One of many alternative fuel applications being explored by Toyota is the use of compressed natural gas (CNG). For the Los Angeles Auto Show Toyota prepared a concept version of the Camry that combines a CNG fueled engine with the firm’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. To convert the stock Camry Hybrid into a CNG Hybrid Toyota’s engineers replaced the gasoline fuel system with a compressed natural gas system that comprises of a pair of CNG tanks installed in the spare-tire well of the sedan’s trunk. To compensate for the loss of the spare tire Toyota fitted the CNG Camry Hybrid Concept with runflat tires.

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Pride of place on Porsche’s Los Angeles Auto Show goes to the refreshed 2009 Boxster and Cayman models that benefit from new flat-six boxer engines, a double-clutch PDK gearbox, suspension revisions and subtle cosmetic changes. On the front end, the 2009 Boxster and Cayman gain new halogen headlights with integrated direction indicators that are reminiscent of those found on the Carrera GT as well as new LED daytime running lights. At the rear end, both models feature slightly larger ’swoopy’ taillights, new exhaust tailpipes and redesigned lower bumper areas.

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The first photographs of the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder made their way into the internet this morning ahead of the car’s scheduled debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show that opened its doors today to the members of the press. Following in the likes of the Gallardo LP560-4 Coupe, the drop-top Spyder features a series of styling and mechanical upgrades including a more powerful V10 engine. Cosmetic updates concern the redesigned front bumper, the new taillights and the different alloy wheels.

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The latest member to join the Bentley family is the Azure T, a more powerful and exclusive version of the drop-top Azure. So what’s in a ‘T’? Well, the most important change is hidden under the massive hood as Bentley fitted the Azure T with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 500 HP and 1000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. If you like numbers, that’s an 11% increase in power and a 14% increase in torque over its 450 HP/875 Nm Azure stable mate.

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If we are to believe a report from the Dutch car site ‘Autoweek’, these are the first official photos of the facelifted Porsche Boxster and Cayman models, both of which are due to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November according to Carscoop’s sources. The site claims that these pictures were sent to them by an anonymous reader who accidentally happened to stumbled upon them on Porsche’s online car configurator. Continued

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hese are the first official photos of the MINI E, an all-electric version of the MINI Cooper that will make its first public appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November. What’s so important about this MINI -aside from its technical specs- is that over the next year or so, BMW will produce around 500 units which will be leased to selected private and corporate customers in the U.S. states of California, New York and New Jersey, giving the Bavarian automaker the chance to evaluate the viability of a full-scale production EV. MINI said that it also considering the possibility of leasing the vehicle in Europe. The MINI Es will be built at the firm’s Oxford plant in the U.K. without engines and transmissions, then shipped to BMW’s headquarters in Munich, Germany where they will be fitted with an electric powertrain. The electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery that has been placed in the position of the rear seat bench - yep, it’s is a two-seater. Continued

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 And the show goes on; after releasing a video  and a set of photos of a heavily camouflaged prototype of its forthcoming 2010 Mustang, Ford decided that it’s time for the teaser shots. The new cryptic photos reveal a few details on the next generation ‘Stang including the GT logo, the alloy wheels and the side of the convertible version. Anything to create a bit of hype right? Anyway, the official debut of the new Mustang is scheduled for this November’s Los Angeles Show. Check out the pics right after the jump. See photos after the jump Continued

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