2010 Mercury Milan

The Mercury Milan is virtually identical to the Ford Fusion in most respects. It features two of the same engines as the Blue Oval version and the same transmissions. So why would anyone buy one over a Ford? Well, it's better-looking, that's why. We've never been sure what's made people pick such similar Mercury models over Fords in the past, but in the new Milan we certainly see one reason. The sophisticated front end is much less in-your-face than the blinged-out chrome on the Fusion, with headlights that, while big, simply accent the overall design.The Milan's engines have the same horsepower ratings as the Fusion, but doesn't say gas mileage is the same, which we'd expect it would be. The lack of information may not be intentional; Mercury is often treated like the red-headed stepchild in the Ford family.One notable difference, however, is the lack of all-wheel drive that's available in V-6 Fusions.Mercury models usually come with more standard equipment than Fords to warrant their slightly higher prices, but, again, we don't have feature breakdowns yet.What we do know is that the interior is slightly different than the Fusion's, with, again, a more sophisticated design around the controls. The seats are also designed for comfort and will be two-toned, unlike the Fusion's.The Milan will also come with features like Sync and the blind-spot monitoring system we mentioned in the Fusion report. We expect Sync is the type of feature that would be included standard, as it was in the previous Milan.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

Ahead of the Paris auto show, Mercedes-Benz announced that its all-new S400 BlueHybrid will hit European dealerships in the summer of 2009 and arrive on U.S. shores shortly thereafter. The V-6-powered mild hybrid will couple a seven-speed automatic transmission with a 20-hp electric motor for expected combined mileage of 29.8 mpg. The current U.S. S500 gets 16 mpg combined, while Europe has a less-powerful gasoline version.This would make the S400 the fuel-economy leader in the large-luxury-sedan category, and it will use a lithium-ion battery. If you've been keeping up with news of the Chevy Volt, you'll recall that lithium-ion batteries are all the rage. For all that rage, though, Mercedes-Benz will become the first automaker to put a production vehicle on the road with the new type of battery — a full year ahead of GM's Volt. Other companies, including Audi, are also working on lithium-ion products, but none have a definitive release date.The battery will not only assist the engine but, along with regenerative braking, will provide power for other electrical accessories. No word on pricing yet, but our guess is it will not be cheap.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

If you make a hybrid, it better get good gas mileage. The 2010 ML450 Hybrid gets 21/24 mpg city/highway, which will make it the most efficient luxury SUV on the market that runs on gasoline and isn't named Lexus. Only the BMW X5 diesel gets better mileage, at 19/26. The most fuel-efficient ML with a standard V-6 engine gets 16/21 mpg. This all-wheel-drive hybrid also packs 335 horsepower and 380 pounds-feet of torque, which closes in on V-8 offerings from the competition.In 2009, Mercedes upgraded the ML's interior and added a sophisticated infotainment system and a revised instrument panel and controls. It also brought a new diesel version of the SUV to market that gets 18/24 mpg. The hybrid system in the Mercedes is based on a joint program with BMW, GM and Chrysler, yet the ML450 Hybrid is the most efficient hybrid of this type to be produced by any member of that group. While mileage may not matter to shoppers in this price bracket — we guess the ML450 Hybrid will be in the high-$50,000 to low-$60,000 range — the green halo may be worth the investment, especially if it can perform as well as other M-Class models.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe

The next-generation E-Class sedan was revealed on the eve of the 2009 Detroit auto show, and now, shortly before the Geneva Motor Show, the company has revealed plans for its first-ever E-Class coupe, which will go on sale stateside in June.The new model will slot below the $107,900 CL coupe and above the $48,100 CLK coupe, which might not be built much longer now that the E-Class two-door is on the scene.While Mercedes announced a number of trim levels for the European market, the U.S. will get the same two power plants found in the current E-Class sedan. The E350 will feature a 262-horsepower V-6 engine, and the more powerful E500 will feature a 382-hp V-8. The new, more powerful, more efficient direct-injection gasoline engines that will be offered in Europe will likely take another year or two to make it to the U.S.Features will most likely mirror the new E-Class sedan. We'll have more information on pricing closer to the on-sale date.

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2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Just before the official opening of the 2009 Detroit auto show, Mercedes-Benz showed off its all-new E-Class. Going on sale this summer as a 2010 model, the new E-Class gets an entirely new exterior and interior while carrying over basically the same engines it sports in the 2009 models. All-wheel-drive 4Matic models will arrive after the rear-wheel-drive models go on sale this summer. Diesel versions, wagons and powerful AMG models will follow next year.So what's the big deal about a new E-Class? It's a new E-Class, and it steals its profile from the new design Mercedes slathered on the entry-level C-Class. When you get to the front, though, things change radically. While we might not mind the S-Class-like grille or the return of the hood ornament (will folks still steal these?), the headlights just don't look right. Supposedly the models shown are for the European market; those bound for the U.S. will receive subtle tweaks.Are we focusing on looks a bit too much? Maybe, but with nothing new under the hood — Mercedes does promise slightly better fuel efficiency — there's not much to talk about right now

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2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

Mazda already released images and information on the new Mazdaspeed3 for the European market, but it's just now handing out details about the U.S. model at the 2009 New York auto show. The car is based on the next-generation Mazda3 hatchback, but it retains the same engine as the outgoing Mazdaspeed3. The company said it didn't need to add more power because 263 horses going to the front wheels of a compact car is plenty.After testing and generally fawning over the outgoing Mazdaspeed3, we'd have to agree. However, the company wasn't going to just let the hot hatch go untouched elsewhere.The new body of this generation is more rigid than before, which allowed Mazda to make the suspension firmer without sacrificing ride comfort. The tires are also wider with more grip; a set of 225/40R18 Dunlop SP Sports is standard.The hydraulic steering also adds electric assist to make low-speed steering lighter. The brakes have also been mildly updated, as has the transmission's gearing.There will be just one trim level of the 2010 Mazdaspeed3, which comes with upgraded black cloth compared with the Mazda3. A Tech Package with navigation, keyless entry, push-button start and a 10-speaker Bose sound system will be available, but there won't be a Grand Touring trim with leather seats, as there was in the outgoing model lineup.The company says it will still be the most powerful front-wheel-drive car under $25,000, but no firm price has yet been released.

