next generation Mazda3. -More images after the jump

2018 Mazda3: Winning LA Show Concept Complete

These are the first photos of the winning 2018 Mazda3 Concept that was sculpted into a full-scale model, live, at the LA Auto show. We remind you that the “Mazda Design Challenge” contest hosted on Facebook was won by Mallory McMorrow of South Bend, Ind., a 21-year-old Industrial Design major at the University of Notre Dame (see details here). We definitely like McMorrow’s design proposition and we can’t see any reason why Mazda shouldn’t take it in consideration when they design the next generation Mazda3. -More images after the jump

2018 Mazda3 Concept Taking Shape At The LA Show

As Mazda promised us, Mallory McMorrow's rendering that won the “2018 Mazda3 Design Challenge” is taking shape in the form of a life-size clay model at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. According to Mazda, the clay model will be finished by the time the auto show comes to a close, on Sunday, November 25. We’ll have the full story as soon as the Japanese carmaker releases pictures of the finished vehicle later on this week, but in the meantime, follow the jump and check out our image gallery of the clay model being meticulously scraped into shape by the Mazda folks. -Continued after the jump

Hyundai RWD Genesis Coupe LA Show Debut & Action Film

Hyundai’s Concept Genesis Coupe heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Korean carmaker’s lineup in the spring of 2009. The near-to-production concept is powered by 300+ horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine. In this video we’ve combined scenes from the coupe’s LA Show premiere along with Hyundai’s short action film were you get a chance to see the car on the road.

LA Show: WORKS Speed Mitsubishi Lancer

WORKS, an automotive engineering, tuning, and racing specialist, pulled the curtains off the race-prepped SPEED World Challenge (SWC) Lancer at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The WORKS SWC Lancer will continue its efforts through the off-season with the goal of running a full racing schedule for the 2008 calendar year. Two-time (2005 and 2006) United States Touring Car champion David Brown will head the driving effort for 2008. -Continued after the jump

The race ready Lancer features several mods including front and rear WORKS/hlins coilovers, WORKS two-piece rotors featuring Brembo aluminum calipers, a WORKS racing clutch with `Spin' flywheel, and a fully built and balanced Mitsubishi four cylinder engine. Inside the car there is a WORKS `Throw' short shifter with `Grab' shift knob, WORKS carbon fiber panels, a single Recaro Pro Racer seat, Tilton pedal assembly, and a custom roll cage installed by Impact Engineering. Pending final homologation, the SWC Lancer will receive a few more racing and performance parts from WORKS and their partners before heading to tracks across the US and Canada.

Video: 2009 Nissan Murano Crossover

Continuing with our LA Show car videos here’s Nissan’s all-new 2009 Murano crossover (details & image gallery, click here). The second-generation Murano includes new exterior and interior features like a front fascia design and a push button ignition. The 2009 Murano is powered by a revised 265 Hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine. The sporty crossover will be available at Nissan dealerships throughout the U.S. in early January 2008.

Video: Dodge’s Street Legal 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR

During the L.A. Auto Show, Dodge unveiled its 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer). The street-legal racecar is equipped with the 2008 Viper’s 600 Hp V10 engine. According to the American carmaker, the ACR has undergone a diet while it also features sportier suspension settings and an aerodynamic package. Buyers can minimize the car's weight even more by opting for the "Hard Core" package, which eliminates the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator. The SRT10 ACR is expected to rollout in the second quarter of 2008. -Video after the jump

Hyundai Genesis RWD Coupe – New Image Gallery

We can’t wait to get our hands on the production version of Hyundai’s first-ever rear-wheel-drive coupe which will be available in the U.S. from spring 2009. We’re not jumping into any premature conclusions –for all we know it might not be worth all the fuss, but we’re definitely curious to see what Hyundai’s engineers can come up with. In this post we’ve added a new gallery with images from the building of the Genesis Coupe prototype. Check them out after the jump. Links: Press Release, Live Image Gallery, Production Version -Continued

LA Show: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Starts At $34,995

If you take out a handful of global premiers like the Audi Cross Cabriolet and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, this year’s LA Show was more like the North American Premiere & Price Announcements Show… Anyway, continuing our price briefing today, Subaru announced pricing on the 2008 Impreza WRX STI that’s powered in the U.S. by a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine delivering 305 Hp. The STI will start at $34,995 (€23,900) and begin arriving in Subaru showrooms in early January. -Details after the jump

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Pricing

Model-Total MSRP

STI-$35,640

STI BBS Package-$37,640

STI BBS/Navigation Package-$39,440

Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice. Retail prices shown are suggested prices only and do not include licenses and state or local taxes. Pre-delivery services are included. Destination & Delivery includes handling and inland freight charges to the dealer's location, and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT. Destination & Delivery to dealers in Alaska is $795.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Standard Equipment

