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