On the first day of vehicle premiers at the the LA Auto Show AutoMobility LA, there were many new SUVs, sports cars, services and announcements. We have rounded up the best announcements and reveals today in one easy-to-read place. The styles of vehicles like Los Angles are all over the map with price ranges from below $19,000 to over $100,000. There are new sedans, compact SUVs, sports roadsters and luxury SUVs. Automakers that premiered vehicles include BMW, Nissan, Hyundai, Lincoln, Lexus, Mazda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Porsche and Hyundai.
BMW Eco Plugin Roadster
BMW introduced the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster matching BMW eDrive technology. The Roadster offers a whole new sensation of freedom, opening the door to virtually silent driving with zero CO2 emissions and bringing an extra edge of purity to open-air driving. An optimized BMW eDrive technology means more power – total output increased to 369 hp (+12 hp), a refined high-voltage battery with increased capacity and range, the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster and BMW i8 Coupe can cover up to 18 miles (preliminary) in purely electric driving. With hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, combustion engine driving the rear wheels and the electric motor driving the front wheels, acceleration 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.2/4.4 seconds (preliminary) Coupe and Roadster respectively with both reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Passengers inside the first-ever BMW i8 Roadster can either enjoy the open sky or a high-quality, all-season fabric soft-top with additional soundproofing. The electrically operated convertible top, opens and closes in less than 16 seconds and while the vehicle is in motion at up to 31 mph.
Nissan Kicks Kick Off of Juke
The all-new 2018 Nissan Kicks affordable compact crossover will hit Nissan U.S. dealerships in June 2018. It replaces the boxy Nissan Juke. Starting at under $19,000, every 2018 Kicks comes with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS). The engine is rated at 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. Aided by a smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission, the Kicks is expected to have a fuel economy rating 33 mpg combined. Kicks is offered in front-wheel drive only. Safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is standard on all grade levels, along with seven air bags and RearView Monitor. Kicks SV and Kicks SR add Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai’s new B-SUV the Kona is the first of its new 8 SUVs planned. Hyundai claims it is a real SUV, equipped with four-wheel drive, 7 dual clutch transmission and the latest Hyundai powertrain technology. Active safety features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection and Hyundai’s first head-up display, which projects relevant driving information in the driver’s line of sight, make the ride more comfortable in the city, on the highway and off-road.
New Jeep Wrangler
The new Jeep Wrangler offers a lot of ground and clearance– with up to 30 inches of water fording, new design, easy-to-use Sky One-Touch powertop, two hardtops and premium soft top. The fourth-generation Uconnect system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the choice of 5.0, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens with pinch-and-zoom capability. It is packed with more than 75 available advanced safety and security features, advanced suspension and fuel economy.
Lexus Two and Three Row Options
Families will now be able to enjoy more space with their luxury utility vehicle thanks to the new three-row Lexus RX L models. The RX created the luxury crossover segment 20 years ago and has reigned supreme as the most popular luxury utility vehicle on the market. The 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL models retain their stylish figures, but now offer the choice of six or seven-passenger capability.
Lexus designed the third row of the RX L models to offer the same comfort and luxury as in the middle row. The positioning of the second row is slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers. Standard leather-trimmed upholstery is standard for the first and second rows, in the choice of Black, Stratus Gray, Parchment or Noble Brown. A tri-zone climate control system gives third-row passengers separate heating and air conditioning vents, and for convenience, a power-folding third-row seat and power tailgate are both standard on the RX L models.
Once in dealerships late this year, the RX 350L will have a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $47,670* (FWD) and $49,070* (AWD).
Less will certainly mean more to some Lexus LX 570 customers for 2018, as the brand augments the traditional three-row model with a new two-row version designed to carry more cargo for any adventure while pampering five people onboard. With a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $84,980*, a new mono-spec trim level gives customers added value and the luxury of simply choosing exterior and interior colors.
Lexus will offer the new 2018 LX 570 two-row model in a mono-spec trim level, a change that enhances customer value by making ordering a vehicle as easy as choosing the exterior and interior colors. The two-row model features the same standard luxury equipment as in the three-row model, including leather-trimmed interior, four-zone automatic climate control, power tailgate, moonroof and 20-inch wheels.
