Cadillac, Mazda Get 2011 LA Auto Show Rolling

The 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show is underway, with Mazda and Cadillac kicking off the proceedings. Neither automaker had too many surprises in store, with Cadillac unveiling the long awaited XTS flagship sedan and Mazda dropping the CX-5 crossover.

2013 Cadillac XTS

We'll start with the CX-5—this Kia Sportage fighter will have a 2.0-liter direct-gasoline four-cylinder with Mazda's Skyactiv technology, which is supposed to enhance fuel economy. The engine makes 155 horsepower and mates to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed automatic transmission, and Mazda is promising fuel-economy numbers of 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the automatic, and 33 with the manual.

Cadillac's XTS is meant to be the brand's flagship of the future, with available all-wheel drive and a 300-horse 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6, plus plenty of luxury and tech features. First and foremost on the tech side is Caddy's new CUE infotainment system, which promises to be customizable by users. Like Ford's MyFordTouch system, CUE (which stands for Cadillac User Experience) will feature touch-screen controls and voice recognition. Other available tech features will include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic brakes, rear cross path detection, blind-spot alert, collision alert, and a head-up display.

We'll keep updating throughout the day—the vibe here so far is laid-back, which befits Southern California. Usually auto shows are beehives of activity, but so far, so quiet.

[Source: GM, Mazda, Autoblog]