Spotlight: Infiniti JX

The JX is squarely aimed at drivers who need adaptable roominess in a vehicle but don’t want to sacrifice looks, amenities, performance or fuel efficiency. In short, it’s a practical premium alternative to a stodgy minivan or SUV.

Outside, the JX looks bold and capable, yet utterly appropriate in upscale urban environments or suburban driveways, with its dramatic front grille and crescent-cut D-pillar. In the cabin, the JX offers what is expected to be class-leading roominess. For example, Infiniti claims JX owners will be able to leave a child seat latched to the second row while getting in and out of the third. And that third row won’t be the traditionally dreaded “penalty box,” but will instead offer adult-sized room for all (aided by 5.5 inches of second row forward-back adjustability).

2012 Hyundai Azera

The first thing I thought when Hyundai pulled the wraps off of its new 2012 Azera here at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show was that it looked just like a Toyota Camry. Perhaps that's not totally fair, because as the large sedan spun slowly on its turntable, I also saw hints of Mazda6, Nissan Altima, and BMW 6-Series. For a brand like Hyundai that's been building a ton of steam over the last few years with its distinctive Sonata, Elantra, and Accent models, looking just like the competition is not a good thing.


Interestingly, the Azera was referred to as "the most dramatic example of the Fluidic Sculpture design language" during its unveiling. Whoever wrote that line on the prompter clearly hasn't seen the Veloster or the newly unveiled Genesis Coupe.


2012 Hyundai Azera

Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

Jaguar is rolling out what it claims is the most powerful and fastest convertible they have ever built at the Los Angeles Auto Show.


The heart of this fast cat is an upgraded version of the 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 engine, which produces 550PS (405kW) and 502lb/ft (680Nm) of torque. This a power increase of 8 percent and torque increase of 9 percent over the Jaguar XKR. Driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox with Active Differential, this rockets the XKR-S Convertible to 60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).

2012 Hyundai Azera Los Angeles Auto Show

Hyundai will unveil the 2012 Hyundai Azera at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show this week, and Inside Line will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes Webcast of the Hyundai press conference live from the auto show floor.


The Webcast will begin at 10:30 a.m. Pacific on Wednesday, November 16, 2011. Immediately following the reveal, Hyundai will hold a "post-game show" discussion with CEO John Krafcik, Product Planning Vice President Mike O'Brien and National Sales Vice President Dave Zuchowski. Online viewers can submit questions to be answered live on camera by the executives via Facebook or Twitter.