Buick LaCrosse Concept Reveal Los Angeles Auto Show

This was an interesting reveal.  Lots of bragging on the success of the car and the brand. More so its success in China and casual mention that this car is the best selling Buick in North America.

I disagree there's elements of the Avenir.  The Avenir had smaller dimensions, sharper angles and better proportions with a more formal roof line.  The LaCrosse as nice as it is to look at is curvaceous with more of a fastback roof line and a much more pronounced grill.  The cabin simply rises and falls from the hood to deck lid.  The Avenir has a more pronounced and formal cabin rising above the body.  I liked it better, not to say the LaCrosse is ugly, its not its actually the nicest looking Buick in a while.

Buick isn't messing with success on this one.  Powertrains carry over and more time was spent enlarging the cabin and giving the passengers more room.  This car falls into the large car category and it looks and feels it as you walk around and check it from all angles.

This new LaCrosse will show up in showrooms summer of 2016 as a 2017 model.

Audi E tron Quattro Concept Press Conference

Audi started its press conference different than others, different than others with problems with recalls and associated turmoil.  They hit it head on at the beginning of their press conference.  Rather than ignore the pink elephant in the room the addressed it.  They apologized for violating their customers trust with the clean diesel and what has now been determined to be a deliberate effort to foil emissions testing with programming that senses when a car is in test mode to run its cleanest.  They said they will make their customers whole and resolve the problem.  They promised to win their customers respect and loyalty back.

They discussed the A3 e-tron which was one of the Green Car of the Year nominees.  Its really a nice A3 that just so happens to have been electrified as a plug in hybrid.  Making a total 204hp and 243 ft lbs of torque this compact hybrid tops its competition in terms of power and performance yet returns up to 30 miles in EV mode and EPA tests at 87MPe in EV mode and 39 MPG combined in gas mode.  Certainly not prius numbers, but its not a prius.  Its an Audi and it gives up nothing in terms of performance, luxury or build quality.  Its an Audi dammit and you don't compromise the experience.  Its worth the slightly lower number from a prius for an Audi in my not so humble.

The big news however was the E-tron Quatrro concept and its North American debut.  It promises to be a competitively priced (with what...Tesla Model x?) full sized all electric EV with a range of 300 miles.  Enough for a non-stop Vegas run something no EV today can claim.  Creature comforts and performance of an Audi are promised in the production model when it releases in a couple of years.  Unlike other manufacturers releasing EVs, this won't be a CA release only, it will be national.

To ensure range anxiety will be a thing of the past with this car Audi is partnering with a few others to build a fast charge network across the country.  Making it possible to drive cross country, across multiple states, not just a few established interstate routes that we see now.  These fast charging stations promise to charge the E-tron Quattro for 200 miles in 30 minutes.  Not gas fast, but an improvement in mobility with an EV.

More pics from Press Days at the L.A Auto Show in a flickr album

Jeep to unveil two Specialty models at L.A Auto Show

Fresh off the press release feed from FCA's Jeep division, there will be two specialty jeeps unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week during press days.  They are trim and hardware upgrades over the basic models they are built off of.  They should get the speed freak and off roading folks just a little bit amped.

The press release:

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

• New 2016 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT Night boasts stealth-like premium black appearance, with black roof and lightweight performance wheels 
• New 2016 Wrangler Backcountry delivers enthusiasts a unique Jeep SUV loaded with off-road capability features to tackle the toughest winter months

The Los Angeles Auto Show will mark the debut of two new-for-2016, special-edition Jeep® models:  the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Night and the 2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night blends ultimate performance with a premium black appearance that includes a unique black roof and lightweight performance wheels. To celebrate the winter season, the Jeep Wrangler Backcountry delivers snow lovers a winter-themed Jeep that will get them wherever they want to go with a host of Wrangler's most capable off-road features.

"Jeep enthusiasts anticipate and truly appreciate special-edition models that deliver a customized Jeep SUV right from the factory," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. "The Grand Cherokee SRT Night and Wrangler Backcountry both offer a distinctive appearance, while delivering an array of prominent performance and capability features."

The 2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry arrives in showrooms in late November. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night will be available in the first quarter of 2016.

