Comments:
Every year we head out to the L.A. Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown L.A. The convention center is huge, there's over 720,000 square feet of space and features a large meeting space and 300 seat auditorium theater. The center is divided into different sections: South Hall, West Hall, Kentia Hall, and Petree Hall. Adjacent to the property is L.A. Live and Staples Center (where our basketball teams the Lakers ( timeout.watchprosite.com ) and Clippers, the Kings hockey team ( timeout.watchprosite.com ) , concerts, and various events occur). In the past the auto show was always in January but the last few years they started it in December and now it's held in November. All the major manufacturers are here showcasing the latest in their product lines and debuts of concept cars are always anticipated.
As we enter the main lobby, we were greeted by the Mattel's Hotwheels cars. Now this ain't your typical 1/64th scale diecast vehicles that we all loved when we were growing up but full scale running cars! Checkout this cool hotrod with a skull frontend:
Next to it on display was an equally interesting buggy
Across the way was the folks from Nintendo. Mario greeted the visitors with his MarioKart
Gotta love a car with a propeller as an accessory! Watch out for those mushrooms!
As there's much to cover at the autoshow, I always head to the Porsche section first. Porsche displays their line up in a separate hall and usually doesn't disappoint.
The main feature for this year is the unveiling of the 911 Carrera S.
Porsche has the Tequipment that has all kinds of custom goodies to upgrade to.
A lot of positive comments on this cream white 911 Turbo convertible.
The Cayman S Black Edition
IMO, the Cayman is one of the nicest Porsche ever to be designed. Love the shape of the body and driving a mid engine is so much fun.
One car that got everyone's attention was this Boxster Spyder. In the past, they sold 'Speedster' humps that covered the convertible section from the tequipment accessories but this one is built in a unique way. T
For this variant, the rear window is back to the 1997-2002/3 plastic window
The rear brakelight is a cross bar design reminiscent of the Carrera GT
A close up of the convertible top attachment points:
-MW
As we headed over to the BMW booth, there was a large crowd gathered to view the i8 Concept car
Plug and play....
They also had a four door variant i3 to showcase.
Looks like it came right out of the TRON movie!
Audi has been putiing out some great designs recently (I'm a big fan of the A5/S5!) so this one was interesting, the Audi E-Tron
The turbine look wheels made the car seem like it can't wait to speed down the road
When you think an exotic car can;t get any cooler, there are tons of custom installers to soup up your ride
The matte black primer paint look has been popular recently but many out there are just wraps. Here's a real deal matte pain job professional executed on a RR.
The idea doesn;t sound right but in person it does look great. Good thing they black matted out the grill to go with the rest of the paint job.
Tons of carbon fiber on this Ferrari 458.
What do you think of this one? IMO, the matte red doesn't really work
Lexus fans drooled at the Lexus LF-A
Gotta love the spoiler and tri exhaust
If 4 seats is required, the Lexus IS-F is what you are looking for. The comfort of a sedan yet will rocket you like a sports car.
The eye catching Masretta MXT
This is stunner is designed and produced in Mexico which began production at the beginning of this year.
The 2 liter in-line 4 turbocharged engine outputs 240hp. Get in line as there are only about 150 of these being built each year.
Chasis of the Masretta sports car.
Bentley had a gorgeous 2012 Mulsanne
Since Los Angeles has such beautiful weather, convertibles are almost required when driving around town. I think we all can be content with one of these:
Old school suicide doors
Two tone on a Rolls Royce
One of the coolest cars at this year's show was the Lotus EVORA
The burgundy is nice but that dark grey in the back is beautiful. Yellow one for me please!
Jaguar had the C-X16 which uses an electric motor instead of a supercharger ti propel it to 0-62mph in 4.4sec and tops out at over 185+mph.
Mercedes AMG fans were pleased to see the C63 Black Series
A fellow PuristS picked up his SLS this year and loves it ( www.network54.com ). Not a fan of this green one but the interior chocolate brown is stunning
Aston Martin
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2011-12-05 09:23:46
More concept cars at the L.A. Autoshow:
Hyundai Veloster
It's amazing how Hyundai has evolved over the years, the cars that were once ridiculed but they have done so much in quality control, deisgn, and performance that it was no surprise that their booth was busy with visitors. If you haven't been into cars lately, definitely check out the Hyundai line, they might surprise you.
As a fellow PuristS mentioned ( timeout.watchprosite.com and timeout.watchprosite.com ) here's the Suburu BRZ concept. Check out the posts emntioned for more info and discussion.
