As we start to settle into a groove and make our way towards the end of 2017, the annual auto show circus is rolling into North America, starting with the Los Angeles Auto Show. Originally held in 1907, the LAAS is the first big stop for major makes touring across the U.S., followed by the Detroit Auto Show in January. LA is a fantastic venue for an event like this, as the Golden State consumes more than its fair share of automobiles, especially down south, where cities are strung together by a twisted web of freeways and surface streets brimming with four-wheeled machinery. The car rules supreme here, and the LAAS is a traditional showcase of all the latest and greatest.
This year, the event organizers are once again prefacing the event with two days devoted to automotive tech and future talk, so expect to see plenty of new apps, cutting-edge gadgets, and big ideas before the sheet pulls. However, the big draw is the more than 1,000 new vehicles in attendance, with over 50 debuts filling the schedule. Traditionally, the LAAS sets its focus on green cars (hybrids, electric, and alternative fuels), technology (connected systems, autonomous systems), and crossovers, but there’s plenty of fast stuff there as well. We’ve compiled the big reveals you need to know about right here, plus we’ve thrown in a quick reference guide for anyone planning on attending in person, so read on.
Updated 12/05/2017: We’ve updated this guide with more of the debuts you need to know about!
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 LA Auto Show.
Crossovers, SUVs, And Off-Roaders
Jeep Wrangler
LA is the place where Jeep unveiled the new Wrangler, bringing the legendary rough-stuff combatant into a fresh generation for the 2018 model year. Dubbed the JL, this renewed icon comes with a variety of updates, including new interior comfort and a few tweaks to the boxy exterior shape we’ve all come to know and love. Interestingly, Jeep boss Mike Manley also recently confirmed that the new Wrangler will now come with the option for hybrid power.
Read our full review on the Jeep Wrangler
Lexus RXL
The Lexus RX is a hugely popular model, topping the sales list for not only the brand, but the segment at large as well. Now, there’s a new iteration, and it looks to offer customers even more practicality with an additional third-row bench seat. Outside, look for the same sharp styling, while the cabin gets high-end materials like leather and wood trim. Power makers include options for both gasoline and gas-electric.
Read our full review on the 2018 Lexus RXL.
Subaru Ascent
It’s no secret that the crossover and SUV segment is still hugely, immensely popular, and as such, Subaru is looking to capitalize with a fresh three-row crossover dubbed the Ascent. Based on the concept of the same name that dropped in New York earlier in the year, the Ascent gets seven seats, a turbocharged flat-four engine, AWD, and decent mpg figures to boot.
Read our full review on the 2019 Subaru Ascent.
Infiniti QX50
Ditching the third row now brings with it several benefits, including a reduced price. The new Lexus LX 570 makes the scene with just five seats, but includes a bevy of standard comfort goodies, full-time 4WD, and over 380 horsepower from a 5.7-liter V-8.
Read the full story here.
Range Rover SV Autobiography
LA has more than its fair share of well-heeled SUV buyers, and the Range Rover is a popular choice amongst those with a 90210 zip code. As such, this year’s LA Auto Show played host to the debut of the new Range Rover SV Autobiography, a $200,000 rolling luxury hotel room. Top-shelf materials, comfort features, and passenger room are the norm here, plus there are plenty of opportunities to customize yours as you see fit.
Read the full review here.
Lincoln Nautilus
Ditching the old MKX nameplate, Lincoln has updated its mid-size luxury crossover with a new look, a new interior spec, and an actual name, rather than the usual serial code traditionally found on most modern models. Making the go is a choice between a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 245 horsepower and a turbo 2.7-liter V-6 making 335 horsepower.
Read the full review here.
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Mazda6
The 6 is Mazda’s premiere four-door, equipped with an elegant interior, a good amount of space, and an engaging driving experience in a single good-looking package. The 2018 model year arrives with an extensive refresh for the sedan, including a few nips and tucks to the exterior, more premium touches for the cabin space, and most importantly, a new engine option. Joining last year’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder is a more powerful 2.5-liter turbo, and although output figures are still forthcoming, we’re thinking around 250 horses, making for a substantial boost in the zoom-zoom department.