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2010 Mazda Mazda3

Mazda's compact car has been a grand slam for the company since it debuted in 2004. It's Mazda's most popular car worldwide, and even the 2009 model holds up well against recently redesigned competition from Honda and Toyota.The 2010 adds slightly more power and slightly better fuel economy, and it sports all-new looks inside and out. We really like the new shape of the front end, especially the flares on the front fenders, which resemble the new Mazda6 sedan. Even in profile and from the rear, the 2010 Mazda3 looks radically different while still being recognizable as a Mazda. That's a tough task.Inside, the Mazda3 looks to maintain its classy feel with a sloped center stack and a new scalloped gauge cluster that flows over the center stack and, on higher trim levels, also houses an integrated navigation screen.Again, the Mazda3 is split into two trims, the Mazda3 i, with a smaller 148-horsepower four-cylinder, and the Mazda3 s, with a larger 167-hp engine. While power has been upped versus the 2009 model, so has fuel economy, but just slightly. The i gets 24/33 mpg city/highway with the automatic, and the s gets 22/29 mpg with the automatic. Neither engine beats the competition on the mileage front — the 2009 Toyota Corolla gets 27/35 with an automatic — but the Mazda3 has always been about the fun driving experience.Unfortunately, base models will not come with standard stability control. It and ABS will be optional equipment. We'll get more information on the features breakdown later this week.We're impressed with the looks, the interior and the power, if a bit concerned that the lower mileage numbers might turn off consumers.

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2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

It's hard to believe 20 years have passed since Mazda introduced the Miata roadster to America, and it did so at the 1989 Chicago auto show. That's why the 2009 version will debut in the Windy City as well, with a revised look and a mildly tweaked engine.In the appearance department, the front end gets a new grille and headlight treatment that significantly alters the look of the MX-5. There's clearly a "face" up front that almost seems to smile at you. Other exterior modifications, to the taillights and side sills, are minor in comparison. Inside, Mazda says the seats are more comfortable and there's now more storage space in the center console.The engine remains basically the same, with revisions to add 1 horsepower. More importantly, the redline is now set 500 rpm higher, at 7,200, which should make the already-spritely MX-5 even more so. Mazda says mileage is also increased, but it's not saying how much.As in 2008, the MX-5 comes with either a manual soft-top or a power-retractable hardtop. The soft-top starts at $22,750, while the retractable hardtop starts at $25,390, not including a $670 destination charge.

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2010 Lincoln MKZ

Ford's trio of midsize sedans is topped by the Lincoln model, the MKZ. The previous MKZ didn't do much to distinguish itself from its less-expensive Ford and Mercury siblings, but the 2010 edition looks to add more luxury touches inside to help set itself apart.The dashboard is definitely different, with the LCD navigation screen mounted high on the dash, unlike its low position in the Fusion and Milan. This is the same exceptional unit found in the larger Lincoln MKS. Also borrowed from the MKS are the upgraded leather seats. Lincoln says that leather is the same covering that's in the MKS, which we found exceptionally comfortable. Under the hood, the MKZ comes only with the top-of-the-line engine from the Fusion lineup, the 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Lincoln says it shaves .6 seconds off its 0-60 time, down to 7.1 seconds, which is about as fast as the competition The six-speed automatic transmission features a manual-shift feature as well.The MKZ will also feature all-wheel drive as an option. There will be two trim levels, the base MKZ and a sport model with a more aggressive suspension, stiffer shocks and 18-inch wheels.Whichever model people go with, we're sure of two things: They better like that grille, and if they don't, a lot rides on the interior winning them over.

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2010 Lincoln MKT

The three-row crossover segment has exploded in recent years, with nearly every automaker releasing a family-hauler that's neither an SUV nor a minivan. Lincoln's all-new MKT is neither of those things, and it sure doesn't look like it wants to play nice, with a giant grille that's less Cheshire cat and more snarling lion.The radical looks don't end there. The MKT has a single, thin taillight breaking up the rear hatch, which is surprisingly elegant. Overall, the shape is much more SUV than the Ford Flex's boxy, minivan-ish look. If you can't tell, the MKT and Flex share a platform and many features, like the optional second-row dual seats with a fridge between them.The interior reminds us a lot of the new Lincoln MKS, from the similar buttons to the cushy seats. There are also a lot of high-tech options, like a navigation system with live weather, sports scores and traffic information. Ford's new automated parking system and MyKey nanny device will also be optional, as will be a blind spot warning system.There's a lot of power under the hood, too. While the base engine is a not-too shabby 268-horsepower V-6, Ford is offering its new 355-hp, EcoBoost turbo V-6 in it as well. That model will come standard with all-wheel drive, while that will be optional on the base model. Both powertrains will be available at launch this summer.We're pretty impressed with the looks of the MKT and can't wait to see it in person. Hopefully Lincoln will bring out another color, because we bet the MKT looks great in black.

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2010 Lexus RX 450h

Green drivers who like a little luxury will be impressed with the redesigned RX 450h. The hybrid crossover gets the same redesign as its gasoline sibling, the RX 350, but it also gets an upgraded hybrid powertrain.The new system pumps out more power — 295 hp — than both the 2010 RX 350 and the 2008 RX 400h it's replacing. Unfortunately, Lexus didn't provide mileage figures; all it's saying is that the new RX 450h is more efficient than the outgoing model, which got 27/24 mpg city/highway in the front-wheel-drive model and 26/24 mpg in the all-wheel-drive model. Lexus says the new all-wheel-drive version will generate more power from its regenerative braking system because it's connected to all four wheels.Like the RX 350, navigation will be optional, as will be features like a pre-collision system and adaptive front lighting. The hybrid will also feature optional LED headlights.

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2010 Lexus RX 350

Lexus' wildly popular RX SUV has been withering on the vine, waiting for a redesign, for some time now. Lexus has finally delivered with an all-new 2010 model that shares a lot with the new Toyota Venza crossover. The new RX is slightly longer and wider than the 2009 model, and it packs a more powerful V-6 engine that produces 275 horsepower, versus the 270 from last year's engine.While the look outside seems like an organic upgrade from the past, the interior is radically different. The dashboard features swoopy curves around the controls and center LCD screen, and the shifter is mounted smack in the middle of the center stack of controls. Like many competitors, a square-ish control now manages the navigation system, but if it becomes too bothersome there's voice activation as well. The navigation system is optional.The RX comes standard with 18-inch wheels and optional 19s. Owners might wonder why they get shortchanged compared to Venza owners who get 20s standard on V-6 models.Mileage numbers weren't released, but we assume the RX 350 will match the Venza's above-average 19/26 mpg city/highway for front-wheel-drive models and 18/25 mpg city/highway for all-wheel drive. A hybrid RX will also be offered.

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2010 Lexus IS 250C

Lexus has let its SC convertible wither on the vine, and now we know why. The company is going downscale with its next retractable-hardtop convertible, tapping its entry-level IS line of sedans to serve as the basis for the IS 250C retractable-hardtop convertible.While the new IS 250C is decent-looking with the top down, we're a bit taken aback that the distinct, somewhat masculine lines of the sedan are all but absent here. What we're left with is more of an inheritor of the SC and a competitor with the Volvo C70 than it is something dramatic — like the early look we've seen of the Infiniti G37 convertible, which, by the way, will also pack a lot more power.We do like the three-piece aluminum roof though ... well, not the way it looks when up, but how it stows efficiently enough to pack a full-size golf bag into the trunk.

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2010 Lexus HS 250h

This is it — the first hybrid-only luxury car. While a few automakers already have hybrid luxury cars, they're all based on existing models. Lexus' 2010 HS 250h is a stand-alone model that the company will slot between its IS and ES sedans. In terms of length, that's also where the HS lands. It is, however, taller than both those cars.Lexus hasn't revealed mileage yet, but says the HS will get 30 percent better mileage than any other Lexus on the market. The IS 250 currently has that distinction, coming in at 24 mpg combined. A 30 percent improvement over that would be 31.2 mpg, which is quite good.The HS is based on a European Toyota platform, but it features the company's new navigation and entertainment system that we recently tested in the 2010 Lexus RX and RX hybrid. Base models will come with 17-inch wheels, with 18s optional. A head-up display will also be available as an option.

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2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The restyled Range Rover Sport gets a big power bump for the 2010 model year thanks to a new supercharged V-8 engine that makes 510 horsepower. There's a new base V-8 that makes 375 hp, too. Subtle front and rear styling changes and a revised interior are also part of the package. Pricing information has not been announced.It seems like more and more SUVs are pushing past the 500-hp mark, what with the introduction of the new BMX X5 M and X6 M, and now the Range Rover Sport joins the club. It's a little mind-boggling to see this kind of power offered in an SUV, but the Land Rover's supercharged powertrain motivates it from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Supercharged models also include paddle shifters on the steering wheel.The Adaptive Dynamics suspension system is newly available for the Range Rover Sport. It automatically adjusts the SUV's dampers based on driving conditions, and it works whether the Range Rover Sport is on pavement or off-road.Exterior styling revisions include a restyled front grille that features a new version of the horizontal-bar theme seen on the previous model. The grille is now surrounded in gray cladding, and there are new headlights with circular accent illumination that mimics BMW's. Around back, the taillights sport a different lens treatment. Nineteen- and 20-inch wheels are available.Interior changes give the Range Rover Sport a more polished, upscale look. There are fewer buttons in the center control panel that lend this area of the cabin a cleaner appearance, and Land Rover says higher-quality materials are now present. The front seat and backseat are new, and the interior gains LED ambient lighting.

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2010 Land Rover Range Rover

Land Rover's flagship Range Rover receives a number of updates for the 2010 model year that give it a new look on the outside, more power under the hood and features designed to improve ride comfort and offroad prowess. Pricing information hasn't been released.Grille restyling and new headlights give the Range Rover a mildly different front-end appearance. The new headlights have integrated illumination rings around the main lighting elements; they look a little like the circular running lights BMW uses. The taillights take on a slightly different appearance, but they still have a clear-lens design like the ones on the current Range Rover.The new base engine is a 375-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 that features direct injection. The Supercharged trim level continues, and its 5.0-liter V-8 generates a stupendous 510 hp. The new supercharged engine lowers this SUV's zero-to-60-mph time by more than a second, to 5.9 seconds.The Range Rover is available with Adaptive Dynamics, a suspension system that features dampers that automatically adjust to driving conditions regardless of whether you're driving on- or off-road. Terrain Response, meanwhile, has been upgraded to offer better performance in sand and when driving on large rocks.An interesting feature present in the new Range Rover is its electronic instrument panel. It uses a 12-inch screen that replaces traditional analog gauges, and Land Rover says it provides improved information delivery to the driver. Upscale cues include leather-covered roof pillars and a leather headliner, and the touch-screen navigation system gains a new interface.

