Ford and GM ready new releases for Los Angeles

Two more automakers have taken the wraps off new models due to be unveiled for the US market at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week.

Ford has released pictures of the 2011 Mustang, on display for the first time this week, promising "a true thoroughbred." The new Ford Mustang V6 boasts a 3.7 liter engine that delivers 305 horsepower and promises 30 mpg (7.8 L/100km) on the motorway using the a six-speed automatic transmission. The car will be available in North America from late next summer, according to Ford.

General Motors has also released pictures of the Chevrolet Cruze, due to arrive in the US in the third quarter of 2010. North American consumers will get their first in-depth look at the model specially refined for their market when the LA Show opens to the media on Wednesday. Unusually, the car has already been available in Europe and Asia for much of 2009, making it one of the most "real-world" tested GM products ever released in North America. The Cruze is expected to challenge the dominance of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in the American compact market. Chevrolet predicts that the model will deliver up to 40 mpg (5.9 L/100km).

Porsche and Chevrolet's sister brand Cadillac have already previewed models expected to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which kicks off December 4. Other brands thought to be readying world debuts include Dodge, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen.