LA Auto Show

What might have been one of the worst-kept secrets in the automotive world has finally been revealed today at the LA Auto Show. This is the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider which is the result of the partnership between Fiat and Mazda. You might remember this vehicle was originally destined for Alfa Romeo a few years back, before Alfa decided to do their own Spider and the project was shifted to Fiat. The first thing you notice about the 124 Spider is the polarizing design. Fiat says the design pays homage to the original 124 Spider from the sixties with an upright front end and rounded headlights. Towards the back is an oddly shaped trunk lid and rectangular taillights. …

At the 2015 LA Auto Show today, Buick unveiled the 2017 Buick LaCrosse. Using a phrase that was once a selling point for cars in the 1950, Buick released details on the Lacrosse for 2017 to make it longer, lower, and wider. but unlike the 1950s, Buick is now adding "lighter" to the list. The 2017 LaCrosse's chassis drops 300 lbs from the outgoing model, yet through the use of stronger steel, the chassis is stronger. Some of the weight loss also comes from new materials used in Buick's Quiet Tuning process that are lower in weight. With that weight loss, Buick expects the 2017 to be more fuel efficient than it's predecessor. Adding to the fuel economy gain is a new…

Hyundai has rolled out the sixth-generation Elantra at the LA Auto Show today and while it might not look different on the outside, the inside and under the skin hold some massive changes. Let's begin with the exterior. The basic shape is still the same, but Hyundai has made some changes to make the body more aerodynamic. One of those changes is air curtains in the front to reduce wind resistance. Up front is a new hexagonal grille seen on the company's crossovers and new HID headlights with LED daytime running lights. Inside, Hyundai has lifted the dashboard from the larger Sonata and put it into the Elantra. This layout provides easy access to the various contro…

Nissan released refreshed versions of their Nissan Maxima sports sedan and their Nissan Murano Crossover at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show this week. Both vehicles move to Nissan's latest version of the V-Motion styling theme. First up, the 2019 Nissan Maxima goes on sale in just a few weeks. The updated V-Motion grille and signature accent lighting contribute to an aggressive style. Styling inside is mostly carryover, however, some new materials and finishes have been added. On the safety front, the 2019 Maxima adds available Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of 6 driver assist technologies that help to avoid a crash. Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergenc…

After just 4 years, Mercedes-Benz has refreshed the AMG GT for the 2020 model year. A new programmable coil over setup allows for more agile handling depending on track conditions. As in professional motorsport, the driver is not only able to set the spring preload length mechanically, but can now also adjust the compression and rebound of the dampers. Both axels get adjustable torsion bars with carbon fiber up front and hollow-tube steel in back. The engines options are: Model Year 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Mercedes-AMG GTC Mercedes-AMG GTR/ Mercedes-AMG GTRPRO Displacement 3982 cc …

Following in the footsteps of the Volvo XC70 Cross Country, the Swedish automaker has revealed another wagon that isn't afraid to go off the beaten path. The 2015.5 Volvo V60 Cross Country will be debuting at 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. Compared to the standard V60, the V60 Cross Country features 2.6-inches more of ground clearance and a set of skid plates for the front and rear. Body modifications for the V60 Cross Country include side scuff plates, fender extensions, and exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper. A choice of either eighteen or nineteen-inch wheels finish off the exterior. Power will come from a turbocharged 2.5L inline-five prod…

You might be surprised that the current Mazda CX-9 crossover has been around for close to decade. So it seems right that Mazda has introduced the second-generation CX-9 at the LA Auto Show today. Not surprisingly, the CX-9 follows Mazda's Kodo design language with sharp lines and creases throughout. Think CX-5 in a larger size and you have the design of the CX-9 down. Inside, Mazda is stepping up its game. There is real Japanese rosewood and aluminum accents used throughout the interior, and you can option Nappa leather for the seats. The latest version of Mazda's infotainment system is there, complete with control knob. But the big news for the CX-9 is what's…

Lush is usually used to describe luxury products like bath towels or face cream, and not typically used for vehicles. However, lush is exactly the word I would use I would use to describe the new 2020 Lincoln Aviator. Instead of trying to be an all-out sports crossover like most of the European competition, Lincoln keeps true to its Quiet Luxury promise with a coddling and yes lush interior. While there are hints of the lushness of Lincoln interiors in the Continental, Lincoln really dialed up the luxury lushness for the Navigator and repeated that act on the Aviator. The seats are supple and highly adjustable. The controls look classy, modern, and retro all at the…

Mitsubishi is updating the Mirage economy hatchback for 2017. It gets a refreshed exterior along with some interior and technology updates. Likely the most important change to buyers will be the addition of Android Auto and Apple Car play in the infotainment system. With the addition of these two technologies, buyers have an inexpensive way to add features like Navigation and Apps to their car, features that are not often found in vehicles at the Mirage's low price point. The exterior changes are light with an updated front end and rear bumper. The 3-cylinder engine remains the only power plant, but with a slight bump in power to 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torq…