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2010 Land Rover LR4

Land Rover's LR3 SUV will be replaced by the LR4 for the 2010 model year. Though the new model's profile is similar to its predecessor's, it gains new styling cues that better align it with the rest of the Land Rover family. Additional changes to the LR4 include an updated interior and the installation of a new standard V-8 engine that makes more power.The LR4's front-end styling is significantly different from the LR3's. Changes include a new bar-style grille and new headlights. The back of the SUV still features its predecessor's unique asymmetrical liftgate styling, but the taillights now have a clear-lens design. On the whole, however, it looks similar to the LR3.The LR4's new V-8 engine is larger and more powerful. It displaces 5.0 liters, makes 375 horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque, and benefits from direct-injection technology. There are more changes under the sheet metal as well, including a revised suspension for better on-road performance, according to Land Rover.Interior changes include a revised center control panel that features a new button layout, a new steering wheel, new front seats with longer bottom cushions and LED ambient lighting.

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2009 Kia Soul

Kia's all-new Soul is a major step forward for the company. Not only is the vehicle directly aimed at a youth market that's currently dominated by Scion, it's also the first Kia that strays into untested waters in terms of out-there styling.Even though its looks are wild for a Kia, they're not as wild as either the Scion xB or the just-announced Nissan Cube. That could make the Soul more attractive to more people, despite recent theories that polarizing designs are what people want.Sized directly between the smaller Cube and the larger xB, the Soul also sports a number of trim levels, from a stripped base model, sans air conditioning, to a top-of-the-line Soul Sport. What will confuse buyers most are likely the oddly named middle trims, the Soul+ and Soul!Kia wants you to pronounce those "Soul Plus" and "Soul Exclaim."The Soul+ adds air conditioning, and it and the other top trims also offer standard stability control. Other big differences between the base model and the Soul+ include:
Black door handles versus body-colored handles
Old-school locks versus keyless entry
No-tint glass versus rear privacy glass
15-inch steel wheels versus 16-inch alloys The Soul! and Soul Sport add 18-inch wheels, a power moonroof and fog lights.We're guessing the Soul will also start well below the prices of the xB and the Cube.

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2010 Kia Forte Koup

Kia debuted its new Forte sedan at February's Chicago auto show, and we knew a two-door variant was on the way. Today, the company unveiled that coupe, calling it the Forte Koup. We're not sure why automakers feel the need to mess with the English language, but considering the trim levels of the Kia Soul use "!" and "+" in their names, this isn't quite as annoying.The bigger news is that the base engine gets 25/34 mpg city/highway, which is similar to the Focus' mileage and 1 mpg less than the Civic coupe's 26/34 mpg. However, the Kia has at least 10 more horsepower than either.There are just two trim levels: the EX and the SX, which adds a more powerful engine and returns 22/32 mpg with a manual transmission and 23/31 mpg with an automatic.Standard equipment on all Forte Koups include 16-inch alloy wheels, stability control, height adjustment for the driver's seat, cruise control, a six-speaker sound system, Sirius Satellite Radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, USB and standard auxiliary audio inputs, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connection.Price will play a big factor in determining the Forte Koup's value, but if recent releases like the affordable Soul are any indication, we'd guess the Forte Koup will be competitive.

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Acura RL Prototype

The Acura RL Prototype, which is very close to the form the RL will take as a 2005 production model, is Acura’s first all-wheel-drive passenger car, and it houses the most powerful engine that Honda’s luxury division has ever offered.The RL Prototype’s “super-handling all-wheel drive” (SH-AWD) is capable of sending 70 percent of the vehicle’s power to either the front or rear wheels, depending on driving conditions, or 100 percent of the power to the outer rear wheel as the vehicle is cornering. Through this system of “lateral thinking,” understeer is virtually eliminated.The RL Prototype also features a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine that, at a capacity of 300 horsepower, is more powerful than any engine featured in a previous Acura vehicle. This engine mates with a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that allows gears to be engaged either through the shift lever in the center console or from the Formula One-type paddle shifters on the steering wheel.The current 2004 RL is front-wheel drive and is powered by a single-overhead-cam 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 225 hp.The design of the RL Prototype also incorporates Acura’s new Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, or “ACE.” ACE reduces the impact of collisions by dispersing the crash forces over a large frontal area, thus ensuring greater personal safety to the occupants. This system also works to reduce the aggressive effects of collisions with other vehicles.Among its advanced technical features, the RL Prototype has an adaptive front lighting system. The headlamps swivel up to 20 degrees in either direction to help enhance visibility and minimize blind spots when cornering at night.The RL Prototype also features the new XM NavTraffic system, which combines real-time traffic information with a satellite-based navigation system that incorporates AcuraLink. The AcuraLink satellite communication system puts the driver directly in touch with Acura to arrange service appointments, provide the customer with diagnostic information and answer vehicle-related questions.Other features include all-independent double-wishbone suspension, 20-inch wheels and Michelin performance tires, an Acura/Bose six-channel DVD-audio system and Acura’s keyless access system.Standard safety systems include full front, side-impact and side curtain-type airbags, as well as Vehicle Stability Assist.While final prices have not yet been determined, Acura representatives specified that the 2005 RL will sell for considerably less than $50,000. The Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Lexus GS were all mentioned as likely competitors. The 2004 RL retails for $43,800.

