Mercedes Brings Many Notable Models

Los Angeles is close to Hollywood and Silicon Valley, creating a market that is trendy, highly conscious of everything including environmental issues, and fond of luxury. While the Los Angeles Auto Show featured many environmentally friendly vehicles and large SUVs, there were also many sporty and luxurious models.

Mercedes-Benz was a major topic of discussion. In particular, the luxurious, fully open four-seater Mercedes-Maybach "S 650 Cabriolet," announced from the ultra-luxury line Mercedes-Maybach, garnered significant attention. The model on display was a striking red with an almost pure white interior. It was truly a Hollywood-esque model.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet is powered by a 6-liter V12 engine. With its twin turbochargers, it produces a maximum output of 463kW (630ps) and a maximum torque of 1000Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, outperforming many sports cars. It is slated for a limited production run of 300 units in 2017.

Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

Mercedes-AMG, the sporty division, presented two world premieres. One is the real sports car,the convertible version of the GTis here. There are two models: the "GT Roadster" and the higher-performance "GT C Roadster." They exude power rather than elegance. With the top removed, the center of gravity is lowered, suggesting even sportier handling dynamics.

Both the GT and GT C feature a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. The GT Roadster produces a maximum output of 350kW (476ps) and a maximum torque of 630Nm. The GT C Roadster, however, has a different tune, with 410kW (557ps) and 680Nm, indicating more than sufficient power. Both models are rear-wheel drive and equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission called AMG Speedshift.

Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster

Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC

Another notable Mercedes-AMG model is the Mercedes-AMG "E 63 S 4MATIC." It combines a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine producing 450kW (612ps) with a newly developed full-time 4WD system. The president of Mercedes-Benz USA proudly stated at the unveiling that it has "the most powerful engine in E-Class history." Simultaneously, a slightly less powerful version, the Mercedes-AMG "E 63 4MATIC," was also announced, featuring the same 4-liter V8 but with a maximum output of 420kW (571ps).

Several aspects of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 are noteworthy. It employs a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission called AMG Speedshift MCT, which uses a clutch instead of a torque converter during initial acceleration. The press release highlights that this "greatly improves response to accelerator pedal input along with weight reduction."

The 4WD system in the Mercedes-AMG E 63 series is also entirely new. Dubbed AMG Performance 4MATIC+, it differs from the previous rear-biased torque distribution by offering full-time 4WD, according to Mercedes-AMG. This allows for more efficient power transfer to the road than ever before. The E 63 S 4MATIC includes a drift mode, enabling rear-wheel-only drive. While perhaps unnecessary for everyday use, this feature is likely to appeal to those drawn to this car.

Porsche also added new models to its newly redesigned Panamera lineup.

Mid-Engined Racing 911 Also Appears

Porsche's first public reveal in Los Angeles was an additional model to the recently redesigned Panamera, the "Panamera Executive". As the sub-name suggests, it's an executive version focused on rear-seat comfort. The wheelbase is extended by 150mm to 3,100mm, with an overall length of 5,199mm. The Panamera's overall impression has changed considerably.

There are three engine options. The "Panamera 4 Executive" (priced at 13.03 million yen in Japan), which pairs a newly developed 2,995cc V6 engine (243kW [330ps] and 450Nm) with a full-time 4WD system. Above that is the "Panamera 4S Executive" (17.62 million yen). This model features a 2,894cc V6 producing 324kW (440ps) and 550Nm. The top gasoline model is the "Panamera Turbo Executive" (25.40 million yen), with 404kW (550ps) and 770Nm. All models are equipped with the twin-clutch PDK transmission.

Porsche Panamera 4-E Executive

Porsche 911 RSR

A plug-in hybrid model, the "Panamera 4-E Hybrid Executive" (15.29 million yen), is also available. Perhaps due to the show being held in California, known for its environmental regulations, this model stood out. It combines a 2,894cc V6 gasoline engine producing 243kW (330ps) and 450Nm with an electric motor delivering 400Nm of torque.

Porsche also unveiled the "911 RSR" for the first time. This is a race car designed for GT endurance racing, developed for the 2017 season, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It features a thoroughly aerodynamic body with a massive rear spoiler, front spoiler, and rear diffuser, powered by a 4-liter flat-six engine producing over 500ps. This engine is mounted ahead of the rear axle, making it a mid-engined 911.

There were also many noteworthy models among the luxury coupes and sporty sedans.

Lexus Announces Flagship Coupe "LC500" for 2017 Launch

Lexus exhibited the "LC500" for its 2017 release. This 2-door coupe, powered by a 467ps 5-liter V8 and featuring a 10-speed automatic transmission, was certainly a topic of conversation. Its exterior is incredibly striking, with triple LED headlights and a large spindle grille drawing the eye. The dramatically flared rear fenders and its low, wide stance immediately convey its identity as a large coupe promising aggressive performance.

Additionally, the "LC500h" was announced, equipped with a new hybrid system combining a 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motors. The engine is designed for high revs, and the system pairs the drive motor with a geared automatic transmission. The manufacturer states that the parameters, including G-forces detected by sensors and driving conditions, are extensive. By controlling the motor output through the gearbox, they claim to maximize the responsiveness derived from the motor's strong torque.

Lexus LC500

Alfa Romeo Giulia

While the SUV "Stelvio" garnered attention for Alfa Romeo, they also displayed the large rear-wheel-drive sedan, the "Giulia," which is equivalent to Maserati's "Stelvio" Ghibli. With a high-performance version producing 510ps, there are many voices hoping for its introduction to Japan. Given the popularity of Maserati on the US West Coast, there seems to be significant potential demand for Alfa Romeo as well.GhibliAudi, in a more understated manner, brought the newly debuted in Europe "

Audi's Second-Generation A5/S5 Sportback, a 5-Door Coupe, Evolves | Audi". The new A5 and S5 Sportback are slightly larger than their predecessors, offering more interior space while improving fuel efficiency. Audi describes it as a model that combines the beauty of a coupe with the functionality of a station wagon, and its dynamic and elegant styling is captivating.Audi S5 Sportback | アウディ S5 スポーツバック

Honda Civic Coupe Si | ホンダ シビック クーペ Si

Honda, which has consistently prioritized the North American market with models specifically for the region, prominently displayed the popular sporty coupe, the "Civic Si Prototype," at its booth. This model, scheduled for release in 2017, serves as a "design direction model" for the Civic Coupe Si and Civic Sedan Si, according to Honda.

The Civic Si Coupe, "armed" with aerodynamic parts such as a deep air dam and a large spoiler, is powered by a 1.5-liter direct-injection DOHC turbo engine with Dual VTC. Honda states that it further enhances sporty performance with a short-stroke 6-speed manual transmission, active dampers, an active steering system, and an LSD.

The Civic Si Coupe, "armed" with aerodynamic parts such as a deep air dam and a large spoiler, is powered by a 1.5-liter direct-injection DOHC turbo engine with Dual VTC. Honda states that it further enhances sporty performance with a short-stroke 6-speed manual transmission, active dampers, an active steering system, and an LSD.