LOS ANGELES — Hundreds of current, coming or prospective new models are on display at the 2009 Los Angeles auto show, which is open to the public until Dec. 13.
It’s a bit dizzying to try and take them all in. But for those with short attention spans or a speed-dater’s need to spend no more than a few minutes with each one, here is a gawker’s guide to arguably the 10 most significant models:
1. 2011 Chevrolet Volt: All but ready to go on sale next year in nearly this form, this is the first time the public has been able to see, experience and kick the tires of this much-anticipated extended-range electric vehicle.
2. Honda P-NUT Concept: The show’s most whimsical debutante, the Personal-Neo Urban Transport vehicle suggests the kind of ultra-efficient, ultra-teensy vehicle that city dweller may be able to drive in the not-so-distant future.
3. 2011 Toyota Sienna: This surprisingly handsome minivan is all about reality — the kind of ultra-utilitarian transportation solution that suburbanites will be able to buy within three months.
4. Subaru Tourer Concept: Not likely to see production any time within our lifetimes, the Tourer is nevertheless fun to look at. Just imagine how much damage its gull-wing doors would incur if you opened them in your garage.
5. 2011 Ford Fiesta: The temptation is to say that the production-ready Fiesta has lost its Verve – inside joke being that it was originally named Verve when it was first shown two years ago in concept form. Tamer now, but tidier.
6. and 7. Mini Coupe and Roadster Concepts: Now confirmed for production at an unnamed future date – a year or more away – these twin variants on Mini’s one-note theme are entertaining ideas, if not especially comfortable looking.
8. Porsche Boxster Spyder: the concept of an entry-level Porsche that doesn’t evoke nightmares of the 914 is still evolving; the Spyder is topless motoring at its most titillating.
9. Audi e-Tron Concept: Maybe it’s the orange paint (changed from red at its world debut at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show), but Audi’s e-Tron – on sale by 2012 - conveys a subliminal message to its viewers: “You will want one.”
10. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept: Auto show vehicles with see-through glass doors, sadly, never seem to make it to production. But some version of the wicked-looking Vision will be, by 2012 – or so. I can hardly wait.
The Los Angeles Auto Show runs through Dec. 13. For more information go to laautoshow.com.
source: nytimes