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Nissan Azeal

The Nissan Azeal concept is a small sport coupe aimed at entry-level buyers. It's intended to be a stylish first car that emphasizes functionality for the driver.Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and the car features a six-speed-manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.The Azeal's interior layout looks practical for production, as well as easy to use. The shifter is mounted rally-car style, high up on the dashboard. A screen for the navigation system retracts into the top center section of the instrument panel, which also has ports for an MP3 player and Personal Digital Assistant.The color of the seating surfaces is "Wasabi Chartreuse," with "Sinister Gunmetal" accents elsewhere in the cabin. Air vents and other dash trim appear to be billet aluminum and carry on the square theme of the grille.The exterior, which is finished in a color called "Liquid Titanium," bears a dubious similarity to the Scion tC, also aimed at young buyers.Exterior features such as the shape of the taillights and quarter windows, and even the fender flares, evoke the tC. The "active airfoil" that raises up from the tail of the roof when the car is in motion resembles the tC's sunroof in the open position. The center high-mounted stoplight covers the full width of the trailing edge of the airfoil.Other styling cues, such as the 350Z-like headlight forms and lower air intake, are distinctively Nissan. The square grille openings resemble the Murano's.Dual exhausts and nicely styled 19-inch wheels add to the sporty appearance. Clear roof panels on either side are bisected by a body-colored strip down the center, dubbed "Mohawk."Bruce Campbell, vice president of design for Nissan Design America, hinted that the Azeal might have production potential. Jed Connelly, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nissan North America, said next year Nissan would debut a "sub-Sentra-sized car," but execs aren't tipping their hand on whether that will be the Azeal.The Azeal is the first vehicle to come out of Nissan's Farmington Hills, Mich., design studio.

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Mini Traveller Countryman

Hearkening back to the Mini Traveller that debuted in 1960, Mini introduced its Traveller Countryman concept car 45 years later at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. Also known simply as the Mini Concept Frankfurt, this design study is intended to project a "Traveling in Style" feel.Larger than the Mini Cooper and Cooper S models, the Traveller Countryman can adequately seat four adults and rides a longer wheelbase than the production Minis. Though reminiscent of a coupe, the concept actually features four doors: one on each side and two in the rear in lieu of a typical hatchback.The original Mini Traveller was produced until 1982 and sold more than 400,000 units.ExteriorThe front of the Traveller Countryman resembles the Cooper, but the concept's nose appears bolder. An air intake scoop on the hood sits above a large, three-bar metallic grille. Round headlamps sandwich the scoop, which is stamped with the Mini logo. Long side doors with frameless windows swivel to the side and front simultaneously while opening, providing easier entry and exit for passengers. Split rear doors sit below a tinted rear window, opening wide for full access to the back luggage compartment.A long sunroof that exposes all four passengers to sunlight dominates the top of the concept. A rear spoiler completes its coupelike feel.InteriorOn first glance, the driver and front passenger seats appear to hover several inches over the floor, though they're actually mounted directly to the front console via load-bearing extensions. This provides improved legroom for rear passengers and adds to the overall design effect. A small, round instrument panel sits in the dashboard, and the gearshift console is tucked between the two front seats.The rear seats fold down and lie flush with the cargo box in the back luggage compartment, which substitutes for a trunk. The compartment features its own cover for convenient storage options. When opened, the cover can also provide a partition between the passenger and cargo areas.

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Ford iosis

The iosis concept car embodies Ford of Europe's new design philosophy, according to the company. Front and rear gull-wing doors are among its more striking design elements.ExteriorExhibiting an Aston Martin-like profile and greenhouse, the iosis looks the part of a high-performance sport coupe and effectively conceals the fact that it has four full-size doors. The concept's grille is fairly ordinary and features thin, chrome, horizontal bars, but the lower air intake below is much more aggressively styled. Cameras are installed in place of side mirrors, and aluminum wheels measure 20 inches in diameter.InteriorThe iosis' gull-wing doors are made of carbon fiber. The design allows the iosis to go without the traditional B-pillar, which allows greater entry and exit room. Analog gauges are installed in the instrument cluster, in addition to an LCD screen that can display navigation system information or images from the car's camera network. The seats are made of aluminum and rubber.In contrast to the iosis' silver exterior color, the steering wheel, seats and door panel inserts are accented in bright orange. Memory sticks can be docked in the center stack, and Ford envisions this type of technology serving as a way to store seating, audio and other preferences.

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Alfa Romeo 8C Cometizione

Up until the final days prior to the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was doubtful whether Alfa's design center in Turin, Italy, would have the 8C Competizione ready, but the two-seater prototype was there with its paint barely dry.The rear-wheel-drive classic shape is currently under consideration for production. The power comes from a 400-horsepower, supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 engine, which accelerates the car from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.If approved, there are even bigger power plans in store for the Italian sports car.

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Honda Civic Si

Honda is redesigning the Civic compact car and is showing off its design direction with a concept of the nameplate's longtime performance variant.The Civic Si concept is equipped with a 200-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine and a six-speed-manual transmission. That's 40 horses and one gear more than is available in the current Civic Si.Honda has removed the rear hatch in favor of a conventional trunk. The concept car has a much more aerodynamic profile than the current Si, with dramatic slopes in the rear and front and a curved roof, much like the profile of the Scion tC.On the Si, however, the line is broken by a prominent rear spoiler.The concept car had 18-inch wheels, although concepts regularly have larger wheels than their production counterparts.Honda is releasing few other details about the Si or other versions of the redesigned Civic.

