Car Show
The 2024 LA Auto Show: A Spectacular Automotive Extravaganza
It's that time of the year again! The LA Auto Show is here, ready to dazzle automotive enthusiasts with its amazing exhibits and events. From November 22nd to December 1st, the LA Convention Center will be buzzing with excitement.

Uncover the Magic of the LA Auto Show

All Roads Stage: A Melting Pot of Automotive Creativity

In 2024, the All Roads Stage emerges as a vibrant hub, bringing together a diverse range of voices from the automotive world. Influencers, builders, and trailblazers from different segments gather here, showcasing the true essence of car culture. It's a companion to the All Roads Stories original video series, continuously celebrating this passion. Witness the rotating selection of vehicles and organizations, such as Sasha Selipanov's new NILU hypercar, Unplugged Performance's customized Tesla Cybertruck, MrCarSounds and his custom BMW E92 M3, and TWR Performance's Supercat led by Head Designer Khyzyl Saleem in collaboration with Magnus Walker. This stage is a testament to the creativity and love that define the automotive world.

The All Roads Stage offers a unique platform for these automotive visionaries to share their stories and showcase their masterpieces. It's a place where different automotive cultures collide and inspire each other, creating an atmosphere of innovation and excitement.

The Garage Aftermarket: A Haven for Custom and Vintage Cars

Back for 2024, the Garage Aftermarket is a must-visit destination. Here, visitors are treated to an array of custom and vintage cars, modified trucks, and stylized motorcycles. This year, the star attractions include the South Bay Pop Ups Lowrider & Motorcycle Collective, Black Classics Car Club, Al & Ed's Exclusive, World Famous 4 x 4, Yamaha, and many more. These vehicles represent the essence of automotive customization, with each one telling a unique story.

The Garage Aftermarket is a celebration of the past and a glimpse into the future of automotive design. It showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of automotive enthusiasts who push the boundaries of what's possible with their vehicles.

Digital Overdrive SIM Racing and Esports: A Fusion of Gaming and Automotive Passion

Tryhard Consulting and LANFest are thrilled to bring the first official Sim Racing and Esports activation to the LA Auto Show. In collaboration with Zotac, Thrustmaster, and Next Level Racing, the Digital Overdrive experience is a haven for auto enthusiasts and gamers alike. Professional sim racing rigs, a competitive gaming arena, interactive demos, and exciting giveaways await visitors throughout the show.

From Next Level Racing sim racing rigs to Thrustmaster Gamepads and Controllers, and custom-built PCs, this activation offers a comprehensive gaming experience. Auto enthusiasts and gamers can intersect in this family-friendly interactive environment, with meet-and-greets with NASCAR Driver Jesse Iwuji, hands-on live demos of gaming setups and custom-built PCs, sim racing, and live competitive matches like the Rocket League collegiate showdown between USC vs. UCLA.

OVRland Outpost: Overlanding and Off-Road Adventures

OVRland Outpost makes a grand return in 2024, celebrating the surging popularity of overlanding. Southern California, with its unique culture, weather, and terrain, is the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventuring. This year's OVRland Outpost features over 30 custom overlanding rigs in collaboration with OVR Magazine, along with the latest models from Chevy, GMC Hummer, Toyota, Subaru, INEOS, Ford, Jeep, Ram, Nissan, Exodus Rigs, and more.

It's a celebration of the off-road spirit, where visitors can explore the capabilities of these custom rigs and get inspired by the adventures they represent. OVRland Outpost is a haven for those who love to explore the great outdoors and push the limits of their vehicles.

Micromobility – Big Adventure, Compact Fun

The LA Auto Show isn't just about cars, SUVs, and trucks. It also showcases the world of micromobility, including electric bikes (eBikes), motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, waverunners, sportboats, and golf cars. Yamaha, a leader in the outdoor recreation industry, will be present with their extensive product line.

eBike manufacturers like Oh Wow Cycles and retro electric scooter maker Aventura-X will also be showcasing their current and upcoming models. Aventura-X's first retro Electric Scooter with removable batteries will make its debut at the show, offering a unique and innovative option for riders.

For tickets, visit laautoshow.com and be a part of this automotive extravaganza.

The Thrilling Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Show Toy Drive in 2024!
The Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Show is set to make a grand entrance in 2024, bringing together automotive enthusiasts and spreading holiday cheer. This event will take place in the historic Old Town district of La Verne, a city in Los Angeles County. It's a community-driven celebration that focuses on classic and custom cars, as well as a wide variety of rides. Family fun is at the heart of it all, with opportunities to enjoy the cool car camaraderie. And don't forget to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate and contribute to the Christmas spirit!

Event Details

The Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Show will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, in Old Town La Verne at 3rd & D Streets. The event starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 4:00 PM, and admission is free. Vehicle registration can be done HERE. Please note that iDriveSoCal is not hosting this car show. For more information about attending, displaying your car, or becoming a car meet vendor or sponsor, contact the Cruisin La Verne Holiday Car Show organizers HERE. Additionally, for more of the best Southern California automotive events, click HERE.

