Auto Show Season: LA + Detroit

Auto shows are some of my favorite events to attend, because of the people you meet and the new technology and products
you get to hear about!

Auto Show season is upon us, which means there’s plenty of reveals and new models to look forward to. Let’s look back at a few interesting models from the LA Auto Show and also look ahead to the Detroit Auto Show.

Los Angeles

From left to right: 2018 Chevy Corvette ZR1, 2018 Mazda 6,
2019 Subaru Ascent; The Mazda honestly is my favorite here.

The LA Auto Show took place last month, and we showed us a decent mix of new products. One such product is the Chevy Corvette ZR1 with a supercharged V8 making 755 HP. Pricing starts at $119,995, making it one of the most expensive and surely fastest Corvettes ever. 

Another iconic model up for redesign is the Jeep Wrangler, and it’ll offer more modern tech, diesel and mild-hybrid versions, and of course multiple off-roaring variants. The most interesting engine in this lineup is FCA’s new 2.0 twin-scroll turbo with 268 HP and eAssist technology.

Other notable models from the LA Auto Show include the 2019 Subaru Ascent, which marks Subaru’s first foray into the modern 7-passenger crossover market. It looks solid, although slightly bland I feel just like many of Subaru’s other models. Also, Infiniti’s all-new QX50 will use the first production variable-compression ratio engine, and Mazda’s 6 sedan sees a 2018 refresh that FINALLY brings a turbocharged engine with 250 HP, a more upscale interior, and revised tech and semi-autonomous safety features. I’ve been saying that if Mazda ever began to offer a turbo luxurious version of the 6, they’d be a serious threat. And here it is. I’m quite impressed, and the competition should be too.

Detroit

Although not taking place until mid-January, we already have details on some of what we can expect to see. It’s going to be a big year, with heated segments getting even hotter.

As noted in a previous posting, we can expect GM to highlight their renewed full-sized pickups. The 2019 Silverado has already been unveiled, so now we need to see what the GMC Sierra will look like. 

Kia's Stinger continues to make waves, and the new Veloster from Hyundai

wants to follow suit. A new Insight from Honda seems appropriate given the push for more "green" cars, but a new Avalon given how 4-door car sales are falling I question somewhat...

Additionally, there’s big new coming out of Hyundai Motor Group. The 2019 Veloster will be officially unveiled in Detroit, coming hot off of the reveal of the new Kona subcompact crossover in LA. Additionally, Kia’s Stinger sportback is nominated for the North American Car of the Year award, a first for the brand! It’s up against steep competition, the other finalists being the 2018 Camry and Accord sedans. We’ll see what the final results are soon.

Other debuts include a new Honda Insight, this one being a sedan, a face lifted 2019 Jeep Cherokee (long overdue, thank you FCA), the new RAM 1500, and an all-new Toyota Avalon. Are there any other models you’re hoping to see? Holly jolly, ‘tis the season: Auto show season!

Until our next trip, ROLL ON!

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