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General Motors Sequel

The General Motors Sequel is the third step in the company's effort to rethink the automobile in preparation for the so-called hydrogen economy. In 2002, GM introduced the low-profile, skateboard-shaped AUTOnomy fuel-cell platform, followed by the Hy-wire, a car that added a futuristic body to form a drivable prototype. In this third concept car, GM has come down to earth by marrying a more conventional cabin to the skateboard, resulting in a five-seat "crossover" vehicle that compares with the Cadillac SRX in size.The Sequel also demonstrates the improvements in efficiency, range and acceleration that GM says will carry the company closer to its goal for 2010: a vehicle that competes with a conventional car in all ways — except affordability.GM says the improvements in the 11-inch-high, self-contained powertrain/chassis include an increase in range and acceleration. The responsible technology includes higher-capacity hydrogen tanks that hold 800 kilograms of the gas. Hidden from view in the center of the skateboard, the carbon-fiber tanks withstand 10,000 psi, twice the earlier capacity. This and a 25 percent more efficient fuel cell contribute to a range of about 300 miles, roughly 35 percent greater than that of the average fuel-cell prototype on the road.Like most fuel-cell prototypes, the Sequel includes a battery to capture electricity that's generated as the vehicle brakes, a system called regenerative braking that's used in gasoline/electric hybrids. The 65-kilowatt battery uses lithium-ion technology, which is lighter than the more common nickel-metal hydride for a total of just 143 pounds. Powered by the 73-kW fuel cell, a 60-kW motor drives the front wheels and two 25-kW "hub motors" drive each of the rear wheels. The effect is all-wheel drive and maximum power regeneration.The advantages of GM's approach ostensibly include modularity and improved ergonomics. Modularity means the skateboard is a complete unit, so different body types could be attached to the same platform — possibly even after purchase when the owner tires of the body style.The ergonomics opportunity comes from the fact that there's no conventional drivetrain around which the car must be built, and no steering column because the steering mechanism is electric and controlled by wire. GM took this idea too far in the Hy-wire and incorporated the accelerator and brake controls into the steering wheel — the solution to a problem that didn't exist.In the Sequel, the steering wheel and pedals are back, and the cabin is more what you'd expect from a conventional car. The differences include a lower dashboard and more foot- and legroom. Rather than a central control panel, GM locates the typical dashboard controls on the driver's armrest.Some of the tougher challenges remain cost, reliability and extreme-weather operation. GM says the Sequel's fuel cell generates maximum power in a 100-degree environment. Reliability is one of the major areas of study. The issue of cost is no small one in the area of fuel-cell vehicles, which is why GM now limits its goal to viability by 2010. Fuel cells are still astronomical in cost, in the six-figure range, and the mass production and distribution of hydrogen gas is just one of the many aspects of the hydrogen economy that remain a question mark.

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GMC Graphyte

The GMC Graphyte "crossover" is a boldly styled, large-wheeled concept vehicle in the old tradition. It exists mainly to call attention to one of GM's alternative-fuel promises, the "two-mode full hybrid" drivetrain developed in partnership with DaimlerChrysler.The news here is that this system will be a full hybrid, meaning it can run on electric power alone, gasoline power alone or a combination of the two, for a claimed 25 percent fuel-efficiency improvement over conventional gasoline vehicles.GM's only current hybrid system, aside from a diesel-electric drivetrain for mass-transit buses, is available in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Calling these vehicles hybrids, as GM does, is a bit of a stretch. The electric motor doesn't propel or aid in propelling the vehicle at all. It is basically an integrated starter/generator that automatically starts and stops the V-8 engine for minimal fuel savings when stationary.Conversely, the two-mode system, which will combine two more-robust electric motors and a 300-watt battery pack with the 5.3-liter V-8, should emulate the hybrid drivetrains in Toyota vehicles and the Ford Escape Hybrid. These models achieve the highest fuel-efficiency savings among current hybrids.GM entered the joint venture with DaimlerChrysler to share engineering expertise, achieve cost efficiencies and speed development. GM says the technology will have applications across all brands and vehicle sizes, beginning with 2007-model full-size sport utility vehicles. DaimlerChrysler will use the technology both in Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

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Ford iosis

The iosis concept car embodies Ford of Europe's new design philosophy, according to the company. Front and rear gull-wing doors are among its more striking design elements.ExteriorExhibiting an Aston Martin-like profile and greenhouse, the iosis looks the part of a high-performance sport coupe and effectively conceals the fact that it has four full-size doors. The concept's grille is fairly ordinary and features thin, chrome, horizontal bars, but the lower air intake below is much more aggressively styled. Cameras are installed in place of side mirrors, and aluminum wheels measure 20 inches in diameter.InteriorThe iosis' gull-wing doors are made of carbon fiber. The design allows the iosis to go without the traditional B-pillar, which allows greater entry and exit room. Analog gauges are installed in the instrument cluster, in addition to an LCD screen that can display navigation system information or images from the car's camera network. The seats are made of aluminum and rubber.In contrast to the iosis' silver exterior color, the steering wheel, seats and door panel inserts are accented in bright orange. Memory sticks can be docked in the center stack, and Ford envisions this type of technology serving as a way to store seating, audio and other preferences.

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Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive

Mercedes-Benz's Ocean Drive concept takes customization to an entirely new level. Suede seats, body kits and wheels the size of ceiling fans? Child's play. The Ocean Drive has a retractable cloth roof, which turns the car into a four-door convertible. It's based on the redesigned S-Class — the S600 in particular. That car seems an appropriate candidate, as its 510-horsepower V-12 will be needed to haul a car that likely weighs more than two Toyota Corollas.Mercedes says the Ocean Drive "displays the restraint of an elite and aristocratic automobile," and in truth it doesn't look as garish as do some aftermarket jobs. Up front, an upright grille sits between LED headlights, but the lower bumper lacks fog lights, much less a body kit. Two-tone paint, upgraded wheels and LED taillights finish the package. The side windows lack any B-pillars, though there looks to be a considerable blind spot when the convertible top is raised.The cabin is mostly identical to that of the latest S-Class, which is to say its quality is excellent. The front head restraints have television screens installed for backseat passengers — an old trick these days — and each outboard seat includes Mercedes' Airscarf system. Airscarf, also available on the SLK roadster, blows heated air near neck level, allowing for top-down driving in cooler weather.Without the support that a roof provides, convertibles tend to lack the structural rigidity of hardtop cars — and the extended length of a four-door car only exacerbates the problem. Add in a range of safety concerns, and it's easy to see why a four-door convertible hasn't been built in the U.S. since the 1967 Lincoln Continental.Mercedes isn't the first company to conceptualize such a car since then, however. One recent example came two years ago when Southfield, Mich.-based American Specialty Cars unveiled a Chrysler 300 droptop at the 2005 Detroit auto show.

