LOS ANGELES - Carmakers are gearing up for the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday morning.
The show opens to the public on Friday and will unveil more than 30 new vehicles, including concept cars and production models.
Just about a year ago, the auto industry was going through turmoil resulting in a bad 2009. Now, we're getting a preview of the future 2010, and there are a lot of promises about making cars more efficient and hopefully more profitable for the car companies.
The highly anticipated Chevy Volt will be on display in its production form at the show. The electric Volt has been teased for the last three years, and it will finally go on sale in late 2010. If you thought you could never own an electric car, you might want to reconsider.
The Volt drives just like a regular car, but you can go 40 miles on your plug-in battery power alone. However, unlike pure battery-powered cars, it has an extended range, thanks to an onboard generator, so you can drive it as far as you would any other car on a tank of gasoline.
The show will feature other environmentally-friendly vehicles will also be highlighted.
Car enthusiasts can also expect to see an array of exciting exotics, like the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, with the famous gullwing doors from the 1950s. The 563-horsepower Benz carries a high $200,000 price range, and it will be featured alongside the upcoming Lexus LFA $400,000 supercar.
For something a little more affordable but still good looking is the Cadillac's CTS coupe.
Cadillac's general manager Brian Nesbitt said that Cadillac is really finding its way in the design phase right now. The CTS sedan and wagon have been very successful so far, and the coupe sort of rounds out the profile. The coupe is the new look of Cadillac, and they hope it will do well.
The auto show runs through Dec. 13.
* Weekdays: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
* Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
* Sunday s: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
* Adults: $12 ($2-off discount coupons available online or at participating L.A. new car dealers)
* E-tickets: $10 any day or $8 for AutoTrader.com Opening Day (Dec. 4)
* Children: 12 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult!
* Seniors (65+): $8 on weekdays. (cash only)
source: abclocal.go
