One of the most packed displays at the 2011 LA Auto Show wasn't the new Honda CR-V or even the Toyobaru Twins. It was Mario & Luigi displaying their karts from the just released Mario Kart 7 on the Nintendo 3DS. These karts are the real deal go karts that top out at 35 mph. West Coast Customs was entrusted by Nintendo to build these life-sized Mario karts for the debut of the 3DS game. Too bad Santa ain't got the pull to give me one of these little karts. I'd ditch my car in a heartbeat to go around town throwing banana peels and oil slicks at the other cars. Oh well, I guess I can settle for just the video game.

Did a quick run through of the LA Auto Show that occurred last month during  Thanksgiving week. Pretty much if it was a hybrid, electric, or SUV vehicle it made a debut at this show. There was a small spattering of sporty compact cars though, so all in all it was an alright show. The aftermarket area was alright and we didn't even bother stepping into the showroom of cars we would never have a chance to obtain in my lifetime. Check out the gallery after the jump  to spot what's up and coming with the North American auto industry.

Presser after the split...

IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda Motor Corporation has confirmed that the sedan version of the all-new MAZDA3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan), fully redesigned for the first time in five years, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show^*1 on November 19, 2008.

The covers will be pulled off during Mazda's press conference at 12:20 p.m. (local time) revealing the all-new MAZDA3, the latest evolution of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit.

Every element of the all-new MAZDA3 has been developed for heightened exhilaration, with a more refined sporty ride, top-class fuel economy and quietness. Environmental and safety features,¡¡based on Mazda's long-term "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" vision, aim to achieve a balance with fun-to-drive. Add in a new expressive face and Mazda's dynamic design elements, and the all-new MAZDA3 is everything a driver could ask for in a sports compact.

The brand-new version of Mazda's best-selling sports compact carries forward the heritage of Mazda and the pedigree of the current MAZDA3. Since its launch in 2003, the current MAZDA3 has sold approx. 1.8 million vehicles^*2 in over 100 countries and has won more than 90 global motoring awards^*3 to date. The MAZDA3 accounts for almost one in three Mazdas sold every year.

Following the world debut of the North American specification sedan with 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines at the show, the five-door hatchback version will be revealed in line with Mazda's global sales schedule.