Meet the superstars of the City of Angels

BMW Vision iNEXT

This week, Los Angeles hosts the last major international auto show of the year, at a time when the support of automakers for these glitzy and expensive shows is down. But in the shadow of Hollywood, at least seven newcomers deserve superstar status.

Auto shows are not what they used to be. Car manufacturers increasingly prefer to spend their marketing money on more customer-oriented and experiential events where they have the opportunity to showcase their latest products and technologies without showing up with dozens of other brands.

As a result, even major trade shows – Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Los Angeles – are struggling to attract a full range of automakers.

This is unfortunate, because for consumers, the opportunity to see, touch, feel – and even try – the latest cars on the same site remains an attractive prospect. However, it seems that times are changing in more ways than one.

In Los Angeles, for example, Volvo has taken a different approach. Instead of cars, the Swedish automaker has installed interactive displays on its booth highlighting how emerging technologies will change our automotive future.

Certainly, this suggests that cars of the future will focus more on the technology that exploits and supports them than on the vehicle itself. In other words, it is the interface and the services that matter the most.

For the time being, however, cars were still taking center stage in the City of Angels, and although electric models stole some of the limelight, there were also many more clbadic machines on which to drool.

Here is our selection of the Los Angeles show car group.

Audi e-tron GT Concept

This may be called a concept, but the Audi show car is so close to the end product that you might as well treat it as such. Marketed in 2020, it is set to become Audi's flagship electric car and the third in a growing lineup that will include a dozen models by 2025.

The low-cut, four-door coupe vaguely recalls the last A7, but looks wider and lower, with more muscular details. The front features a large textured front panel at the grid location, hiding a multitude of sensors.

Two electric motors, one for each axle, provide a combined power of 434 kW for exceptional sports performance: consider an acceleration time of less than 4sec from 0 to 100kn / h and a top speed of 240 km / h. According to Audi, the large 90 kWh flat ground battery allows a real autonomy of 400 m.

The badpit is equipped with virtual instruments and an integrated touch screen for the infotainment system that blends into the dashboard when it is not being used.

BMW Vision iNext

The most futuristic car of the Los Angeles show was probably the BMW iNEXT Vision. The all-electric concept will create a production model by 2021, while ushering in a brand new platform that will be used throughout the entire range of BMW models.

Described as a shop on wheels, the iNEXT Vision recognizes that future cars will be more focused on mobility than on driving, with standalone operation giving motorists more time to enjoy interior amenities.

Thus, the interior of the iNEXT focuses on surfaces and tactile materials in a spacious and configurable cabin, while conventional controls and screens remain hidden until they are necessary. The X5 size SUV will likely have all-wheel drive and an extended operating range of up to 500 km.

Kia Soul

The second generation of Kia Soul's breathtaking and stocky mini-SUV retains some of the individual character of the original, but adds increased sophistication and a slightly less casual design approach.

The front is almost futuristic, with its band-shaped daytime running lights and large grille, while the square silhouette stays true to the combination of the compact footprint and generous interior volume of the Soul.

The cab features bold shapes, colors and textures, including ambient lighting that can produce sound pulsations. The bad news is that it is unlikely to reach the South African coast because production is limited to driving on the left.

Mazda3

More elegant, badier and sportier than its more pragmatic predecessor, the new Mazda3 continues the rise of the Japanese brand with an aerodynamically efficient and evocative design.

While many new-generation models focus on sophisticated, sophisticated aesthetics, the Mazda prefers a homogenous look with rounded, organic contours. A large grille ensures a strong identity, while the posture is posed and sporty.

The Mazda3 will also be the first to use the Skyactive-X SPCCI (Spark-Ignition Controlled Ignition) engine, which promises high torque and reduced fuel consumption. The all-wheel drive will also be an option.

The Mazda3 is expected to arrive in South Africa next year and will be offered as a sedan and hatchback.

Porsche 911

Despite its familiar silhouette, the latest Porsche 911, which is in its eighth iteration, is arguably the most advanced to date, with a design that could prove to be the most appealing since the revered 993 generation and so much requested.

It is certainly more aggressive and consistent than the outgoing model, with its wider dimensions, its back end with a continuous light band and its door handles that come out only when necessary.

Its all-new interior also offers even more intuitive ergonomics with an integrated infotainment screen, rocker gear, chunky gear selector and clearly defined instrument dials.

The new car is offered in the Carrera S and Carrera 4S versions, both equipped with a six-cylinder flatbed engine and six upgraded turbo, which now offers a good torque of 331 kW and a torque of 530 Nm. Newcomers are also faster and agile. SA order books are open and the first copies should be available mid-2019.

Jeep Gladiator

And now, for something completely different: a bakkie Jeep. Derived from the iconic Wrangler, the new Gladiator is a 4 × 4 pickup with an attitude – and plenty of off-road capability.

In off-road terms, it should surpbad even the legendary Wrangler Rubicon, thanks to special axles, electric differential locks, high ground clearance and a low-reach transfer case. It also has a payload of 750 kg and can tow up to 3,470 kg.

That said, we believe that many gladiator owners will buy it for its gung-ho look and lifestyle. Like the Wrangler, you have a choice of different executions, including hard and soft tops, and a long list of options to customize the Gladiator.

In the US, engine choices include a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel and a 3.6-liter V6 petrol, both coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hope he will join the local Jeep range …

Toyota Prius

Love it or hate it, but the Toyota Prius has been a pioneering vehicle, introducing the hybrid car into the mainstream well before becoming fashionable. The latest version finally adopts the more advanced and progressive style of other new generation Toyotas and offers all-wheel drive for the first time.

Never the most beautiful vehicle, the new version retains the form fastback, but with more vivid details and a less slab design. The rear is particularly distinctive, with a built-in spoiler and groups of taillights conspicuous.

The big news is the optional i-AWD all-wheel drive, which adds a second electric motor. Mounted on the rear axle, it only comes into play when extra traction is needed on compromised surfaces. The improvement of battery technology also benefits the overall efficiency.

Expect the last Prius to arrive at SA showrooms in late February 2019. DM

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