The last major motor show of the year, the Los Angeles Auto Show, may not be on the same scale as Frankfurt or Geneva, but each year it has some of the most important debuts and future models showcased. Set to open its gates to the public on December 1, here’s what to look forward to at the LA motor show:
Aria FXE
The California-based engineering company, Aria, has released a teaser announcing the unveiling of a high-performance concept at the LA Auto Show. While the teaser image is only a shot of the rear, the large intakes at the back suggest a mid-engine layout while the fixed rear spoiler hints at the model's performance.
The German manufacturer hasn’t revealed all that much about its convertible hybrid supercar as yet, though it has been spied a few times. Expected to be the most expensive i-badged model, the i8 Roadster will share its coupe sibling’s 426hp petrol-electric powertrain.
Though BMW has already unveiled its new X2, it will bring it to the motor show for its public debut. Expected to arrive in India in 2018, the X2 will slot in between the X1 and X3 in the manufacturer’s line-up and share drivetrain options with the former.
Genesis G70
The Korean brand unveiled its rear-wheel-drive G70 sedan in September 2017, but its public debut has been reserved for the LA Motor Show. The car is destined for the US and some European markets.
Infiniti’s rival to BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC – the production-spec QX50 – has been digitally revealed but will be showcased at Los Angeles. The QX50 possesses the world’s first-produced variable compression ratio diesel engine.
While the Wrangler had been leaked earlier this year, Jeep has taken the wraps off the next-gen SUV and will publically debut it at the motor show. It’ll sport the traditional Jeep design, boast the typical off-road qualities and come with a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor instead of the older 2.8-litre petrol mill.
Range Rover and Range Rover Sport
Mid-cycle facelifts for the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport will have a stall at Los Angeles. They take on many design aspects of the Velar and come with a new hybrid powertrain as well. The facelifted Range Rover and Range Rover Sport had been digitally unveiled earlier this year.
Lexus RX L
Lexus will bring a three-row version of its largest SUV, the RX, to LA. Set to come with petrol and hybrid engine options, the premium SUV is expected to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS and upcoming BMW X7 in international markets.
Mercedes has been rather secretive about its upcoming Audi A7 rival, the next-gen CLS. It will be one of two new four-door coupés in Mercedes’ range, with a four-door AMG GT model set to be unveiled later.
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman GTS
The German performance carmaker had previously taken the wraps off its 718 GTS models. Both the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster come with a 2.5-litre flat-four turbo-petrol mill that makes 365hp and 430Nm of peak torque. The GTS-badged mid-engine sportscars will top the 718 range for the moment.
Subaru Ascent
The Japanese manufacturer will take the wraps off a production-spec three-row SUV called the Ascent. The Subaru Ascent will be powered by a new direct-injection boxer engine and is primarily aimed at the US market.
Toyota FT-AC
A teaser image of an off-roader SUV from Toyota has been released; indicating that the automaker will display the FT-AC (Future Toyota Adventure Concept) at the LA event. The Japanese marque had showcased an urban SUV concept, the FT-4X, at the 2017 New York Motor Show.
Volkswagen’s large BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 rivalling Touareg SUV will be brought to the event. It had been spied earlier in August and again very recently, but this will be its first full unveil. Besides the tweaked exteriors and interiors, expect the four-wheel-drive SUV with enough equipment to compete against its premium rivals.