Being a two person outfit is somewhat difficult when covering an auto show. With one on press release and story writing duty, and other trying to get pictures at the show, that means we can't cover all of the reveals. But that doesn't mean we're not going to give their due. We picked some of the vehicles that are important and/or interesting that debuted at LA.
2016 Acura ILX
Acura is trying to right the ship of the compact ILX. Since its introduction only a couple of years ago, the ILX has dropped both the base 2.0L four and Hybrid model, leaving just the 2.4 model. Now for the 2016 model year, Acura hopes to address many of the shortcomings with ILX.
Also new for the ILX is the addition of a A-Spec package which add a number of design tweaks such as 18-inch wheels, "Euro-style" stitching to the steering wheel, and suede on the seats.
The revitalized 2016 ILX will be hitting dealers early next year.
Audi Prologue Concept
Audi's design language tends to follow the one design for any size car. Just look at their passenger car lineup and you're left wondering if they used the enlarge function on the copy machine to create their vehicles. Audi is planning to change this up in the future. To give us a preview, the company revealed the Prologue Concept.
The front end gets a trapezoidal grille that sits wider and lower than on current models. A set of wedge-shaped laser headlights sit above air intakes with blade elements. Around back, the trunk lid is angled forward to suggest moment. Slimmed down taillights and trapezoidal exhaust tips finish off the rear. Overall, the Prologue Concept is proportioned in such a way to accentuate the all-wheel drive DNA that is part of Audi.
Audi's design chief Marc Lichte says elements of the Prologue's design will be on future Audi models. But the concept itself could go into production. Rumors have been flying at LA that Prologue Concept is hinting at a flagship coupe that will sit above the A8.
2015 Fiat 500X
We known for awhile that Fiat was working on its version of the Jeep Renegade. At LA, Fiat let the 500X out into the wild.
Powertrains include a turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir four-cylinder with 160 horsepower and 184-pound-feet or the 2.4L TigerShark four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet. The 1.4 will be available with a six-speed manual, while the 2.4L comes paired to a nine-speed automatic only. Front-wheel drive will be standard, while all-wheel drive with disconnecting rear axle will be optional.
The 2015 500X will hit Fiat dealers in the first half of next year.
2016 Jaguar F-Type
We've already talked one of the big changes for the F-Type which is the availability of all-wheel drive. But there was one other item up Jaguar's sleeve; a manual transmission. You'll be able to equip a F-Type with a six-speed manual if its a six-cylinder and rear-drive model. The manual transmission drops 22 pounds off the F-Type's weight.
As for the all-wheel drive, we have a bit more info on that as well. The F-Type R with its 550 horsepower V8 will have all-wheel drive as standard, while the F-Type S with its 380 horsepower V6 will have it as an option.
2016 Kia Sorento
I know what you are thinking: Didn't Kia just release a refresh Sorento not that long ago? Yes they did. But in a marketplace where fresh meat is coming in quick, Kia decided to give the Sorento a redesign.
Powertrains mostly carryover from the current Sorento with the 2.4L four-cylinder taking the base, and 3.3L V6 being the top dog. In the middle is a new turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 240 horsepower. Front-wheel is standard, while all-wheel drive is on the options list.
Kia says the 2016 Sorento will be out at dealers in the first quarter of 2016.
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