Jim Frenak-FPI Studios

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night features a stealth-like appearance with the roof, rear spoiler, front grille bezels, B and C pillars and side window surrounds all adorned in Gloss Black. The front applique is Satin Black, as is badging on the hood and rear liftgate.

New lightweight, split five-spoke "5Ten" 20-inch wheels are also finished in Satin Black and are designed to showcase the Grand Cherokee SRT8's standard Brembo brakes. Interior appointments include Black Laguna leather with Silver accent stitching and Light Black Chrome bezels.

Available colors for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night include Velvet Red, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night features a standard 6.4-liter V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology that delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, an adaptive damping suspension and a Selec-Track Traction Control system.

Available features include a dual-pane sunroof, a 19-speaker 825-watt Harman Kardon stereo system, trailer tow package, three-season tires, a full-size spare tire and a dual-screen rear entertainment system.

Performance numbers for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night include 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in 16.3 seconds, quarter mile in the mid 13-second range and a top speed of 160 mph.

Jim Frenak-FPI Studios

2016 Jeep Wrangler Backcountry
The Jeep Wrangler Backcountry boasts a winter capability theme and is based on the Wrangler Sahara model. It features a Backcountry decal on the front fender and rear quarter panel, a unique off-road front and rear powder coated bumper, 17-inch Rubicon wheels painted in Mid-gloss Black and a black fuel fill door. Wrangler Rubicon rock rails are standard on the Wrangler Backcountry, but Sahara side steps are also available at no additional charge. A black hard top is standard, but an optional body color hard top is also available. 

Wrangler Backcountry is available in five colors: Hydro Blue, Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal and Xtreme Purple. Backcountry is the only model in Wrangler's lineup available in Xtreme Purple.

Inside, Wrangler Backcountry features Piano Black vent rings, door handles and grab handles. A vinyl-wrapped console lid and door armrests with Diesel Gray accent stitching, black McKinley leather seat bolsters with black sport mesh inserts, a nine-speaker premium Alpine sound system and all-weather slush mats are featured. The Bluetooth hands-free Connectivity Group is also standard in the Wrangler Backcountry.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. 

Elio P5 to debut at L.A. Auto Show

This is going to be either an engineering marvel that will change how we think about cars like Tesla...or be another hysterical blip on the radar like the Dale and illicit snickers.  We have no idea what the car will look like.  A few tidbits have been dropped, 3 wheels, .9liter 3 cylinder, under 10 second 0-60 and a top speed around 100.  An urban car?  Commuter special?

What we do know is that the 10AM on Thursday November 19 the car will be introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. I'll be there for the fun and excitement and share my thoughts after I see the car.

5 Finalists named in Green Car of the Year for L.A.Auto Show

Chevy Volt Reveal at Detroit Auto Show January 2015

With the Los Angeles Auto Show being the green car show in the International Show Circuit its only appropriate that the Green Car of the Year is awarded at this show by the Green Car Journal.  The winners in past years haven't always been an electric or even a hybrid, but they've been class leaders in efficiency and emission reductions.  This years fleet of the 5 finalists is no different.

The 5 finalists this year are:

• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Sonata
• Toyota Prius
• Chevy Volt
• Audi A3 e-tron (my personal favorite)

Judging will be done prior to the announcement on the second day of Press Days at the L. A. Auto Show next month.

The full press release:

