Los Angeles is a magnet for cool people. It’s the home of the movie industry, so with so many stylish people in residence, it’s not surprising that car manufacturers are happy to show off their best and most audacious designs at the LA Auto Show 2016.
The LA Auto Show is now a huge event. There are press days, a trade show and conference, and days when the public are allowed to come in and drool over the latest concept cars, brand new SUVs and sports cars. If you are a petrol head, this is the place to be during November. Here is our pick of most exciting cars unveiled at this year’s LA Auto Show, so you can start saving up!
Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet
This car has CELEBRITY written all over it. It’s a strictly limited edition number, with only 300 models of the four-seater luxury S 650 being produced. For a hefty £260,000 you get Swarovski crystal headlamps and a complimentary luggage set to match the car’s leather interior. We reckon Kylie Jenner will be first in the queue for one of these babies.
Audi Q5 SUV
SUVs are the biggest sellers right now, so it’s no surprise that car manufacturers are working hard to produce new models. The second-generation Audi Q5 is more technologically advanced than other SUVs, with a huge LCD instrument panel featuring 3D maps, touchpads, and a new Bang & Olufsen audio system. Basic models start off at around £31k.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Alfa Romeo Giulietta fans will be delighted to learn that the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio has just as much power and acceleration as a racing car, with plenty of sexy design features. If you opt for the 2.9 V6 engine, you can go from 0-60 in less than four seconds. With all-wheel drive as standard, this car is perfect for negotiating tricky mountain passes in the middle of winter.
Jaguar I-PACE Concept
Jaguars are known as old-fashioned gas guzzlers, typically driven by old men, but the latest Jaguar is a very different beast. The Jaguar I-PACE is a compact electric SUV, designed for the ‘green’ car market, with a 220 mile range on one charge. It comes with a 400-hp engine that has enough oomph to reach 60mph in 4 seconds.
Mazda CX-5
Mazdas are known for being reliable and relatively inexpensive, so the latest incarnation of the best-selling CX-5 is likely to be very popular with the SUV crowd. If you can’t afford an Audi Q5, go for the CX-5. You get three choices of engine and a touch screen LCD dashboard control centre. You also have full smartphone connectivity and G-Vectoring Control technology, which makes driving safer.
Sensible family-friendly SUVs were not the only vehicles on show at the LA Auto Show 2016. Visitors could also check out a fully restored Pink Panther car in all its glory, as well as a Volkswagen Beetle, customized for the Salvation Army, and a very cool 3D printed futuristic car.
