LA Auto Show

After months of speculation, the wait is over. This morning, Ford announced the new 2016 Shelby GT350 Mustang. Lets begin with the most important part of any Shelby, the engine. Under the hood is a 5.2L V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft producing over 500 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. What's the big deal with a flat-plane crankshaft V8 you may ask? Well a flat-plane crankshaft V8 can produce more power and rev higher than a standard V8. This is due to how the flat-plane crankshaft V8 is setup. The connecting rods of the pistons lie 180 degrees from each other, not the standard 90 degrees seen on most V8 engines. This power will flow to the rear-wheels via a six…

At the 2017 Los Angeles Auto show today, Lexus unveiled a three-row version of their popular RX luxury crossover. The RX has been one of the best selling luxury vehicles since its introduction in 1997. To make the 6 and 7 passenger three-row version, Lexus stretched the vehicle 4.3 inches and used a steeper rear glass to improve headroom. Overall, the key look remains largely the same with the partially blacked out C-pillar, a now widespread industry styling trend, being the main visual distinction for the 3-row models. Powertrain hardware is largely unchanged for the L models, available in the standard V6 front-wheel drive, V6 all-wheel drive, and V6 Hybrid all…

At the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show today Mazda fully unveiled the re-engineered Mazda 6 sedan. Visually, the Mazda 6 is quite familiar to the current model, but Mazda was hard at work under the skin. The biggest news of course is the addition of the 2.5 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sourced originally from the Mazda CX-9. This engine, new to the 6, produces 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm and 250 horsepower when running 93 Octane fuel. Horsepower is reduced to 227 on regular. The base naturally aspirated 2.5 liter 4-cylinder has cylinder deactivation where the two outside cylinders shut down when the vehicle is operated at a steady speed between 25 …

We are gearing up for the Los Angeles Auto Show, here is a preview of some the reveals we can expect this week. I am currently en-route and posting from 35,000 feet, but I will update this post with more information as it becomes available. The Los Angeles Auto Show is typically where manufacturers showcase their upcoming technology and style leaders along side there normal production releases. Previous LA shows is where we first saw the production version of important vehicles like the Lincoln MKC, Chevy Colorado, and BMW i3 as well as radical concepts like the Hyundai Veloster Roll-top. This year is looking to be even better with high tech and high style both in abunda…

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Bentley is using the LA Auto Show to gauge the reaction of their latest concept car, the Grand Convertible. If you're wondering why Grand Convertible looks like a drop-top Mulsanne, you're not that far off. The Grand Convertible is a drop-top version of Mulsanne Speed, which means its packing a 6.75L Twin-Turbo V8 producing 530 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. Outside, the Grand Convertible is draped in a Sequin Blue with a "liquid metal" hood and windshield frame. The tonneau cover is done in a burl walnut veneer. The interior is covered in Beluga leather with blue cross-stitching. "This concept demonstrates Bentley's ability to create a pinnacle convertible G…

Cadillac's V-Series was a three model affair at the start with the CTS-V, STS-V, and XLR-V. Then it became one model affair with the next-generation CTS-V. But the CTS-V was available in a sedan, coupe, and wagon. As the third chapter begins for the Cadillac V lineup, it kicks off with the smallest model in the lineup. Introducing the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V. Offered in either a sedan or coupe, the Cadillac ATS-V is a mean looker. The front end gets larger grille openings feed cool air to engine, a mesh grille insert, and a carbon fiber hood with a heat extractor to keep the engine cool. Wider fenders are needed for the 18-inch wheels that wrapped in Michelln Pilot Sport tha…

Toyota's recent run of concepts have been showing more adventurous side; the FT-4X in New York and the TJ Cruiser in Tokyo. This trend continues at LA with the introduction of the FT-AC. The Future Toyota Adventure Concept “is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways.” It certainly looks the part with an aggressive front end featuring a chunky front bumper with tow hooks, sculpted grill surround, narrow headlights, and foglights that double as detachable portable lights. The side features a mostly clean profile. A set of black fender protectors have a set of chunky tires with 20-inch wheels. For the back, an int…

Mazda is the latest automaker to jump on the subcompact crossover train with the introduction of the 2016 CX-3 the night before the LA Auto Show kicks off. The CX-3 is based on the next-generation Mazda2 and compared to the CX-5, its about a foot shorter. But park a CX-3 and CX-5 side by side and it's hard to tell difference. The CX-3 features Mazda's KODO design language which features flowing lines to highlight the wheel arches and a higher beltline, along with a trapezoidal grille with the trim extending into the headlights. Mazda designers blacked out the rear pillar to give the feeling of the roof floating. Inside the CX-3 is a tidy and clean space. The dash layout…