Standard Intuitive Park Assist and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps to enhance visibility in a variety of situations where the driver might not be able to see potential hazards. The standard Panoramic View Monitor gives the driver “extra eyes” where it’s impossible to see, viewing the surrounding terrain when off-roading and helping view the area around the vehicle (sides, front and rear) when maneuvering in tight spaces. The camera projects the image to the 12.3-inch Navigation screen, which can show several view combinations to help aid the driver. The system makes an invaluable assistant when hitching and maneuvering a trailer.
With Lexus Enform Remote (complimentary for the first year of ownership), the LX 570 owner can remotely view and control certain aspects of the vehicle using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app can lock or unlock the doors, remote-start or stop the engine or climate control, locate the vehicle in a parking lot, set up guest driver monitor and more.
New INFINITI SUV QX50
INFINITI revealed the all-new 2019 QX50. The 2019 QX50 is built on an all-new platform, featuring a front-engine, front-wheel-drive-based layout. Engineered with flexibility of application in mind, this platform sets new standards for refinement, rigidity and interior space in the compact premium crossover segment.
The VC-Turbo engine is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, transforming on demand. A breakthrough in combustion engine design, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency. It combines the power of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel engine. A compelling alternative to diesel, it challenges the notion that only hybrid and diesel powertrains can deliver high torque and efficiency.
ProPILOT Assist technologies react discreetly to certain driving situations, supporting the driver with a range of empowering driver assist features, placing them in total control.
All Clear for Lincoln Nautilus and at Air Ports
Lincoln introduced Lincoln Nautilus, a midsize luxury SUV delivering a powerful turbocharged engine range and a suite of advanced technologies designed to give drivers greater confidence on the road.
A suite of new technologies for Lincoln Nautilus includes a lane-centering feature that pairs with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality to help subtly maintain the vehicle’s position in its lane using a combination of radar and cameras. Also debuting is evasive steer assist, which uses radar and cameras to analyze the gap between slower-moving and stationary vehicles on the road ahead to lessen the risk of a rear-end collision. If the risk is high and there is insufficient space to avoid a collision by braking, the system helps the driver steer around the vehicle.
Additional driver-assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System, active park assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping aid and an auto-hold feature, which relieves the driver from having to hold the brakes in stop-and-go traffic.
Clearing for Airports
To help make airport travel easier, Lincoln is collaborating with CLEAR – which offers the fastest, most predictable way through security – to provide new Lincoln owners with a complimentary CLEAR membership, allowing them to speed through security at participating airports and major arenas nationwide.
“Our clients tell us time is their ultimate luxury,” said Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra. “So we’ve paired our exceptional vehicles with world-class services in collaboration with CLEAR to enable them to travel along their journey even more effortlessly and efficiently.”
CLEAR delivers secure and easy travel to more than 30 airports and arenas nationwide. At participating venues, members go to a dedicated CLEAR lane where they are greeted by a CLEAR team member. After a simple finger tap or blink of an eye, members are escorted straight to security screening, bypassing the usual long lines. According to CLEAR, members walk through security in minutes every time.
The Lincoln program with CLEAR launches in January. New Lincoln owners will receive a six-month complimentary membership for themselves and a partner. Lincoln Black Label clients will receive yearlong memberships.
LUXURY SUV with Fridge SVAutobiography
Land Rover has introduced a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment with the launch of the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography.
The new halo for the Land Rover brand delivers a peerless combination of craftsmanship and technology, epitomizing the pinnacle of luxury travel.
Available exclusively in long wheelbase specification, the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography combines advanced new convenience features, including power rear doors that close at the touch of a button and a rear seat refrigerated compartment, creating a sanctuary for relaxation that doubles as a mobile tech hub.
Uprated from 2017MY, the SVAutobiography now features a 557hp 5.0L supercharged V8 gasoline engine mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission which power the vehicle from 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds.
A dramatic fixed center console extends the full length of the rear cabin and acts as the hub for the second row featuring controls for the power close rear doors, electronically deployable tables, and a refrigerated compartment capable of holding four 20oz bottles or two 750mL bottles and two glasses.
Two 10-inch integrated rear entertainment screens and 4G WiFi connectivity ensure passengers are always connected.