It takes years to build an icon. Think of the Volkswagen Beetle or the Ford Mustang; both icons in their own right, but both with decades of history behind them. Kia seems to understand this formula with the Kia Soul. The 2020 Kia Soul keeps all of the original recipe of being a quirky looking, convenient vehicle and updates the look to a more modern image. Kia has done a good job here of not messing with success. The new front fascia, different on each major trim level, has a more aggressive but still friendly look. The rear tail lights wrap over the roof and back around giving the appearance of a rear hoop (Hampster wheel maybe?) On most trims, the car has a lo…

Press Release HONDA RUINS LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW WITH STEP BUS CONCEPT LOS ANGELES, Nov. 29, 2006 – Designed around city nightlife and high energy lifestyles, the Honda Step Bus Concept represents the ultimate expression of Honda packaging prowess with a mid-engine design and a fully maximized and quickly adaptable interior. The highly configurable, high-tech interior provides ultimate urban utility from the outside in. Sliding front doors with a space efficient design let people enter and exit in tight spaces. Although micro in exterior size, the cavernous interior can harbor large amounts of band equipment, sports gear and other bulky items. “Following the traditio…

Mitsubishi gives the Outlander Sport a last minute makeover for 2016. The move updates the Outlander Sport to more closely resemble its big brother the Mitsubishi Outlander. Under the new do, the Outlander Sport's hardware carries over. On the inside, there is a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment 6.1 inch screen. No word on an official on-sale date, but we have to assume it will be soon as it is a 2016 model year. Mitsubishi Press Release on Page 2 Source: Mitsubishi Media You can follow all of our coverage of the 2015 LA Auto Show here or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ DYNAMIC DESIGN ENHANCES MITSUBISHI MOT…

The common thought today is that the sedan market in the U.S. is dying. If that's the case, the 2020 Toyota Corolla hasn't given any reasons that it should stick around. While styling could be considered bolder over the prior model, it is still bland in person. Front and rear facias nearly mirror each other in a Studebaker-like "is it coming or going?" way. The styling of the interior hasn't changed in any significant way though the materials are somewhat improved. Mediocre engine choices, unlike the 2020 Kia Soul, leave little to be excited over. The addition of a hybrid option is interesting, but only for people who think the Prius is too fugly to drive, other…

Went to LAIAS today - and my eyes are still dazzled by the shiny paint, chrome, and display lighting. Glitzy environments like today's make cars seem more or less the same. Most automakers have improved their line-ups to the point very few vehicles have noticeable flaws. Most cars were "nice" - but few stood out as being particularly amazing. GM The standout from GM was the 9-5. It's a very attractive design that manages to look exotic and unique without being flashy and vulgar. Pictures don't do it justice. Speaking of Saab, they were the only GM division that was properly branded - they had a bright, icy cool Scandinavian exhibit with its own display floor. Buick, GM…

Unlike the 2020 Toyota Corolla, Mazda didn't let the dog eat their homework. Mazda is serious about making itself into a premium Japanese brand and the Mazda 3 is just the latest proof of that. The 3 is equipped with one of the largest displacement base engines in the segment without relying on laggy turbo-chargers. While power figures haven't been released yet, we expect them to be around the 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque that engine currently produces when purchased in the CX-5 and 6. Power without lag is a luxury these days and the 3 should deliver that in spades. Sometime late next year, Mazda will be introducing an HCCI version (think diesel te…

Jaguar has decided that the F-Type R Coupe needed some sharper claws. So at the LA Auto Show in a couple of weeks, the British luxury automaker will reveal an all-wheel drive version of the F-Type R Coupe. That means that 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque will now be flowing to all four wheels. Performance figures stand at 3.9 seconds for the run to 60 MPH and limited top speed of 186 MPH. What Jaguar is keeping quiet on is whether or not the all-wheel drive system will be available on the F-Type convertible or Supercharged V6 models. We'll likely learn about that in a couple of weeks. Jaguar also announced a new partnership with the Bloodhound SSC World Land …

It is not as big as it looks, it is front wheel drive, the front end is polarizing, but Hyundai just might show the world that persistence pays off. This is their third try at a full-size 3-row SUV, but this might be the one that makes it stick. When I first saw the pictures of the Palisade, I thought it might be as big as a Nissan Armada but in person is a different story. In real terms it is smaller inside than a Honda Pilot or Chevy Traverse. Materials inside feel high quality and the design is attractive. If Hyundai used another vehicle for a template of the interior, the Buick Enclave is probably it. The exterior is much edgier. With big SUV looks and e…

By now, you would think that we wouldn't be surprised when Kia rolls out a very stylish vehicle. You would be wrong as jaws dropped when Kia unveiled the 2017 Sportage at the LA Auto Show yesterday. Now Kia has shown off the Sportage at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September. But if you missed or forgot about it, here is what you need to know. The Sportage's exterior is all new from the ground up with a more aggressive look. The front boast's Kia's most polarizing take on the Tiger nose with an upright design. Quad-beam foglights and new headlights finish the front. Size-wise, the 2017 Sportage is about 1.6 inches longer and rides on a wheelbase that is 1.2 inches…

