The Expected and the Unexpected at the LA Auto Show
Published on Sat, Nov 16, 2019
By: Roy Nakano
While the crowds flock to see the Mustang Mach E and everyone has their cell phones watching clips of Tesla’s new electric truck unveiling, take the road less traveled to see the other new kids on the automotive block.
Above: Capitalizing on the popular movie “Ford v. Ferrari”, Ford displays the winning GT40 Mark II from the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans at the LA Auto Show (Nakano).
A lot of automotive news will be coming out of Los Angeles toward the end of November. At the Convention Center, the Los Angeles Auto Show organizers say there will be over 65 debuts—including 25 world debuts—and close to 1,000 vehicles on display.
Many of the debuts have been widely publicized, including the first look at Ford’s Mustang Mach E—an all-electric crossover SUV with model variations claimed to have a range of 300 miles and 0-60 mph performance in the 3-second territory.
Volkswagen did a lot of pre-show publicity for the introduction of its latest electric crossover concept, the ID. Space Vizzion. Looking a lot like a production-ready model, the Space Vizzion appears destined for sale in the United States.
And not to be out-done, Tesla will be introducing its long-awaited electric pick-up truck on November 21st—right in the middle of the LA Auto Show press previews, otherwise known as AutoMobility LA. Tesla will be unveiling the CYBRTRK at the SpaceX rocket facility across town.
While the crowds flock to see Ford’s Mustang Mach E and everyone will have their cell phones ready to witness the unveiling of Tesla’s Cybertruck, be sure to take the road less traveled to see the other new kids on the automotive block:
Alfa Romeo – The debut of the new-generation Giulia and Stelvio models
Audi – An all-electric e-tron Sportback and a new line of RS performance models, including the Audi RS 6 Avant
BMW – The Spinning Blue Propeller will introduce several new cars, but keep an eye out for the BMW Vision MNEXT Concept Vehicle (featured cover image above)
Bollinger – It’ll be the first auto show appearances of its radical B1 SUV and B2 pickup truck. Bollinger says both will carry dual motors, pack over 600 horsepower, go from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, have a range of 200 miles, and go for $125,000.Ford – See the aforementioned comments regarding the new Mustang Mach E.
Hyundai – The company says no less than five vehicles will be introduced, spanning the full spectrum from gas-powered to all-electric.
Infiniti – The company’s Edition 30 line makes its auto show debut. We’ll have to wait and see if this company finally enters the electrification market.
Karma – The phoenix-like return of Karma will showcase two vehicles: A production vehicle called the Revero GTS and the SC2 Vision Concept.
KIA – Unveiled a new crossover SUV, the Seltos.
Lexus – Several debut vehicles are slated, including a global premiere, but be sure to take a look at the Lexus LF-30 Concept
Mazda – The company introduces the CX-30 crossover SUV, which slots in between the CX-3 and the CX-5. “Why not call it the CX-4”, I asked. Because there’s already a CX-4 that’s popular in China, apparently.
Porsche – As usual, Porsche rolls out the red carpet at the LA Auto Show. Keep your eye open for its Formula E in Petree Hall.
RAM – Look out for RAM’s new ProMaster City, an interesting-looking addition to its line of commercial vehicles.
Subaru – The company says two will make their North American premiere.
Tesla – Despite its presence at last year’s LA Auto Show, there is no Tesla exhibit this time around. Instead, the company chose to unveil its latest offering, the Cybertruck, at its Space X facility across town. If you want to see the Cybertruck, there are tons of video clips within smart phone access for you to watch.
Toyota – Multiple reveals, including vehicles with new and alternative powertrain options, including the new RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid and the second-generation Mirai.
Volkswagen – Look for the global premiere of its latest all-electric concept, the ID. Space Vizzion and the auto show debut of the Atlas Cross Sport.
If you think this year’s LA Auto Show looks to be heavily skewed toward electric vehicles, you’re not alone. “Electrified Los Angeles” could be the show’s alternate title. Even the show’s president, Terri Toennie, admits as such:
“From a new product standpoint, electrification continues to be the big trend across the spectrum of automakers. While Los Angeles is all about car culture, it’s also a city that takes environmental consciousness seriously.”
Still, don’t rule out the presence of the almighty internal combustion engine at the LA show. Hot rodding was cultivated in Southern California, and it remains a hotbed of tuner activity. Be sure to leave time to see it in the convention center’s Kentia Hall.
THE WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW & WHY OF THE LA AUTO SHOW
When:
November 22-December 1, 2019
Where:
Los Angeles Convention Center
Why:
Los Angeles is car culture ground zero, and this is the Southland’s biggest car show of the year.