Performance

· 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, intercooled/turbocharged: 305 horsepower, 290 lb.-ft. peak torque

· 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter

· 18x8.5-in. cast aluminum-alloy (optional BBS® forged-alloy)

· 245/40R18 93W Dunlop SP Sport 600 summer tires

· Brembo® Performance Brake System with 4-piston front calipers, twin-piston rear calipers, 4-channel /

4-sensor Super Sport Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

· Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) featuring three automatic

modes and manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking settings

· Engine oil cooler

· Helical-type limited-slip front differential and TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential

· High-performance STI-tuned suspension -- front suspension with inverted struts and forged aluminum

lower A-arms; double-wishbone rear suspension

· High-tension steel reinforcements at key structural and suspension mounting points

· Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

· Quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with engine-speed-sensing variable power assist and power steering oil cooler

Safety & Security

· 3-point seatbelts for all seats; front seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters

and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors

· 4-channel/4-sensor Super Sport Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

· 5-mph impact-absorbing bumpers

· Brake Assist

· Daytime running lights (DRL)

· Engine immobilizer

· Front seat side impact air bags, side-curtain air bags and Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System

(SRS)*

· Incline Start Assist

· LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) uniform child restraint anchorage system

· Security system

· Rear seat headrests, height-adjustable (all positions)

· Remote keyless entry system

· Ring-Shaped Frame Reinforcement body structure with front and rear crumple zones

· Safety pedal system

· Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Design & Functional/Exterior

· Wide-body design with, side ground effects moldings, STI design front and rear bumpers

· Aluminum hood with functional air scoop for intercooler

· Body-color door handles

· Body-color foldable side mirrors

· Clear rear light lenses

· Fog light insert covers (fog lights with optional BBS Package)

· Front lip spoiler

· Functional front brake-cooling air scoops

· Functional side fender engine compartment-cooling air vents

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Standard Equipment / 2

· Gas-damper hood supports

· Green-tinted glass

· High-intensity discharge (HID) low beam headlights

· Rear gate spoiler with LED high-mount stop lamp

· Rear roof-mounted antenna

· Right and left side dual tailpipes

Comfort & Convenience

· 12v power outlets: one in front and one in rear of center console

· 24-hour roadside assistance for vehicle limited warranty period

· 3-spoke leather-wrapped STI steering wheel with buttons for cruise control and audio system

· 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback

· Aluminum-alloy pedal covers with rubber grips

· AM/FM premium stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers, MP3/WMA capability,

Satellite Radio Capability, Radio Broadcasting Data System and auxiliary audio input jack

· Automatic climate control system with cabin air filtration

· Bottle holders integrated into door panels

· Cargo area cover

· Cargo area light

· Cargo area tie-down hooks

· Carpeted floor mats

· Chrome interior door handles

· Cruise control

· Cup holders, front: dual in center console

· Dash storage pocket

· Digital clock

· Digital dual-mode trip odometer

· Digital outside temperature gauge

· Dome light with off-delay

· Driver’s footrest

· Dual visor vanity mirrors with sliding lids

· Electroluminescent instrument panel gauges

· Front storage tray with LED illumination

· Graphite Gray Alcantara® upholstery with Carbon Black leather-trimmed bolsters

· Headlights/parking lights automatic-off with ignition switch

· Height-adjustable driver’s seat with pump-type lever

· Illuminated ignition switch ring

· Illuminating STI logo in center console

· Leather-wrapped shift knob and parking brake handle

· Lockable, LED-illuminated glove box

· Passenger assist grips (4)

· Performance-design front seats with integral head restraints

· Power door locks

· Power side mirrors

· Power windows with driver’s auto-down

· Pre-wired for fog lights (fog lights standard with optional BBS Package)

· Pre-wired for XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio

· Rear seat heater duct outlets (4)

· Rear window defroster with timer

· Rear window wiper with washer

Remote fuel door release

Seatback pocket on front passenger seat

Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Standard Equipment / 3

Windshield wipers, variable intermittent

Options

18x8.5-in. BBS forged-alloy wheels (silver or gold color)

Hyundai Genesis RWD Coupe: Live Image Gallery From The LA Show

Last night, Hyundai took the wraps off its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe at the Los Angeles International Auto Show (click here). Today we bring you a set of live images from the presentation so you can get a better idea of the concept that will form the base for a production model (details & pics here) which will go on sale in the US in the spring of 2009.

Talking about models, we spotted this cute brunette photographer standing right next to the car. Strangely, all the guys standing underneath weren’t paying any attention at all to the “poor” girl despite her lovely smile and kick-ass body. Shame on you gentleman, that’s all I have to say – btw, does anyone have her phone number, for professional reasons of course...