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2011 LA Auto Show. Image by Ford.

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2011 LA Auto Show

We're at the LA Auto Show this week and it's set to be the best show yet in Los Angeles.

   

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SHOW PHOTOGRAPHS BY MODEL
  Cadillac Ciel concept (2)
Cadillac XTS (7)
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ZL1 (10)
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (12)
Chevrolet Spark (US model) (24)
Ford Escape (74)
Ford Flex (7)
Ford Focus ST concept (5)
Ford Mustang BOSS 302 (12)
Ford Mustang GT (22)
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (16)
Ford MyTouch (4)
Honda CR-V (7)
Honda Fit EV (4)
Hyundai Azera (48)
Jaguar C-X16 production concept (4)
Jaguar XKR-S Convertible (15)
Land Rover DC100 and DC100 Sport (3)
Land Rover DC100 Defender Concept (1)
Land Rover DC100 Sport concept (1)
Lincolm MKS (17)
Lincoln MKT (32)
Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (22)
Porsche Panamera GTS (16)
Scion FR-S (21)
Subaru BRZ concept STI (12)
Volkswagen CC (9)
Volkswagen Passat CC (7)
VW Beetle R (9)
 
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Motorshows homepage -> 2011 LA Auto Show

2011 LA Auto Show -
Graeme Lambert, Shane O' Donoghue, Paul Healy, Kyle Fortune, Iain Curry, John Lambert


We were at the LA Auto Show and it was the best show yet in Los Angeles. Here's the rundown:
BMW i3 concept.   BMW i3 concept
Another concept purely powered by electric, the BMW i3 uses the firm's 'LifeDrive Architecture'. There's an electric motor over the rear axle that makes 168bhp and 184lb.ft, which is enough to complete the 0-62mph sprint in less than eight seconds. Expect the design to be toned down and the model to spearhead a raft of production BMW i cars in 2013.

BMW i8 concept.   BMW i8 concept
If the i3 is all about being kind to the planet, the BMW i8 puts the fun back into efficiency - offering sports car performance with economy car fuel consumption. It uses a modified drive system from the i3 over the front axle, and a three-cylinder engine at the rear. The result is 0-62mph being covered in less than four seconds and a 94mpg average economy.

BMW M5.   BMW M5
The M5 has already silenced the early doubters, the turbocharged saloon proving that forced induction adds rather than detracts from the experience. Able to switch between cosseting cruiser and hard-core sports car the latest BMW M car can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 4.4 seconds and tops out at 190mph (when fitted with the M Driver's package). Disappointingly it looks as if the UK will do without the manual gearbox rumoured to be heading to the US.

Cadillac Ciel Concept.   Cadillac Ciel Concept
Harking back to the glamorous age of motoring this four-seat, four-door open roofed concept is named after the French word for sky. A twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 and hybrid electric drivetrain provides scintillating performance while the 22-inch wheels ensure Cadillac hasn't forgotten its younger customer's penchant for bling - just don't expect to see it in showroom any time soon.

Cadillac XTS.   Cadillac XTS
The replacement for the aging STS and DTS models can't come soon enough, and the LA Show heralds the introduction of the production version set to take over the baton from both. Cadillac's luxury limo makes a move to be sportier like the rest of the range and showcases the firm's CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible.   Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
The most powerful Chevrolet drop top ever, the ZL1 uses the same supercharged V8 found in the coupé, and is good for 580bhp and 556lb.ft - more than a Porsche 911 Turbo S or Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. This production model has extra bracing over the hardtop and features the company's Performance Traction Management system with launch control.

Chevrolet Spark.   Chevrolet Spark
It has been available in the UK since 2010 but it's only now heading for the US. The design has been tweaked to suit American taste with bespoke bumpers, lights and a grille that extends further down the bodywork. It keeps the 1.2- and 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, and comes with 10 airbags and GM's OnStar communication system.

Ford Fiesta ST Concept.   Ford Fiesta ST Concept
The Fiesta ST Concept has not been confirmed for production, but with 180bhp from the economical 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine it would worry the current hot hatch competition. With Fiesta RS WRC styling, 17-inch wheels, five doors and bags of personality in the metal it could prove a real winner for Ford and its Global Performance Vehicles initiative.

Ford Flex.   Ford Flex
This may only be a refresh for the 2013 model year (actually 2012...), but the Flex benefits from a new front end, performance tweaks, interior upgrades and improved fuel economy. There's also a new generation of the MyFord Touch system and the model comes with a choice of 3.5-litre petrol engines - one using EcoBoost technology.

