2019 Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights

Newly appointed President and CEO of MBUSA Nicholas Sparks introducing the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC at the Media event on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2019 Los Angeles Auto Show Highlights
By: Brandon O'Brien

Starting this weekend the Los Angeles Auto Show will be open to the public.  This year Twenty-seven manufacturers have their newest and best wares on display to wet the appetite of the car buying public.  Notably absent was Volvo.  Noticeably present was a lot of "blue".  It appears that this years' favorite color for display is a light blue close to that used on the original BOSS 302's. Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford and Porsche used this color.

Since the movie "Ford vs Ferrari" debuted this past week lets start with that iconic manufacturer.
Which one, you say?  Ford of course!  Much of the talk since the early part of the week has been about the new electric "Mustang".  It's called the Mustang Mach E4 X.  It certainly does not look like a Mustang.  Guess Ford is trying to get mileage out of the Mustang name.

World Premier of the 2020 Ford Mustang Mach E4 X at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Also new this year and on display for the first time in Los Angeles is the 760 horse power Shelby GT500.  Now, IT DOES look like a Mustang.  One that can go "head-to-head" with the Hellcat and Demon.  Time and testing will tell.

The aggressive front end on the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 760 horse power 2020 Ford Shelby GT500 as seen at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

A real surprise has to do with the movie.  On display, behind glass, is the real GT40
that had the overall win at the 1966 Le Mans event.  This car was not used in the movie. I've seen the car before, in Monterey in 2017, but this time seemed more special.  Being able to see this car is worth the price of the ticket and parking. See the movie, then come and see the real thing.

The 1966 Le Mans winning Ford GT40.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The other car that was getting a lot of attention on Media Day was the new Chevrolet Corvette C8.  Chevrolet had two on hand, one coupe and the other a convertible.  The car is beautiful but to this writer it seems that most of the mid-engined automobiles have the same design characteristics and look.  Put the new Corvette next to an Acura NSX or Ferrari 488 and you will see what I mean. On the lower level near the South Hall there is a display of early Corvettes.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is the first mid-engined Corvette to reach production.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The convertible hardtop Chevrolet Corvette C8 in a stunning light blue color as seen for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

1953 Chevrolet Corvette on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Karma Automotive put on a nice display off the Concourse Hall next to the Galpin Hall of Customs.  The Karma started life a few years ago as the Fisker Karma. The company went into bankruptcy in 2013 was bought out and became Karma Automotive.  On display they have the Revero GT, GTS, and two concept cars; the SC1 Vision and SC2.

2020 Karma Revero GT.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2020 Karma SC2 Concept on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Under the cover is the Karma SC1 Vision.  You will need to go to the show to see what it looks like.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

There are twenty-four other manufacturers so what follows are some of the other cars you will be able to see.

Vision Mercedes Simplex Concept.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 all electric Mercedes-Benz EQC has 402 horse power and 564 lb-ft torque from four electric motors.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLS 6.3.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The limited production 2020 BMW M2 CS.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Built in collaboration with BMW the Toyota Supra is based on the BMW Z4.  The is the GR Hyperboost Edition.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Toyota i-ROAD Concept is a single seater for travel in metropolitan areas.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The new 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S was unveiled by Porsche at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport Carbon.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The KIA Habaniro Cross-over Concept seen at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2019 Audi TT RS Coupe.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

1965 Honda S600 Roadster on display in the Honda area.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

2019 Aston Martin DB11 on display in the Galpin Hall.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2020 Audi RS Q8 SUV has a whopping 591 horse power V8.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Honoring 60 years is this Lifestyle Collection Mini.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Santa's Dodge SRT Sleigh Demon on display direct from the North Pole.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The show is open to the public from November 22nd through December 1st and has a lot more than what I depicted here.  Have fun!




