YOU'VE GOTTA SEE THESE BABIES CARMAKERS ROLLING OUT DREAM RIDES.Byline: Candice Choi Staff Writer Spanning the space of 17 football fields, the Greater L.A. Auto Show An auto show, or motor show, is a public exhibition of current automobile models, debuts, concept cars, or out-of-production classics. It is commonly attended by automobile manufacturers. Most auto shows occur once or twice a year. is horsepowered with buzz for a wide range of concept cars and new models. Despite the torrential rains pounding Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, this weekend, a few standout convertibles will shine among the more than two dozen cars making their world or North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. debuts. It's no surprise, considering sunny California is the biggest market for droptops. Californians also clamor for hybrids; 42 percent of all hybrids sold in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. are purchased in the state. No wonder auto makers are unleashing everything from hybrid SUVs to luxury hybrids. A couple of sleek, futuristic hydrogen-powered cars pepper the show as well, as a testament to the state's environmental image. Entry-level cars are getting a little more luxurious, with reliable German carmaker Volkswagen swimming a little more upstream with its new Jetta. Audi is even showing off an upscale hatchback. Among all the sleek new designs and concept cars are a couple retro styles. The 1949 Suburban is the inspiration for one of Chevrolet's six new models, the HHR HHR Heritage High Roof (vehicle style) HHR Half Horizontal Resolution (digital television) HHR Honda Humanoid Robot HHR Hand-Held Radios HHR Harry/Hermione Relationship . Here, in no particular order, are 10 must-see models. Bentley Drophead Arnage Coupe: After much mystery surrounding what the new Bentley would look like, the British convertible finally makes its world debut. If public reaction to the concept car is favorable, Bentley executives say production will begin in spring of 2006. Ferrari's 575M Superamerica: The convertible's top is made of glass so the driver can control the amount of light coming through, with five tint levels when the top is up. The design is based on the 575M Maranello. Ford Mustang Convertible: Get a sneak peak at the car that's powering much of the buzz at the auto show; the take on the popular Mustang coupe is already a hit among auto fans. The ragtop rag·top n. Slang A convertible automobile. won't hit showrooms until spring. It's the first in a series of Mustang specialty models Ford plans to unveil. Venturi venturi a tube with a decrease in the inside diameter that is used to increase the flow velocity of the fluid and thereby cause a pressure drop; used to measure the flow velocity (a venturimeter) or to draw another fluid into the stream. Fetish fetish (fĕt`ĭsh), inanimate object believed to possess some magical power. The fetish may be a natural thing, such as a stone, a feather, a shell, or the claw of an animal, or it may be artificial, such as carvings in wood. : The world's first production sports car powered by electricity. Only 25 models of the tiny car (2,424 pounds) will be available in Los Angeles, Tokyo and Monte Carlo, but it costs a whopping $600,000. Now try finding a place to re-charge it. Hyundai Tuscon FCEV FCEV Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle : It's the first hydrogen-powered SUV. It has more power and speed than its predecessor, the Sante Fe FCEV, but like many of the alternative-fuel cars debuting at the show, it's still just a concept. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a German supercar jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive. It is assembled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. Daimler owns 40% of the McLaren Group. : It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, but it's biggest claim to fame is that Jay Leno was the first American to own one. Now the coupe will be available to anyone with $455,000 to spare. Chevrolet HHR: The retro car is inspired by the 1949 Suburban, according to Chevrolet executives. The hatchback design is more reminiscent of a newer car: Chrysler's PT Cruiser. The HHR, which is ideal for customization, recently had a starring role in MTV's ``Pimp My Ride Pimp My Ride is a TV show produced by MTV. Each episode consists of taking one car in poor condition and restoring it, as well as customizing it. The original American version is hosted by rapper Xzibit. .'' Volkswagen Jetta: It's bigger, stronger, and not surprisingly, a little pricier. The Jetta, one of Volkswagen's most popular cars in the United States, is getting a makeover. The idea is to expand the appeal of the entry-level car to those looking to whet their appetites for luxury sedans. BMW H2R: This hydrogen-fueled car of the future holds 10 impressive records under its belt, according to the company executives. It covered a mile in just under 37 seconds for one. But, for all that, it's still just a concept car. Carmakers have even placed a bottle of water inside the showroom model to represent the fuel of the future. Mitsubishi Sport Truck Concept: This concept car thinks outside the box, literally. The typically boxy box·y adj. box·i·er, box·i·est Resembling a box, especially in simplicity or rectangularity. box  i·ness n. format of pickup trucks is abandoned for a rounder, sleeker style. CAPTION(S): 3 photos, box, map Photo: (1 -- color) The Venturi Fetish, an electric concept car that can bolt from 0 to 60 in five seconds, graces the 2005 Greater L.A. Auto Show, which started Friday. (2 -- color) On the high end of the price scale is this 2005 two-door convertible from Bentley. Production may begin on the Drophead Arnage Coupe in 2006, if reaction is strongly favorable. John McCoy/Staff Photographer (3) Volkswagen has reconceived its popular Jetta, with the new car making its debut at the L.A. show. Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press Box/Map: L.A. AUTO SHOW DESIGNS ON L.A. Gregg Miller/Staff Artist |
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