2013 Los Angeles Auto Show
Posted by:
Mark Bilek
2013 Los Angeles Auto Show
Los Angeles kicks off the auto show season each fall with a bang. All of the major players are here, poised to break out their latest wares for the car-starved public. Traditionally boasting numerous North American introductions, the LA Auto Show doesn’t always feature a lot of brand-new reveals. However, that’s not the case this year. Here are five of our favorites and one bonus pick. All of these vehicles will be at the Chicago Auto Show in just a few short months.
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW PICKS
2014 Fiat 500L: The punky little hatchback gets a four-door companion in 2013. The 2014 Fiat 500L is a full 26 inches longer than the two-door hatch. It’s also grown six inches taller and wider. The only engine that will be offered is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 horsepower. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic.
2014 Kia Forte: Seems like just yesterday that Kia took the cover off of its sporty compact at the Chicago Auto Show, but it’s got an all-new Forte ready for the 2014 model year. Sporting fresh styling inside and out, the new car is similar in size to the model it replaces. Two engines will be offered a 148-horsepower 1.8-liter four and a 2.0-liter mill that pumps out 173 horsepower. Kia says the new Forte will be packed with lots of standard equipment when it goes on sale this spring.
2014 Acura RLX: Acura replaces its flagship sedan and ads a letter to its moniker. Now dubbed the RLX, the new sedan sports all-new styling and a boat-load of technology and safety features. Power comes from a 310-horsepower V6 and gets to the ground through a six-speed automatic. Part of the redesign included cutting more than 250 pounds from the curb weight of the outgoing RL. Signature elements include LED head and tail lights. Cool features include Precision All-Wheel Steer, adaptive cruise control, Agile Handle Assist and a high-end Krell audio system.
2014 Ford Fiesta ST: Looking a little different than the diminutive subcompact upon which it is based, the new Fiesta ST packs a powerful punch. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine that boasts 197 horsepower and more than 210 pounds-feet of torque. Putting that power to the ground is a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive system with Torque Vectoring Control. Unique features include a new front fascia, chin spoiler and rear diffuser. It’s sure to be a show-stopper at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Image credit: Autoblog.
2014 Toyota RAV4: One of the best-selling compact crossovers is completely restyled for 2014. The Toyota RAV4 sports all-new styling inside and out and dumps its V6 engine option. Sole powertrain offering will be a 176-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder that mates to a six-speed automatic. Front- and all-wheel drive versions will be offered. Thankfully Toyota has ditched the side-opening tailgate for a more conventional top-hinged affair. Standard on all models is a Display Audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen with backup camera and Bluetooth connection.
Volvo S60 Polestar: Perhaps the most striking automobile at the LA Auto Show has somewhat humble beginnings. Starting out life as a humble Volvo S60, the Polestar gets a direct infusion of race-inspired technology. The brilliant blue sedan is fitted with a turbo 3.0-liter six that boots out a whopping 508 horsepower. A close ratio manual transmission sends power to a Haldex AWD system that distributes power to all four wheels. Foot to the floor, Volvo claims the Polestar will rush to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Want to buy one, better be prepared to part with about $300,000. Want to check it out in person? Then come to the 2013 Chicago Auto Show this February.
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