2009 L.A. Car Show

The BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car made its North American debut this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. More than 50 of the newest hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles were showcased.

The Governator

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger sits in the driver's seat as Peter Miles, executive vice president of operations for BMW of North America, explains features of the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamic concept car, during a preview news conference Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009.

Honda

Making its world debut is Honda Motor Co.'s futuristic vehicle prototype, the Personal-Neo Urban Transport (or "P-NUT"). It has a central driving position and two rear seats. It was developed by Honda's design studio in Los Angeles.

Audi

Audi's e-tron concept car features four electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, capable of producing 3,319 lb-ft of torque.

Lexus

The Lexus LF-Ch Premium Compact Hybrid Concept car makes its North American bow. This hybrid was designed by Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota's North American-based research and design center in Newport Beach, Calif.

Spyker

Dutch automaker's Spyker's new C8 Aileron Spyder is decorated with the axiom "Nulla tenaci invia est via" ("For the tenacious no road is impassable"). The 4.2 liter V8 engine delivers a top speed of 187 mph, and goes from 0 to 60 in 4.5 secs.

Volvo

The Volvo S60's four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine uses high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology, in which fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber under high pressure. This and other technical measures reduce its carbon dioxide emissions.

Subaru

Subaru America presents its Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009.

Mazda

Mazda Motor Corp. President Takashi Yamanouchi, left, and Mazda Motor of America Inc. President James O'Sullivan unveil the Mazda2 (called Demio in Japan), at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Dec. 2, 2009. Mazda decided to release the subcompact next year in the North American market, where demand is growing for fuel-efficient cars.

Green Car of the Year

The 2010 Audi A3 TDI is introduced as the Green Car Journal's 2010 Green Car of the Year, at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Dec. 3, 2009. The A3's EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway fuel economy is the best of any luxury car sold in America.

Lamborghini

Car collector James Chen opens the door to park his 1986 Lamborghini Countach, as he joins a convoy of 30 Lamborghinis leaving Santa Monica Beach on their way to an inaugural ceremony of the Automobili Lamborghini Boutique, at Westfield Topanga Shopping Center in Canoga Park, Calif. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009.