Consider this: 23 percent of all Ford vehicles sold in the U.S. is a utility vehicle. By 2020, the blue oval expects that number to climb to 29 percent. For Ford, crossovers and SUVs are a big deal. Case in point is the 2016 Explorer. While this updated model is drastically changing how the company is planning to build crossovers in the future, it does keep the Explorer in the hunt for buyers. The biggest change for the Explorer is the introduction of the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, which will take the place of the 2.0L EcoBoost. The 2.3 makes 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the 2.0 EcoBoost, the 2.3 can be had with either front or all-wheel drive. T…

Kia rolled out an updated 2019 Sorento today at the LA Auto Show. The exterior features revised fascias front and rear, new grille, LED headlights on higher trims, updated taillights, and new wheel choices. Move inside to see all trims get a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with three-row seating. The big change of note deals with the Sorento's Engine lineup. The turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that was launched with this current-generation Sorento has been dropped. As we found in our review back in 2016, the turbo engine had a fair amount of lag and fuel economy was worse than the V6 engine. The 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.3L V6 …

And now for something futuristic. Chevrolet has revealed the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Tursimo (VGT) concept at the LA Auto Show today. Let's begin with the looks of the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Tursimo concept. It looks like a futuristic F1 or IndyCar with a massive front splitter and fenders covering the wheels. There is a reason for the design. Chevrolet explains that the driver driver lays prone with legs and arms aimed toward the wheels. “Think of it as adapting a wing suit to a racing car, where the driver’s movements control certain aspects of the aero package. In many ways, the Chaparral 2X VGT is like racing wing suit, with a protective fuselage for ‘flying’ ver…

Next up in the subcompact crossover fest at the LA Auto Show is the 2016 Honda HR-V. Now we've seen different variations of this new model since it was introduced in Japan last year. Now we get the specs for the North American version. While the HR-V is based on the new Fit, the styling is heavily influenced by the larger CR-V with similar front ends and roof shape. But the HR-V has its own unique design touches such as the rear door handles integrated in the rear pillar. The HR-V has an overall length for the new model is 169.1 inches, about 10 inches shorter than the CR-V. But on wheelbases, the two models are very close. The HR-V rides on a 102.8-inch wheelbase, just …

When Dodge unveiled the refreshed 2015 Charger at the New York Auto Show, everyone knew that a refresh for the 300 wouldn't be that far behind. Sure enough, Chrysler pulled the covers off the 2015 300 at the LA Auto Show today. The 2015 300 hasn't quite gone though the massive exterior refresh like the Charger, but Chrysler designers made sure changes were made to heighten its attitude. The front grille has been enlarged slightly and features different finishes dependent on the trim. New lights for the front and back, updated rear bumper styling, and rectangular exhaust outlets finish off the exterior. Wheel choices range from standard 17-inches all the way to 20-inches.…

Los Angeles - Toyota Debuted today the Toyota RAV-4 Prime, a plug-in version of their RAV-4 hybrid. The RAV-4 Prime ups the ante with a big bump to the horsepower figure, 302 horses combined between the gasoline engine and electric motors. The gives the RAV-4 Prime a projected 0-60 of 5.8 seconds, the second fastest 0-60 in the Toyota lineup, while also delivering 90 MPGe. The RAV-4 Prime is capable of driving up to 39 miles in EV mode, making it the highest range PHEV SUV on the market. In building the Prime, Toyota added a new higher capacity lithium-ion battery and a booster converter. That, combined with more powerful motor/generators give the electric side of…

Mercedes-Benz has resurrected the Maybach nameplate for their new ultra-luxury flagship, the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600. Now if you were expecting Mercedes to do something dramatic with the return of the Maybach nameplate, then you'll be disappointed.The Mercedes-Maybach S600 takes the standard S-Class and stretches overall length and wheelbase by 8.1 inches - putting it between the Rolls Royce Ghost and Phantom. The exterior features 20-inch wheels, the double M logo on the rear pillar, and the Maybach name on the rear decklid. The real story for the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is inside, especially in the back. Every surface in the vehicle is covered in some very high-quali…

Los Angeles - Lexus unveiled the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible at the LA Auto Show today, ending speculation over whether the model was actually coming or not. Typically when manufacturers make a convertible version of an existing car, significant weight penalties crop up as structural bracing is added to preserve rigidity. Lexus was able to move supports, and bracing to produce a convertible with only minimal weight gain while maintaining structural integrity. The LC Convertible’s suspension is tuned specifically to complement the subtle changes in weight between the two platforms, as a reduction of un-sprung weight in the front suspension improves the overall stro…

Los Angeles - Nissan has unveiled the 2020 Nissan Sentra at the LA Auto Show Today. The new Sentra takes on the look of the larger Altima and Maxima to bring some harmony to the Nissan sedan lineup. The Sentra is Nissan's best selling model in the U.S. Nissan is adding Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment for 2020 with additional driver assisted technologies available. The platform is all new, now with an independent rear suspension and electric rack steering. A new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder replaces the previous 1.8-liter unit. The new motor produces 149 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft of torque, an increase of 20 percent and 16 percent respectively. Fuel economy i…

All-new design * Youthful refinement inside and out * Generous features typical of more expensive cars * Smooth, confident and safe driving experience * A key player in the global expansion of the Chevrolet brand REDESIGNED 2007 CHEVROLET AVEO SEDAN OFFERS MORE THAN GREAT VALUE LOS ANGELES – Chevrolet’s assault on the small vehicle market advances during the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show when the successor to Americas best-selling entry-level vehicle is unveiled the 2007 Aveo sedan. It boasts an all-new exterior and interior design characterized by youthful refinement, generous features usually seen in more expensive c…

Los Angeles - Buick introduced the Buick Encore GX to the U.S. at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Encore GX is Buick's 4th entry into the crossover segment and sits slightly above the Encore in size and price. The Encore GX will come with a host of standard safety features such as: Forward Collision Alert Automatic Emergency Braking Front Pedestrian Braking Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning Following Distance Indicator IntelliBeam headlamps with automatically-adjusting high/low beams Available safety features depending on trim level will include: Rear Park Assist Rear Cross Traffic Alert Lane Cha…

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. First…

Los Angeles - Volkswagen has rolled out the 7th vehicle on the MEB platform at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Known as the ID. Space Vizzion, it is an all-electric wagon concept that previews a potential production vehicle for North America and Europe. It has a super efficient drag coefficient of 0.24 and carries and 82 kWh battery for a range of up to 300 miles. The concept car is powered by a 275-horsepower motor mounted in the rear. A second motor could me mounted up front giving a total system output of 365 hp and all-wheel drive. Inside, the ID Space Vizzion is chock full of modern touches such as an augmented reality heads up display, new "AppleSkin" material…

Los Angeles - Kia unveiled the 2021 Kia Seltos at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. The Seltos brings a new level of ruggedness and refinement to the entry level crossover segment. The Seltos slots between the Kia Soul and Kia Sportage in the brand's lineup. It has a longer wheelbase than is typical and a long hood to give it a sense of size though in a small package. Front and rear skid plates and black wheel arches emphasize off-road capability, and the standard AWD on the base model makes that capability a reality. The Seltos is powered by either a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft of torque or an up-level 1.6-liter Tu…

Los Angeles - The Genesis G90 made its North American debut this evening at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new G90 introduces the next design theme for the Genesis family. It is a total reskin of the existing car. Genesis calls the design Horizontal Architecture and Athletic Elegance and it is reflected inside and outside the car. The interior embodies the Horizontal Architecture theme with harmonious flow of horizontal surfaces such as the HVAC vents, audio controls, and wood trim. On the connectivity front, it is the first Genesis vehicle to offer over-the-air wireless updates for maps and software. Its 12.3-inch display navigation system is now touchscreen a…

Los Angeles - The Mazda CX-30 originally debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 2019. Now Mazda is bringing it to the Los Angeles for U.S. consumption. The CX-30 is the latest vehicle on Mazda's new generation of vehicles that are getting complete makeovers to feel more luxurious in spite of their price. Slotting between the tiny CX-3 and compact CX-5, the CX-30 takes on a Goldilocks approach of not-too-big not-too-small. It has more of a coupe like roofline than the other two as well. Mazda paid special attention to the interior with a comfortable and luxurious cabin. Engineers focused on reducing noise, harshness, and vibration to create a serene space fo…

Los Angeles - Chevrolet thinks that you don't want a Cruze anymore and instead you'll buy an SUV. Enter Chevy's answer for that, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts under $20,000 and for those taking notes, that's less than the current Chevrolet Trax even though the Trailblazer is the larger vehicle, fitting between the Trax and Equinox in size. Themed after the larger Blazer, the Trailblazer looks wider in person than its specs suggest. Powertrains match the Buick Encore GX on which this shares a platform. Powered by either a 1.2L turbo or 1.3L turbo 3-cylinder engine, the Trailblazer will deliver up to 155 horsepower. Both engines are mated with a standard Con…

