L.A. GOES GLOBAL.(News)

Byline: JONATHAN WONG, BOB GRITZINGER, PHIL FLORADAY, MARK VAUGHN

The Greater Los Angeles Auto Show arrived a month or so early this year, and the world noticed. Visitors from around the globe showed up to see the cars and stars-and L.A. did not disappoint.

From Kermit the Frog hawking the Ford Escape Hybrid, and Tiger Woods chipping in for Buick, to Vegas starlet Molly Sims preening for Audi, stars were out in force. We heard the entire cast of Grey's Anatomy showed up at one party. Even the Governator stuck his head in for a few minutes. Only in California.

* For more coverage of the L.A. auto show, visit autoweek.com/LA

Mazda Nagare. The funky-looking Nagare isn't based on any Mazda production car. Rather, it is the first in a series of concepts that Mazda will have at shows such as Los Angeles, Detroit, Geneva and Tokyo. Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda North American Operations' design boss, says with Nagare, Mazda is "suggesting where Mazda design will be in 2020.''

1. Buick Enclave. Debuting as a concept in Detroit last January, Buick introduced the production version of the Enclave on the eve of the Los Angeles show. Looked upon as the new face of Buick, the Enclave is the division's first luxury crossover SUV. Power comes from a 3.6-liter, 275-hp V6, in either front- or all-wheel-drive versions. Features include seven- or eight-passenger seating, high-intensity discharge headlights, available navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

2. Saturn Vue. Mirroring the Opel Antara shown at Paris, the new Vue continues Saturn's product-portfolio makeover. Four trims are available, including a Green Line hybrid, available later in the 2008 model year, and a performance Red Line model. In all, a total of six drivetrain choices will be offered to include three engines, three transmissions and available all-wheel drive. The interior features high-quality materials, and Saturn promises increased attention to fit-and-finish.