Read our full review on the 2018 Mazda6
Mercedes-Benz CLS
The CLS Class just got a refresh heading into the 2019 model year, and hits the stage in Los Angeles with new styling details for the curvaceous exterior, an updated interior, and a new engine as well. We think it looks great, especially inside, where LED lighting and a large infotainment screen complement the layout. Power from the all-new six-cylinder comes to 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Read the full review here.
Read the full review here.0}
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
First dropping cover in a private event in Dubai, the new ZR1 is in LA for its all-‘Merican debut. Based on the latest seventh-generation C7, the new ZR1 catapults the ‘Vette into bona-fide supercar territory, rocking the most power and highest top speed ever attached to the nameplate. Outside, the aero is all carbon and spoilers, with a new front clip and an enormous rear wing making extra stick at speed. Under the hood is 755 horsepower from a beefed-up and blown 6.2-liter V-8. Top speed should surpass 210 mph. Plus, if you’re looking for extra headroom, LA is the place to see the new Convertible iteration.
Read our full review on the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Saleen S1
Known primarily as a high-end tuner of American muscle cars, Saleen also has the S7 supercar on its resume. Launched in 2000, the S7 became well respected for its aggressive styling and remarkable performance potential. Now, Saleen is debuting a new original sports car dubbed the S1. It’s smaller and less powerful than the S7, with Lotus-based underpinnings and a Ford-sourced 2.3-liter under the hood, but with 450 horses on tap, it should have the right stuff to justify the badge on the nose.
Read our full review on the 2018 Saleen S1.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS And Boxster GTS
Small, quick, and agile – these are the things that make the 718 so likeable. Offered in both hardtop and convertible iterations, Stuttgart’s entry-level offering arrives in LA as the new GTS, with stylish new exterior trim, 20-inch wheels, Alcantara upholstery, and an extra 15 horsepower from the rear-mounted four-bangers. 0 to 60 mph now takes less than four seconds, with top speed reaching 180 mph.
Read the full review here.
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We went gaga over the i8 when Bimmer introduced it back in 2013, and now, the Bavarians have chopped the top to create the new i8 Roadster. While essentially unchanged compared to the coupe iteration (beyond the endless blue sky, that is), we think the hybrid sports car works well as a topless two-door. Power still comes from a turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder and electric motor combo, which together produce 369 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Read the full review here.
BMW i8 Roadster
When it comes to exceptional street-legal performance, there are many different directions to go. However, if it’s F1-style that you’re after, the Project One has what you need. Mounted in the middle is a turbocharged hybrid 1.6-liter V-6 spinning to 11,000 rpm, while carbon everything surrounds it. Active aero and advanced suspension components help it stick.
Read the full review here.
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Mercedes-AMG Project One
First dropping in April at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the I.D. Crozz concept arrives in LA for its U.S. debut, bringing with it VW’s promise for additional electrified offerings heading into the near future. With sleek styling outside and in the cabin, the Crozz gets a duo of electric motors for electron-powered AWD grip, plus an 83-kWh battery to go the distance. Look for a production version to arrive in the next few years.
Read the full review here.
Read the full review here.1}
SUVs and outdoor activities – it’s a pairing you see quite frequently, and this latest concept from Toyota plays the role well. With a high stance, chunky fenders, big wheels, and loads of underbody protection, it certainly looks the part. Throw in the copious carriers and racks, and it should play the part equally as well, all while the outboard cameras capture your adventures for Internet glory points.
Read the full review here.
Volkswagen I.D. Crozz
As the eponymous concept from Chinese tech firm Redspace, this odd box is a forward-looking glimpse at EV transportation for the megaurban environment. It’s tiny on the outside, while the interior gets a modular layout to accommodate hands-on driving or autonomous operation. It’s certainly funky, and has us interested to see what comes next.
Read the full review here.1}
We’re suckers for aggressive-looking mid-engine concepts, and the Aria FXE doesn’t disappoint. Making its debut on the floor of the Los Angeles Auto Show this year, the FXE packs a punch, rocking a hybrid powertrain that includes a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 and two electric motors. Output tops the four-figure mark. Oh, and it also looks Read the full review here..
