Over 30 Vehicle Debuts Already Confirmed for 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

The Los Angeles Auto Show announced today that it anticipates more than 50 vehicles will debut at the 2011 Press Days, held Nov. 16 and 17. With still four months until show time, 17 significant world debuts and a similar number of North American debuts are already confirmed and more will be announced shortly. Coming off the momentum of the 2010 show and historic evolutions in the industry, the LA Auto Show continues to expand its role as a leading showcase for fuel-efficient vehicles including electric vehicles and other ground-breaking, alternative fuel technologies. [9.13.11]

Automotive Design Studios Go Hollywood: Make a Car the Star

For decades, automobiles have played important roles in some of Hollywood's most popular films. The big screen has seen a steady parade of iconic autos that not only entertained as the emblematic rides of their famous drivers, but also actually stole the show and took leading roles themselves. Thanks to vehicles such as the 1968 Mustang GT that Steve McQueen raced through the streets of San Francisco in Bullitt, to the DeLorean featured in Back To The Future, automobiles are now firmly part of film lore. In the quest to find the next A-list automobile, this year's LA Auto Show Design Challenge will focus on designing Hollywood's hottest new movie car. [9.16.11]

Infiniti announces 2013 IPL G Convertible will be shown at L.A. Auto Show

Infiniti today announced that it will double its Infiniti Performance Line lineup of premium performance vehicles in spring 2012 with the addition of a new 2013 IPL G Convertible. More than just focusing on engine power and acceleration, the Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, product design philosophy focuses on "total vehicle performance," including unique driving attributes and exclusive exterior and interior features at highly attractive price points. The IPL G Convertible announcement was made by Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where the IPL G Convertible Concept is currently on display. [9.20.11]

Motor Press Guild Introduces Inaugural Vehicle of the Year Award

Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, today introduces its first-ever Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year (MPG VOTY) award program. The award recognizes the most dynamic new vehicle of the calendar year as judged by Motor Press Guild journalist membership. Vehicles will be benchmarked against the competitive segment and evaluated on safety, quality, value, performance/handling, design/style, environmental/green impact and technology/innovation standards. The Southern California-based MPG award is expected to reflect the distinctive style, tastes and needs of this influential region. [9.23.11]

New, Seventh-Generation Porsche 911 to Make North American Debut at Rennsport Reunion IV

By the late 1950s it was obvious to Porsche that the 356, which was the company's sole product line since 1948, needed to be updated. Replacing it was necessary, yet perilous. Who knew that the eventual replacement for the 356, the 911, would surpass its predecessor in sales, longevity and glory? Or that it would be so fanatically cherished by its owners that Porsche hasn't been allowed to replace it. Or that the Company would be introducing its latest iteration all the way in 2011? [9.29.11]

Fuel Efficiency Comes Standard at the L.A. Auto Show

Green has gone mainstream. Virtually every automaker exhibiting at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show has a solution for making vehicles run cleaner and use less fuel. At this November's Show, most vehicles on display transcend earlier technologies and are now achieving historically high levels of efficiency. Even high-performance vehicles are delivering vast improvements over previous generations. The number of exhibiting vehicles using some form of electrification has grown more than 25 percent since the last show. Cars that achieve 40-plus miles per gallon using traditional gasoline or clean diesel have doubled. [10.3.11]

WATCH: Highlights of the Nissan LEAF Drive Electric Tour with interviews

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from the Pike at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, Calif. for the Nissan LEAF Drive Electric Tour. It is an opportunity for the general public to get up close and learn more about the LEAF, a 100 percent electric vehicle. Since it runs on battery power alone, it releases zero emissions. The LEAF can produce up to 100 miles of driving range on a complete charge. In this video, watch for an interview with Nissan LEAF Product Expert Dylan Lane. You'll also hear from participants Marian Carmichael from Long Beach, CA; Bill Colleran from Savannah, GA; Aldo and Katherine Fernandez from Long Beach, CA. [10.8.11]

Participants charged up about Nissan LEAF at its Drive Electric Tour stop in Long Beach, Calif. By Jason Rzucidlo

It was an opportunity for the general public to get up close and learn more about the LEAF, a 100 percent electric vehicle. Since the vehicle runs on battery power alone, it releases zero emissions. The LEAF can produce up to 100 miles of driving range on a complete charge. For a place like southern California, which has 72 charge stations within a 30 mile radius of Los Angeles, the LEAF just makes sense. Nissan's Drive Electric Tour made a stop at The Pike at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, Calif. over the weekend and overall, most people were impressed by it. [10.9.11]

