How about some automotive eye candy, compliments of the L.A. Auto Show?
Posted by:
Mark Bilek
The Los Angeles Auto Show opened its doors to the public this past weekend - an event that symbolically kicks off the car-show season. While Chicagoans will have to wait a few more months until the nation's largest show opens up, we do get the benefit of the new vehicles introduced in both LA and Detroit. Add to that the dozen or so world intros Chicago boasts and you have the automotive equivalent of nirvana.
I'll keep my comments short and let the pictures do the talking. Let's hope all of these vehicles find their way to Chicago this coming February.
2014 Audi A3
Audi grows the A3 into a full-service entry-luxury compact offering with the addition of a sedan in 2014 and a convertible in 2015. After that there are plans to offer an e-tron plug-in hybrid hatch later in the 2015 model year.
2015 BMW i8
A Frankfort Motor Show into, the i8 appears on U.S. shores for the first time in LA. It gets a 213-hp gas engine powering the rear wheels and a 131-hp electric motor to drive the fronts. Gas-electric range is 310 mile and price tag is $135,000+.
Cadillac Elmiraj Concept
The only vehicle that merits two photos (in my opinion). The breathtaking ElMiraj Concept broke cover at Pebble Beach this past fall. It's simply striking. Cadillac, you must build this car!
2015 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevy returns to the midsize pickup segment with the 2015 Colorado. Three engines will be offered a 2.5-lliter four, 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four and 3.6-liter V6. No prices yet, but Colorado will come in WT, LT and Z71 trims.
Ford Edge Concept
Edge concept gives us a look at the next generation 5-passenger crossover from the Blue Oval. Ecoboost engines return as well as a new self-park system that allows activation from inside or outside the vehicle.
Honda FCEV Concept
While this is a concept, Honda officials say you could be driving a very similar vehicle in 2015. The FCEV concept is powered by a 100kW hydrogen fuel cell stack that will offer a range of about 300 miles. No word on price or where you might get the hydrogen.
2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell
Okay, maybe the Honda FCEV concept is a little out there, but here's Hyundai's fuel cell answer (hint, the outside looks like a standard Tucson). This hydrogen-powered Hyundai arrives next spring with a lease price of $499 per month and free hydrogen. Still no word on where the hydrogen might come from . . .
Infiniti Q30 Concept
The Infiniti Q30 concept was first introduced at the Frankfort Motor Show back in September. Infiniti says it previews a future compact luxury crossover from Nissan's upscale brand. We'll have wait until 2015 to see . . .
Jaguar C-X17 Concept
Hitting Frankfort and Dubai previously, the C-X17 finally arrives on U.S. shores. Likely an under-the-skin-twin with the Range Rover Evoque, the C-X17 will give Jaguar dealerships a crossover they can call their own.
2015 Jaguar F-Type coupe
Adding a top to the stunning F-Type convertible, Jaguar has created perhaps the prettiest coupe you will ever be able to buy. Two flavors are offered, base comes with a 340-hp V6 while the S Coupe gets a 550-hp V8. Prices start at $65,000 and grow to $99,000 for the S Coupe.
2015 Kia K900
Kia jumps into the full-size luxury-car market with the K900. Sharing components with both the Hyundai Genesis and Equus, the K900 gets a either V6 or V8 engine and has a starting price north of $50,000. The K900 is a natural next step for the South Korean automaker as is aims to become a full-line manufacturer. Could a pickup be next?
2015 Lincoln MKC
Based on the Ford Escape, the MKC sports fresh sheetmetal highlighted by the brand's split-wing waterfall grille. MKC packs Ford's 275-horsepower 2.3-liter Ecoboost four and an active damping suspension. Look for it in dealerships this summer.
2014 Maserati Ghibli
Built to compete with the BMW 5-Series, the new Ghilbi is a car you can actually buy right now. With a price tag starting around $65,000, buyers can choose between two V6 turbos. One makes 345-horsepower the other 404-hp. Rear- or all-wheel-drive models are offered.
Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Concept
Sorry no production plans for this swoopy concept. Though designed by Mercedes-Benz it can only be driven in the virtual world of Gran Turismo 6. Like we'd be able to afford it anyway . . .
2015 MINI Cooper
Looking a lot like the car it replaces, the new MINI Cooper grows nearly 5 inches in length and get substantially upgraded guts. Standard engine is a 134-hp turbo 3-cyinder while the S model gets a 189-hp 2.0-liter turbo four. The chassis is all-new as well and will be shared with the BMW 1-Series.
2015 Porsche Macan
Sourcing underpinnings from the Audi Q5, Porsche's new Macan is set to be the sportiest compact crossover on the market. Two V6 engines will be offered. Standard is a 340-hp version. Turbo models get a blown engine packing 400 hp. Optional air suspension raises ride height for off-road driving . . . as if.
Subaru Legacy Concept
Hinting at the design direction for the 2015 Subaru Legacy, this concept is certainly headed in the right direction. Subaru didn't offer many details, but it's likely we'll know more in the coming months. Stay tuned . . .
2015 Subaru WRX
The ultimate street racer (not that we endorse that endeavor) just got a little bit hotter. Subaru's WRX adds 3 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque for totals of 268 and 258 for the '15 model year. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or CVT. Of course, both will drive all four wheels.
Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept
The 5-passenger CrossBlue concept is not necessarily a look at the next-generation Tiguan. More likely, it's a test-bed for new production techniques and powertrain technologies. This one boasts a hybrid system with a 570 mile driving range - 13 miles in electric only.
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