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2016 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR® Green Car Journal to Reveal Winner of 11th Annual Award at LA Auto Show Press & Trade Days, November 19 LOS ANGELES, CA (October 15, 2015) – Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the magazine’s prestigious 2016 Green Car of the Year® award. The 2016 models include the Audi A3 e-tron, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Prius.   An increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year® program each year, a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important “green” vehicles every year at the LA Auto Show, since its inaugural award announced at the show in 2005.   “This is the strongest field of finalists we’ve seen in our annual Green Car of the Year® program,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “Each of the five nominees makes a strong environmental statement in distinctly different ways, with a common strategy of recognizing what’s most important to today’s drivers. Their use of wide-ranging powertrain technologies underscores that all approaches are essential to achieving important environmental goals.”   The Finalists:   AUDI A3 E-TRON The A3 Sportback e-tron is Audi's entry in the hot plug-in hybrid vehicle market. This five-door hatchback uses lithium-ion batteries and a 102 hp electric motor to deliver up to 19 miles of all-electric driving, after which its 150 hp, 1.4-liter gasoline TFSI engine provides power for extended driving in efficient hybrid mode.   CHEVROLET VOLT Chevrolet’s second generation Volt features sportier styling, better performance, and a lighter and more powerful two-motor drive system. The five-passenger, extended range electric now drives up to 53 miles on batteries alone, with its 1.5-liter gasoline powered generator creating on-board electricity to deliver an overall 420 mile range.   HONDA CIVIC Now in its tenth generation, the all-new Honda Civic delivers exemplary fuel efficiency in an affordable, conventionally-powered model. The Civic thoughtfully blends hybrid-like fuel economy and appealing style, with an array of desired amenities and advanced electronics that meets the needs of a great many drivers.   HYUNDAI SONATA Hyundai’s stylish 2016 Sonata offers it all with efficient gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices within the Sonata lineup. New this year, the hybrid delivers up to 43 highway mpg and features distinctive styling cues. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid drives up to 24 miles on batteries with additional range on conventional hybrid power.   TOYOTA PRIUS The venerable Toyota Prius emerges in 2016 a completely redesigned model, faithfully delivering the attributes expected of an industry-leading hybrid with important design, technology, and efficiency updates. It features a familiar yet bolder exterior and incorporates suspension and other improvements to deliver improved driving dynamics.   The Green Car of the Year® is selected through a majority vote by an esteemed jury that includes celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno, plus leaders of noted environmental and efficiency organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, board member of Global Green USA; Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.   During the award’s vetting process, Green Car Journal editors consider all vehicles, fuels, and technologies as an expansive field of potential candidates is narrowed down to a final five. Finalists are selected for their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance. Many factors are considered including efficiency, EPA and CARB emissions certification, performance characteristics, ‘newness,’ and affordability. Availability to the mass market is important to ensure honored models have the potential to make a real difference in environmental impact, and finalists must be available for sale by January 1st of the award year.

About Green Car of the Year® Since 1992, Green Car Journal has been recognized as the leading authority on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment. The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal’s mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. CarsOfChange.com presents ‘green car’ articles online along with a focus on connectivity. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc. Hashtag: #GreenCarJournal About the Los Angeles Auto Show and Connected Car Expo   Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) is the first major North American auto show of the season each year.  The show’s 2015 Press & Trade Days begin with the Connected Car Expo (CCE) at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live on Nov. 17, followed by LA Auto Show’s vehicle debuts and press and trade events at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Nov. 18 and 19.  LA Auto Show will open to the public from Nov. 20-29.  The third annual CCE will unite automotive and technology professionals in an effort to increase development and foster relationship-building in the connected car industry, providing attendees with access to the key players and top media constructing the future of the automotive mobility.  The CCE conference is where the rules for how vehicles are made, sold, serviced and owned are changing and where the playbook is being written.  Named “Best Car Tech/Connected Car Trade Show” by AUTO Connected Car News, CCE is where the new auto industry gets business done, unveils groundbreaking products and makes strategic announcements in front of media from around the globe.  LA Auto Show is endorsed by the Greater L.A. New Car Dealer Association and is operated by ANSA Productions.  To receive the latest show news and information, follow LA Auto Show on Twitter at twitter.com/LAAutoShow or via Facebook at facebook.com/LosAngelesAutoShow and sign up for alerts at www.LAAutoShow.com.  For more information about CCE, please visit http://connectedcarexpo.com/. Hashtag: #LAAutoShow

Alfa Romeo to unveil sexy sibling to the 4c at L.A. Auto Show

Alfa Romeo is on a roll and FCA is out to introduce a sibling to the sexy 4c they revealed in Detroit in January.  What will it be?   Sexy sedan to take on BMW's 3...because you aren't a serious sports car maker if you can't do a sexy sedan, right?  We'll have to wait for 11/18 to see what they have in store.

To make sure this is a storied reveal Alfa Romeo has worked with the Palm Springs Concorso to bring 35 classic Alfa's from their show the weekend prior caravan style to the Los Angeles Convention Center and build on their past with this new automobile.  Should be interesting, sadly that part of the show won't be availble to the public, only to the motor press...so I'll take lots of pics for you at the event to make sure you don't miss a single sexy detail.

