2016 Los Angeles auto show - preview, dates and new cars
All the most significant launches from the west coast's most significant show
The Los Angeles auto show is once again upon us and the show's organisers are claiming up to 20 world debuts at this year's event, which takes place from Novemer 18-27.
While some of those will be for cars not sold outside the domestic market, several more cars will be making their public debuts in Los Angeles.
What is immediately apparent, but not surprising given the North American market's taste for such vehicles, is that LA will be particularly SUV-heavy - with debuts from Alfa Romeo, Mazda, Mini and Volkswagen, all touting crossovers and SUVs.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Details are still thin on the ground for Alfa's first SUV but its launch has now finally been confirmed for the Los Angeles show. Riding on the same platform used by the impressive new Giulia saloon, it should use similar engines, from 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel units to the likely inclusion of the Quadrifoglio's 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6. It'll be all-wheel drive too, and should be significant in Alfa's push to become a volume seller - particularly in markets like the US and China.
Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet
Recently revealed, the Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets are surely ideally suited to LA boulevard cruising. In Europe they'll be available with a selection of 2-litre and 3-litre petrol and diesel units, but it's fair to assume diesel will not be available in the States thanks to the Volkswagen Group's high-profile faux pas. The new Cabriolet models join the existing coupe and Sportback A5 and S5s.
Honda Civic Si
Here's one car that won't, for the time being at least, be available in the European market - but given American Civics are now built in Swindon with the rest of the world's Civic models, there's a probability that the Si could slot between the 1.5-litre turbocharged models set to be offered in the UK, and the range-topping Type R - think Focus ST to the Type R's Focus RS. Somewhere between 200-250bhp is likely.
Mazda CX-5
If there's such thing as an "evo" family crossover, then Mazda's offerings tend to get closest thanks to agile handling and engaging petrol and diesel powerplants. The latest CX-5 is more of a facelift than an all-new model, so expect the same mix of 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel powerplants - the former naturally-aspirated, rather than turbocharged. It'll be joined on Mazda's stand by the MX-5 RF, and Mazda's SEMA concepts are also likely to make an appearance.
Mercedes-AMG E63
The most potent S versions of Mercedes-AMG's new E63 will develop 603bhp, but all models will be all-wheel drive as standard. Fret not though, for AMG's rowdy character will be retained by the inclusion of a drift mode, that locks the drivetrain in rear-wheel drive, thanks to a new 4Matic system that can fully vary torque between the axles.
Mini Countryman
Yet another crossover, but like Mazda's offerings the Countryman should at least be good to drive. It looks better than the car it replaces too, with slightly chunkier styling (have we got over the fact that Minis aren't "Mini" yet?) and until a John Cooper Works model arrives, the quickest option will be the new plug-in hybrid - a first for Mini.
Joining the Countryman will be the Mini John Cooper Works Clubman. This model was officially unveiled at the Paris motor show but will make its US debut in LA. It makes 228bhp from its 2-litre turbocharged powerplant and starts from £29,345. Quite a hefty sum for a Mini, but sure to attract a few buyers out of their optioned-up Golf GTIs.
Porsche Panamera Executive
Porsche will introduce two new variants of the Panamera luxury saloon at the Los Angeles show. The first is a new entry-level engine that will sit under the bonnet of the Panamera and Panamera 4 models - a 3-litre turbocharged V6 with 325bhp.
The second is the Panamera Executive, a long-wheelbase model boasting 150mm of extra metal between the arches and available in Panamera 4, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo variants. All get more equipment and add approximately £6600 to the price of the standard wheelbase equivalents.
Volkswagen Atlas
We're not expecting to see the VW Atlas appearing in Europe, at least initially, but for the US market it should be quite an important car. It's massive for a start, with seven proper seats, and offers a choice of a 238bhp 2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 280bhp, 3.6-litre VR6.
