What's Special About L.A.?

This year,The all-new Porsche 911—the 992 generation—seemed to steal the show at the "Los Angeles Auto Show." While some say the significance of auto shows is diminishing with new models being globally unveiled simultaneously online, auto shows remain the symbolic stage where models optimized for diverse local markets are presented, especially as the automotive market shifts towards diversification rather than globalization.

Reflecting California's status as a massive market for personal vehicles and its proactive approach to environmental issues, the L.A. Auto Show highlighted high-performance cars and EVs. This distinguished it from the Detroit Auto Show, which focuses on mainstream models, CES in Las Vegas, a showcase for new technologies, and the New York Auto Show, which tends to focus on established luxury cars.

German Cars Focused on Pure Performance

BMW, as an engine specialist, has expanded its lineup with what are now considered large power units, such as the 3-liter straight-six and 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engines, perhaps fulfilling their true passion beyond downsizing.

“8 Series” saw the convertible body "M850i xDrive," while the "X7" featured the "M50i xDrive." Both are powered by a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo, with the former producing 530 hp and the latter 462 hp. Furthermore, alongside the newly unveiled G29 generation "Z4", the "M340i xDrive," also featuring a straight-six but with a more aggressive 374 hp, was displayed. Its robust specifications, enabled by its AWD system, suggest a clear differentiation from the upcoming new "M3."

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz strongly promoted the updated Mercedes-AMG "GT." The centerpiece, the AMG "GT Coupe," was showcased with its 2020 version producing 476 hp, surrounded by the luxurious "GT C Convertible" and the "GT R Pro," which features revised active and passive aerodynamic devices from the "GT R" for Nürburgring time attacks.

The GT R Pro reportedly achieved a time of 7:06.432 at the Nürburgring, shaving approximately 6 seconds off the GT R's time under less-than-ideal autumn conditions. This is an astonishing performance for a rear-wheel-drive car. The main update for the minor change is the LED design within the headlights, which changed from an "L" shape to a "V" shape. At the rear, the exhaust tip shape differs: round for the GT, a parallelogram-like square for the GT S and GT C, and centered for the GT R.

Audi's Near-Market EVs

Audi, one of the "big three" German automakers, world-premiered the "e-tron GT concept". Given that the production-ready "e-tron" and "e-tron Sportback" are SUVs and crossovers, this low-profile EV sedan is expected to compete directly with the Tesla Model S in the market.

While currently slated for production in 2020, its shared platform with the upcoming Porsche "Taycan" (expected in 2019) is also of interest. It will utilize the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) shared with the Taycan and e-tron, rather than the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform.

Exterior highlights of the e-tron GT concept include the distinctive quarter windows that extend long and sweep upward, similar to those on the "A7 Sportback," and the flared rear fenders. With a length of 4.97 meters, a width of 1.97 meters, and a height of 1.38 meters, the body is clearly designed with aerodynamics in mind.

The battery capacity is announced at 90 kWh, and it naturally features all-wheel drive. The output is 434 kW / 590 hp, with a WLTP range of 400 km. The battery in this e-tron GT concept supports 800V charging, capable of reaching approximately 80% charge in 20 minutes, and is also expected to support 11 kW wireless charging. In any case, German automakers' EV concepts are finally moving beyond mere showpieces.

Vehicles Tailored to Californian Needs

Another surprising EV-related sight was the crowd gathered around Tesla's "Model 3," a local favorite. Amidst reports of production delays, it was evident that it remains a rare sight even in its home market.

Rivian, an EV manufacturer with the newcomer status, garnered attention with its announcement of an electric SUV concept. Founded in 2009 by Robert RJ Scaringe, a graduate of MIT's automotive lab, the company has brought in talent like Mark Vinnels, who led McLaren's road car programs. They unveiled the "R1T" electric pickup truck and the "R1S" SUV, which share a platform. Rivian initially aimed to produce ultra-fuel-efficient cars around $25,000, but shifted its focus to EVs around 2013. In 2017, they acquired a former Mitsubishi Motors plant in Illinois, generating anticipation for their production launch. Their development concept emphasizes rugged, high-performance EVs capable of off-road adventures.

The battery package, integrated into an affordable ladder frame, is available in three large capacities: 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh. Four motors, each with a maximum output of 147 kW, drive each wheel, delivering maximum power/torque outputs of 300 kW / 560 Nm, 562 kW / 1,120 Nm, and 522 kW / 1,120 Nm, respectively, depending on the battery package.

The suspension features air springs with dynamic roll control. Despite the SUV model weighing 2,650 kg, it boasts a range of over 240 miles (approx. 388 km) with the 105 kWh package and over 400 miles (approx. 648 km) with the 180 kWh package. Unlike Tesla's somewhat Europeanized modern lineup, Rivian can be described as an automotive constructor electrifying traditionally popular American vehicle types like pickup trucks and SUVs.

Appealing Local Market Models

While slightly different from "high performance," locally exclusive models also made a strong impression.

For example, GMC's 2019 "Sierra Denali," a facelifted full-size pickup truck from grille to tailgate. Standard 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and abundant chrome plating give it an imposing exterior, reminiscent of Japanese minivans. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8, the high cabin and bed height are accommodated by a fold-down step integrated into the tailgate.

Further underscoring the enduring popularity of pickup trucks is Jeep's revived pickup, the "Gladiator." The previous generation, discontinued in 1988 under Chrysler, was based on the "Wagoneer." The new model, however, is based on the redesigned iconic "Wrangler."

The wheelbase is nearly 50 cm longer than the Wrangler's, and the overall length extends by over 1.5 meters to 5,539 mm. It boasts a maximum payload capacity of 725 kg and a towing capacity of 3,470 kg. The primary powertrain is a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 284 hp / 353 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine producing 260 hp / 599 Nm with an 8-speed manual is also planned for later. While its size may limit its market, it undoubtedly possesses an irresistible charm.

• To the LA Auto Show Playback: Part 2