Link to Article and Pics at Autoblog For the past two decades, the only thing consistent about Ford's Lincoln division has been its inconsistency. To put it lightly, the brand has struggled to find it's place in the automotive landscape. The vehicles from Ford's premium domestic division haven't had a coherent look since the early '80s. Several of its models, such as the LS and the Navigator, have sold well at times, but the absence of a Lincoln DNA hasn't helped. In 2006, North American Design chief Peter Horbury set about changing all that. He gave his team the task of examining past Lincolns to determine what set them apart. The first new model intended to set Lincol…

2010 LINCOLN MKZ Pictures from Autoblog: 2010 LINCOLN MKZ PRESS PICTURES 2010 LINCOLN MKZ LIVE PICTURES PRESS RELEASE LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Customers who have come to equate Lincoln with elegant, modern design, unparalleled comfort, unrivaled features and top quality have still more reason to favor the brand: the new 2010 Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan. "The new MKZ improves on the success of the current vehicle with Lincoln's new signature look, appointments that amplify and expand the Lincoln portfolio and a faster, more refined powertrain," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. New for 2010, the MKZ features a new sport version w…

The COVID-19 pandemic has possibly caused another auto show to rethink their plans. According to Automotive News, organizers of the show are planning to delay the show from November to next May. Three sources tell the outlet the new dates are May 21st to 31st. Two of sources go on to say that an announcement could come this week. Automotive News tried to get comment from Terri Toennies, president of the show, but did not reply. By possibly moving the LA Auto Show to May, automakers and organizers of the New York and Detroit shows find themselves in a difficult spot. The LA show sandwiches between New York (April) and the revised Detroit show (June), which may ca…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 11, 2013 When Subaru showed off the WRX Concept at the New York Auto Show in April, it was very much well received not only by the press, but by everyone. It could be a good omen for Subaru as they have announced the production version of WRX will debut at the LA Auto Show next week. The company released a teaser shot which gives some idea of what the production model will look like. From what we can tell, the overall shape of the production model has been toned down a bit. But there are key items from the concept that remain such as a large grille opening and the hood scoop. We're expecting the WRX recipe to s…

2010 MAZDA3 Pictures from Mazda: http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/2010-mazda3 PRESS RELEASE ALL-NEW 2010 MAZDA3 SEDAN TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE 2008 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW LOS ANGELES, November 19, 2008 - Developed in line with Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom philosophy of engineering vehicles that are fun to drive, satisfying to own, and environmentally responsible, the all-new MAZDA3 is one of the most anticipated product launches at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The popular MAZDA3 - the company's best-selling vehicle worldwide - arrives as a fully reengineered, completely redesigned, second-generation compact sedan providing: A richer look…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 12, 2013 We have a date! November 20 is when General Motors will reveal the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The debut will take place at the LA Auto Show and to commemorate this announcement, Chevrolet has released a teaser shot of the Colorado under a cover and standing next to the 2014 Silverado and Silverado HD. Now as we have reported previously, the new Colorado will be different looking than model sold elsewhere. This is in part to keep a family resemblance with the larger trucks. We also hear that a diesel could end up in the Colorado in the near future. The Colorado and its sister model, the GMC Canyon …

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 13, 2013 Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, Lincoln unveiled the MKC Concept. The concept was a preview of a new Lincoln model that would come sometime later this year. Many of us praised the MKC Concept since it didn't look like a carbon copy of a Ford vehicle. But there was concern that the production model would not look like the concept at all. Well, take a deep breath as Lincoln has unveiled the 2015 MKC before its official debut at the LA Auto Show next week and it looks pretty close to the concept. The MKC Concept and production model are almost identical in design. Up front is Lincoln's spit-win…

Los Angeles - At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Lincoln introduced the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid trim. Based on the standard Corsair, the Grand Touring's powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The combined output based on Lincoln's calculations would be roughly 266 horsepower. Electric All-wheel drive powers the rear wheels. EV range is targeted at 25 miles EPA. Power is conveyed through a PowerSplit electric continuously variable transmission with two electric motors working together to provide very smooth acceleration. In addition to the five modes normally av…