In the front row, the elegant and intuitive Land Rover InControl® Touch Pro Duo™ infotainment system with twin 10-inch touchscreens provide a well-integrated media experience while also contributing to a refined interior design4. The upper screen offers controls for commonly used features such as Navigation, Phone, Media, and System Settings, while the lower screen controls climate distribution, seat functions and Terrain Response® settings. Together the screens work seamlessly to deliver unrivalled functionality and ease of use.
VW Announcement
Volkswagen Group of America revealed today it will introduce an all-new electric compact sport-utility vehicle in 2020 based on the I.D. CROZZ concept vehicle, which made its North American debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-electric compact SUV is expected to precede the revival of the iconic Volkswagen Bus in 2022, with a vehicle based on the I.D. BUZZ concept.
New Mazda6
The re-engineered Mazda6 sedan features new ventilated seats and:
- 360⁰ View Monitor
- A reconfigurable 7.0-inch TFT gauge display in higher-trim models
- A new 8.0-inch MAZDA CONNECT infotainment display with sharper color contrast
- Available full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Windshield-projected Active Driving Display head-up unit
It also features body reinforcements, thicker sheet metal in the rear wheel-wells, reinforced chassis bracing and even thicker suspension trailing link mounts help improve interior conversation sound quality.
Mercedes-Benz CLS
The CLS is equipped with a new inline six-cylinder engine and is the first vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup with 48-volt technology with ISG that offers increased efficiency and comfort.
ENERGIZING Comfort links various comfort systems in the vehicle. It systematically uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrancing) and the seats (heater, ventilation, massage), the surface and steering wheel heating as well as lighting and musical atmospheres, and allows a specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer. As a result, well-being and performance levels are enhanced.
These six programs can be selected:
- Refresh / Freshness
- Warmth
- Vitality
- Joy
- Comfort / Well-Being
- Training (three training modes – muscle relaxation, muscle activation and balance – each with several exercises).
The range of driver assistance and safety systems features a modular design and as standard includes Active Brake Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST and the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. Newly standard as well is PRE-SAFE® Sound (prepares human hearing for the anticipated accident noise when there is a risk of a collision).
Although we did not do it on purpose when you look at the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Mazda 6 aligned with each other they do look a lot alike. Could that be why people are choosing SUVs over sedans?
Eclipse Cross Crosses into LA
The Eclipse Cross, the new compact SUV from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), made its North American debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Earlier today, the company also announced the global launch of its connected car platform with MITSUBISHI CONNECT Safeguard and Remote Services.
The Eclipse Cross contains many all-new features including a 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo-engine, dual-pane, power-sliding panoramic roof, 7-inch smartphone link thin display audio with touchpad controller, Head-Up Display (HUD), heated rear seats and the launch of MITSUBISHI CONNECT.
Also new for the brand and found in the Eclipse Cross is a panoramic sunroof with dual-pane, large power sliding glass panels (available on SEL Touring Package), with both tilt and slide capability. The front panel can open up to 17 inches.
Volvo XC40
Volvo introduced to North America the 2019 Volvo XC40. The new XC40, for which the company has already received over 13,000 orders, is Volvo Cars’ first ever small premium SUV. The new XC40 is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new modular small car platform, the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which will underpin all upcoming cars in the 40 series. The CMA platform, co-developed with Geely, will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary synergies and economies of scale for the small premium car segment.
Volvo also announced it Volvo Care vehicle subscription service. The Volvo XC40’s Momentum luxury trim, equipped with premium packages costs $600 and the R-Design sport trim, with premium packages, will be available for $700 a month. Subscribers will have the option to change vehicles 12 months during the two-year service term. There are 15,000-miles-per-year allowed. Subscribers will be insured under a personal policy issued by Liberty Mutual that provides $250,000 bodily injury protection per person and $500,000 bodily injury coverage per accident, with a $500 deductible applied to both comprehensive and collision coverage.
Porsche
Porsche introduced to the world four cars and American premiere of the Cayenne. The 2018 Panamera Hybrid Sport Turismo hatchback sedan packs 680 total horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque with a 550-hp, twin-turbo V8 combustion engine and a 136-hp electric motor. Porsche also announced the 718 Boxster GTS and the 718 Cayman GTS and 911 Carrera T.
Subaru Ascent
The 2019 Subaru Ascent is family-sized three-row mobile headquarters for the entire big family with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard.