GreenBkk Auto | Cool cars from the L.A. Auto Show

Cool cars from the L.A. Auto Show

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)

At the auto show season's first big event, sun, fun and fuel economy are in good supply.

Chevrolet Camaro convertible

Here's General Motors' answer to the Ford Mustang convertible, unveiled at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The availability of a convertible has given Ford a major sales advantage over the Chevy Camaro, but no more.

The new Camaro convertible has a classic cloth top which, GM claims, can be dropped in just 20 seconds. GM also claims this car has a stiffer body than a BMW 3-series convertible. (That's an issue in convertibles because a hard roof helps keep the body from twisting, and twisting is bad for handling.)

Besides the top, the convertible will be available with the same engine, transmission and other features of the coupe. The Camaro convertible is expected to go on sale in February, just before the weather starts to warm up.

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, senior writer

Saab 9-4X

Just back from a brush with death, Saab is again unveiling new models.

The 9-4X crossover SUV was designed with its former parent company, General Motors. It will be produced alongside the Cadillac SRX. While the two vehicles share much of their engineering, the Saab has a completely distinctive look inside and out.

Calling upon Saab's history as an airplane maker, the 9-4X will have, as tradition dictates, an aircraft inspired interior including an start-stop button (keyless ignition is standard) between the seats.

Buick Regal GS

The GS is a made-for-America performance version of the Buick Regal. Buick engineers wanted to balance that performance with the smooth ride and quietness customers expect from Buick, GM executives said.

Fuel economy was another major factor, so the GS uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower. GM promises a zero-to-60 time under seven seconds.

Drivers will be able to switch the car's steering and suspension settings to three different settings: standard, sport and, for tightest feel, GS.

GM hasn't announced pricing for the GS, but it's expected to go on sale in the second half of next year.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

It's not like anyone was asking for one, but Nissan decided to make one anyway. At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, the automaker is unveiling the first convertible crossover SUV, the Nissan Murano convertible.

Prices will start at just over $46,000. To protect passengers in the event of a rollover, dual pop-up rollbars come standard. The Murano convertible will go on sale early next year.

Hyundai Elantra

The 2011 Elantra, which will be in production by the end of this year, takes on the "fluidic sculpture" style Hyundai first applied to its new Sonata, a car that's been a huge success.

The Elantra is powered by Hyundai's new 4-cylinder 1.8-liter "Nu" engine. Fuel economy is a big factor for compact cars, and the new Elantra expected to get 40 miles per gallon on the highway. The Elantra will also be the first car in its segment to offer heated rear seats, something even many luxury cars can't boast.

Cadillac Urban Luxury concept

It looks a little like a Smart car made from Legos, but General Motors touts the Urban Luxury Concept as "a design study exploring a new type of vehicle that offers a luxury experience in a diminutive size."

Unlike a Smart car, the Urban Luxury Concept seats four. GM promises all seats can be accessed easily through the car's large scissor-style doors which open out while rotating forward. It's powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine. GM projects fuel economy of 56 mpg in the city and 65 on the highway.

Porsche Cayman R

The Cayman R weighs 121 pounds less than a regular Cayman S while its engine produces 10 more horsepower. It can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in as little as 4.7 seconds. with a top speed of 175 mph.

The car's suspension has also been lowered slightly for improved cornering performance.

Mitsubishi i-Miev

Mitsubishi Motors has been selling the electric i-Miev in Japan for some time but, with plans to bring the car hear to North America, a few changes were needed.

For starters, if the Japanese i-Miev looks like a large egg, the American version (shown here) is a jumbo egg. It's 11 inches longer than the Japanese car and four inches wider. It's expected to go on sale here next year.

Fiat 500

The American version of the tiny Fiat 500 is getting its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. There will be lots of available color options -- from sparkling red "Rosso Brillante" to corporate gray "Grigio" -- and three trim levels: Sport, Pop and Lounge.

You won't find these cars everywhere, though. There will be 130 Fiat dealers selling the 500 in the U.S. but they're heavily concentrated around urban areas.

Price for the 500 will start at $15,500, that includes a four-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and three years of free maintenance.

Mercedes-Benz B-class F-CELL

With battery-powered vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt coming to market soon, we've been hearing less about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

While also electrically powered -- hydrogen fuel cells turn hydrogen gas into water and electricity -- these vehicles have one big advantage over plug-in cars. It takes a lot less time to fill a tank with compressed hydrogen than it does to charge a battery. On other hand, electrical outlets are a lot easier to find than hydrogen filling stations.

The B-Class F-CELL has a total driving range of about 190 miles on a tank, considerably longer than most plug-in cars. It's powered by a 136-horsepower electric motor.

Mercedes has chosen a few test users for this car, including fleet owners and private individuals. They will get to pay a monthly lease rate of about $849 a month for the car.

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)