Volvo YOU concept is a high tech vehicle with all kinds of electronic gasgets. eye sensors can detect when you are drowsy or activate features with eye movements. There's touchscreens galore in this one as is a Alpine 'air' sound system. The pretty rep didn't have a clue and couldn't really explain it but she did look nice trying.
Acura Police persuit vehicle. Man I hope that isn't a grenade launcher on the roof!
Everyone is trying to go green.
A funky Beetle R
KIA GT concept 4 door.
-MW
There's nothing like the sound of a V-8 American Muscle car and the ones here proves it.
Dodge Challenger is one car that gets the retro look perfectly. The colors do change and the 2012 orange is fantastic. I'm waiting for them to release a Detonator Yellow but I can easily live with this Header Orange one.
The Challenger comes in 3 lvels, a V-6 SXT, a Hemi R/T, and the top of the line Hemi SRT8
Ford Mustang
When you see the Shelby snake you know that this ain't an ordinary Mustang.
Cadaillac had the CIEL concept car
To continue the Hotwheels theme, here's a special edition Chevy Camaro Hotwheels edition.
and the Camaro SS Transformers edition, just like Bumblebee in the movie!
The convertible looks great!
Corvette had a race car at the Chevrolet booth
The 2012 ZR1 is a monster!
The supercharged LS8 engine blasts the 'Vette around the Nurburgring in 7mins and 19secs!
Form had a cool simulator that made everyone feel like a race car driver.
Anyone remeber the Tauras SHO from the 1989-1993? We'll it's back and better than ever.
The 2013 SHO has a twin turbo V6 that has 365 ponies waiting to be unleashed.
Morgan Aero SuperSport
Morgan 3 wheeled race car
LandRover
DC 100 Sport concept
L.A. Auto Show 2011
Los Angeles Auto Show 2011
Every year we head out to the L.A. Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown L.A. The convention center is huge, there's over 720,000 square feet of space and features a large meeting space and 300 seat auditorium theater. The center is divided into different sections: South Hall, West Hall, Kentia Hall, and Petree Hall. Adjacent to the property is L.A. Live and Staples Center (where our basketball teams the Lakers ( timeout.watchprosite.com ) and Clippers, the Kings hockey team ( timeout.watchprosite.com ) , concerts, and various events occur). In the past the auto show was always in January but the last few years they started it in December and now it's held in November. All the major manufacturers are here showcasing the latest in their product lines and debuts of concept cars are always anticipated.
As we enter the main lobby, we were greeted by the Mattel's Hotwheels cars. Now this ain't your typical 1/64th scale diecast vehicles that we all loved when we were growing up but full scale running cars! Checkout this cool hotrod with a skull frontend:
Next to it on display was an equally interesting buggy
Across the way was the folks from Nintendo. Mario greeted the visitors with his MarioKart
Gotta love a car with a propeller as an accessory! Watch out for those mushrooms!
As there's much to cover at the autoshow, I always head to the Porsche section first. Porsche displays their line up in a separate hall and usually doesn't disappoint.
The main feature for this year is the unveiling of the 911 Carrera S.
Porsche has the Tequipment that has all kinds of custom goodies to upgrade to.
A lot of positive comments on this cream white 911 Turbo convertible.
The Cayman S Black Edition
IMO, the Cayman is one of the nicest Porsche ever to be designed. Love the shape of the body and driving a mid engine is so much fun.
One car that got everyone's attention was this Boxster Spyder. In the past, they sold 'Speedster' humps that covered the convertible section from the tequipment accessories but this one is built in a unique way. T
For this variant, the rear window is back to the 1997-2002/3 plastic window
The rear brakelight is a cross bar design reminiscent of the Carrera GT
A close up of the convertible top attachment points:
-MW
L.A. Auto Show 2011 PART2
As we headed over to the BMW booth, there was a large crowd gathered to view the i8 Concept car
Plug and play....
They also had a four door variant i3 to showcase.
Looks like it came right out of the TRON movie!
Audi has been putiing out some great designs recently (I'm a big fan of the A5/S5!) so this one was interesting, the Audi E-Tron
The turbine look wheels made the car seem like it can't wait to speed down the road
When you think an exotic car can;t get any cooler, there are tons of custom installers to soup up your ride
The matte black primer paint look has been popular recently but many out there are just wraps. Here's a real deal matte pain job professional executed on a RR.
The idea doesn;t sound right but in person it does look great. Good thing they black matted out the grill to go with the rest of the paint job.
Tons of carbon fiber on this Ferrari 458.
What do you think of this one? IMO, the matte red doesn't really work
Lexus fans drooled at the Lexus LF-A
Gotta love the spoiler and tri exhaust
If 4 seats is required, the Lexus IS-F is what you are looking for. The comfort of a sedan yet will rocket you like a sports car.
The eye catching Masretta MXT
This is stunner is designed and produced in Mexico which began production at the beginning of this year.
The 2 liter in-line 4 turbocharged engine outputs 240hp. Get in line as there are only about 150 of these being built each year.
Chasis of the Masretta sports car.
Bentley had a gorgeous 2012 Mulsanne
Since Los Angeles has such beautiful weather, convertibles are almost required when driving around town. I think we all can be content with one of these:
Old school suicide doors
Two tone on a Rolls Royce
One of the coolest cars at this year's show was the Lotus EVORA
The burgundy is nice but that dark grey in the back is beautiful. Yellow one for me please!
Jaguar had the C-X16 which uses an electric motor instead of a supercharger ti propel it to 0-62mph in 4.4sec and tops out at over 185+mph.
Mercedes AMG fans were pleased to see the C63 Black Series
A fellow PuristS picked up his SLS this year and loves it ( www.network54.com ). Not a fan of this green one but the interior chocolate brown is stunning
Aston Martin
This message has been edited by DRMW on 2011-12-05 09:23:46
love the custom RR!!!
first time i have seen one...the rapper in me responding accordingly.
btw, the green merc is the SLS i think, not SLR.
the Porky Boxster Spyder initially looks bit weird, but i gradually can understand the shape...but whats the logic behind it? just hood folding into a flat or lumped(aka Speedster style) back.
best,
Horo
you're right....
sp fixed, thanks.
The Boxster Spyder is an homage to the original concept Boxster and past Porsche's like the 550, the top doesn't fold like the regular car it has to be manually removed so it retains that speedster look. The logic is to have a light weight (aluminum doors, 19" wheels that are lighter than stock, carbon back seats, smaller gas tank to save even more weight, enhanced aerodynamics for higher performance,etc)
-MW
The Boxster Spyder is an homage to the original concept Boxster and past Porsche's like the 550, the top doesn't fold like the regular car it has to be manually removed so it retains that speedster look. The logic is to have a light weight (aluminum doors, 19" wheels that are lighter than stock, carbon back seats, smaller gas tank to save even more weight, enhanced aerodynamics for higher performance,etc)
-MW
L.A. Auto Show 2011 PART3
More concept cars at the L.A. Autoshow:
Hyundai Veloster
It's amazing how Hyundai has evolved over the years, the cars that were once ridiculed but they have done so much in quality control, deisgn, and performance that it was no surprise that their booth was busy with visitors. If you haven't been into cars lately, definitely check out the Hyundai line, they might surprise you.
As a fellow PuristS mentioned ( timeout.watchprosite.com and timeout.watchprosite.com ) here's the Suburu BRZ concept. Check out the posts emntioned for more info and discussion.
Volvo YOU concept is a high tech vehicle with all kinds of electronic gasgets. eye sensors can detect when you are drowsy or activate features with eye movements. There's touchscreens galore in this one as is a Alpine 'air' sound system. The pretty rep didn't have a clue and couldn't really explain it but she did look nice trying.
Acura Police persuit vehicle. Man I hope that isn't a grenade launcher on the roof!
Everyone is trying to go green.
A funky Beetle R
KIA GT concept 4 door.
-MW
L.A. Auto Show 2011 PART4
There's nothing like the sound of a V-8 American Muscle car and the ones here proves it.
Dodge Challenger is one car that gets the retro look perfectly. The colors do change and the 2012 orange is fantastic. I'm waiting for them to release a Detonator Yellow but I can easily live with this Header Orange one.
The Challenger comes in 3 lvels, a V-6 SXT, a Hemi R/T, and the top of the line Hemi SRT8
Ford Mustang
When you see the Shelby snake you know that this ain't an ordinary Mustang.
Cadaillac had the CIEL concept car
To continue the Hotwheels theme, here's a special edition Chevy Camaro Hotwheels edition.
and the Camaro SS Transformers edition, just like Bumblebee in the movie!
The convertible looks great!
Corvette had a race car at the Chevrolet booth
The 2012 ZR1 is a monster!
The supercharged LS8 engine blasts the 'Vette around the Nurburgring in 7mins and 19secs!
Form had a cool simulator that made everyone feel like a race car driver.
Anyone remeber the Tauras SHO from the 1989-1993? We'll it's back and better than ever.
The 2013 SHO has a twin turbo V6 that has 365 ponies waiting to be unleashed.
L.A. Auto Show 2011 PART5
Morgan Aero SuperSport
Morgan 3 wheeled race car
LandRover
DC 100 Sport concept
L.A. Auto Show 2011 PART6
At the show were plenty of compact cars. MOPAR had a tuned
FIAT
A turbocharged 1.4L FIAT 500 Abarth
Nissan's version for the top down experience.
John Cooper Works tuned Mini had the attention of the crowd, it's just a fun little car and tricked out like this one, it's a blast!
Clean on this aisle, some spilled a lot of pain over a car....oh wait, it's a peacock inspired paint job.
Checkout the doors on the DOKING XD Croatian designed concept car. It's a three seater Electric Vehicle that is supposed to do 0-60 in under 5sec acording to the rep I spoke to.
I'm not a fan of EV's but if they start to look like this, I'd want one!
-MW
A turbocharged 1.4L FIAT 500 Abarth
Nissan's version for the top down experience.
John Cooper Works tuned Mini had the attention of the crowd, it's just a fun little car and tricked out like this one, it's a blast!
Clean on this aisle, some spilled a lot of pain over a car....oh wait, it's a peacock inspired paint job.
Checkout the doors on the DOKING XD Croatian designed concept car. It's a three seater Electric Vehicle that is supposed to do 0-60 in under 5sec acording to the rep I spoke to.
I'm not a fan of EV's but if they start to look like this, I'd want one!
-MW
Awesome show. Sure beats the TMS
I went to the Tokyo Motor Show the other day. Nowhere near as good as this one in LA. Just superb!
Thanks for posting.
L.A. Auto Show 2011 PART7
Although the L.A. Autoshow highlights the latest and greatest, the
classic cars are always nice to
see
A show winning Ranchero
Hot Rod legend Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth's Rat Fink
his iconic 1923 Ford T Bucket 'Tweety Pie'
A Pair of classic MB's
A beautiful Ford Mustang Mach 1
-MW
A show winning Ranchero
Hot Rod legend Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth's Rat Fink
his iconic 1923 Ford T Bucket 'Tweety Pie'
A Pair of classic MB's
A beautiful Ford Mustang Mach 1
-MW
you and me both!
I really want the Detonator Yellow from 2010 but this Header Orange is perfect. Dodge usually releases a special color (Plum Crazy or Green with Envy) and the SRT8 has the Yellow Bee edition so hopefully they allow that paint to go on a R/T.
-MW
-MW
awesome reporting DRMW!
and you hit all the ones that I really cared about anyhow and saved me the Parking and entrance fee..LOL!
What's with the Volvo concepts styling? and nice to see the Morgan revived..
I used to enjoy a day at the Auto Show, now I have your coverage.
Thanks!
Once Again
thank you for your coverage on this....saved me 20+hrs of flight time. I believe this is as good as it gets.
Cheers
Cheers
re: once again
Glad to hear you enjoyed the pics for the L.A. Autoshow. Did you have a favorite for 2011? The Camaro convertible was awesome.
-MW
-MW
touch choice
simple reason is i love a lot of the cars that were photographed...but if i had to choose 1, i would think the SLS is a keeper for the long run.
Cheers
Cheers
Awesome coverage Ming.
Fully agree on the Dodge Challenger. It is obviously en vogue for manufacturers to reproduce their older models, and IMO none is as successful as the Challenger. I would love to drive one of the SRT8s.
I'm sure Tracie will be happy to hear her friends were there
I'm sure Tracie will be happy to hear her friends were there
re: Awesome
They have announced a SRT8 Yellow Bee, hopefully they get one near you so that you can play with it.
Please say hello to 'T' for us, let her know Mario and Luigi was ready with a Kart for her in L.A.!
-MW
Please say hello to 'T' for us, let her know Mario and Luigi was ready with a Kart for her in L.A.!
-MW
I'm liking the new 911
The rear end of the new 911 looks really good. And that Lotus Evora is sweet! Gotta check that one out. Thanks for the report DRMW.
Regards,
ED-209
Regards,
ED-209
Drooling !!!!!
My 2 favourite: Audi & BMW concept.
The Range Rover Evoque is the favourite car in Malaysia - long queue even it costs approx. USD110k for diesel & USD113k for petrol.
Thanks Ming.
Regards
Ling
re: drooling!!!
One of my friends is looking for a new car and will probably end up with the Evoque. Are there many Audi R8's in Malaysia?
-MW
-MW