Los Angeles Auto Show

Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO, Nissan Motor Co., today unveiled two all-new 2009 Nissan production vehicles - the Nissan Murano crossover and the Nissan GT-R - at a press conference at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. The second-generation Murano, which features new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance, goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning in January 2008. The Nissan GT-R, which will be available for the first time ever in the United States beginning in June 2008, makes its North American debut at the L.A. Auto Show, following its global introduction at the Tokyo Motor Show last October.

Pricing of the 2009 Nissan GT-R was also announced - $69,850 for the Base model and $71,900 for the Premium model, which adds standard Bose(R) audio system, heated seats and side air bags.

Nissan's 2007 sales are up through October a total of 4.9%, and Nissan has the largest year-over-year gain of the top six U.S. manufacturers in October.

2009 Nissan Murano

Making its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2009 Murano, elevates its unique position in the marketplace through a "super-evolution" of the original design. The all-new Murano features new exterior and interior designs, enhanced technology and a new premium driving feel resulting from a new, advanced platform and continued refinement of Murano's standard 3.5-liter V6 engine and advanced, second-generation Xtronic CVT(TM).

The most striking visual element of the 2009 Murano is its new body, which imparts a "modern art" feel while still maintaining its distinctive "Murano- ness." The new Murano design also includes an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof and 2nd row skylight. Inside, the 2009 Murano lives up to its "mobile suite" design theme with new levels of warmth and luxury.

Other available Murano features include a new foldaway cargo organizer, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate, rain-sensing front wipers and RearView Monitor.

All 2009 Muranos feature a VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque and an advanced Xtronic CVT(TM) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. 2009 Muranos are available in front-wheel drive or with an advanced all-wheel drive system, and all Muranos come standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) for all-weather confidence. The 2009 Murano features a new "D" platform, first introduced on the 2007 Altima, which provides a solid foundation and new, lighter suspension components with increased stiffness.

2009 Nissan GT-R

One of the most anticipated vehicles ever created by Nissan is coming to the U.S. in June 2008 - the 2009 Nissan GT-R. No longer the unobtainable object of desire on a video game or in the movies, the GT-R will be available on sale for the first time in North American in June 2008.

GT-R is a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere" and achieved a lap time of 7:38 around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the fastest times achieved by a production-spec vehicle to date.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque (estimated), while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The engine is backed by an all- new, paddle-shifted GR6 sequential 6-speed dual clutch rear transaxle.

The new Nissan GT-R is built on an exclusive all-new Premium Midship platform. This new platform enables the use of a world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing handling capability.

Suspension is a special multi-link Bilstein DampTronic system, and the braking system is made up of Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four- piston rear calipers. Tires are nitrogen-filled Bridgestone high-performance run flat or optional Dunlop high-performance all-season tires, on exclusive GT-R 20-inch wheels.

The Nissan GT-R's functional styling utilizes advanced aerodynamics, evoking the lines of a well-trained athlete. GT-R's hybrid body construction combines steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, and features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, while achieving high front and rear downforce.

GT-R's interior balances functionality with a sense of ease and comfort. It features sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and multi-function display - which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder.

Total vehicle adjustability is provided by a "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel, enabling the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings - Normal, Comfort or "R," for ultimate handling. Available is a specially designed 11-speaker Bose(R) sound system, with speakers mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which provides sound quality suitable for a supercar.

Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai's second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
-- Second rear-wheel drive performance car from Hyundai
-- 300+ horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
-- The production version of the sports coupe arrives in the spring of
2009

Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its "Z" bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.

"Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."

DESIGN PROCESS

"The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that."

The powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer's sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept's assertive headlight and taillight designs.

The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan's race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City(TM) die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister.

"Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating."

The concept's rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser.

An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS
-- Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe
-- Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches
-- Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches
-- Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches
-- Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches
-- Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke
-- Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS
-- Engine type: V6
-- Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
-- Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
-- Displacement: 3.8 liters
-- Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
-- Cylinder head material: aluminum
-- Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
-- Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
-- Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
-- Transmission type: 6-speed manual
-- Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
-- Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
-- Limited slip differential

The next generation Chevrolet city car will be based on the popular Beat concept, after 1.9 million online voters elected it their favourite of a trio of minicar styling studies shown at the 2007 New York Auto Show.

Designed to appeal to urban customers, the three-door Beat will significantly inspire Chevrolet’s next generation city car, due to make its debut in 2010.

Speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the production announcement was made, Chevrolet General Manager, Ed Peper, said: “The people have spoken. The vote count tripled all previous GM online consumer surveys, telling us Beat resonated with customers all around the world. Chevrolet was overwhelmed by the positive reaction to each of the three Mini concept cars, but Beat was a sound winner.”

The production model will carry the spirit of the expressive Beat concept, offering compact, city-friendly dimensions and a small-displacement engine that delivers excellent fuel economy. It adds further depth and breadth to Chevrolet’s global lineup, which is sold in more than 120 countries, giving the brand a strong position in the city car segment – a sector that is growing across the globe, in numerous different market’s.

The newcomer will maintain the Beat concept’s core values – namely compact dimensions, modern, youth-oriented styling and great value for money, coupled to low fuel consumption and an environmental footprint befitting of a vehicle designed for urban use. The model will become one of the most significant additions to Chevrolet’s UK product range.