Some of the Hits at the LA Auto Show

Many times car shows offer us a look at vehicles that might be far-fetched ideas and simply present a possibility regarding the vehicle lineup, but at a glance you can tell the car will never make it to production.  The LA Auto Show this year showed us something very different in the fact that nearly every car unveiled was production ready and poised to be part of the lineup of the manufacturer which put a different spin on the show.  This is the kind of show that lets you in on what will be on the market soon rather than just a glimpse into the thought process of the brand.

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia – this car is one that will follow up the 4C Coupe and Spider but offer a chance to take more people along while also offering more performance.  This is a seductive looking sport sedan from Alfa Romeo with the top model, called the Qadrifoglio, offering a V6 twin turbo engine that offers up 505 horsepower and the ability to reach sixty mph in only 3.8 seconds.

2017 Ford Escape – The Escape has become one of the longest running models with plenty of successful sales for eleven years, but it’s time to remake this beauty.  The new model will feature upgrades all around and a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to offer more fuel economy for those who choose the Escape as their daily driver and want some around town efficiency to enjoy.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider – This car is a serious throwback as the 124 Spider has been missing from the US market for nearly three decades.  When you know this is a collaboration with Mazda you should get excited about this roadster to come to market as a high performing fun driving little two seater that will be fun to toss in and out of every corner and curve we can find in the area.

2017 Mercedes- Benz SL – As a style leader in the market the SL is redesigned for the 2017 model year to appease critics who called it “frumpy” when it was revealed in 2012.  The changes to the style includes the new headlights, grill, bumper treatments and the metal, all meant to upgrade the style and make you really want to drive the SL450, SL550 or the AMG models; topping performance and style.

2017 Kia Sportage – The Sportage has taken on major changes over the years and is the longest running Kia name in the US.  As one of the smoothest and most stylish crossover SUVs on the market today the Sportage will share a chassis with the Hyundai Tucson and offer a larger body and a bit more cargo area for you to haul whatever you need along with you.  The turbo model will be a nice power boost too.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali – GMC has led the way with the Denali trim on nearly everything GMC makes to give us the luxury trim level for pickups and SUVs.  The latest version of that is to put this trim on the Canyon which takes it so much farther than any other midsized pickup truck on the market today.  This new trim will have soft Mulan leather seats and a full complement of great electronics to enjoy.

2017 Lincoln MKZ – While we wait for the new Continental to be made, which is expected to seriously revitalized Lincoln, we get to enjoy the newly made MKZ.  This new luxury vehicle offers more comfort and appeal along with a Black Label top trim for us to admire.  Under the hood you can enjoy a pair of great engines, a 400 horsepower V6 or a more efficient 235 horsepower EcoBoost four-cylinder.

2016 Nissan Sentra – As one of our favorite daily drivers the Nissan Sentra for 2016 offers some mild updates of the outgoing version.  This update allows the Sentra to fall more in line with the Altima and Maxima to be a coveted vehicle from a style and equipment standpoint.  The engine is still meant for efficiency and shows up as a 130 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a CVT attached to it.

2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune – Carrying on the tradition of having a Beetle that can take on the dunes and sand of the beaches or the desert this little beauty offers a different perspective on the Beetle.  Asa rear engine and rear drive vehicle the Beetle has been versatile for many years and this this off roader shows up with a front driver 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder setup to make the driving even easier.

2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Club Sport – If you want a car that is set up to head out to the track and perform exceptionally this is the one to choose.  While the 911 is the bread and butter of Porsche this is a sports car that can take on the 911 and leave it staring at the taillights.  Offering a 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine that coughs up 385 horsepower you will enjoy the fun of driving this GT4 Club Sport.

2017 Buick LaCrosse – This may be the cornerstone sedan for Buick to move forward.  Even though we love the crossovers the sedans have been restyled but still need some performance assistance.  This new LaCrosse may be the perfect solution to what is needed for the brand.  Shedding 300 pounds and adding new metal and a 305 horsepower V6 engine this car is ready and poised to impress anyone.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe – Although we see the sedan already in the showrooms, the new Coupe, which offers stylish and sporty designs will be the desired offering from Honda.  With an aggressive look, which includes a chopped off rear tail section, the Civic Coupe is a two-door sporty drive that will impress you on any road.  Unleash the horsepower that is included and you will have a fantastic and exciting drive.

Scion C-HR Concept – As the sub brand form Toyota that is meant to entice younger buyers Scion does have a few great offerings but not a crossover SUV as of yet.  This could be the one, with the C-HR standing for Compact High Ride, which could be priced at a level the younger audience is looking for, which is the target market for Scion.  When this makes it to market it will give Scion lovers a new item.

2016 Mazda CX-9 – When you need a larger crossover you want one that drives well.  Many large three row vehicles tend to drive more like trucks or have the body on frame build, but not the CX-9.  This will be a crossover that will pack a punch with a great new engine that is both powerful at 250 horsepower and efficient.  This new CX-9 is a full 287 pounds lighter than the outgoing model for a better drive.

Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept – Subaru has never been highly acclaimed for their styling, but the inner workings of a Subaru usually impress us all.  This is about to change when the new Impreza makes it to market and the car offers the best ride and handling possible along with a beautiful new look that is aggressive and exciting to let you know this car is made to be functional and fun at the same time.

2017 Cadillac XT5 – This SUV has caused a huge raucous around Cadillac and it’s a good thing.  With the SRX being cancelled the XT5 will replace this outgoing crossover SUV and be one of the most exciting vehicles on the market with a strong 300 horsepower V6, which is much stronger than many of the other midsized crossovers.  The XT5 will set the stage for other Cadillac SUVs to be built.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible – While the idea bombed before with another SUV, Range Rover may be the brand name to carry it off.  Just one look lets you see this is no ordinary SUV and by using the coupe model to create the convertible the look is more fluid than when trying to have a convertible over a four-door SUV.  The convertible Evoque looks like it should be a success, but only sales will tell truth.

2016 Toyota Prius – This was one way Toyota was playing to the local crowd as the Prius is one of the most popular vehicles in LA.  Using the new Global Architecture from Toyota the Prius will now enjoy an independent rear suspension and be much easier to toss around on any road.  Of course this car is still meant for fuel efficiency and offers an estimated 58 city/53 hwy mpg for any of us to fully enjoy.

2017 Infiniti QX30 – In an answer to the compact crossover SUV market Infiniti brings forward the QX30 which will be the competitor to the BMW X1.  Small and quick this little beauty will offer a great price for many to enjoy and an efficient 208 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  When you are looking for something fun with a little added space, this is the crossover to choose.