Ford Focus ST.   Ford Focus ST
Ford's first global performance car, the all-new Focus ST will be available in more than 40 markets after a partnership between Europe's Team RS and North America's Special Vehicle Team. A four-cylinder 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine replaces the European five-cylinder, while driver enjoyment has been a key 'focus' with sport-orientated steering and chassis setup to go with far more aggressive styling over base models.

Ford Kuga.   Ford Kuga
Badged 'Escape' for the American market, the all-new Kuga has an increased cargo capacity of 1,928 litres - 600 litres more than before - an updated shape and new technology including a hands-free boot lid. EcoBoost petrol turbos and TDCi diesel engines will be more powerful and economical, with front-wheel drive diesel the likely favourite when on sale in the UK next summer.

Ford Mustang.   Ford Mustang
The 2013 Mustang has a more high-tech look with more prominent grille and new LED lights, but otherwise differs little to current model visually. GT model with 5.0-litre V8 now delivers 420bhp (up 8bhp), while options include a six-speed auto with manual control and Brembo brake package. A GT Track Package debuts for would-be racers, with upgraded radiator, brake pads and differential, plus an engine cooler.

Ford Mustang Boss 302.   Ford Mustang Boss 302
Paying homage to the iconic 1970 Boss 302, the 2013 equivalent comes with traditional hockey stick graphics and the option of School Bus Yellow paint. Its 5.0-litre V8 with 444bhp and 380lb.ft is unchanged from the previous Boss 302, but as standard a voice-activated in-car connectivity system is included to add some tech to the muscle.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.   Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Headline-grabbing ultimate Mustang will be first 200mph model thanks to world's most powerful production V8. Unveiled by Carroll Shelby himself at the show, the supercharged 5.8-litre boasts 650bhp and 600lb.ft; optimised brakes, gearing and suspension; and a mean-as-hell look. Options include Bilstein adjustable dampers, launch control and Torsen limited slip differential when it goes on sale in the US next year.

Honda CR-V.   Honda CR-V
Honda's CR-V has always been an odd-looking SUV, but the new model aims to change that. There's a bold new front end, and though the rear is particularly angular, it's more practical than before thanks to a higher roofline. And while the interior doesn't look radically different it promises much higher quality than before.

Honda Fit-EV.   Honda Fit-EV
It looks like the UK's Jazz because it is one - but the Fit-EV uses electric power only. There's still a practical and spacious cabin, full of kit, and a CVT gearbox, but no emissions and silent running. Honda isn't giving too much away but expect the car to be able to reach 90mph and have a maximum range of 100 miles.

Hyundai Azera.   Hyundai Azera
The Korean brand doesn't have a great track record of executive saloons in the UK market, but it's much better received in the US. This new Azera follows hot on the heels of the concept version and will likely use the 3.8-litre V6 found in the larger Genesis or the firm's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit.

Infiniti IPL G Convertible.   Infiniti IPL G Convertible
Designed to rival BMW's M badge, the IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) G Convertible is based on the firm's G37 model but boasts a more luxurious cabin and better performance from the 348bhp V6 engine. To complement what's under the bonnet there's a set of 19-inch alloys and menacing Malbec Black metallic paint.

Infiniti JX.   Infiniti JX
A full production model, the new JX is a seven-seat luxury crossover that was previously unveiled as a concept back in August at Pebble Beach. Don't expect much to have changed since though - which means some opinion splitting styling, front- or four-wheel drive and another pairing of the firm's 3.7-litre V6 engine and CVT gearbox.

Jaguar CX-16 concept.   Jaguar CX-16 concept
We've already seen this concept car, but it's the first time it will have been on display in North America (oh and it has been repainted white). The small coupé uses a 3.0-litre 375bhp supercharged V6 engine along with a 94bhp hybrid drivetrain to ensure scintillating performance. It's slated to make limited production in the future, hopefully with little change to the look.

Jaguar XKR-S Convertible.   Jaguar XKR-S Convertible
Another fastest convertible at the show - the XKR-S Convertible is the quickest drop top Jaguar has ever produced. Based on the XKR-S coupé, this production model promises stunning performance and entertaining handling. Top speed is the same as the Coupe's 186mph with 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds.

Kia GT concept.   Kia GT concept
Already seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this is the first time the Kia GT has appeared on US soil. With 21-inch alloys, a copper roof line and a 3.3-litre V6 turbo engine boasting 400bhp, the GT promises to be a real show stopper. Designer Schreyer is keen for the model to make production and act as a halo for the brand, and it wouldn't be the first time Kia has surprised us.

