Buick debuts new Cascada Sport at L,A Auto Show

This car was the darling of NAIAS 2 years ago.  Its Buick's Cascada, a compact luxury convertible.  A nice enough car for 2, perfect for those who really don't have to take other passengers.  Yes, there's a back seat, but with only a couple of inches between front seat back and the leading edge of the rear seat you won't get adults that want to keep as friends long back there.  But I digress.

Its a sexy 'mericanized Opel.  In Sport Touring trim  with the Dark Appearance package it appears to have the makings to put this car on the charts for more than a few buyers.  With it already outselling its entry level luxury tourers from BMW and Audi its safe to say this is a big deal for Buick and GM.

Full Press Release after the jump.

3D Printing on a grand scale at L.A Auto Show

This was some pretty amazing stuff. CAD/CAM and then printed 3D from suspension parts to full monocoque chassis to complete cars, the display had it all.  See in in the lobby of the South Hall of the L.A Auto Show now through November 27.

Tickets range in price from $5-12 and can be bought in advance HERE.  I STRONGLY recommend buying tickets in advance, especially for weekends as the lines can be hours long at the door.

Full Press Release after the jump.

Chevy Bolt the Big Winner at L.A Auto Show

Awarded Motor Trends Car of the Year and Geen Car of the Year

Yesterday the coveted Motor Trend Car of the Year was awarded to the soon to be on sale 2017 Chevrolet Bolt.  The car I predicted two years ago when it debuted in Detroit to be the car that kicks Tesla in the crotch and drags it through the dirt.  Under 40K before Federal and CA State taxes this car sits in a comfortably affordable price point with over 200 miles of travel per charge possible.

This morning the Green Car of the Year was awarded to the Bolt at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Quite an impressive result for the folks at GM.  But I'm not surprised as GM has made electification a priority.

Pic by me, more in the L.A Auto Show flickr Album.  More on the Green Car of the year award after the jump.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio revealed at L.A Auto Show

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio at L.A Auto Show

This is a pretty SUV, about the size of an average mid-size SUV.  Its really a nice proprtioned trucklet crossover thingy that carry's the Alfa design language quite nicely.  The fact it packs a 500+ horsepower drivetran good for sub 4 second 0-60 runs is impressive.  Totally useless in gridlocked DTLA, but impressive if you get to go on a Vegas Run and put it to good use.

More pics for press days at the L.A Auto Show on flickr.  Full press release after the jump.

2017 Nissan Rogue One World Premiere L.A Auto Show

A friend let me know in advance to get a seat for the Nissan reveal as it was going to be a shock and awe like none other at the L.A Auto Show.   She wasn't kidding.  Laser beams firing, balls of gas ignited, bombs going off, you name it Nissan through it at their new Rouge Star Wars Edition.  Quite the car.

For the full press release full of details, you need to make the jump

Finalists for North American Car of the Year announced at L.A. Auto Show's Automobility

Finalists for 2017 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) were announced Tuesday at Automobility L.A., the conference that precedes the Los Angeles auto show.

The finalists are:

Car of the Year

• Chevrolet Bolt
• Genesis G90
• Volvo S90

Truck of the Year

• Ford F-series Super Duty
• Honda Ridgeline
• Nissan Titan

Utility Vehicle of the Year

• Chrysler Pacifica
• Jaguar F-Pace
• Mazda CX-9

The North American Car and Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards honor excellence in innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction and value.  Initiated in 1994, they are judged about 60 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who work for magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites. They are the longest-running award not associated with a specific publication, a structure that produces a diverse base of jurors.

Jurors evaluated dozens of new vehicles that went on sale this year to determine the finalists.

The award for Utility Vehicle of the Year is new for 2017, in recognition of the growing popularity of SUV-style vehicles. Passenger-oriented minivans are also eligible for Utility of the Year. Vehicles eligible for Truck of the Year include pickups of all sizes and light- and medium-duty commercial vans.

The 2017 Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the year will be announced Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The process of selecting the Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the year starts in June by identifying vehicles eligible for the awards. It includes three rounds of voting.

The voting for finalists and winners is tallied by Deloitte & Touche.

The finalists were announced at Automobility L.A., the conference that precedes the Los Angeles Auto show. It continues with vehicle unveilings and press conferences Wednesday and Thursday. The Los Angeles auto show is open to the public Nov. 18-27 at the Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles.

For more information, go to: www.northamericancaroftheyear.org

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439366LOGO

SOURCE North American Car of the Year

For further information: Mark Phelan, mmphelan@freepress.com

Los Angeles Auto Show opens this week!

Let's Get This Show on the Road You've waited long enough Los Angeles. The 2016 LA Auto Show is back this week and bigger than ever. November 18-27 at the LA Convention Center.

Whether it’s new car shopping, learning about the latest auto tech or exploring an assortment of customized rides, there is something for everyone. Early entry tickets are available each Friday, online only, for a limited time. Buy Tickets HERE.

What to expect this year? Comparison car shopping, test drives, customized rides, games for the kids and a whole lot more. Plan your day and create your own experience at the 2016 LA Auto Show.  Know before you Go!

They've changed up their bag policy this year, much more restrictive so be aware and plan in advance. The LA Auto Show has implemented a new bag policy for 2016. All bags, purses, backpacks, camera bags and diaper bags larger than 12” x 15” x 6” will NOT be allowed inside the show. All bags will be subject to screening/security check.  Bag Policy Info.