First-Timer's Guide

If you're a first-timer at a car show like this, don't worry! We have a comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Cars And Coffee events to help you roll like a pro. It provides all the necessary tips and information to make your experience enjoyable. And if you're curious about how cars and coffee events got started, check out this podcast on The History Of Cars And Coffee. It offers fascinating insights into the origins of these events.

Submission and Newsletter

Do you have a car show, automotive event, or car meet that you think we should post? You can submit it HERE. And to never miss another cool SoCal Car Show, make sure to sign up for our newsletter HERE. Stay updated on all the latest automotive events and activities in the Southern California area.

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The 2026 Kia Sportage: A Mid-Cycle Refresh with Enhanced Features
The Kia Sportage, a renowned compact crossover, is set to undergo a significant mid-cycle refresh in 2026. This update brings with it a host of improvements and new features that are sure to captivate consumers. After three years since its launch, Kia is once again demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.

Unleash the Power of the 2026 Kia Sportage

New Infotainment Interface: A User-Friendly Upgrade

The refreshed 2026 Kia Sportage introduces a more user-friendly infotainment interface. This new system offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, making it easier than ever for drivers to access their favorite features and applications. With its sleek design and intuitive controls, the updated infotainment system enhances the overall driving experience. It incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones and enjoy their favorite music, navigation, and communication apps on the go. This upgrade is a significant step forward in terms of convenience and connectivity.

In addition to the wireless connectivity, the new infotainment interface also features a 12.3-inch curved touchscreen. This larger display provides more screen real estate, making it easier to view and interact with various menus and settings. The updated system also offers improved graphics and faster response times, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Kia's attention to detail is evident in the design of the new infotainment interface. The buttons and controls are well-placed and easy to use, even while driving. The system also offers customizable settings, allowing drivers to personalize their experience according to their preferences. Whether it's adjusting the brightness of the display or changing the color scheme, drivers have full control over the look and feel of the infotainment system.

Power Boost for Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Models

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models of the 2026 Kia Sportage receive a modest boost in horsepower. The hybrid model now produces 231 hp, an increase of 4 hp compared to the previous version. This additional power enhances the driving performance and provides a more dynamic driving experience. The plug-in hybrid model, on the other hand, sees a 7 hp increase, reaching 268 hp. This increased power allows for better acceleration and a more thrilling driving experience.

The power boost is achieved through a combination of a 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the transmission, providing seamless power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid models continue to use a 6-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient shifting.

In addition to the power increase, the 2026 Sportage also offers improved fuel economy. The hybrid model is currently EPA-rated at 43 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 38 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. While the small increase in power may not have a significant impact on fuel economy, it still represents an improvement over the previous version. The plug-in hybrid model, with its larger battery pack, offers an electric range of 34 miles, providing drivers with the option to drive emissions-free for short distances.

Stylish Front End Design

The 2026 Kia Sportage debuts at the 2024 Los Angeles auto show with a new front end styling. The stacked LED headlights and amber daytime running lights give the Sportage a more dynamic and aggressive look. This design is similar to that of the larger Kia Sorento mid-size crossover and the Carnival minivan, adding a touch of familiarity and recognition.

The new front end design is a significant departure from the one the Sportage has worn since its last redesign for the 2023 model year. It gives the vehicle a more modern and stylish appearance, setting it apart from its competitors. The attention to detail in the design is evident, with every curve and contour carefully crafted to enhance the overall aesthetic of the vehicle.

Kia's design team has done an excellent job in creating a front end that not only looks good but also functions well. The LED headlights provide excellent visibility, especially in low-light conditions, while the amber daytime running lights add a touch of safety and visibility to the vehicle. The overall design is sleek and aerodynamic, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency.

New Tech Features and Driver Aids

The 2026 Kia Sportage comes equipped with several new tech features and driver aids. One of the standout features is the 10.0-inch head-up display, which projects important information such as speed, navigation, and safety alerts directly onto the windshield. This allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road while still staying informed about important vehicle information.

Another new feature is the digital key functionality, which allows the driver to use a smartphone in place of the key fob. This provides added convenience and security, as drivers no longer need to carry a physical key with them. The updated versions of Kia's forward-collision warning system and Highway Driving Assist 2 highway driver aid also enhance safety on the road.

Kia's commitment to safety is evident in the design and implementation of these new tech features. The forward-collision warning system uses sensors and cameras to detect potential collisions and alert the driver, while the Highway Driving Assist 2 system provides steering and acceleration assistance to help the driver maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. These features work together to provide a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

Availability and Pricing

Kia expects 2026 Sportage models to reach U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2025. Prices for the updated Sportage will be announced closer to that time, giving consumers an opportunity to plan their purchases accordingly. When it arrives, the updated Sportage will continue to compete against popular compact crossovers such as the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-50.

All of these vehicles offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, providing consumers with a wide range of choices. The 2026 Sportage stands out with its unique features and design, offering a combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and technology that is hard to beat.

Kia's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in the 2026 Sportage. With its mid-cycle refresh and new features, the Sportage is set to continue its success in the highly competitive compact crossover segment. Whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid or a powerful plug-in hybrid, the 2026 Sportage has something to offer.

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