Published: November 23, 2018, 11:55 AM
Updated: November 23, 2018, 4:51 PM
2018 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview
The 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, which is open to the public from November 30 to December 9, kicks off the 2019 auto show season in North America with media previews a couple days earlier. More than 60 new vehicle debuts are scheduled for what the organizers call AutoMobility LA. Here’s an overview of some the highlights we can expect to see.
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Audi e-tron GT concept
Audi will show a bevy of new models for North America, including its first fully-electric e-tron SUV, which will arrive here in the second quarter of 2019. Making its world debut, however, will be the e-tron GT concept – a dynamic premium luxury car, developed in collaboration with Porsche, that is expected to take the measure of the Tesla Model S when it arrives in production form.
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BMW 8 Series Convertible
BMW will premiere three new production models – the X7, 8 Series Convertible and M340i xDrive Sedan – as well as an all-new Vision concept vehicle. According to the company, the BMW Vision iNext combines the strategic innovations of Automated Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services, all fully integrated in a single vehicle.
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Honda Passport
Honda will resurrect the Passport name for a new SUV that is expected to slot between the compact CR-V and the mid-size Pilot in the brand's expanding SUV lineup.
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Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai is moving upmarket with an all-new, eight-passenger SUV called the Palisade, which will replace the three-row Sant Fe. The Palisade is intended to compete directly with the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner, among others.
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Jeep Gladiator Concept
The long-awaited pickup truck variant of the Jeep Wrangler will make its debut in Los Angeles and it will reprise an old Jeep name – Gladiator. Shown here is a concept vehicle bearing the same name that dates back to 2005. Expect the new one to follow the same principles.
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Kia Soul
Kia will reveal an all-new version of its funky Soul, for 2020, that looks very much the same in profile but is updated in every way. It is said to offer more technology, available advanced driver assistance systems, increased cargo room and a new, ruggedly-styled X-Line variant - as well as a full EV version for selected markets.
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Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln will introduce a production version of the mid-size Aviator SUV concept, shown here, that made its debut at this year’s New York Auto Show. The Aviator will displace the MKT, except for fleet sales, filling the size and price gap between the Nautilus and the Navigator.
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Mazda Kai Concept
Mazda is set to reveal its all-new Mazda3 compact, which is expected to adopt much of the appearance of the Kai concept car shown here.
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Toyota Corolla
An all-new 12th-generation Corolla sedan, based on the same TNGA architecture as the Hatchback introduced earlier this year, will make its North American debut in Los Angeles, following its global debut at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China.
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