Despite the global pandemic that led to cancellations, delays, and inconveniences across different industries, automakers descended upon California with an array of new vehicles at the official opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The show, which was recently concluded, ran for ten days over the Thanksgiving holiday and was a must-see for industry insiders, car enthusiasts, and consumers.
Over the past decade, the theme of the LA. Auto Show has evolved into green technology, electrification, and mobility innovation, and this year was no different. Both legendary and new automakers pulled the veil on some of the best new cars in different categories. That said, here are some of the best new cars from this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
8 Fisker Ocean
The long-awaited Fisker Ocean electric SUV has revealed its production specification ahead of its planned launch in 2022. The Ocean is one of the five Fisker models expected by 2025, and plans for the vehicle to hit the market in late 2022 or early 2023 are underway.
The Ocean will feature several innovative modes, including the California mode that creates a convertible-like feeling and a Hollywood mode that turns the 17.1 infotainment screen into a theater. With an accessible price tag of $40,000, Fisker has promised a range of up to 350 miles and a SolarSky roof that will recapture energy to extend mileage to as much as 1,500 miles over the year.
7 Hyundai Seven Concept
Hyundai unveiled the Seven Concept, an extension of the brand’s growing Ioniq EV model that hints at a future Santa Fe-sized battery-electric crossover. It’s unclear when the production vehicle will launch, but it eschews contemporary design and eco-friendly materials. It also hosts an air sterilization system to keep the SUV free of bacteria when not in use – it’ll be among the safest SUVs in the market when it officially enters showrooms.
The Seven Concept is built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform like the 2022 Ioniq 5 but wraps its mechanical pieces in a more conventional SUV shape. This platform allows a flat floor and a scalable wheelbase, creating many different models for various purposes.
6 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
The 718 Cayman appeared in its hottest disguise in the LA. Auto Show. The all-new GT4 RS will offer a lower curb weight, increased downforce, and uprated power than the existing GT4, promising quicker lap times and enhanced driving thrills.
At the heart of the new GT4 RS is a naturally aspirated flat-six engine used in the 911 GT3 Cup car and the road-going 911 GT3 that revs up to 9000 rpm and cranks a total of 493 horsepower. The best part, though, is the rear side windows have been replaced by cooling vents behind the front seats, which means it should sound fantastic from the driver’s seat.
5 Porsche Taycan GTS and Taycan Sport Turismo
Porsche presented an expansion of its electric vehicle lineup at the show in LA, with two new high-performing electric vehicles: the Taycan GTS Sedan and the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. The German automaker will use the GTS model to showcase a curated blend of performance and luxury. The new GTS models will use front and rear motors to produce a combined 590 horsepower.
In addition, the two models use an 800-volt architecture and a standard 93.4-kWh battery pack similar to the one used in the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S. Porsche didn’t disclose a range for the GTS models. Still, the 2021 Taycan Turbo, which offers the same Performance Battery, is estimated at 212 miles.
4 Toyota bZ4X
Toyota’s electrified joint effort with Subaru comes in the form of the 2023 bZ4X. The Toyota bZ4X will be the first in a string of EVs that the company will launch over the next three years. The bZ stands for “Beyond Zero,” which Toyota will use as a sub-brand for the EVs, while the 4X will represent its compact size as a crossover.
In addition, two- and four-wheel-drive variants will be available, with up to 214 horsepower and a range of up to 280 miles. The all-wheel-drive bZ4X will also get x-mode for off-road and a new “Grip Control” function that provides stable handling for off-road driving.
3 Subaru Solterra
Subaru won’t stop from being “Subaru” even as it transitions to electrification. The all-new Solterra EV, built alongside its twin, the Toyota bZ4X, may share similar exterior styling cues, though the Solterra eschews a distinct personality. This difference comes in the Solterra’s all-wheel drivetrain, the major mechanical difference between it and the bZ4X.
Powering the Subaru Solterra will be the dual-motor that delivers 215 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The futuristic-styled family SUV will offer an estimated range of 220 miles and two new X-mode for off-road capability – one for sand and dirt, the other for mud and deep snow.
2 Kia EV9 Concept
Kia unveiled the EV9 Concept with angles similar to those of the Soul but with a body of the Telluride. It features a nature-inspired design with several recycled materials. The Concept arrives in the wake of the marque’s announcement that it will go all-electric by 2035.
Like the previously revealed EV6, the EV9 will be built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform, which the automaker says it will serve as the basis of all planned EVs. The Concept has been described as an essential milestone in Kia’s sustainability strategy and will arrive in production as the brand’s flagship in 2024.
1 Mazda CX-50
Mazda is topping its game with the all-new SUV, the 2023 CX-50, which will sit between the smaller CX-30 and the CX-5 crossovers in the brand’s lineup. The CX-50 will provide an enhanced all-wheel drive for its consumers to rival Subaru’s all-wheel lineup, though it won’t have the off-road credentials. It will feature a slightly more robust platform for occasional pavement.
Two engine choices will be available, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine or a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine – both four cylinders and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The automaker didn’t disclose its output or fuel economy estimates, but all-wheel drive will be standard.