Redspace
If you prefer something a bit more practical, the three-wheeled Sondors might be more your speed. Created by an electric bike manufacturer of the same name, this EV promises low-cost transportation in a sleek, Italian-designed package. Sondors is currently seeking crowd funding to get pre-production rolling, but isn’t taking pre-orders just yet, unlike amazing EV automakers.
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Things To Do
If you consider yourself an automotive enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to attend a major show like this one. The lights, the shiny new body panels, the excited chatter about specs and figures – it’s all pretty intoxicating.
Throughout the venue, you’ll find numerous large booths dedicated to individual manufacturers and their latest offerings. You’ll be able to get right next to the cars, take pictures, sit inside the cabin, and talk to manufacturer representatives.
If you’re thinking about buying a new car, the LA Auto Show is a fantastic place to start your research. Not only does it offer an early preview of what’s headed to dealerships, but you won’t have some salesman breathing down your neck as you browse. And with the number of brands in attendance, it’s easy to bounce between rival models.
Looking for some hands-on experience? Attendees can sign up for test drives with certain participating manufacturers, and even bring along passengers and kids if desired. Registration is typically on a first-come, first-served basis. Check this page for details.
And while you won’t be able to buy a car at the show, there will be plenty of opportunities to purchase manufacturer merchandise and even aftermarket accessories. Speaking of the aftermarket, make sure to check out the modified cars at “The Garage” and Galpin’s Hall of Customs, where a variety of bespoke rides will show off what can be done to make more flash and more fast.
If small and sustainable is more your thing, head over to the “GO” exhibits, which feature scooters, bikes, and other personal mobility solutions. Find more information here.
There are also tons of other car-related activities on hand for your auto-oriented enjoyment. For example, in years past, Pirelli has offered free stints in a F1 driving simulator, complete with pedals, a seat, and a wheel. Off-road excursions and intentional contact are allowed.
Finally, there will be a variety of places offering food and drinks, both inside the Convention Center and in the surrounding area. Anyone looking for something to do after the show will be happy with the plethora of bars and restaurants within walking distance, while the greater Los Angeles area is jam packed with fun things to do. You can find more visitor information on LA here.
For a full list of attending exhibitors, plus a map of the show floor, click here.
The Venue And Transportation
As in years past, the 2017 L.A. Auto Show will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is located in downtown LA at 1201 South Figueroa Street, approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
There are a variety of hotels located within easy walking distance of the Convention Center. However, odds are you’ll want to rent a car to check out the rest that LA has to offer. If that’s the case, be forewarned – I lived in LA for over a decade, and every story you’ve heard about the driving experience in the city is true. But don’t fear – just stay on the defensive, and at the end of your trip, you’ll be able brag about how you survived LA traffic!
If you don’t want to walk, there will be plenty of parking at the Convention Center itself ($20 to $25 per day). It’s recommended you reserve your spot ahead of time using the SpotHero app and promo code “LAAUTO17” to save a few bucks.
And since this is LA, electric vehicle recharging stations will be available. Bicycle parking is also an alternative. If you prefer public transportation, there are options for both rail and busses.
You can find more information on parking and transportation options here.
Show Schedule And Tickets
Public access to the L.A. Auto Show will be between Friday, December 1st, and Sunday, December 10th. Hours of admission vary from day to day, but generally fall between 9 AM and 10 PM (check out the full list of hours here).
Adult single-day admission is $12, Monday through Thursday, and $15, Friday through Sunday. Single-day child tickets are $5, and are good any day for attendees aged 6 to 12 years old. Kids under 6 get in for free with a paying adult. Attendees over the age of 65 can purchase single-day tickets for $10, good for any day.
Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more. Contact an LA Auto Show representative for more information.
If you’re an early riser that wants to beat the crowd, you can get early entry (7 AM) for any Friday, Saturday, or Sunday of the show. Pricing is $10 for kids, $20 for seniors, and $30 for adults.
Limited VIP tickets are offered for $35 per child and $85 per adult, and include a continental breakfast and 2-hour headset guided tour by an automotive expert.
You can purchase tickets and find more information by clicking here.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to go, don’t worry – the Convention Center is enormous, and general admission tickets for the show won’t sell out.