The 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show has seen a paradigm shift from tradition, with hatchbacks and sedans being the highlights while sports cars are relegated to the second rung. This is a marked change from tradition, when luxury car sales used to dominate the auto event of the City of Angels. Hence, it can be said that auto makers are targeting the masses even at this event, with an array of affordable crossovers and competitively priced four-door sedans.
Instead of power, the auto event focussed on passenger vehicles for the masses. This includes the two popular utes that are already competing for visitors on their stalls, before they spar on the road in 2013. The LA auto show also gave car enthusiasts the first look of a new American luxury sedan, though it was devoid of a V-8 engine. Some of the notable 2012 and 2013 models exhibited at the event are as follows:
2013 Ford Escape
The all-new Escape makes a comeback after over a decade, which was initially introduced in 2001. On its return, Escape 2013 skips its green Hybrid edition completely and puts up three four-cylinder engines on offer, which include a carryover base engine, a new 1.6-litre turbocharged four, and a top-line 2.0-litre turbo four. Apart from technical specifications, interiors of Escape have become more spacious and elegant. Highlight of the upcoming Ford Escape 2013 is MyFord Touch that enables driver to manage audio, phone, climate and navigation controls with voice commands, touchscreen swipes, or steering-wheel button clicks.
2013 Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 2013 is another interesting upcoming model, which reflects Ford and Mazda's association of yesteryears. Ford's 'C' architecture is evident in the model, although cheery front fascia is not noticeable. Integrated with 'SKYACTIV' engine technology along with 155-horsepower, CX-5 impresses with the fuel economy of 33 mpg on the highways.
2012 Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V 2012 is one of the popular crossovers of recent times, which has been revamped entirely. It is loaded with a refined four-cylinder engine that churns out 185 horsepower. Moreover, interiors of the SUV have become comfortable and handy with an innovative folding mechanism of rear seats. To the delight of music enthusiasts, CR-V features a new generation infotainment features like compatibility with Pandora in-car audio streaming and connectivity capabilities.
2012 Hyundai Azera
Hyundai Azera sports the new curves after many of its siblings, viz. Sonata, Elantra and Accent. This full-sized sedan is expected to give tough competition to Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, VW Passat and Toyota Avalon. This front-wheel driven car has a V-6 engine that churns out 293 hp output, thus giving a taste of power to auto enthusiasts. It also boasts of the company's proprietary Blue Link telematics system, which requires live operators to assist drivers in finding destinations and making reservations. Moreover, drivers can also define the how loud the audio system can be played, what time it can be on streets. Along with that, the system provides them access to links of the websites that enable owners to designate the areas where the car can ply.
2013 Cadillac XTS
Cadillac has revealed the new XTS, which should hit the roads in 2013 as a replacement for STS and DTS sedans. This new four-door vehicle will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, which will be powered by a 3.6 L V-6 engine that churns out 300 hp power. Notably, the car will not possess a V-8 engine in any variant, though the V-6 engine will be complemented by a six-speed automatic transmission system. With this car, Cadillac will introduce its user interface system, Cue. This system will blend touchscreen, voice, and steering-wheel controls in a new interface for drivers and their phone, audio, climate and navigation systems.
2013 Infiniti JX
Infiniti also showcased a seven-passenger crossover vehicle that bridges the gap between its compact EX and FX models and QX56 SUV. The JX will be manufactured in Tennessee and make use of Murano’s V-6/CVT powertrain. However, the distinctive third-row seat and opulent wood-trimmed interior will solely belong to the manufacturer.
Apart from these mass-oriented cars, a few sports cars also adorned the stands at the 2011 LA auto show. The 2013 version of iconic Ford Mustang was displayed in three variants – a new GT with 420 horsepower, a Boss 302 and a Shelby GT500 with 650 hp output. Such a line-up will help the manufacturer compete against Chevrolet's ZL1, which produces tremendous power of 580 hp.
The concept version of Subaru BRZ was also displayed at the event, though the final model will be exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show, which begins in a fortnight. While high-end brands like Lamborghini chose to skip the event altogether, Bentley's new GTC convertible stood shoulder to shoulder with Nissan NV van, giving contrast to the stands.
The line-up present at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show clearly shows the intentions of auto makers, which seem to be skipping the luxury segment and targeting the masses.