Motor Press Guild Announces Its Five Finalists for First-Ever MPG Vehicle of the Year Award

Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, today announced the top five finalists for its first Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) Award. Finalists were chosen by a panel of 18 MPG journalist members who drive and review new vehicles on a regular basis. All MPG journalist members will evaluate the final five vehicles and vote on the winner at the organization's annual Track Day event October 11-12, 2011. [10.12.11]

Wish You Were Charging Here: Ford Names 20 Cool Places to Charge Your Electric Vehicle

When Ford's all-new Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi hit the streets, customers will have plenty of options on where to recharge their vehicle. Whether it's stopping at the zoo, a museum or shopping in a downtown area, vehicle charging stations are popping up in a variety of locations across the country. So where are the cool places to charge? Ford may have found the answer with its list of the "20 Cool Places to Charge in the U.S." The 20 locations on Ford's list alphabetically are... [10.13.11]

All-New Ford Escape Boasts New EcoBoost Engines; C-MAX Hybrid Mileage 25 Percent Better

Ford continues to deliver more choices for customers craving top fuel economy, offering its largest-ever EcoBoost engine lineup in the all-new Ford Escape debuting next month and an all-new C-MAX Hybrid that's 25 percent more fuel efficient than even today's Escape Hybrid. "Customers are prioritizing fuel economy above every other trait when they make most vehicle purchases," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Ford is meeting people's needs by offering a family of fuel-efficient vehicles..." [10.15.11]

WATCH: Interview with Brendan Flynn, Communications Director of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Brendan Flynn, the director of communications for the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is scheduled for Nov. 18 through 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown L.A. A total of 50 new model debuts are expected to be shown at the show this year. Find out what some of this year's concept cars will be. What will the new Farmer's Field football stadium mean for the future of the auto show? How many vehicles will be participating in the ride-and-drive activity? What awards will be presented during the auto show? Get all of those questions answered in this video. [10.19.11]

PREVIEW: 2011 L.A. Auto Show to kick off auto show season with over 50 new models By Jason Rzucidlo

The 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show will open to the media on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 16 and 17. More than 50 new vehicle debuts will take place over press days. The charity sneak preview will take place on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Homeless Health Care Los Angeles and One Voice L.A. The L.A. Auto Show officially opens to the public on Nov. 18 and runs through the 27. It will be open on Thanksgiving Day as well. All of the excitement will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, located at 1201 S. Figueroa Street. [10.21.11]

2012 Green Car of the Year® Finalists Revealed

Green Car Journal announced its five finalists for the 2012 Green Car of the Year® award today. For the seventh consecutive year, the Green Car of the Year® honors environmental leadership in the automotive field, with the winner being announced during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days on Nov. 17. This year's five finalists include the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, 2012 Mitsubishi i, 2012 Toyota Prius v and 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI. The Green Car of the Year® award recognizes vehicles that become available by January 1 of the award year. [10.26.11]

SAA Technology Outlook Conference: Connecting Product Planning and Technology with the Future Consumer

Apple came out with the iPhone and the tablet before consumers knew they wanted it. Today, many consumers expect new and improved advanced technologies and can’t imagine life without them. How is the automotive industry connecting future technologies with tomorrow’s consumer? How do OEMs anticipate future consumer desires? What is the automotive industry learning from other industries? What is the role of the advanced product planning department and how are they staying in front of the technology curve? [10.29.11]

Mazda Chief Takashi Yamanouchi to Open 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show With Motor Press Guild Keynote

Takashi Yamanouchi, Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mazda Motor Corporation, will kick off the Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days with the Motor Press Guild (MPG) keynote address on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. The MPG presentation and Yamanouchi's address are open to all credentialed media attending the show's Press Days Nov. 16 and 17. A Q-and-A session will be part of the event. [11.1.11]

WATCH: A Tour of the Toyota USA Automobile Museum in Torrance, CA with interview

Since the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show opens in just under two weeks, we decided to look back at the history of Toyota. AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Toyota USA Automobile Museum in Torrance, Calif. In this video, watch for an interview with Debbie Hays, the assistant to the museum's curator. What are some highlights of the museum? Find out how the Toyota USA Museum is different from other automobile museums in southern California. Also, hear about the free admission policy. [11.3.11]

The Toyota USA Automobile Museum offers free guided tours in Torrance, CA By Jason Rzucidlo

Visit the Toyota USA Automobile Museum now to get your motors running about the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public on Nov. 18. The museum serves as a way to tell the history of the Japanese automaker's 50 plus years selling cars and trucks in the United States. The $12 million collection consists of more than 100 Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles. The oldest car in the collection is from 1958 and the newest is from 2007, however it will continue to grow with more vehicles in the future. [11.5.11]

LISTEN: Exclusive Interview with Director Chris Paine about his new documentary "Revenge of the Electric Car"

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Hollywood director Chris Paine. His new independent documentary, Revenge of the Electric Car, was just released to limited theaters nationally. It is a follow-up to his 2006 release, Who Killed the Electric Car? The new film features extensive interviews with Bob Lutz from General Motors, Elon Musk from Tesla Motors, Carlos Ghosn from Nissan and Greg Abbott, an independent electric car converter from California. Find out why Lutz decided to cancel the EV1 project, but yet move forward with the Chevrolet Volt. You can see the movie starting on Nov. 11 at the Main Art in Royal Oak or at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. [11.6.11]

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee Designed For Core Performance Enthusiasts

Designed and built for the core performance enthusiast, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8? Super Bee makes its public debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16. There is no mistaking the unreserved performance attitude of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee. Available in either Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black exterior paint with special Super Bee graphics, the exclusive models reflect a specially designed modern and extroverted interpretation of the legendary Super Bee performance built for the enthusiast who enjoys a vehicle with one mission in mind - to go fast. [11.9.11]

WATCH: A Tour of the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, CA with interview

Since the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show opens in less than a week, we decided to look back at the history of the automobile. AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, Calif. In this video, watch for an interview with Curator Earl Rubenstein. What are some of the highlights of the museum. Find out what are the most famous vehicles inside. How is it different from other automobile museums in southern California? Also, learn how you can go for a ride in some of the antique cars. [11.12.11]

Visit the Automobile Driving Museum before going to the L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

Less than five blocks from LAX, The Los Angeles International Airport, you'll find the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, Calif. It makes sense for a city that relies very heavily on the automobile to get around. It is one of four automobile museums in southern California. Now is a great time to visit the museum with the L.A. Auto Show opening to the public on Friday, Nov. 18. Admission is very affordable -- only a $5 donation is suggested. Bring the entire family to learn the history of the automobile before you explore the new concept cars in L.A. [11.13.11]

PHOTOS: Final Preparations Underway for the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Over the last two weeks, construction crews have been working around the clock to build the displays for the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is less than 12 hours from the doors opening for the press preview days. See what the workers are doing to the inside and outside of the L.A. Convention Center. The semi trucks have pulled up on the streets surrounding the convention center with all of the new concept cars and production models. Tents are being installed in front of the building to greet members of the media. [11.15.11]

WATCH: Highlights of the SAA Technology Outlook Conference inside the L.A. Convention Center

The first-ever Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) Technology Outlook Conference took place on Tuesday morning, one day before the press days of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The discussion included remarks from Jon Bucci of Toyota Motor Sales USA; Thilo Koslowski of Gartner, Inc.; Eric Noble of The CARLAB, Inc.;Jeremy Anwyl of Edmunds.com; Geoff Wardle of Art Center College of Design; and David Graff of Microsoft. Panelists agreed that automakers need to add more technology to their vehicles to stay on the minds of young buyers. [11.15.11]

Automakers need to add more technology to stay on the minds of millennials, panelists agree By Jason Rzucidlo

Automakers have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to the millennial generation (those who were born between 1980 and 2000). Research indicates that today's young people are more interested in handheld devices like the iPod and the iPhone than cars. Panelists at the first-ever Society of Automotive Analysts' (SAA) Technology Outlook Conference said that carmakers will have to make it possible for millennials to update their social media pages from their vehicles. The challenge is that automakers need to add technology, but do it in a way that reduces driver distraction. [11.16.11]

WATCH: Hyundai Press Conference at 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. Watch as Hyundai reveals its new 2012 Azera midsize/full-size sedan. It features more horsepower than the BMW 5. With 123.5 cu. ft inside, the Azera boasts more total interior volume than Toyota Avalon, Mercedes E-Class sedans and the BMW 750i. And it comes available with power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, integrated memory system, power rear sunshade, heated front seats and standard XM® Satellite Radio. In this video, you'll hear from John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America. [11.16.11]

PHOTOS: 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show Concept Cars and Production Models

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. Look for hundreds of clear, digital photos of all the new concept cars and production models that were revealed over the two press days. You'll see the Jaguar C-X16, Buick LaCrosse GL, Cadillac Ciel, BMW i3, BMW i8, Land Rover DC100 Sport, Volkswagen Beetle R, Volvo Concept You, Ford Fiesta ST, Subaru BRZ Concept STI and much more! Check back for more new photos each day... [11.17.11]

WATCH: Interview with GM's Niki Smart about the Cadillac Ciel concept

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. In this video, watch for an exclusive interview with Niki Smart, the exterior design manager at GM's Advanced Design Studio in North Hollywood, Calif. Ciel means "sky" or "heaven" in French. How is it different from other convertibles in the market? What is the expected fuel economy? Has pricing been announced? Is a hybrid or electric version possible in the future? Get those questions answered in this video. [11.17.11]

2013 Ford Mustang revealed at L.A.'s Belasco Theater By Steven Valline

Here it is!! The 2013 Ford Mustang is finally out there for all to see. Revealed live and in person at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles on November 15th, the eve before the LA Auto Show. Ford has treated the faithful to a special unveiling. A limited number of tickets was offered to Mustang Club of America members first, then to the Mustang community. Up on stage was a 2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca in School Bus Yellow, a V6 in a stunning shade of Deep Impact Blue, a Mustang GT Convertible in Sterling Grey and the GT500 in Grabber Blue – these are the same cars seen in the Ford Press release photos. [11.17.11]

WATCH: Infiniti Press Conference at 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. Watch as Infiniti shows off its new 2013 JX seven passenger crossover. It features the world's first backup collision intervention system and easy access to the spacious third row, even with a second row-mounted child seat. The JX produces 265 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Pricing starts at $40,450. In this video, you'll hear from Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of Infiniti. [11.18.11]

Hyundai shows off the 2012 Azera at L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

Hyundai Motor America debuted its 2012 Azera sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It fits in between the midsize and the full-size car segments. The new Azera is equipped with a 3.3-liter Lambda II engine and six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 293 horsepower and combined fuel economy of 23 mpg. The new model includes nine standard airbags, 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with LED accents. It features a navigation system and rearview camera standard on all models. [11.18.11]

Cadillac debuts the Ciel concept car at 2011 L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

It was built and designed by the GM Advanced Design Center team led by Frank Saucedo right here in southern California. Cadillac showed off its Ciel concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The four-seat convertible is truly a one-of-a-kind because of its olive wood interior with wood that came from a 300-year-old olive tree that fell in a storm outside of Naples, Italy. Ciel is pronounced “C-L” and is the French translation for “sky” or “heaven.” [11.19.11]

WATCH: Ford Press Conference at 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. Watch as Ford introduces the 2013 Escape, 2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang, 2013 Mustang Boss 302, 2013 Mustang GT, 2013 Flex, Focus ST, Focus ST-R and the Fiesta ST concept. In this video, you'll hear from Mark Fields (Ford's President of The Americas) and Jim Farley (Ford's Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Service). [11.19.11]

Infiniti introduces the 2013 JX luxury crossover at L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

Infiniti debuted the 2013 JX seven passenger crossover vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 265 hp. Two versions are offered: front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The JX comes standard with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, however 20-inch aluminum-allow wheels are optional. The overall length of the vehicle is 196.4 inches while the width is 77.2 inches and the height is 67.8 inches. Pricing has already been announced for the JX. It will be built at Infiniti's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn. [11.20.11]

WATCH: Interview with Porsche's Dave Engelman about the Panamera GTS

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. In this video, watch for an exclusive interview with Dave Engleman, product communications manager at Porsche Cars North America. How is the 2013 Panamera GTS different from other luxury sedans in the market? What is the expected fuel economy? Has pricing been announced? Is a hybrid or electric version possible in the future? Get those questions answered in this video. [11.20.11]

Ford reveals eight new models at 2011 L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

The 2013 Ford Escape, 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302, 2013 Ford Mustang GT, 2013 Ford Flex, Ford Focus ST, Ford Focus ST-R and the Ford Fiesta ST concept all debuted during the automaker’s press conference at the L.A. Auto Show on Wednesday. It was the most new models that Ford has ever debuted at one auto show. Ford had the largest turnout among members of the media with literally thousands watching the 25-minute presentation. [11.21.11]

WATCH: Interview with Toyota's Saul Ibarra about the Prius Plug-In Hybrid

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. In this video, watch for an exclusive interview with Saul Ibarra, a Toyota product specialist. How is the 2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrid different from the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan LEAF? What is the expected fuel economy? Has pricing been announced? Is a hybrid or electric version possible in the future? Get those questions answered in this video. [11.21.11]

Porsche shows off 2013 Panamera GTS at L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

Porsche debuted the 2013 Panamera GTS sports sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It comes a 4.8-liter V8 engine with all-wheel drive and it produces 430 hp. The Panamera GTS features more power, upgraded brakes and a body lowered by 10 mm when compared to the Panamera 4S. Porsche had the seventh press conference at the auto show on Wednesday afternoon. It took place inside the L.A. Convention Center’s Petree Hall. [11.22.11]

WATCH: Interviews with Volkwagen's Ulrich Richter and Dr. Hendrik Muth about the Beetle R concept

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. In this video, watch for exclusive interviews with Ulrich Richter (Executive Director of Volkswagen R GmbH) and Dr. Hendrik Muth (Head of Marketing for Volkswagen R GmbH). How is the Volkswagen Beetle R concept different from similar vehicles offered by other automakers? What is the expected fuel economy? Has pricing been announced? Is a hybrid or electric version possible in the future? Get those questions answered in this video. [11.22.11]

Toyota unveils 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid at L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

Toyota was the first automaker to come out with a mass-produced hybrid car, the Prius, in 2001. Since then, Chevrolet released the Volt and Nissan is offering the LEAF. Toyota is among the last automakers to the electric vehicle party. The 2012 Prius will be equipped with a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder hybrid engine. It produces 80 hp and 153 lb.-ft. of torque. While the LEAF has a driving range of about 100 miles and the Volt has a range of nearly 40 miles, the Prius Plug-In will only go for 13 miles on battery power alone. Then, the vehicle turns into a regular Prius, which gets an estimated 50 mpg. Two plug-in models are being offered: a regular and an advanced version. [11.24.11]

WATCH: Interview with Subaru's Ken Kondo regarding the BRZ Concept STI

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. In this video, watch for an exclusive interview with Ken Kondo, manager of marketing and corporate communications for Subaru. How is the Subaru BRZ Concept STI concept different from similar vehicles offered by other automakers? What is the expected fuel economy? Has pricing been announced? Is a hybrid or electric version possible in the future? Get those questions answered in this video. [11.24.11]

Volkswagen debuts Beetle R Concept at 2011 L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

The Volkswagen Beetle R concept made its North American debut last Wednesday at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The three-door hatchback is expected to have a fuel economy of about 28-30 mpg. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine. The Beetle R Concept produces 256 hp with the engine from the Golf R. The automaker had the third press conference on the first media day. Also, it was the third of the conferences held inside the L.A. Convention Center’s south hall. [11.25.11]

WATCH: Interviews with attendees at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo reports from inside the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. In this video, watch for exclusive interviews with some of the attendees. Find out what they thought the hits and misses were at the show. Also, have they ever owned a GM, Ford or Chrysler vehicle? Would they consider buying one today? You'll hear from Sonia Reback of Venice, Calif.; Alex Reback of Madison, Wis.; Eric Stevenson of Orange County, Calif.; Catherine Longo from Aliso Viejo, Calif; Ed Longo from Temecula, Calif.; Trevor Wimmer from Vista, Calif; and Andre Moye of Riverside, Calif. [11.25.11]

Subaru shows off BRZ Concept STI at 2011 L.A. Auto Show By Jason Rzucidlo

The Subaru BRZ Concept STI made its world debut last Wednesday at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine. Porsche and Subaru are the only automakers to use boxer engines. The BRZ Concept STI is 4.7 inches lower to the ground that any other Subaru vehicle. It comes with an STI front fascia and splitter. In addition, the concept car has a carbon fiber roof to reduce weight and lower its center of gravity. [11.26.11]

PHOTOS: Hyundai Party at the GRAMMY Museum in downtown L.A.

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo was LIVE at the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles for the Hyundai party following the end of the first press day of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. John Legend performed an intimate concert for invited guests on the Target Terrace. The automaker announced a three-year partnership with the Recording Academy to become the Official Vehicle Partner. A documentary named "RE:GENERATION" will be the first product of this partnership. Hyundai vehicles will also grace the red carpet during the GRAMMY Awards. [11.26.11]

SoCal residents willing to give Big Three automakers another chance By Jason Rzucidlo

As a native Detroiter, I was surprised by how few American automobiles were on the roads when I visited southern California (SoCal) for the first time in June 2007. I would say the number of cars made by the Big Three automakers (GM, Ford and Chrysler) were about one out of every five. Fast forward four years to the present day in 2011 and the three automakers have recovered. Their quality is up and sales are breaking records month after month. Now, I would say that one out of every three cars on the road in SoCal was manufactured by one of the Big Three. [12.3.11]