2020 wreaked havoc on the auto industry, with one of the biggest turns being the cancellation of scores of auto shows. They're trying to get back on track and that includes traditionally one of the biggest, the L.A. Auto Show. Originally scheduled for May, the show was bumped up again but finally ready to get going November 19 to 28. While some big companies are sitting out, this year's auto show will still boast some top draws to get folks in the doors.
While auto shows themselves are seemingly on the downturn, there's still a lot to check out here. Some models will be making their big debuts, including some huge concepts that have been buzzed about for a time. There are also some exciting touches to remind you why auto shows are so special. With it about to begin, here are ten things to look forward to that will make the return of the L.A. Auto Show is a big deal for the industry.
10 The Test Tracks Are Amazing
While the auto show has taken its lumps, one thing it always has going for it is the potential for test-driving cars. This year, the L.A. Auto Show is amping that up with two great courses. The outdoor one is designed for rugged models like the Ford Bronco Wild to show off how they handle off-road terrain.
Much bigger is the new 55,000-square-foot EV Test track designed solely for electric vehicles. This allows multiple charging stations and the chance for non-EV folks to try these rides out. This alone makes the L.A. Auto Show a standout for those who want to ride these new models before anyone else.
9 Porsche Unveils Five Models
Porsche's big debuts are a late addition to the show's schedule. The biggest is the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which has been spotted tearing up the test circles at Nürburgring with times in the 7-minute range. While the camouflaged form looks good, this will be the debut of the full thing.
Also, Porsche will show off the Panamera Platinum edition, a new Taycan GTS, and the already announced, upcoming Cayman GT4 RS and Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, alongside showing off the Mission R. Details are tight until the debuts, but anything from Porsche should be an eye-opener.
8 Mazda's CX-50
While technically already revealed, the latest Mazda offering will be showcased in full at the Auto Show. The CX-50 is the first offering of the new partnership of Mazda and Toyota, the first car built at their dual plant in Alabama and their first splash at an auto show.
So far, it looks like it's living up to the hype with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a turbocharge (full specs will be available at the Show). Also, a hybrid model is coming down the line. The exterior is rugged yet smooth enough to handle and promises a great ride when it goes on sale next year.
7 BMW's Super Scooter
While it had its official debut in July, this will be the first chance North American crowds have to see BMW's new scooter offering in person. The CE 04 looks like something out of a cyberpunk adventure as the 60.6Ah, 147.6V lithium-ion battery pack combines with the liquid-cooled, permanent magnet synchronous motor for 42 hp and a top speed close to 80 mph.
It also boasts great storage and tech to help the performance along. BMW expects to put this in production soon and the show offers a chance for another nation to get a jump start on orders.
6 An Electric Revolution
If there's one big change in the automotive world, it's that electric cars are no longer a niche market. The L.A. Auto Show is set to feature a stunning number of EV vehicles from a gamut of companies, all vying to dominate this genre. Aside from the big guns of Toyota and Porsche, the smaller companies are vying for attention. Chinese-owned EdisonFuture will debut an all-electric van called the EF1-V and an electric truck called the EF1-T.
LA-based Biliti Electric Inc. will show a tiny three-wheeled GMW Taskman. Southern California-based Mullen Automotive will debut the FIVE electric SUV. Those are just some of the models that prove the EV wars are just getting started and smaller companies hoping to make a big impact.
5 Kia's EV9
Kia has long used the L.A. Auto Show for some fun debuts, and their latest will be the EV9. This new electric "microbus" has been teased in images that show a truly boxy shape, which is likely to change before it goes into full production.
There's also the oddly designed steering wheel with a long gauge screen more seamless than current Kia models. Kia has been pushing the EV style more and seeing the full version of the EV9 on display will be a step up for the popular company.
4 Hyundai's Seven Concept Tease
Hyundai has been teasing this for a while and is now set to fully debut what's called the IONIQ 7. It's the first all-electric SUV under the IONIQ brand and is set to continue the combination of cutting-edge technology and luxury that's made the line so popular.
Glimpses so far have included the amazing Pixelated" front fascia and an interior that looks more like an upscale mansion's living room. The actual specs won't be revealed yet, but the full Seven Concept is as good as the teases, then this is going to be a fantastic reveal.
3 Subaru Solterra EV To Debut
It's taken a while, but Subaru is finally joining the EV game. The Solterra is set to debut at the L.A. Auto Show and while some claim it's practically the same thing as the Toyota bZ4X, there are enough unique touches to set it apart. The e-TNGA platform is the same, they used sheet metal, but the Solterra will have all-wheel-drive and that Subaru styling with better interiors.
It also has similar specs of a 355 volt 71.4 kWh battery pack offering 286 to 329 miles of "cruising range," with a two-wheel-drive variant eking out the higher figure. So while it may seem a copy, it's still going to be interesting seeing Subaru take a jump into the EV world.
2 VinFast Shows The Future
To be frank, when one thinks of groundbreaking cars, Vietnam isn't who comes to mind. VinFast is hoping to change that by unveiling two EVs at the show. The VF e35 and VF e36 push the company's mantra of "the Future of Mobility" and also try to have the company make an impact to go public.
It's a huge test for not just the company but its nation trying to step up in the industry and a tough field. If nothing else, the curiosity in this product alone will get attention.
1 Fisker's Ocean SUV Finally Appearing
Among the bigger models to be delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fisker Ocean SUV is set to finally make its debut, a year before it's scheduled for full production release. There's a lot riding on the California carmaker as it rose from the ashes of Fisker Automotive and needs to make a big splash.
The Ocean is getting attention with the solar paneling on the roof and the promise of a battery pack up to 80 miles and nearly 300 miles on a full charge along with 300 hp. Fisker the Ocean leads to a nice ride for the company.
Sources: laautoshow.com, jalopnik.com, motor1.com, caranddriver.com