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Mazda Ryuga

Mazda's latest concept, the Ryuga, shares many characteristics with the Nagare concept that showed up at the Los Angeles auto show late last year. Ryuga means "gracious flow" in Japanese.The concept features curving accent lines on its sides and has a wedgelike shape. The headlights look like slices in the exterior surface. Most of the concept is finished in a vibrant cherry-red metallic, but the rear of the car has a flat finish.Giant gull-wing doors provide access to the cabin, which has front bucket seats and a rear bench. The seats and interior door panels continue the styling theme set forth on the outside with more arcing lines.

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Mazda Nagare

The Nagare (pronounced na-GA-reh) is the first of several concept cars Mazda will show on this winter's auto show circuit. It's supposed to evoke a sense of motion — aren't they all? — even while standing still. In case onlookers don't get the drift, there are flowing stripes painted along the doors to remind them: This thing is more aerodynamic than a Gulf Stream.The motion theme starts up front, where flared headlights look like they're already leaving the car. A silver plate sits in place of the grille, and massive fenders incorporate enormous seven-spoke wheels. They're wedged perilously close to the sheet metal, so anything worse than glass-smooth pavement would probably shred the paper-thin tires. In back, a large hump sits above a large bumper with dark lower openings. The taillights are striped red.The gull-wing doors open to reveal a four-passenger interior, with the driver's seat positioned front and center under the highest point in the roof. Three passengers can lounge on the wraparound rear seats. A curvy dashboard incorporates orange and blue gauges and a truncated steering wheel.The drivetrain isn't entirely clear, but Mazda says the Nagare could use a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. Given that a hydrogen-powered RX-8 is being produced in small numbers in Japan, that's the Nagare's most believable feature.For additional coverage of the Los Angeles Auto Show, visit our blog, KickingTires.

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Mazda Hakaze

The Hakaze is the third and final installment in Mazda's series of nature-inspired, hard-to-pronounce concepts for the 2007 auto-show season; the Nagare and the Ryuga debuted in L.A. and Detroit, respectively. As with those cars, Mazda said it's continuing the theme of flow and movement in this all-wheel-drive hatchback.This time around, Mazda has chosen kite surfing as its muse. Everything from the exterior lines and wetsuit-like upholstery to the golden shimmery exterior is supposed to evoke images of hitching your surfboard to a kite off Hawaii's glistening shores. (What? You've never been kite surfing?)According to Mazda, the Hakaze has approximately the same proportions as the Mazda3, but its higher hip point and wider stance would make it more at home in the crossover SUV segment. The Hakaze can be equipped with either a gas or diesel engine. The concept has a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive to maintain traction on sand.The driver's seat features a wraparound cockpit design to give the car a sportier feel, and the rear two-thirds of the glass roof are removable to make it more roadster-like. All seats, including the rear ones, are electronically adjustable to expand the storage area in the hatchback. Additionally, the Hakaze offers a wireless internet connection and a digital camera that can film the road or the car's interior.

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Hyundai Nuvis

Hyundai says the Nuvis "hints" at a future crossover, but taking a gander at its wild-looking sheet metal it seems more than one generation removed from the company's current style, which can only be categorized as conservative.Regardless, the Nuvis is a true concept in that it has a wild interior dominated by an organic-shaped dashboard backlit in blue, which reminds me of something out of "Battlestar Galactica." Sci-fi fans will probably pick up on the "Tron"-themed blue lines on the floor, as well.The designers' science fiction inspiration doesn't stop there, as the gull-wing doors give a nod to Doc Brown's flying DeLorean from "Back to the Future." Where does all this flight of fancy leave us? Well, car lovers might like to know the guts of the Nuvis rely on a hybrid powertrain aiming at 228 horsepower, with a lithium polymer battery pack helping gas mileage. The company estimates a crossover running such a setup would get 34/35 mpg city/highway.The exterior also has a low drag coefficient, but those stylish 22-inch wheels will certainly cut down on fuel efficiency. The battery pack also eats into rear cargo room quite a bit despite the space-saving lithium polymer packs.The Nuvis sure is a wild concept, but if Hyundai can get this type of hybrid performance in a traditional crossover body, it will have a big winner on its hands.

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Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode

Usually when we tackle concepts we look at the exterior packaging first. Not with the HED-5 i-Mode; this is one time when the guts of a concept are far more interesting than the skin. The six-passenger crossover may be futuristic-looking, but that's not as interesting as the engine under its hood.Hyundai has chosen the L.A. auto show as the place to not only display its all-new hybrid powertrain system, but also its future gasoline engines, starting with the 286-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the i-Mode. That's a lot of horsepower for a turbo-four, normally reserved for high-performance cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.Hyundai says turbocharging will improve fuel efficiency by 15 percent to 20 percent, but we're not sure what it's using as the baseline, as it compares this engine to six-cylinder engines as well. Hyundai says it will put the new turbo in various production models soon, but it's obviously not spilling the beans yet on the whats and whens.The i-Mode itself, while green-lit, doesn't yet have a definitive date to hit the U.S. market.