Nissan will be using next month's LA Auto Show to unveil an updated version of their flagship Maxima sedan. At first glance, you might be wondering if there any changes - looks the same as the old one. But take a closer look and you notice the new headlights with certain models getting full-LED versions. The V-shaped grille looks be slightly larger and wider, and there are new small intake grilles. Nissan will also be offering their Safety Shield 360 suite of active safety features that include front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Nissan says the Maxima will …

We can't help but wonder if MINI is kind of missing the point of their name. This thought came up as we were looking at the details of the second-generation Countryman that will be debuting next month at the LA Auto Show. Compared to the outgoing Countryman, the 2017 model is 8.1-inches longer, 1.3-inches wider, and rides on a wheelbase that 2.9-inches longer. MINI, you're supposed to keep your vehicles small, not making them bigger. But we have to admit this growth spurt does make the Countryman look more SUV than raised-hatchback. The increase in size also allows for a larger interior. Shoulder room increases by 2-inches for both rows and rear legroom jumps by 3…

Previous Page Next Page As the 2017 Los Angeles auto show wraps up today, let's take a look back at the new vehicles we saw. Part one, the largest grouping by far, the mainstream crossovers and SUVs. 2018 Nissan Kicks The Details: The Kicks has been sold in the South American market for a few years. It migrates north to replace the Nissan Juke. It comes with a 1.6 liter engine and CVT routing all 125 stampeding horses and 115 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels. Why it Matters: A rolling mass-market crossover cliche; Floating roof, genuine simulated contrast stitching, flat bottom steering wheel. Pr…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 18, 2013 The MINI has always been a vehicle of small stature. But since the introduction of the new MINI Cooper in 2002, it has been steadily growing in size. Now with the introduction of the new third-generation model today, we might have to change the name from MINI to MACRO. Here's what I mean. Compared to the current MINI Cooper, the 2014 MINI Cooper is 4.5 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and rides on a 1.1 inch longer wheelbase. Its also hard to tell the difference between the design-wise. To tell the differences, you have to get up close to begin to pick out the differences. Little clues such as a larger…

November 19th, 2013 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com At the LA Auto Show today, Audi announce that their A3 sedan would be the first vehicle to offer 4G LTE technology embedded in the vehicle's entertainment system. Audi was the first auto maker to implement data service in their vehicles and installed 3G in most of their lineup. The new 4G LTE connected system will allow for faster loading of Google Earth and Google Street View. It will also allow for thousands of web radio station, Facebook and Twitter alerts, and other connected services. The system provides Wi-fi hotspot access for up to 8 additional devices. Audi will be releasing details on the…

November 19th, 2013 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com We've had relatively few leaks in the days and weeks leading up to the LA Auto Show, but some where bound to happen. Earlier today, Edmunds.com posted an LA Auto Show Preview to their YouTube channel that featured a picture of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. Woopsie! Update: Edmunds has since removed the video from Youtube. Update 2: More pictures have leaked out, check out the gallery below for an interior and rear view. For more LA Auto Show Coverage, you can follow along on our LA Auto Show Page View full article

November 19th, 2013 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com Along with dropping trou on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, the Edmunds video responsible for the most recent LA Auto Show picture leaks also totally pantses the Subaru WRX,shown here playing in the dirt. Update: Edmunds has since removed the video from Youtube. We saw some teaser pictures of the 2015 Subaru WRX about a week ago, so the overall look isn't much of a surprise, but it is nice to see it here finally in full view. The Subaru WRX has never been a real looker as far as sports cars go, but enthusiasts don't seem to mind. This latest iteration looks rough and ready to run. …

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 19, 2013 It has been quite the wait for the Sport Hybrid version of the RLX since we first saw the concept at 2012 New York Auto Show. But Acura has spilled the beans on the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid which will be debuting at the LA Auto Show tomorrow. The Sport Hybrid is comprised of a direct-injected 3.5L V6 engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a built-in 35 kW electric motor, two 27 kW electric motors in the back that take the place of drive shaft and rear differential, and a 260 Volt lithium-ion battery pack. The Sport Hybrid system will work like this: The V6 drives the front wheels, while the t…

November 19th 2013 by Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com Jaguar officially took the cover off their hotly anticipated F-Type Coupé tonight at the LA Auto Show. Jaguar calls the new F-Type Coupé "the most dynamically capable, performance focused, production Jaguar ever". Built on an extremely rigid, all aluminum platform, the F-Type Coupé still manages to be very light weight. The body side is make from a single piece of pressed aluminum which reduces body joints. Customers will be able to select an aluminum or panoramic glass roof. The F-Type Coupé will be available in 3 trim and performance levels. There will be the base F-Type Coupé, the F-Type S Co…

