LA Auto Show Preview: Comments

[Drew Dowdell]

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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 abundance. Scroll through our gallery to check out what's on tap this year.

First Up - Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz

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Cadillac

The Art and Science brand will be bringing the ATS-V Coupe, the ATS-V.R Race Car and we're expecting an updated Cadillac ELR that will showcase updated drive technology. From the pictures of the ATS-V that leaked out earlier this month, the Cadillac's newest high performance car looks like a strong contender in its segment. Cadillac announced in the release for the ATS-V.R that the ATS-V would also be available in sedan form.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes will be showing the full-zoot model of S-Class which also brings back the Maybach moniker. No longer it's own brand name, Maybach is the designation for the top end S600. We may even hear something more about Mercedes changing some of the model names in their lineup. Mercedes has something else on the schedule as well, but we don't know what it is yet. Stay tuned for updates.

Next Up - Volkswagen and Volvo

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen is one of the horsepower kings at this year's LA Auto Show, bringing two concepts that pack a combined 897 horsepower. One one of the concepts has a shot at production, which VW has already hinted is a possibility. We'll let you guess which of the two that is. Also making an appearance is the Golf R Variant (Sportswagen to you and I) We'll have updates on these two concepts along with the Golf R from the show floor later this week, in the meantime you can check out the VW Concepts LA Auto Show Preview article, Golf R Variant article, and galleries.

Volvo

Volvo is taking up arms against the Audi A4 Allroad and Subaru Outback with the new Volvo V60 Cross Country. The V60 Cross Country packs a 250 horsepower turbocharged inline-five and 2.6 inches of ground clearance. We will update you with pictures from the show later this week, but in the meantime you can check out the gallery in the article for shots from Volvo.

Next Up - Scion and Acura

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Scion

Scion is showing up with their Scion iM Concept. The iM is essentially a Toyota Auris sold in the European Market with racier body hardware and wheels. In fact, in production, the iM will likely be virtually identical in appearance to the EU model.. so we included it in the gallery of the Scion iM Concept

Acura

Acura is bringing a refreshed version of the Acura ILX. Not quite all-new, the ILX rides on the same platform as the current model but has been heavily reworked inside and out. Under the hood resides a new powertrain. Details have not been released yet on powertrain numbers, but we will have them here as they are released.

Next Up - Chevrolet and Ford

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Chevrolet

Chevrolet is bringing two cars to LA, one of which is the Chaparral 2X VGT Concept under the cover in the teaser picture below. The Chaparral is part of a program where manufacturers design concept cars to be used in Sony's Gran Turismo racing game. This is part of the same program that Volkswagen participated in when designing the Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept also being shown in LA. We're still not sure about Chevy's second reveal, but we'll update this as soon as we find out.

Ford

The loudest news from Ford out of the LA Auto Show is undoubtedly the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang, and with a 5.2 liter V8 under the hood producing over 500 horsepower from a fast revving flat-plane V8, who could blame them? But the more meaningful to the masses reveal will likely be the updated Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer pictures and details haven't been released yet, but you can salve your anticipation there with the pictures of the Shelby GT350 Mustang in the meantime.

Next Up - What Else To Look Forward To

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Here are some of the other expected manufacturer reveals that are coming:

Mazda - We expect Mazda to show refreshed/redesigned versions of the CX-5, and Mazda6. The CX-3 will be new while the CX-5 and Mazda6 get mild updates.

Chrysler - Expect an update to the Chrysler 300, however it will not be as big of a face lift externally as the Dodge Charger was at the 2014 New York Auto Show, you can hope for a substantially upgraded interior though.

Porsche - GTS versions of the 911 and Cayenne. They will also show a Panamera Turbo S Executive Exclusive Series, of which only 100 will be built.

Maserati - Will be updating both the Ghibli and Quattroporte, though no press conference is scheduled at the show.

Honda - Honda will be showing the production version of the Honda HR-V. The pictures and press release are embargoed (We don't have them), but they're out there, so expect them to leak soon.

BMW - M versions of the X5 and X6.

Lexus - Lexus is showing the LF-C2 concept.

Jaguar - Jaguar is adding AWD to the F-Type R Coupe. Visually, it is identical to the current F-Type R Coupe.

Bentley - Bentley is showing off the Grand Convertible concept to gauge whether or not a Mulsanne drop-top could work.

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