The Lincoln MKC crossover has been around for a few years with no major changes. That changes next week as the company will be unveiling a refreshed version at the LA Auto Show next week. The biggest change for the 2019 MKC is the loss of the split-wing grille. In its place is a new grille that looks like it was lifted from the new Navigator. Other exterior changes include new LED headlights, a smoother hood shape, and extra chrome details for the rear. Lincoln has also added a number of active safety features for the 2019 MKC. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning come standard on all models. Optional safety equipment includes lane keep alert,…

Auto show season is upon us and that usually means that leaks are bound to happen. Case in point is Road and Track which published, and subsequently pulled an article revealing the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V. But this being the age of internet, Road and Track's info and pictures made onto to other sites (like the one you're reading). The car shown here is very much the same that spy photographers caught only a few weeks back. However these studio shots give us a much better look of what to expect. The front sports a mean look with black mesh grille and heat extractor on the hood. Around back is a spoiler and a set of quad exhausts. Those looking for a bit more aggression will b…

Ahead of the LA Auto Show next week, Scion released details today of their Scion iM concept. The iM is a 5-door hatchback with looks that Scion says are inspired by the European racing circuit. The concept rides on 19" forged wheels surrounding 4 piston callipers with front vented disk brakes. The suspension is height adjustable. What this means to you: The Scion iM concept is based on a car sold in the European market as the Toyota Auris. Toyota swapped out the logo for a Scion badge. Expect a direct carry-over of the tamer Toyota Auris to be sold here in the US without the body-kit and wheels shown on the concept. The Scion iM concept will debut at the LA Auto Show …

Acura sent out a teaser shot of the refreshed and soon to be revealed 2016 Acura ILX sedan. Calling the refresh "substantially new", Acura is straddling the gap between "refreshed" and "all-new" with the ILX. While the ILX will remain on the same platform, the powertrain is new, the exterior has been more aggressively styled, and the interior has been upgraded. The ILX has never been the sales star Acura hoped for. In spite of tweaking the package multiple times since introduction, sales of the ILX are down over 16% year to date after moving only 20,430 units in 2013, its first full year on the market. Since going on the market, the ILX has gained competition from Audi …

Every auto show, someone is bound to hit the publish button a bit too early on a vehicle that hasn't had its embargo lifted. The latest one is the Mercedes-Benz CLS which was supposed to be revealed tomorrow at the LA Auto Show. However, the Australian outlet Motoring.com.au let the cat out of the bag by publishing their story early. Since then, the story has been taken off their site, but not before other sites were able to get the pictures and some key information. The 2019 CLS's design is a bit underwhelming. Yes, there is a new front that with a new grille design and front bumper borrowed from the AMG GT coupe, along with a new trunk lid from the S-Class coupe. B…

And for something completely different. Chevrolet is bringing a wild concept car to the LA Auto Show next week that will be a part of the Vision Gran Turismo, a program where automakers design concept cars that can be played in Sony's Gran Turismo racing game. Their entrant for Vision Gran Turismo is the Chevrolet Chaparral 2X VGT Concept. For those who aren't up on their racing history or were born after the 70's, the Chaparral name is key part in American racing. Founded by Hap Sharp and Jim Hall, Chaparral produced some of the widest race cars ever to hit racing circuits. The team would be known for their achievements in aerodynamics and ground effects, along with tak…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 1, 2013 Acura announced today that the second member of the RLX family, the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD will debut this month at the L.A. Auto Show. The Sport Hybrid will utilize a 3.5Ldirect-injected i-VTEC V6 engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a trio of electric motors to generate 377 horsepower, and get up to 30 MPG Highway. We'll have more info when the RLX Sport Hybrid is revealed on November 20th. Source: Acura Press Release is on Page 2 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD On Display at LA Auto Show RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is the most powerful and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever …

Volkswagen is bringing two high-performance concepts with a combined 897 horsepower to the Los Angeles Auto Show. First up, the Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept which packs 503 horsepower and 413 lb-ft under the hood. The transversely mounted 3.0 liter, twin-turbo V6 is capable of launching the 3,133 pound car to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Power is fed through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and out to all 4 wheels via Volkswagen's 4Motion system. Top speed is estimated at 192 mph. The GTI Roadster was originally shown in Austria last May and was designed as a 15-year anniversary car for the Sony Playstation game Vision Gran Turismo. A bit closer to reality, the Gol…

The updated 2019 MKC will not be Lincoln's only debut for the LA Auto Show. Yesterday, the automaker released a mysterious teaser video revealing that another model will make its debut on November 28th. We possibly know what that model is thanks to some leaked photos. A video made its way onto YouTube with a slideshow of photos of the updated MKX or what it will now be known as the Nautilus. Like the MKC, the Nautilus gets a new rectangular grille from the Navigator and LED headlights. Like the Continental, the Nautilus features nameplates on the door. The interior appears to be unchanged for the most part. We'll have more details on the Nautilus later today. …