AutoLikers: Los Angeles Auto show 2014 preview

The Los Angeles auto show is one of the better known automobile fairs in the world, and the 2014 show is just around the corner. Last year, it was witness to the likes of the Porsche Macan and the Jaguar F-type coupé. Here’s a list of some of the interesting models from various marques that are expected at the Los Angeles show this year.

A track-bred iteration of the Audi R8, the R8 Competition claims to be the “fastest R8 ever offered”. It has a claimed 0-100kph sprint time of 3.2 seconds, while reaching a claimed topspeed of 320kph. Understandably, over the standard R8, this uprated version is focused on aerodynamics and makes use of lightweighting materials. Audi will also be showcasing the A9 concept. As the name suggests, the car is destined to sit at the top of the Audi range. It is also expected to reveal the design language that Audi will adopt in the near future.

BMW will be unveiling a pair from its ‘M’ performance wing. The new BMW X5 M and X6 M are the second generation of the high-performance SUVs sold in international markets. Both get power from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, that makes 564bhp and 76.5kgm of torque, and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Both cars also boast of new prominent cosmetic elements and aggressive designing.

The American carmaker will be showcasing the ATS-V coupé. The car looks to take on the likes of the BMW M4 and the Audi RS5. The ATS-V coupé gets a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 unit along with some aggressive styling to go with the performance aura.

Chrysler will be unveiling updated versions of its 300 and 300C sedans that it sells in the US markets. Not much information is available about the models, but it includes styling tweaks inside and out.

Fisker

Former Aston Martin design chief Henrik Fisker has founded the Fisker brand. A muscle car from Fisker, called Rocket, is expected at the show. It has collaborated with American Galpin Auto Sports to create a model that mixes muscle car and sports coupé lines.

Ford will have two models at the Los Angeles auto show. The Explorer SUV sold in the overseas markets gets an updated version. Although details are sparse, the SUV gets new designing, more off-roading capability and more driver-assist technology. Ford will also put on display a new version of the Mustang. It is reportedly a special version of the legendary Mustang GT 350. It is expected to be powered by a 400-plus bhp version of the standard car’s 5.0-litre V8 engine.

All-wheel-drive version of the Jaguar F-type is expected to break cover at Los Angeles. Both the V6- and V8-engined variants are likely to be equipped with the AWD system. Jaguar’s XF and XJ models with AWD have been quite successful in international markets, and the British brand won’t be wrong to bet big on the F-type’s AWD version too. Test mules of the F-type have also been spotted internationally, and they are rumored to be the new AWD versions.

An open-top concept from Lexus, the LF-C2 looks a lot like the RC coupé, which made its debut at the Tokyo motor show last year. All other details are still undisclosed.

Mazda is expected to show off the facelifted versions of the CX-5 crossover and the 6 sedan. The cars get cosmetic tweaks inside and out. The CX-5 also gets a new infotainment system, while the Mazda 6’s motors get economy and emission improvements. Mazda will also unveil the new CX-3 compact crossover. In terms of designing, the CX-3 gets the brand “Kodo - Soul of Motion” design language; power will come from Mazda’s Skyactiv engine range.

Mercedes has planned a couple of unveilings at Los Angeles. The only confirmed one though is a new Maybach version of the S-class. The return for the super-luxury Maybach brand will be in the form of a longer-wheelbase version of the S600. It is also expected to come with more luxury features. Power is expected to come from a retuned version of Merc's twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine.

One of the models confirmed for a Los Angeles unveiling is the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. This range-topping Carrera will use the same engine as the Carrera S, but the 3.8-litre unit has been tuned to deliver more than the 424bhp that it makes in the S. It does a 0-100kph in a claimed 4 seconds, and reaches a claimed topspeed of 306kph.
Porsche will also be showing its exclusive model – the Panamera Turbo S Executive Exclusive. Production of the luxurious long-wheelbase model has been restricted to 100 units. It gets a new unique paintjob, new alloys, new leather upholstery and a new infotainment system for rear passengers.
Also in Porsche's stand will be the new Cayenne and the Cayenne GTS. Power to the GTS comes from a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 434bhp.

After being showcased at the recent Paris motor show, Toyota will reveal the interiors of its FC-V concept. It is Toyota’s hydrogen-powered car, and boasts of an advanced powertrain and futuristic styling.

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