LIVE: L.A. Auto Show debuts include Subaru, BMW, Chevy Colorado
The L.A. Auto Show, which opens to the public Friday, raises the curtain today on dozens of new models — new BMWs, a new Jaguar coupe, new Chevy pickups.
Today, our reporters will be tracking the latest auto show news and most exciting debuts. Follow our live coverage below.
PHOTOS: L.A. Auto Show model debuts
[Updated 2:04 p.m. PDT Nov. 20: A Hummer-size Puma convertible is drawing double takes at the auto show. The Youabian Puma is about 8 feet wide and 20 feet in length, like an armored tank and a sports car in one. More on the $1.1-million monstrosity.]
The Subaru WRX has made its bow at the auto show. Edgy, practical, all-wheel-drive and turbo-charged within an inch of its life, the Subaru WRX has developed a cult following among street racers. One analyst called it the “everyman’s pocket rocket.†The latest model, offered in four-door form only, will also be offered in an even more radical STI version. When the 2014 version goes on sale in the spring, it will face the delicate task of retaining the faithful while luring mainstream buyers. A more efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder replaces the outgoing 2.5-liter engine and boasts 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual tranmission comes standard; a CVT -- the first non-manual gearbox offered in the WRX -- is optional. The model will turn zero-to-60 mph runs in 5.4 seconds, Subaru said.
Chevrolet has debuted its all-new 2015 Colorado mid-size pickup truck. With no domestic competitors and outdated models from Toyota and Nissan, Chevy thinks it is well poised to jump back into this market in a big way. The Colorado will come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 193 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter V-6 will be optional, and will make 302 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. About a year after the truck goes on sale in late 2014, Chevy will also offer a 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder as an option. Chevy says it chose the L.A. Auto Show to unveil this new pickup because this is the largest market in the U.S. for mid-size trucks.
BMW used the inaugural press conference of the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show for the world debut of the all-new 4 Series convertible, as well as the North American auto show debut of the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car and the Concept X4 coupe.
The new 4 Series comes in two flavors: The 428i will have a 240-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 435i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six that makes 300 horsepower. The 428i starts at $49,675; the 435i will set you back at least $55,825.
The automaker had on display the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car that will go on sale in the middle of 2014. With 362 horsepower and curb weight of around 3,200 pounds, the all-wheel-drive i8 will start at $137,000. Also on the BMW stand was the Concept X4, which previews a potential variant of the X3 SUV. Though BMW calls this concept a coupe, it has four real doors, but offers a sportier package for those who don’t need the space of an X3. Expect an announcement in the near future on whether this reaches production.
Also new at the L.A. Auto Show: Jaguar’s C-X17 concept. The surest sign that Jaguar’s latest concept will morph into a production car? It’s a compact crossover – the hottest segment in the luxury market. The C-X17 joins other major crossover debuts from Mercedes and Porsche at this year’s auto show, where the Jag is making its first appearance before a North American audience.
An all-new Mini Cooper was unveiled Tuesday. This is the third generation of the Cooper since the model was revived by Mini and parent company BMW in 2002. It rides on an all new front-wheel-drive platform that BMW will use on several of its future models. In addition, the Cooper will come with one of two new engines. Full story: “Redesigned Mini Cooper unveiled.â€
From Porsche comes the Macan. A decade after Porsche broke from the sports car ranks and introduced the midsize Cayenne SUV — now its biggest seller and earner — the storied brand is invading the small crossover space with its Macan.
Starting at $50,895, the Macan will be the most affordable Porsche, aiming to draw new buyers to the brand. Two Macan models will be available at launch. The Macan S will have a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that makes 340 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. A fully-loaded model will do zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat, Porsche said.
FULL COVERAGE: L.A. Auto Show 2013
The Macan Turbo will start at $73,295. It will come with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 400 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Porsche says it will be capable of 0-60 runs in 4.4 seconds. Both models will come with a seven-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. The Macan will go on sale in the U.S. starting next spring. Full story: “Porsche unveils Macan compact crossover SUV.â€
Ford’s new Edge walks a fine line between the market positions occupied by the smaller Escape crossover and the seven-seat Ford Explorer. The automaker has a concept version at the L.A. Auto Show, packed with collision-avoidance technology and other features such as remote-operated parking. The concept is close to the version that will actually hit dealerships, probably sometime next year. Ford wants the styling to give the appearance of “a runner at the starting blocks.†Full story: “Ford brings back the Edge.â€
[For the record, 9 a.m. PDT, Nov. 20: An earlier version of this post referred to the Jaguar C-X17 as X-X17.]