You need to make the jump to read the full press release on Alfa Romeo at the L.A. Auto Show

Thirty World Debuts Confirmed for LA Auto Show

I'm so jazzed, I absolutely love the hustle and bustle and showmanship with the manufacturers trying to one up each other with their new car or concept car reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  With 30 new car reveals on tap, this year should be no different than the years prior.  Awesomesauce.

The press release:

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 2, 2015) – The Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) announced today that 30 world debuts, totaling 50 vehicle unveilings overall, will be introduced in front of media, analysts and automotive industry executives during its Press & Trade Days, November 17-19, 2015.  Almost every manufacturer will be making news, and while most have yet to announce details, a few manufacturers have begun to share their debut plans.  Specifically, Infiniti will have a global reveal of its all-new QX30 crossover and Hyundai will host the world premiere of its all-new Elantra.  Other debuts include Jaguar’s first luxury SUV, the F-PACE, and Kia’s next-generation Sportage. Other automakers officially confirming premieres include Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Volkswagen. This year’s global and North American debuts will deliver production and concept vehicles representing the ever-growing performance, mid-size cross over, electric and high-technology categories.  Debut categories range from luxury SUVs and flagship sedans to new compact sedans. CNET.com, the world’s largest and most trusted online source of consumer technology news and reviews, will live-stream and provide commentary about the latest debuts and groundbreaking technology on Car Tech, CNET’s auto focused online show.  The coverage will be led by CNET Car Tech Editors-at-Large and industry experts, Brian Cooley and Tim Stevens, and will allow the excitement of Press & Trade Days to be experienced by everyone, not just industry insiders, around the world.  Brian Cooley will also serve as emcee of the LA Auto Show's Connected Car Expo. KABC Los Angeles (KABC7), is also the official television media partner of the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.  KABC7 will broadcast event highlights in an hour-long special in Primetime November 20 at 9 p.m. PST, showcasing breakthrough auto innovations, new vehicles and interviews with industry insiders.  The show will also be streamed live and available on-demand on the “Watch ABC” app. For the third consecutive year, the LA Auto Show’s Connected Car Expo (CCE) will kick-off Press & Trade Days on November 17.  This opening day will be dedicated to the convergence of technology and the automobile and will now occupy virtually the entire JW Marriott at the adjacent L.A. Live entertainment complex. The Connected Car Expo will feature over 30 exhibitors and sponsors, an entire day of presentations, news announcements and networking opportunities.   The remaining Press & Trade Days will continue at the Los Angeles Convention Center (November 18 & 19) and will focus on vehicle debuts.  More than 25,000 auto industry executives, including 4,500 media from around the world, are expected to attend. Registration for the show is now open.  CCE exhibitors and attendees with a three-day pass will be able to witness this year’s vehicle debuts and have access to an all-new CCE networking destination at the convention center. For more information visit www.ConnectedCarExpo.com and www.LAAutoShow.com.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show and Connected Car Expo Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) is the first major North American auto show of the season each year.  The show’s 2015 Press & Trade Days begin with the Connected Car Expo (CCE) at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live on Nov. 17, followed by LA Auto Show’s vehicle debuts and press and trade events at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Nov. 18 and 19.  LA Auto Show will open to the public from Nov. 20-29.  The third annual CCE will unite automotive and technology professionals in an effort to increase development and foster relationship-building in the connected car industry, providing attendees with access to the key players and top media constructing the future of the automotive mobility.  The CCE conference is where the rules for how vehicles are made, sold, serviced and owned are changing and where the playbook is being written.  Named “Best Car Tech/Connected Car Trade Show” by AUTO Connected Car News, CCE is where the new auto industry gets business done, unveils groundbreaking products and makes strategic announcements in front of media from around the globe.  LA Auto Show is endorsed by the Greater L.A. New Car Dealer Association and is operated by ANSA Productions.  To receive the latest show news and information, follow LA Auto Show on Twitter attwitter.com/LAAutoShow or via Facebook at facebook.com/LosAngelesAutoShow and sign up for alerts atwww.LAAutoShow.com.  For more information about CCE, please visit http://connectedcarexpo.com/.

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