Auto show season kicks off with the Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs from November 21 to 30, 2014 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Detroit may be the home of the American auto industry, but Los Angeles can make a case for being the home of the imports. California is one the largest market for automobiles in the U.S., and is actually a bigger market than many countries, so the LA Auto Show is a very important date on the annual automotive calendar.
The LA Auto Show was founded in 1907, and attracts over 900,000 visitors each year.
This year’s show hosted a number of important SUV and crossover vehicle debuts, featuring production vehicles that we can look forward to for the 2015 and 2016 model years.
BMW X5 M and X6 M
The BMW X5 M and X6 M each made their world debuts at the LA Auto Show. “M” is BMW’s high performance marque. According to a BMW press release, “Purpose-designed for exceptional driving experiences, the latest generation of high-performance all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW M delivers boosted output, optimized suspension technology, and new heights of luxury and innovation in the equipment range.” The X5 M and X6 M will each come with a twin-turbo V8 engine tuned to deliver 567 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, allowing for 0-60 times of 4.0 seconds – very fast for any vehicle, let alone an SUV. The X5 M will start at $99,650, and the X6 M will start at $103,050.
Fiat 500X
The all-new Fiat 500X is a crossover vehicle in the mold of the very popular Fiat 500. It will be available as a 2016 model in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, Trekking and Trekking Plus. Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat Brand North America, says that “the all-new 500X delivers the Italian design and personality that we are known for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment and technology. In addition, it will be the first vehicle in our portfolio to offer an advanced all-wheel-drive system that will provide customers with peace of mind in all driving conditions.” The 500X will seat five, and can be ordered with a 1.4-liter turbo (160 hp/184 lb-ft of torque) or a 2.4-liter engine (180 hp/175 lb-ft of torque) with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has been an important SUV ever since its debut 25 years ago, and it continues to be a sales leader for Ford. In its last makeover, it went from being a body-on-frame, traditional SUV to a unibody crossover vehicle. Now, Ford uses the Explorer as a showcase for its engine technology with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and an all-new Platinum series that will elevate the level of luxury and tech features in the Explorer to new heights. New features on the 2016 Explorer will include:
Front and rear 180-degree wide angle lens cameras with washers; Enhanced Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Park, Park-Out Assist and Side Sensor; Smart-charging with front and rear USB ports; Hands-free kick-activated liftgate; and a 500-Watt Sony audio system. Pricing will be announced prior to vehicle launch in late 2015.
Honda HR-V
Honda already has the best-selling SUV in the US with the CR-V, and now adds to its portfolio with the compact crossover HR-V, which will arrive as a 2016 model. Based on a new global platform, HR-V’s strength seems to be an admirably flexible interior. A center-mounted fuel tank and a second row “Magic Seat” make the 100.1 cubic feet of passenger volume a very useable space. The HR-V will be powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that produces 138 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, and will use a CVT or six-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (CVT only). Expect to hear more about this vehicle when pricing is announced in 2015.
Kia Sorento
The Sorento has been a big success story for Kia, especially since the 2010 model started rolling off of the production lines of the new US factory, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. Sorento got a makeover for 2014, and now gets a refresh for 2016. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is added to the buying options, joining the proven 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.3-liter V6 engine choices for Sorento. “The core principles in the development of the all-new 2016 Sorento were simple: Deliver class-up premium materials and features in a capable, confidence-inspiring CUV,” said Orth Hedrick, Vice President, Product Planning, KMA. “During the development process, engineers started from the ground up by reinforcing an already stiff body structure. This added rigidity pays dividends when conditions are less than perfect and helps deliver a premium driving experience. By painstakingly crafting a vehicle with significant reductions in NVH and substantial gains in overall driving comfort and dynamics, the 2016 Sorento sets a new standard for Kia in the highly competitive mid-size CUV segment.”
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show last month, to quite a splash. The vehicle’s North American debut was a little more subdued at the LA Auto Show, but still has no lesser impact. The further expansion of the Land Rover range comes in the form of a 5+2 midsized crossover vehicle powered by a 240 hp turbocharged 2-liter engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The Discovery Sport will be built on a 107.9” wheelbase, but will only be 180.7” long thanks to short front and rear overhangs. Land Rover will offer a high degree of available options for personalization, along with a wide array of available accessories. Following Land Rover tradition, the Discovery Sport will be equally capable on- and off-road, with all-wheel drive, Terrain Response and a suite of off-road technologies. Pricing will start at around $37,000 when the vehicle goes on sale in 2015.
Mazda CX-3
The rush to produce compact crossovers continues. Mazda debuted the CX-3, an all-new crossover that will ride on the same platform as the Mazda2, but with the same powertrain as the Mazda3. CX-3 will feature the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies. Its exterior design is inspire by the KODO principles (“Soul of Motion” design). Mazda boasts of CX-3’s “human-centric” packaging, aimed at ease of use. The CX-3 rides on a 101.2” wheelbase, and measures 168.3” long, 69.5” wide and 61” high. It will use the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The CX-3 will be available globally, and will go on sale in the US in spring of 2015.
Porsche Cayenne GTS
Porsche continues to expand its lineup with additional trim levels. Add to the long list the Cayenne GTS, which will slot in above the S and below the Turbo in terms of horsepower and price. The Cayenne GTS will produce 440 hp, air suspension with a ride height that has been lowered by 20 millimeters for improved on-road performance. GTS joins a Cayenne lineup that includes the Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Pricing should fall in between the $74,100 S and the $113,600 Turbo price tags.
Volvo XC90
Volvo is in the process of a reboot, following its purchase by Geely Automobile of China in 2010. The Swedish automaker unveiled a new look on the mid-size XC90 crossover, featuring a more prominent “iron mark” and “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights, a look that will adorn the next generation of Volvo vehicles. XC90 also gets an all-new interior with higher levels of luxury and a touchscreen dash that is nearly button-free. XC90 can be ordered with a range of engine choices, including a highly unusual supercharged and turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor that combine to produce 400 net horsepower, good for 0-100 times of 6.4 seconds. The extensive suite of available and standard safety features on the XC90 will reinforce Volvo’s reputation for safety. The 2015 XC90 is on sale now, with prices starting at $56,275.
