Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar - DB, Alpina Roadster V8, XJ - World News

A Quiet Event For European Car Enthusiasts
The battle for exclusive U.S. debuts has gone on for years between the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto shows. Even though the Southern California event occurs before the Michigan show, the presentation of production and concept vehicles is split fairly evenly.

However, from a European car enthusiast's standpoint, the offerings at the L.A. show were somewhat slim. While both shows featured the "U.S. debuts" of the Ferrari Enzo, Porsche Cayennes, and Maybachs-vehicles european car had already featured in its Paris show coverage (02/03)-L.A. only had a handful of "new to the world" vehicles on display. Here's a look at what caught our eyes.

Aston Martin DB
American Roadster 1
The two-seater DB AR1 is based on the current DB7 Vantage Volante. The restyled body features coachwork by Zagato of Italy. Power comes from AM's low-emission, all-alloy, 6.0-liter V12 engine, offering 435 bhp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Aston Martin states the DB AR1 is not a convertible Zagato version of the Coupe, but a possible addition to the luxury carmaker's U.S.-only product range. We're guessing a top will be offered on the production version. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but it is anti-cipated the DB AR1 will cost around $230,000 (plus or minus 10%).

BMW Alpina Roadster V8
A Z8 with an automatic transmission! For those who want the classic styling of the Z8 but don't like to shift for themselves, the BMW Alpina Roadster V8 is for you. Powered by a specially developed, higher-performance version (375 bhp 4.8 liters) of BMW's "regular" V8 engine, the Alpina Roadster has more torque at lower rpm, 383 lb-ft at 5800 vs. 368 lb-ft at 6600, than the standard Z8.

Modifications to the Z8's beautiful exterior have been kept to a minimum, and include 20-in. wheels and tires instead of the standard 18s. For complete details on this wondrous car, see Elaine Catton's writeup in the next issue of european car.

Jaguar XJ
While an all-aluminum model debuted at the Paris show, we had to wait until the L.A. show to see a painted production version of the all-new Jaguar XJ. The flagship sedan has an aluminum monocoque body that replaces traditional steel construction, is 60% stiffer yet 40% lighter and longer, taller and wider than its predecessor. Sporting new engines, a 4.2-liter V8 and a 390-bhp 4.2-liter supercharged V8, all XJs will feature an advanced six-speed ZF automatic transmission. The one thing that isn't a great departure from the previous version is the styling. Jaguar knows who its core customers are and thus hasn't drastically changed the looks of the new model. It carries the classic lines and shape present in all Jaguar sedans. Prices will be announced just prior to the new XJ going on sale in late spring.