The 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show press preview wraps up today. While we have more in-depth coverage on the way, here’s a quick round-up of the highlights from the show, as chosen by our writers.
Best in Show
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Stephanie Wallcraft
In a sea of crossover practicality – which feels very un-LA, by the way – there was only one reveal that truly stirred my soul. A new Corvette ZR1, and with an available convertible, no less? Be still, my beating heart. Chevrolet completely stole the show.
BMW 8 Series Concept
Jil McIntosh
Every line on this super-slinky coupe screams, “I’m fast! Look at me!” Who can resist?
2019 Subaru Ascent
Greg Wilson
This large three-row SUV is the ideal all-around family vehicle for Canadian families
2018 Jeep Wrangler
Dan Heyman
Turbo power (with a PHEV on the way), aluminum build, all sorts of smart new tech but still, quintessentially, a Wrangler.
Volkswagen ID Concept Lineup
Simon Hill
I’d hand it to Volkswagen for its ID lineup – a cohesive, futuristic, electrically-powered lineup consisting of the Concept ID hatchback, ID Crozz SUV, and ID Buzz minivan. The interior in the latter is as much lounge as vehicle, with a hardwood floor and seats that slide on tracks so you can configure them into a social space. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the ID Buzz visually channels Volkswagen’s classic microbus of the 1960s, but climbing aboard the ID Buzz is believing – this thing is pretty damn awesome.
Best Concept
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Jil McIntosh
It’s cool, it’s funky, it’s electric, and best of all, they’re going to build it and sell it to us!
BMW i Vision Dynamics Concept
Greg Wilson
BMW’s all electric answer to the Tesla Model S is going to shake things up.
BMW 8 Series Concept
Simon Hill
BMW’s 8 Series Concept is absolutely, jaw-droppingly, stunningly gorgeous, and the best part is that BMW claims it will be put into production largely unaltered.
Toyota FT-AC Concept
Dan Heyman
Tonka truck-like styling, but with a nod to the outdoors and the freedom that driving still grants you. See? There is still plenty of fun to be had in the car world.
Best Production Car
2019 Volvo XC40
Stephanie Wallcraft
In the style of Volvo’s other recent SUV reveals, the XC40 appears on its face to hit all the perfect marks: it’s luxurious without being ostentatious, it’s gorgeously appointed, and the cargo room is surprisingly impressive for its size. I could do without the two-tone, but that’s an easy fix.
Greg Wilson
Probably the most attractive small premium SUV, the XC 40 is a great combination of style and practicality
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Jil McIntosh
This car was always screaming to have its top lopped off, and it looks as good as I thought it would.
Dan Heyman
The meanest Corvette ever has just gotten meaner, and I see no problem with that. At all.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Simon Hill
Yes, I know it already debuted at the New York International Auto Show, but at a show where much of the big news was about efficient hybrids, electric cars, augmented reality, and autonomous driving, the Challenger SRT Demon is a big can of raw, gas-inhaling, rubber burning, hold-on-to the steering wheel and drive-it-yourself whup-ass.
Most Curious New Product Reveal
2018 Nissan Kicks
Stephanie Wallcraft
This one is a puzzler. Nissan already has a very robust small crossover line-up. How could they possibly need one more? Even knowing that the Juke is being discontinued, making a front-wheel-drive-only subcompact crossover seem more appealing to Canadians than the Qashqai when it’s missing the quirk factor is going to take some gymnastics – and will depend heavily on what Nissan can accomplish with the price.
Most Aerodynamic Brick
2019 Bollinger B1
Jil McIntosh
Take a cinderblock. Put a brick on top. You have the Bollinger B1, an electric off-road truck scheduled to be built in New York next year.
Best Proof BEVs Don’t Have to Be Boring
2018 BMW i3s
Greg Wilson
More style, more power, more street cred makes BMW’s small electric car more appealing.
Best Hybrid Hoonigan
Mercedes-AMG Project One
Simon Hill
If this is what a hybrid future looks like, count me in. The Mercedes-AMG Project One show car features a 1.6L turbocharged V6 gas engine and a trio of electric motive engines (one paired with the gas engine, driving the rear wheels, and two up front, individually driving the front wheels). Total power output is said to be over 1,000 hp, and the Project One will sprint to 200 km/h in less than 6 seconds (presumably it gets to 100 km/h too quickly to measure), and hit a top speed in excess of 350 km/h. No wonder it looks as much spaceship as car.
Best Barbie Car, If Barbie were German
2010 Porsche Carrera GT
Dan Heyman
Forget the Power Wheels Barbie Jeep. This is what they need to do.
Most Important Wrap to Hide From My Kid
This Minnie Mouse Honda Odyssey
Stephanie Wallcraft
My kid must never see this picture. If she does, she’ll insist that we need a Honda Odyssey, and I’m not ready to hear my six-year-old entertain the idea that it might be time to buy a minivan. That’s no slight whatsoever against the Odyssey. I’d just far prefer to have the ’Vette.
Best Car Owned by Elvis
1971 DeTomaso Pantera
Jil McIntosh
“The Garage” exhibit on the lower level is a treasure trove of cool cars, and this one, shown by the Petersen Museum, was owned by Elvis. When it wouldn’t start he took a gun to it, and there are still bullet holes in the steering wheel.
Stop With the Horsepower Wars Already
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Greg Wilson
Do we really need over 700 horsepower? It’s not just the Corvette. Performance cars are ramping up the hp numbers to the point of ridiculousness for street use! [Booooo! Ssshhh, Greg. – Ed.]
Gotta Buy ’Em All
Burning Rubber Toy Company
Simon Hill
There are all sorts of automotive treasures to be found in “The Garage” in the LA Auto Show’s basement, but none are as attainable as the Burning Rubber Toy Company’s thousands of carefully (and logically) organized Hot Wheels and other die-cast models. Want a classic Japanese sports car? They got ’em. A famous racing car? Check. A muscle car? Yup. If you can walk out of the display without succumbing to the urge to buy at least one special car, you may need to check your pulse.
Winter’s Got Nuthin’ Oo This
2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD All Mountain Concept
Dan Heyman
For all those times you just can’t stand the ski lift anymore.
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