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2010 NAIAS Detroit Auto Show offers something for everyone

PHOTO BY GARRETT GODWIN / ©AMERICAJR.com

The production version of the all-new Lexus LF-A luxury vehicle.

by Garrett Godwin ggodwin82@yahoo.com

(Quicktime Video)

WATCH: Interview with Sara Pines regarding the new Honda CR-Z WATCH: Interview with one of the drivers of the Tesla Roadster from L.A. to Detroit

DETROIT -- The 2010 North American International Auto Show is just warming up with the press preview on mid-Monday evening, as the media, which includes AmericaJR.com was given the privledge of getting a sneak peek into the latest cars that will be on stock as as well as prototypes in the works. For instance, the Honda CR-Z, which started off as the latter the year before but is now the real thing, as it is preparing for its debut both in the United States and in Japan this summer.

"This is an all-new production model, so no more prototype," said Sara Pines, public relations manager for Southeast Honda. "It's going to be an exciting, new sporty hybrid. This car will get very good gas mileage, probably somewhere to about 38 miles per gallon and it will also be fun to drive once you're inside the car. We haven't announced pricing yet. We do know it will be slightly more expensive than our Honda Insight hybrid, which is priced at about $19,800."

Though not as sophiscated as the Dodge Viper and the Ferrari, the LF-A is still Lexus' answer to the sports car. A decade in the making, the car can go 0-60 in an estimated 3.6 seconds -- yet with 500 currently available, it is an limited edition.

"The LF-A has been in design for almost 10 years," said Lexus Product Specialist Zachard Schafer. "It is not a concept and it is not a prototype. This is an actual production model. This is our answer to the super sports vehicles, really high end, very powerful machines. That produces 552 horsepower. You're actually in the market with the Ferraris, with the Lamborghinis. That vehicle tops out at 202 miles per hour."

The GX 460 is Lexus's newest car that will be on display for this year's NAIAS that has better horsepower with stronger braking and shifting.

"This is a luxury SUV," Schafer added. "A completely new design for the 2010 year. It was the GX 470, which means it was a 4.7-liter engine. For 2010, it's a 460, which is a 4.6-liter engine. We did a lot to it to make it much more accessible. The GX is a real popular seller. We took all the suggestions and comments and put them all together."

Some of the companies may have been going green, being cost-effective, and conserving gas and energy, like the Roadster from Tesla that recently went on a road trip from California last month to our state of Michigan several days ago through snow, rain, traffic, and dirt.

"We wanted to give people that don't have exposure about the electric vehicle some education," said Rik Avalos, a senior recruiter for Tesla, who drove the vehicle from Tuscon, Ariz. to El Paso, Tex. "About 18 volunteers took part in the process. It was a really great educational experience for that part of the country. You can plug this into a 110 socket and it's that convenient."

 

PHOTO BY GARRETT GODWIN / ©AMERICAJR.com

The all-new Honda CR-Z production model is on display at the 2010 NAIAS.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

This Tesla Roadster electric vehicle was driven from Los Angeles to Detroit.

 

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

The Tesla Roadster experienced rain, snow and dirt en route to the Motor City.

 

This page was last updated on Sat, January 23, 2010 1:38 AM

 

:: Return to Our Coverage of the 2010 NAIAS ::

 

Once again, AmericaJR.com will Broadcast LIVE from the 2010 North American International Auto Show Press Preview Days and Industry Preview Days. Read our Press Release.

We will bring you the most comprehensive coverage ever with interviews, reviews and the best pictures around. It's all from AmericaJR.com -- Detroit's #1 Website with The BEST Coverage. Period.

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