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Honda Insight

The biggest news to come out of Paris about the Honda Insight concept you see here is that we'll see the real thing in January at the Detroit auto show. OK, maybe that's not the biggest news. We also learn that the Insight's power plant is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder teamed with a revised version of Honda's hybrid power plant, already found in the Civic Hybrid.Unfortunately, Honda bosses say the mileage will also be similar to the Civic Hybrid, which gets 40/45 mpg city/highway. So don't expect this thing to top 50 mpg.At least it'll be cheaper than a Civic Hybrid. The rumored price floating around the internet is $18,500, or about the price of a decently equipped standard Civic. Honda says it will produce 200,000 Insights annually for global sale. It has again been confirmed that a production version of the CR-Z hybrid will also go on sale sometime after that, as well as a hybrid version of the Fit.

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Honda FC Sport

So, Honda's had a few misses with its designs lately — both the Pilot and Accord got lukewarm receptions — and the FC Sport concept doesn't help turn that trend around.In a rare (for these days) well-kept secret, Honda unveiled the FC Sport concept at the L.A. auto show earlier today. The vehicle is a Honda design study that's supposed to demonstrate the flexibility of its hydrogen fuel cell platform that's used on the FCX Clarity sedan, which is an attractive vehicle.Dubbed "V Flow," the modular approach for the fuel-cell components allowed Honda to give the FC Sport a low center of gravity, with the majority of the vehicle's weight distributed between the axles.The vehicle has a forward cabin design, which tries to emulate the look of a mid-engine vehicle, like an exotic sports car. The interior is driver-oriented. The driver sits alone in the front, with up to two rear passengers flanking his sides.If it weren't for the odd protrusion coming out the rear, Honda could have had something here. Many styling cues from the FCX Clarity made it onto the 2010 Honda Insight. Perhaps some of the FC's styling will make it onto the CR-Z Hybrid coupe?Let's hope not.

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Ford Transit Connect Family One Concept

When Ford said its first European product to hit the States would be the Transit Connect work van, we were not too enthused. We cover cars for the general consumer, not businesses. Therefore, we should be excited about this concept of the same Transit that's built especially for families. However, despite lots of nifty features like built-in hand sanitizer dispensers, the concept grossly misses the mark.For one thing, the base Transit going on sale this summer costs $22,475, including a destination charge, and gets 22/25 mpg city/highway. Ford calls this a "green" family vehicle. If you bought a Toyota RAV4 for about the same $22,000, you'd get a four-cylinder that's good for 22/28 mpg.Ford says the Transit Connect is for the "coolest mom" and touts its looks. Yes, you read that right, its looks.Before I finish bashing this concept, there are some useful features shown here. The under-floor storage that's large enough for a stroller is brilliant, however, it looks like a specific three-stage stroller is being used and larger, longer ones might not fit. The carpet-less floors are also a great idea because crumbs and spills could be wiped up easily.Built-in dispensers for hand sanitizer and sunscreen in the rear cargo area; RFID tags that you can attach to bookbags, strollers and other items to track on the Transit's onboard computer; a built-in changing table; and hooks for scooters all seem a bit less necessary.We're also unsure of the practical use of a Plexiglas partition between front- and rear-passenger compartments, but one mom on staff said a full divider would be a godsend on long trips. So would the large-screen TVs.Is there a market for a $22,000-plus vehicle like this? Doubtful. There are plenty of better looking compact SUVs for the price as well as a handful of affordable minivans that can do a similar job. Then there are vehicles like the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo for less money.On the positive side, Ford has a terrific family van that could actually make you the "coolest mom." It's called the S-Max and it is one of the top-rated vehicles in Europe. Perhaps the company could bring that to the U.S. instead of trying to make this concept a reality.

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Ford Iosis MAX

This year's Geneva Motor Show holds even less interest for American consumers than usual, but Ford's Iosis MAX concept is of vital importance to the company's U.S. lineup. Ford says this is a look at the design it's considering for its next global C-car. That's the size of the Ford Focus here in the States. Ford has already said the next U.S. Focus will be the same model as what's sold globally, unlike the current model, which is made strictly for the U.S. market.Expect a new Focus to come in calendar year 2011, and we'd expect a formal concept or even an early production version to be shown off at auto shows in 2010.But what about this concept right here? It looks promising. The long, sloping windshield might seem fanciful and a bit impractical (imagine that morning commute sunshine), but Germany's Opel sells a car with a similar windshield. It should translate to a very bright and airy cabin, at least.The hatchback shape is a must for sales in Europe and will hopefully mark the return of a four-door Focus hatchback in the U.S. We'd still think Ford would add a sedan as well. The rear hatch features an opening glass panel, which is rarely seen on today's cars and SUVs.Unlikely to make it to production are the sliding rear doors, like a minivan's, and glass roof. The engine is a four-cylinder turbo that Ford is rolling out in Europe now. It's expected to return excellent mileage that Ford says is 20 percent better than the competition.

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Fisker Karma S Sunset

Like the Karma four-door that appeared at the Detroit show a year ago and returned as a production car this year, the Karma S convertible is a prototype. Though it's not exactly what will go into production, it's closer to the real thing than the average fanciful concept car you see at an auto show. Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, confirmed it will be a real product, but said we shouldn't expect to see it before 2011.Also called the Sunset, the Karma S has a retractable hardtop that disappears into the trunk. The side windows are encircled by chrome trim, so the lower trim — which remains when the top is down — looks more natural when the top is up. The Sunset has two doors, and it sacrifices the four-door's remarkably usable rear seats for a couple small ones best fit for kids — though larger folks could make it work with the top down if they can find a place to put their legs.No word yet on pricing or how many of these models Fisker intends to build. The 2010 Karma hardtop is priced below $90,000, and the target production run is 15,000 per year.

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