What we've seen so far at the L.A. Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show is back with stunning new vehicles. Take a look at what we've seen so far this week.
New SUVs will be the stars
With gas prices tame and growth in truck sales far outdistancing those of cars in recent years, automakers can't roll out new or updated SUVs fast enough. Plus, SUVs are generally far more profitable for cars because they generally sell for higher prices, without costing a lot more to manufacture.
Ford will import EcoSport tiny SUV from India
Ford's EcoSport is the newest, smallest SUV in the lineup. It has been built and sold in Europe since 2003, but it has not been sold in the U.S. until now.
Jaguar wows with electric SUV concept
The new Jaguar I-Pace concept has the potential of becoming a breakthrough vehicle, a luxury electric SUV that could cause quite a headache for Tesla Motors. The concept could give way to a luxury vehicle that would be among the first long-range electrics from a mainstream maker to compete directly against Tesla. Jaguar unveiled its its I-Pace electric crossover concept at a Hollywood soundstage, first in virtual reality, then for real.
Nissan unveils Black Pearl edition of Juke
As if Nissan's Juke didn't look a little odd already, now has a version that borrows a look last seen on a 1978 sports car. Nissan unveiled the Juke Black Pearl edition, an optional package on the Juke subcompact SUV that will debut in the flesh at next week's auto show.The Black Pearl edition was given the same color scheme as the Nissan 280Z in 1978. It, too, was called the Black Pearl.
Jeep creates Renegade editions for desert or dress up
Jeep fans who don't find the Renegade rebellious enough may find two new special editions of the small off-road SUV more suited to their wild spirit. The 2017 Renegade Deserthawk and Altitude are both set to bow this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. One is meant for taking on the toughest desert terrain while the other is dressy enough to pull up at an opera house.
Porsche opens new Experience Center for West Coast
Drivers can learn their vehicle's limits at Porsche's new Experience Center, opening this week in Carson, Calif. It's not meant for racing, but rather for drivers who want to improve their skills.
Mercedes-Maybach introduces S650 Cabriolet
Based on the S600 sedan, the S650 adopts similar traits to its seductive counterpart that includes a coupe-like soft top and a dynamic silhouette, sleek design. The limited-production convertible — limited to 300 models worldwide, with 75 bound to the U.S. — is powered by a powerful 6.0L V-12 bi-turbo engine and offers an output well over 600-horsepower transferred to the rear axle courtesy of Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission system.
Volkswagen boosts range of e-Golf electric car
As the competition for electric cars heats up, Volkswagen is presenting a new, longer-range version of its e-Golf at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The e-Golf comes as Volkswagen has indicated it is going to make a big push in electric cars, a change of direction that comes in the wake of its diesel-emissions scandal. So e-Golf is suddenly at the forefront of the effort.