TAGS: Los Angeles Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Automobiles, Car Show, Brandon O'Brien, Motor Driven Images, BMW, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volkswagen, Ford, Shelby, Corvette, Aston Martin, Galpin, Alfa Romeo, Ford, Mercedes-Benz

The Red Coats Were Here

Red Arrows Helmets lined up on wing. Image Credit: Defense Imagery OGL (2017)

The Red Coats Were Here
By: Brandon O'Brien

On August 7th a British invasion took place starting at Halifax, Nova Scotia and over the past 60-days this small force of highly trained specialists have moved through Canada and the United States making their mark.

The invasion I speak of was by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team better known as the Red Arrows. Flying their red painted aircraft sporting the Union Jack on the tail they are similar to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and the Canadian Snowbirds promoting the service and the country they are associated with.

Red Arrows No 1 Squadron Leader Martin Pert the Executive Officer next to Wing Commander Andrew Keith Officer Commanding. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

It was the biggest visit by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team to Canada and the United States and the first to the two countries in more than a decade. It included 108 personnel, 12 Red Arrow aircraft, and one Atlas A400M support transport. The aim of the tour was to promote the best of the British and to deepen partnerships with close friends and allies.

The RAF Red Arrows have used the British Aerospace Hawk T.1 since 1979. The Hawk is a two-seat "fast jet" trainer. The RAF is currently using the Hawk T.2, which differs in having a "glass" cockpit for all of it's "fast jet" training and expects to keep the type in service until 2030.

British Aerospace Hawk T.1 aircraft in Red Arrows livery. Image Credit: Defense Imagery OGL (2017)

RAF Red Arrows over MCAS Miramar during their California debut. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The weather at MCAS Miramar, a week ago Saturday, was more typically British than SoCal. Dark cloud, drizzle, and some rain occurred through the day.  Instead of the anticipated "full" show they were only able to perform the "rolling" display that precluded any looping maneuvers.  Also, only eight of the nine display aircraft performed on Saturday.  Even with the dreary sky and minus one member their southern California debut was spectacular.  On Sunday the weather was better and this weekend at the Pacific Airshow over Huntington Beach it was perfect.  The team was able to demonstrate the "full" show with all of their maneuvers.

RAF Red Arrows over MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 perform a rolling head-on pass seen at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 completing the Double Rolls Pass.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 performing the Carousel at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

RAF Red Arrows performing the Tornado during the airshow at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

RAF Red Arrows performing at MCAS Miramar.  I>mage Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Concorde Formation minus one aircraft.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Reds 6 through 9 Break.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

This writer has made numerous trips to England to view Battle of Britain events in the fall and also watch the Red Arrows perform.  Having them perform in our own backyard was a privilege.  Hopefully it will not be another decade before they return.




TAGS: Bae Hawk,  Blue Angels, Brandon O'Brien, British Aerospace, Motor Driven Images, Royal Air Force, RAF, Red Arrows, Thunderbirds, Snowbirds, MCAS Miramar, Pacific Airshow, Hawk

WeatherTech Raceway's Speed Week Feature - Monterey SportsCar Championships Powered By McLaren

The DPi Podium after the finish of the Monterey SportsCar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

WeatherTech Raceway's Speed Week Feature - Monterey SportsCar Championships Powered By McLaren
By: Brandon O'Brien

Sunday morning dawned at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a slight fog that burned off well before the start of the Monterey SportsCar Championship Powered by McLaren race.  After an unseasonably hot week the cooler weather was just what the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship teams needed.

This writer is impressed with any championship series where, near the end of the season, there are still mathematical odds for a number of teams and drivers to come away with the championship.  As in years past, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is one not to disappoint.  The series is divided into four distinct automotive classes; DPi (Daytona Prototype International), LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2), GTLM (Grand Touring Le Mans), and GTD (Grand Touring Daytona) which are GT3 specification cars.  Due to the number of cars and their performance differences some of the tracks are unable to "safely" handle all four classes at one time.  Fortunately WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca can handle all four classes which makes for some very exciting racing.

The change in weather from hot to "average" Monterey weather left some teams behind the curve.  Those teams that could quickly adapt to the new track conditions seemed to do best.  On Saturday, in the heat,  Ricky Taylor was able to place the No. 7 Acura Team Penske Acura ARX-05 on the overall pole with a time of 1:15.035.

Ricky Taylor and Helio Castroneves had the pole winning No 7 Acura Team Penske Acura ARX-05 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Kyle Masson in LMP2 placed the No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA LMP2 on their pole with a time of 1:16.817.

Kyle Masson exiting Turn 11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in the No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA LMP2.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The GTLM pole when to the No. 24 BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE when Jesse Krohn put down a time of 1:21.557.

Jesse Krohn on his way to the GTLM pole in the No. 24 BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE while entering the Corkscrew at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Finally, Corey Lewis with a time of 1:24.962 placed his Paul Miller Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 on the GTD pole.

Bryan Sellers and Corey Lewis on their way to the GTD pole in the No. 48 Paul Miller Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Unlike last year, the race had a clean, safe start leaving the full field of 32 cars vying for the coveted checkered flag and the race ran without a full-course caution.  As anticipated, the Acura Team Penske Acura's led the pack of ten DPi cars. Dane Cameron was able to take control of the race from the No. 7 Acura after his second pit stop about halfway through the race.  Essentially from that point the drivers of the No. 6 Acura never looked back.  Pipo Derani and Felipe Nasr in the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R took over third place from the Van der Zande and Jordan Taylor No. 10 Cadillac with about 15-minutes remaining.

The DPi winning No. 6 Acura Team Penske Acura ARX-05 co-driven by Dane Cameron and Juan Pablo Montoya in the Corkscrew at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

With only two cars participating in the LMP2 class Matthew McMurry and Dalton Kellett in the No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2 were able to take over the lead from Cameron Cassels and Kyle Masson No. 38 Performance Tech Motorsports ORECA LMP2.

Matthew McMurry and Dalton Kellett in the winning LMP2 No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports ORECA LMP2 entering the Corkscrew at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Fortunately for Dirk Mueller the race did not start as it did last year and they were in contention from the very start  The No. 24 BMW M8 GTE being driven by Jesse Krohn was able to hold onto their lead for 19 laps when the car suddenly slowed in Turn 2 allowing Mueller to get by in the No. 66 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT. Mueller stated, "I knew my car was great, I could follow so closely behind. I don't know really know what happened but he lost momentum and I took advantage (and) got by.  That was tough because you don't expect it.  That was quite a close moment.  From that moment, I think that was the milestone for the victory."

Krohn and co-driver John Edwards in the No. 24 BMW were able to maintain their second place position in front of the No. 25 BMW for most of the race.  With about 10 minutes remaining Antonio Garcia in the No.3 Corvette Racing Corvette C7.R, on fresher tires, was able to pass the No 25 BMW for third place. The BMW was then quickly passed by Tommy Milner in the No. 4 Corvette.  This was the order the race finished.

For Joey Hand this was a dream come true. Hand said, "I've been trying to win at this racetrack, my home racetrack, since like 1998."

The smile on Joey Hands' face says it all.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The GTLM winning No. 66 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT during practice on Saturday was co-driven by Joey Hand and Dirk Mueller.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

In GTD Bryan Sellers and Corey Lewis in the No. 48 Lamborghini Paul Miller Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 were able to take their pole position all the way to take the checkered flag.

The GTD winning No. 48 Paul Miller Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 driven by Bryan Sellers and Corey Lewis exiting Turn 11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

In second place was the No. 63 Scuderia Corsa Ferrari 488 GT3 which was being co-driven by Cooper MacNeill and Toni Vilander.  The final podium spot was taken by the No. 44 Magnus Racing Lamborghini driven by John Potter and Andy Lally.

Next up for the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is the 2019 season finale, Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on Saturday October 12th.




TAGS: Acura Team Penske, Acura DPi, Brandon O'Brien, BMW Team RLL, BMW M8 GTE, Chip Ganassi Racing, Ford, Ford GT, GTD, GTLM, Huracan, Lamborghini, LMP2, Monterey SportsCar Championships, WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 

WeatherTech Raceway's Speed Week Feature - Michelin Pilot Challenge 120

Michelin Pilot Tire rig seen in the paddock at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the Michelin Pilot Challenge 120. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

WeatherTech Raceway's Speed Week Feature - Michelin Pilot Challenge 120
By: Brandon O'Brien

The Michelin Pilot Challenge made its lone west coast appearance in the penultimate round of its 10 race season this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Michelin Pilot Challenge now features a two-class format which includes the Grand Sport (GS) class featuring cars that are built to international GT4 regulations. The Touring Car Racing (TCR) class conforms to international TCR technical regulations for front-wheel drive turbocharged race cars.

Track conditions may not have been ideal for the running of the Michelin Pilot 120 with high temperatures that were expected to cool down on race day but did not.  Fortunately for all the teams, practice and qualifying were under similar conditions. The racing was tight with drivers vying for position within groups of three to five cars.

Grand Sport Co-drivers Tyler McQuarrie and Jeff Westphal (Audi R8) needed a top three finish to maintain their first place driver standings.  Going into the weekend Mercedes-AMG had the manufacturers lead well maintained with only one race remaining.

Tyler McQuarrie and Jeff Westphal going through Turn 3 during practice at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in their No. 39 CarBahn With Perigrine Racing Audi R8.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The 2-hour event was cleanly raced with the No. 33 Winward Racing / HTP Motorsport Mercedes-AMG co-driven by Russell Ward and Dominik Baumann taking the checkered flag for the first time after three years of effort.

Russell Ward and Dominik Baumann on their way to their first victory at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in their No. 33 Winward Racing/HTP Motorsports Mercedes-AMG.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Tyler McQuarrie and his co-driver Jeff Westphal in the No. 39 CarBahn With Peregrine Racing Audi R8 finishing second held on to their lead in the drivers standings.  They were followed by Alan Brynjolfson and Trent Hindman in the No. 7 Park Place Motorsports / Volt Lighting Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

The No. 39 CarBahn  With Peregrine Racing Audi R8 on way to a 2nd Place finish with co-drivers Tyler McQuarrie and Jeff Westphal at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The No. 7 Park Place Motorsports / Volt Lighting Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport with co-drivers Alan Brynjolfson and Trent Hindman exiting Turn 11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

In the new TCR class the race for the Drivers, Team, and Manufacturers championship was still up for grabs.  Gavin Ernstone and Jon Morley driving the No. 61  Roadshagger Racing By eEuroparts.com Audi RS3 LMS TCR DSG took first place.  They were closely followed by Mark Wilkins and Michael Lewis in the No. 98 Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian Hyundai Velostar N TCR. It was Michaels' (unfulfilled) hope to leave Laguna Seca with both the Drivers and Team standing firmly in first place.

The TCR Class winning No. 61 Roadshagger Racing By eEuropart.com Audi RS3 exiting the Corkscrew at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.   Image Credit: Edmund Jenks  (2019)

2nd Place went to the No. 98 Bryan Herta Autosport With Curb-Agaganian Hyundai Veloster  N TCR co-driven by class leading drivers Mark Wilkins and Michael Lewis.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The remaining spot on the podium was taken by the No. 37 L.A. Honda World Racing Honda Civic TCR which was being driven by Tom O'Gorman and Shelby Blackstock.

The 3rd Place No. 37 L.A. Honda World Racing Honda Civic TCR driven by co-drivers Tom O'Gorman and Shelby Blackstock entering the Corkscrew at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.  Image Credit: Edmund Jenks  (2019)

The final race of the Michelin Pilot Challenge in conjunction with IMSA's Motul Petit Le Mans finale at Road Atlanta will determine the championship standings for the TCR class drivers.  That race will take place on Saturday October 11, 2019.




TAGS: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Motul Petit Le Mans, Michelin, Michelin Pilot Challenge, Motor Driven Images, Brandon O'Brien, Edmund Jenks, The EDJE