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

BMW At The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2015 BMW X6 M and X5 M. Image Credit: BMW AG

BMW At The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

As usual, BMW did not disappoint the car enthusiast with its presentations at Los Angeles.  BMW chose diversity in unveiling four models at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.  Two of these were World Premiers while the other two are new to the US market.

The aggressive 2015 BMW X6 M in Laguna Seca Blue as seen at the LA Auto Show. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

"Innovative technology and powerful presence" is the way BMW describes the new X5 M and the X6 M.  Both making their world premier in Los Angeles. These vehicles are unfazed by any weather and road conditions and yet can be "thrillingly dynamic" on the track. Like all Motorsport BMW's they have been designed for an exceptional driving experience.

The 2015 X5 M as seen at the LA Auto Show. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Both the X5 M and X6 M are powered by the same V8 with M Twin Power Turbo technology generating an output of 575 hp and a maximum torque of 553 ft. lbs.  Both vehicles are equipped as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic propelling them from 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds. Even with this substantial power, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are about 20% lower than previous models.

The interior of the X6 M. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Joey Hand, of BMW racing fame, was on hand for the premier. Stepping out of his current ride, a BMW M4 DTM, he had a chance to take the X6 M for a few laps at Texas and was impressed with the its agility, speed, and stopping power. He was looking forward to driving the car more at Laguna Seca which is one of his favorite tracks. It sounds like BMW hit the mark again with it's new X6 M.

The US Premier of the 2015 BMW 228i Convertible. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

One of the new models for introduction into the US market in February 2015 is the BMW 2-Series Convertible.  Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW North America mentioned that Los Angeles was the perfect location to unveil this new model because of its great top-down year round weather.  The electrically operated soft-top is acoustically optimized for comfort and can be closed in 20 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

The 2-Series Convertible will be available as two models; the 320 hp M 235i and the 240 hp 228i.  The M 235i will go from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds while the 228i takes 6.1 seconds.  The M 235i can be equipped with a Six-Speed manual transmission or the Eight-Speed  Steptronic Sport transmission which will be standard on xDrive versions as well as the 228i Convertible.

The driver oriented interior of the 2015 BMW 228i Convertible with optional red leather. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The interior is driver focused and contains the high-quality materials that BMW is noted for.  The specially designed climate control panel features a display with white readouts.  With the top down the standard climate control system takes into account the impact of the airstream on the temperature.  The optional leather trim includes surfaces that use SunReflective technology to reduce the extent the leather is heated by the sun.

The rear seating area as seen on the 2015 BMW 228i Convertible. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Intelligent connectivity between driver, vehicle, and the outside world is another step forward for BMW. Among items found in the BMW ConnectedDrive program are the rear view camera, Parking Assistant, System Driving Assistant which includes Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning.  The 2-Series Convertible is BMW's first model that can be upgraded with the new-generation Navigation system Professional which allows free over -the-air updates via the built-in SIM card.

The 2015 BMW X6 making its debut at the LA Auto Show. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The final vehicle making it's first US showing is the 2nd generation BMW X6. The X6 captures the imagination of the Sport Activity Coupe with its even more potent presence, the extrovert athleticism of its design, and its standout performance.  The X6 will be offered as two models.  The xDrive 50i offering 445 hp and the xDrive 35i offering 300 hp.

The beautiful interior as seen on the 2015 BMW X6. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Both models come equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive all wheel drive technology. Optioned with one of the three Adaptive Suspension packages the new X6 offers a supreme driving experience to any type of driver wanting the sporty looks and functionality that the X6 offers in a larger sport activity coupe.

(words and photographs by Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise noted)