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The Los Angeles Auto Show, held annually, is one of the most important dates in the automotive calendar. The 2018 edition of the event is larger than usual because it follows an unusually calm Parisian show and precedes what promises to be the smallest Detroit show of all time. Automakers from all walks of life are choosing Los Angeles to unveil important production models and futuristic concept cars.
The Los Angeles show is usually a luxury event where friendly cars for jet-setter fans shine in the spotlight. This year we see a little bit of everything. The luxury segment will be well represented, make no mistake, but we will also discover new trucks, SUVs and even economy cars. Here are the major product announcements we are expecting in Los Angeles from brands such as Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Porsche and newcomer Rivian. Connect to Digital Trends from November 27 for our live coverage of the show.
Jeep Gladiator 2020
Jeep is back in the van segment it left over a quarter of a century ago. The outdoor Gladiator is based on the fourth-generation Wrangler, but has a longer wheelbase and a five-foot luggage compartment to carry your equipment and toys. Its natural habitat is an earth trail miles away from the nearest paved road, not a construction site. Hidden pictures revealed the truck well before its planned debut in Los Angeles.
The only engine available at launch will be a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower, which will transmit either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel drive will be delivered as standard; it's an evolution of Wrangler, after all. Jeep will add a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel to the lineup in 2020. Well-equipped, the Gladiator will be able to tow 7,650 pounds and fire 1,600 pounds.
More on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Kia Soul 2020
Cue the hamsters; There is a new Kia Soul around the corner.
The third generation of Soul will win in Los Angeles with a more adult design and a smarter and more user-friendly interior. The Teaser images confirm that the model will retain the square proportions that characterize it since its first appearance in 2008. The designers have taken the limber in a more aggressive direction and equipped the rear with lights that envelop almost all the back the window. It's a bit of an acquired taste; Time will tell if the result is better in person than in pixels.
Kia has always aimed the soul on a relatively young audience. To keep the buyers interested, it has provided inside a complete design and technological updates that will keep the model fresh for years to come. Expect to discover the latest generation of Kia's touch screen infotainment system, as well as a range of electronic driving aids. Gas and electric transmission options will come back.
More on the Kia Soul 2020
Mazda3 2020
Mazda is keeping the next generation Mazda3 quiet until the opening day of the Los Angeles show. The Japanese firm has still released a black teaser video to whet our appetite, and we think the model will be one of the undisputed stars of the event. The hatchback variant is generously inspired by the groundbreaking Kai concept introduced in 2017, giving it a sloping, almost fastback roofline that marks a radical change from the utility silhouette often seen in this segment.
The surprises will not end with the winding sheet. Although nothing is yet official, the new generation Mazda3 is expected to usher in a breakthrough in fuel economy in engine technology. Mazda calls it SkyActiv-X. It combines the technology used in a gasoline engine with that of a turbodiesel unit. Many car manufacturers have experimented with this solution and have failed. Mazda thinks she has cracked the code.
More on the Mazda3 2020
Porsche 911 2020
Although the prototypes are still covered in camouflage, it's not hard to get a sense of what the next-generation Porsche 911 looks like. The headlights are still oval – no surprises there. Porsche tried to get away from this stylistic scam with the 911 of the 996 generation and the fans revolted. This still looks like a 911 too, but the taillights are now connected by a guide bar and the hood cover vents a new design incorporating the third brake light. The changes are at best evolutive.
We expect to find great technological improvements in the interior. The model will probably receive the 12.3-inch touch screen that we find in larger models like the Panamera and the Cayenne. The tachometer will remain in the foreground, but Porsche could incorporate configurable displays by the driver in the dashboard. And chances are the next 911 will receive the InnoDrive smart software already offered on the company's four-door models. Consider it as a super-cruise control system that does not neutralize the impulses of a sports car.
More about the Porsche 911 Carrera 2020
Rivian R1T
Rather than entering the crowded segment of the luxury electric car, Rivian is boldly wanting to apply the Tesla model to the world of all-terrain vehicles. The company currently plans to launch two models called respectively R1T and R1S. Both will use electric battery powertrains and will offer level three autonomous capabilities. The R1T comes in the form of a truck closer to the Honda Ridgeline than the Ford F-150, but with a rugged, futuristic design. We have not seen the SUV yet.
Rivian's project file impresses, at least on paper. The R1T must safely traverse 3.6 feet of water, provide ground clearance of more than 14 inches and be able to climb 45 degrees. If he manages to achieve these goals, he will theoretically be ashamed of a Jeep Wrangler. And this is only one of his personalities. Rivian promises that the truck will behave better than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, thanks to pneumatic suspension and roll control technology. It records a supercar time of 2.8 seconds to 2.8 seconds in a most powerful configuration. It also offers up to 450 miles of autonomy.
Color us intrigued. We will learn a lot more when Rivian will show up in Los Angeles.
More about the Rivian R1T concept
Toyota Corolla 2019
For decades, the Toyota Corolla has been a machine of choice for motorists looking for a simple, reliable and affordable car. It has also proven to be an extremely potent sedative for anyone even looking for an ounce of driving pleasure. Everything is about to change, according to Toyota. The most recent Corolla is part of the company's desire to create cars that please the heart, not just the spirit. In recent years, it seems more daring than ever and society says it will be more fun to drive than the outgoing model.
Interestingly, Toyota will present two variants of the Corolla in Los Angeles. The first will have a four-cylinder engine of 1.8 or 2.0 liters depending on its configuration, while the second will receive a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain.
More about the Toyota Corolla 2020
The rest
Luxury car enthusiasts will not be disappointed by this year's show in Los Angeles. Bentley will present a convertible version of the 626 horsepower Continental GT. Several recently unveiled BMW concept cars and cars will make their debut at the show, including the X7 and 8 Series Cabriolet. Hyundai's Genesis division will probably unveil a very updated G90, while Mercedes-AMG will show us an evolution of the ready-to-use GT. Honda will be resurrecting the Pbadport nameplate and Subaru will unveil a Crosstrek plug-in hybrid variant built with Toyota's help. Volvo will not show anything, but he'll have something to talk about.
This is not everything. Automakers can announce new products hours, minutes, or even seconds before their unveiling on stage, and we already know that several surprises are planned this year.
Check out our full coverage of the Los Angeles 2018 Auto Show
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