Uncover the Coolest Cars at the LA Auto Show
West Hall: A Bird's-Eye View
If you haven't had the chance to visit the LA Auto Show, it's important to note the sheer scale of the venue. Spanning across Pico Boulevard in downtown LA, it offers a vast array of automotive delights. We began our exploration in the West hall, where the first car that caught our eye was the Ford Mustang GTD. This one is truly a marvel, and I'm calling it the Mystang due to its similar Mystichrome paint seen on some of Ford's previous high-profile creations. It's set to be the fastest Mustang ever made by Ford when it reaches customers' hands.
Next, we came across the Ford F-150 Lightning, which claimed the King of the Mountain title at Pikes Peak this year. Despite a brief 26-second stop mid-run to address an issue, its 1,600 horsepower was enough to beat every other competitor. It's a true force to be reckoned with.
West Hall: Kia's Standout Models
In the West hall, Kia presented a batch of impressive cars. The WKNDR Concept, which I'm calling an ID. Buzz Killer, is a notable addition. Although it's not scheduled for production, the PV5 it's based on is a real EV van coming soon. In fact, it's going from concept to production in a remarkably short time compared to VW.
The new Kia EV9 GT and Sportage also stole the show. The Sportage gets more aggressive vertical headlights, a new curved display in the cabin, and a bit more power for hybrid buyers. The EV9 GT, on the other hand, is a 501 horsepower SUV with adaptive dampers, sticky tires, and bigger brakes. While the pricing remains unknown, we expect it to exceed $78,000 when it hits dealer lots.
Subaru's Performance Struggle
Subaru may be doing well in overall sales, but the performance market is a different story. The WRX has no STI counterpart, and Subaru brought a reminder of this to the show with Project Midnight. It's a bit of a slap in the face to STI fans, but it was there nonetheless. Interestingly, there was just enough space between it and a normal WRX for an STI trim to fit.
South Hall: Supercars and Race Cars
Heading towards the South hall, we were greeted by a collection of race cars and supercars. Porsche took center stage, showcasing their impressive lineup. Then, there was the newest KTM X-Bow GT, sitting among other supercars and super GT cars. In the corner, we spotted a pair of Drako-branded cars. The company claims that the 2,000 horsepower Dragon will go into series production with 420 miles of range in 2026. If this becomes a reality, it will be a game-changer.
Wildcard: West Coast Customs
The folks at West Coast Customs brought several awesome builds to the show. One of the highlights was 3018, an art piece from Daniel Arsham that resembles a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder with crystals growing out of it. Alongside it was a classic 1970 Camaro RS with a stunning and very unique paint job. There were also various other cars, making this section a true wildcard at the LA Auto Show. We can't wait to share more from the show soon.
Unveiling the Automotive Marvels
Terri Toennies, president and chief operating officer of Los Angeles Auto Show and AutoMobility LA, emphasizes the significance of this event. "The Los Angeles Auto Show is the preeminent, global stage for the latest trends and innovations in automotive. Overlanding is one of our most exciting categories," she states. The show covers an impressive 1 million square feet at the Los Angeles Convention Center, attracting thousands of spectators over its 10-day run, including Thanksgiving. Visitors can wander through displays of hundreds of the latest models, ranging from gas-powered to hybrid and electric vehicles.
Among the participating manufacturers are Acura, Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Ineos, Jeep, Kia, Lucid, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche Downtown LA, RAM, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast, Volkswagen, and Volvo. The variety of vehicles on display is truly astonishing, with an array of custom vehicles, exotics, classic cars, lowriders, and off-road vehicles captivating the audience.
Test-Driving Adventures
Attendees are in for a treat as they can take both indoor and outdoor test drives. One of the highlights is Ford's "Bronco Mountain," an innovative indoor-outdoor off-road course. This allows people to experience "the power of Bronco while learning about the brand's storied legacy." Another exciting exhibit is "Camp Jeep," a 30,000-square-foot area where visitors can take a Jeep through a series of obstacles that simulate the rigorous testing required before customers can get behind the wheel. Professional drivers will showcase the capabilities of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, and Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.
The show also features a dedicated display area known as the OVRland Outpost, sponsored by OVRMag.com. This exhibit includes 31 overlanding rigs, three camping trailers, and exhibits from various companies and influencers. It provides a comprehensive look at outdoor vehicle recreation and the exciting world of overlanding.
Continuing the Automotive Journey
The Auto Show will continue to amaze visitors through December 1. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of automotive excellence and explore the latest trends and innovations. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting experience, the Los Angeles Auto Show is a must-visit event.