November 20th, 2013 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com It is not a new Corvette Stingray or a Cadillac CTS-V, but but for truck guys, one of the more hotly anticipated debuts coming at the LA International Auto Show is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado marks the return of the U.S. Domestic auto makers to the mid-size truck market after a few years absence. A redesign of the Colorado sold overseas, the 2015 Colorado for North America sports a new Chevrolet family face that will look familiar if you've seen a Chevy Malibu lately. The new Colorado comes standard with a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder sporting 193 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The op…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 20, 2013 This is the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA45 AMG, which is a way of saying this is a lighly-veiled concept of the GLA45 AMG that will be coming within the next couple of years. The Concept GLA45 AMG uses the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder as found in the CLA45 AMG. Boasting 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive; the Concept GLA45 AMG can hit 60 MPH in less than five seconds. Aside from the livery with the number 45, the concept has number of exterior changes such as a rear spoiler, side sills, new front end, and a set of twenty-one all…

Luxury crossovers and SUVs were a dominant feature at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Here is a recap of the releases from the show. 2018 Lexus RX-L The Details: Lexus has been the leader in the mid-size luxury crossover segment since it was birthed. Where Lexus missed was in offering a 3-row version of their hot seller. Surprisingly belatedly, Lexus finally came through by extending the RX 4.3 inches and updating the roofline to stuff a 3rd row in the back. Powertrain carries over from the standard RX with a 290 hp V6 standard for the RX 350L and the 308 hp Hybrid available only on the RX 450hL. Why it Matters: It is surprising that Lexus took this long to add …

by Drew Dowdell Porsche unveiled its fifth model line, the Macan, today at the LA Auto Show. Available in two models, the Macan is Porsche's attempt to create a sports car in the compact crossover segment. Porsche sees a growing market for Hi-Po grocery-getters. The Macan S is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 340 horsepower and can accelerate the car to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat. If that doesn't get your groceries home fast enough, you can opt for the Macan Turbo which packs a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 pumping out 400 horsepower and enabling a 4.4 second sprint to 60. Both models feed the power to Porsche's 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and then out to all …

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 20, 2013 The Hyundai Elantra has been on sale for the past three with not many changes to it. The model has done ok in the sales charts, but it's beginning to look somewhat stale with fresh models coming in. Hyundai decided it was time for a refresh of the Elantra. The result of the refresh was shown at the LA Auto Show today. Most of the changes for the 2014 Elantra focus on the sedan. Starting off on the exterior, Hyundai gave the Elantra sedan new front and rear fascias, projector headlights with LED accent lighting, and wrap-around taillights. There is a chrome accent along the beltline and new set of alloy …

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 20, 2013 Hyundai has decided to amp up the Veloster lineup a bit more by introducing a new R-Spec for the Veloster Turbo at the LA Auto Show today. The 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec is aimed at buyers who want to have fun tuning a vehicle without spending a lot money. The Veloster Turbo R-Spec sees a number of mechanical changes to make much more sporty. It begins with a sports suspension which packs retuned springs and a stiffer transmission mount. A six-speed manual is paired with a B&M Racing Sport Shifter. The only item that doesn't see a change is the 1.6L Turbo GDI four-cylinder. That will still produce …

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 21, 2013 Alongside the new GT-R NISMO, Nissan's performance arm had a couple more surprises up its sleeve at LA Auto Show. First up was a more powerful Juke NISMO called the NISMO RS. The Juke NISMO RS takes the standard Juke's turbocharged and direct-injected 1.6L four-cylinder and boosts it to produce 215 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque (211 horsepower and 184 pound-feet when equipped with all-wheel drive and the CVT). This is due to a remapped ECU, stronger connecting rods, and a new exhaust. Transmissions include a six-speed manual with a stronger clutch cover and dual-mass flywheel, or Nissan's Xtr…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 21, 2013 The 2015 Kia K900 which debuted at the LA Auto Show this week brings a number of firsts for the Korean automaker. Their first rear-drive vehicle Their first V8 powered vehicle Their first heads-up display Their first rear cross-traffic alert system Their first pre-collision warning system Their first name which sounds like part that you get for dishwasher (ok, maybe not) The K900 looks to be a larger Cadenza in design. The two models share elements, such as a large front grille, headlights, and even the wheels. As for size, the K900 is about the same size as the Hyundai Equus, riding on …