mayne design theme los angeles auto show

architecture,architectural

Architecture graduates, and even full pledged architects, flock to outsourcing companies simply for the pay. The work has its own stress centers . Architectural visualisations a-go-go at the Architecture Foundation's Yard Gallery in London, with an exhibition on filmmakers Neutral, which opened last week and runs until 13 October 2007. Neutral have been communicating architecture through digital animation for a few years now, producing work for Zaha Hadid and Herzog+De Meuron along the way.

hybrids,hybrid

Hybrid has become a buzz word around the automotive community because of the currently debilitating gas prices and car manufacturers are showcasing some of their most exciting hybrids. An Escalade hybrid is currently on display. Hybrid technology, when implemented in its full, dual-stage configuration, may provide a partial solution. Some existing vehicles may be brought up to Bush's threshold by using a six-speed transmission and traditionally aspirated engines.

toyota,toyota's

Toyota really does mean business now with what they are doing with Lexus, and that is evident in the range of vehicles that the Lexus now has. The new Lexus LF-A Roadster which is on show at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show is constructed of a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum, this helps to keep the weight down yet still maintaining a rigid structure. Toyota has a gigantic display, and had many of their hybrids on display. I was really impressed w/ the build quality inside and out on their cars and trucks. Toyota has issued a clarification to reports earlier this week that it would introduce a third dedicated hybrid model in January at the Detroit Auto Show. At this year's show company president Katsuoko Watanabe announced that the company would bring two all new hybrid-only models to the 2009 show one each for Lexus and Toyota.

Toyota's A-BAT concept is the Prius version of a pickup, with a hybrid powertrain and a 4-foot bed. Land Rover unveiled the compact, three-door LRX concept, while parent Ford showed the Ford Explorer America concept, a reworking of its phenomenally popular SUV that uses a unibody frame -- rather than the traditional truck frame -- to save fuel and give the vehicle a more car-like ride. Toyota is most interesting in this because they have chosen to "cut into" Ford's number one selling F-Series pickup truck line in order to gain dominance of the American market. And ironically, Henry Ford was one of the first manufacturers to discover that social image trumps collective reason and practicality when the consumer puts his money down. Toyota and Ford brought in examples of their plug-in hybrids that are now running in field trials. Ford also detailed its expanding E-85 ethanol flexible fuel lineup, which now includes FFV versions of the Expedition, E-Series full size van and wagon, and the Lincoln Navigator.

chicago

Chicago is a more pleasant city to visit, and the hotels have excellent pricing for the show. The McCormick Place show are is absolutely massive, modern, and accessible by rail - the latter is a trick that New York could really use. Chicago's people are quick to point out that their auto show is bigger, bolder and still growing. Sometimes you'll even hear the media reporting it.

ford

Ford and GM will also be introducing hybrid-electric concept cars, the Prodigy and Precept respectively, at the North American Auto Show in Detroit in about a week (hey, y'all, why not in L.A.? We need 'em more here!). Ford Motor Company unveiled a fuel-cell-powered Explorer, developed as part of a DOE demonstration program and featuring a range of 350 miles. Ford also unveiled its redesigned 2008 Escape SUV, including the hybrid version. Ford marketing boss Jim Farley doesn't believe in conventional wisdom. He plans to bring the hatchback version .

lexus

Lexus, the pursuit of perfection. Lexus finally joins the high-performance luxury car fray today with the introduction of the 2008 Lexus IS-F. The car is based on a regular IS sedan but is beefed up significantly with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that pumps out over 400 hp and 350 pounds-feet of torque, paired to the same eight-speed transmission found in Lexus?