Land Rover DC100 concept.   Land Rover DC100 concept
Updating the legendary Defender is an unenviable task, but Land Rover's designers have started to do just that. The first of a series of concept models that will contribute to the new model's look when unveiled in 2015, the DC100 was first seen in Frankfurt - but has been re-imagined with a blue body, white roof and snorkel air intake for the LA show.

Land Rover DC100 Sport concept.   Land Rover DC100 Sport concept
This speedster style concept is a strict two-seater with a low wraparound screen, massive wheels and attention-grabbing yellow paintwork. As such don't expect it to enter production, but more as a demonstration of the spin offs Land Rover will make from the new Defender. The concept is fitted with a V8 petrol engine, and an advanced Terrain Response System.

Lexus GS 350.   Lexus GS 350
More space, more performance and improved economy - the new Lexus GS 350 production model will be unveiled at LA. There are 450h hybrid and F Sport models on the way, though for now buyers will have to make do with the 3.5-litre V6 driving the rear wheels. Best of all, the once dated cabin has been totally revamped.

Lincoln MKS.   Lincoln MKS
Ford's luxury arm hasn't always enjoyed the success it has deserved, but its revised BMW 5 Series rival could just change that. There are revised lights, a new 'waterfall' grille and some changes to the chassis - which may include adaptive suspension for the first time. There's new running gear to differentiate it from the Ford it is based on as well, and performance should be improved.

Lincoln MKT.   Lincoln MKT
A revised version of the current MKT luxury crossover, the new model is said to be 'Forward looking and more elegantly crafted' than the current example. What this means is a tweaked design, along with some suspension, performance and economy enhancements. You should also expect it to feature Ford's EcoBoost technology.

Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG.   Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG
Mercedes' production-ready performance SUV is now quicker and more efficient than the last model. The cabin is still luxurious and the exterior remains incredibly imposing, and while the 518bhp and 516lb.ft ensure startling performance in a straight line the Active Curve System keeps it calm in the corners.

Porsche 911.   Porsche 911
Lighter and more economical than before the new Porsche 911 is the first sports car from the firm to dip below 200g/km, yet it's also 14 seconds faster around the legendary Nürburgring circuit than its predecessor. There's a more luxurious interior, a 3.8-litre 400bhp six-cylinder engine and the world's first production seven-speed manual gearbox.

Porsche Panamera GTS.   Porsche Panamera GTS
Turns out the 'secret' Porsche world debut is none other than the most driver-focused Panamera yet, the GTS. It's no stripped out hard-core machine, but it should be a lot of fun with extra power, a tweaked chassis and big brakes. Pity it only comes with the PDK automatic gearbox though.

Subaru BRZ Concept STi.   Subaru BRZ Concept STi
A thinly veiled concept, expect the production model (due to be officially unveiled in Tokyo in December) to look little different. It's powered by a version of the firm's 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with around 200bhp, but expect the rear-wheel drive model to use turbocharging to boost performance in the future.

Toyota Yaris three-door.   Toyota Yaris three-door
The three-door Yaris is little different to the five-door model, but boasts neater styling and should appeal to a slightly younger market. The US does without the 1.4-litre diesel engine we have here, but uses a pair of 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol units. All models are available with the firm's Touch and Go System, which includes satnav, Bluetooth, MP3 connection and a rear-view camera.

Volkswagen CC.   Volkswagen CC
It has dropped its donor car name (presumably in a bid to move it upmarket), but Volkswagen's new four-door coupé is based on the humble Passat model. No matter, the CC looks little different from its sleek predecessor, though both the exterior and interior have been refreshed. It's incredibly popular in North America, and will land in UK showrooms in early 2012.

Volvo C70 Inscription.   Volvo C70 Inscription
Little more than a special edition, but this is the first time the C70 Inscription will be seen in the flesh. When it was originally launched the Volvo coupé-convertible was the first four-seat drop top with a three-piece folding roof, and it has lost none of its appeal. The Inscription brings special leather on the seats and dash, 18-inch alloys, a choice of diesel engines and a mix of three different black and white paint finishes.

Volvo Concept You.   Volvo Concept You
Since Geely bought the Swedish brand from Ford, the company has been steadily moving its image further upmarket. The Concept You debuted at Frankfurt this year, and harks back to vintage models such as the PV444 of 1943 and Amazon from 1956, but with a host of up to the minute technology that includes touch screen controls and a head up display - expect the design to influence the shape of the next S80.








 

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