Press days have kicked off at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show and we’re on the show floor covering all the big reveals. Here’s whats new:

2020 Porsche 911

Designated the 992, the 2020 911 Carrera S comes out of the gate with 443 horsepower using its turbocharged 3.0 liter flat-six — we don’t have numbers on a base Carrera yet. With 23 more horsepower than the previous Carrera S, the rear-wheel drive coupe should hit 60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds. With all-wheel drive, the Carrera 4S hits the same mark in 3.4 seconds.

Porsche will still offer a manual transmission, although not right away. Initial gear changing will be performed by a new 8-speed PDK. In another effort to make drivers better, there’s new Porsche Wet Mode and optional Night Vision Assist. 

The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S will start at $114,250 with the 4S costing $121,650. Arriving in dealers in the summer of 2019, Porsche is taking orders now.

2019 Honda Passport

The all-new 2019 Honda Passport 5-passenger V6-powered SUV made its world debut at the opening of the LA Auto Show's press events. Going on sale early next year, the two-row, mid-size Passport provides a precise combination of on-road driving refinement and off-road adventure capability along with best-in-class interior space. The all-new Honda Passport will slot between the compact CR-V and three-row Pilot in Honda's popular SUV lineup. The model's reinforced unibody frame, powerful direct-injected i-VTEC® V6 engine, fully independent suspension and nimble steering make it an ideal choice for driving long distances or around town. In addition, the robust off-road capability offered by the available Honda i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and its four-mode Intelligent Traction Management system means Passport can tackle the kind of tough terrain normally reserved for less refined body-on-frame or off-road focused SUVs.

2019 Mazda3

Mazda pulled the sheet off the 2019 Mazda3 on the eve of the L.A. Auto Show and revealed another striking model using a more “matured” version of the Kodo design language. 

The Japanese brand stuck surprisingly close to the style of the Kai concept we saw at last year’s Tokyo Auto Show. Still in hatchback and sedan form, Mazda says, “Despite sharing the Mazda3 moniker, the hatchback and sedan models have distinct personalities — the design of the hatchback is emotive, the sedan elegant.”

The 2019 Mazda3 uses the new Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture and offers five engines — which ones we will get is not totally clear at this point. Three Skyactiv-G gas engines and a Skyactiv-D diesel are included in the lineup, but it’s the all-new Skyactiv-X that we’ll be looking forward to. The engine uses a mild-hybrid system and high compression to improve torque and fuel economy. i-Activ all-wheel drive will also be available along with G-Vectoring Control Plus, which uses braking to aid in handling. Six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are available. 

BMW X7

BMW 8 Series Convertible

BMW M340i

BMW iNEXT Concept

BMW has introduced a new range-topping X7 Sports Activity Vehicle today at the LA Auto Show’s AutoMobility LA 2018, along with world debuts of the 8 Series Convertible, M430i Sedan and Vision iNEXT Concept. The X7 will be the largest member of  BMW’s X lineup, with three row seating, generous cargo space, and standard two-axle air suspension. The 8 Series Coupe and Convertible return to BMW’s lineup after a 20-year absence, and offer grand touring in comfort and unparalleled style. The M340i sedan is the first M-Performance variant of the latest 7th-gen 3 Series, equipped with a 382-horsepower 3-liter inline 6 and performance chassis tuning. Pointing to BMW’s future, the Vision iNEXT Concept is a fully-electric Sport Activity Vehicle that showcases the company’s forward-looking approach to autonomous driving, connectivity and design.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid


2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e

Toyota is all about efficiency in L.A. introducing the Corolla Hybrid and Prius AWD-e. 

For the first time, the high-selling Toyota Corolla will be offered in hybrid form. It will use a 1.8-liter four cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with two motor/generators to achieve an estimated 50 MPG. Total combined output is 121 horsepower. Unlike the Prius, the Corolla Hybrid will use a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and is placed under the rear seat. According to Toyota “there’s no compromise in cabin roominess” when opting for a Corolla Hybrid. 

Another first, the Prius AWD-e (the “e” stands for electric) sends power to all four wheels and is estimated to reach 52 MPG in the city making it “one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive equipped passenger cars available in the U.S.” The Prius AWD-e uses a familiar setup for Toyota, which forgoes a driveshaft linking the front and rear axles and instead uses an independent electric rear motor to power the back wheels. From a stop, the rear motor will power the wheels up to 6 MPH and then be used only when conditions call for more traction. 

2020 Jeep Gladiator


Jeep fans have waited a long time for another pickup truck and it’s finally here as the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.

With a host of available off-road minded features like Rock-Trac 4x4, Dana 44 axles, electronic axle lockers on the front and rear as well as 33-inch off-road tires, Jeep calls the Gladiator “the most capable midsize truck ever.” Base power comes from the 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine will be offered in 2020. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with an 8-speed automatic as an option. Jeep also claims the Gladiator will offer best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload at up to 7,650 and 1,600 pounds respectively.

Set to hit dealers in the second quarter of 2019, the Gladiator will be available in Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon trims.

 

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT


2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro

Mercedes pumped some adrenaline into the L.A. Convention Center with the reveal of the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT and limited edition GT R Pro.

Four years after its initial debut, changes to the coupe include updated exterior styling, a new AMG Performance steering wheel and more performance courtesy of the AMG Dynamics driving control system. The AMG GT R Pro goes yet another step beyond the already-staggering GT R in terms of track performance. The suspension is reworked and more downforce is added in addition to new lightweight wheels. 

The twin-turbo V8 puts out 469 horsepower in the standard GT Coupe, 550 horsepower in the GTC and 577 horsepower in the GT R and GT R Pro.

2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator took flight in L.A. with some intriguing technology.

Just when key fobs were becoming the norm, Lincoln goes a step further and gets rid of the key altogether. The 2020 Aviator has the not-so-cleverly named “Phone As A Key” technology, which lets drivers “lock and unlock, open the lift gate and, most importantly, start and drive the vehicle — all without a traditional key.” In addition to basic functions, drivers can adjust things like seat, mirror and steering wheel positions.

Base power for the three-row luxury midsize SUV is provided by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Lincoln claims it should deliver 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft of torque. Step up to the Aviator Grand Touring and you’ll get a hybrid powertrain that uses the same engine and is expected to output 450 horsepower and an even more impressive 600 lb.-ft of torque. 

 

 

Audi e-tron GT Concept

On the heels of the recent debut of the production Audi e-tron SUV, the German luxury brand gave us another concept vehicle to chew on for the next two years. The Audi e-tron GT Concept is all-electric and boasts 590 horsepower with all-wheel drive delivered by a motor on each axle. The result is an expected 0-60 time in the low threes. The 90 kWh lithium-ion battery is also expected to provide a driving range of just under 250-miles.

A four-door coupe, the e-tron GT Concept represents the next generation of Audi design and is set for production in two years. To ensure the car is consistent with a greener future, Audi has avoided using any animal-based products on the interior. Seats are wrapped in synthetic leather while the carpet is made from sustainable Econyl yarn, which is a recycled fiber made from used fishing nets.

2019 Nissan Maxima


2019 Nissan Murano

 

Nissan came to L.A. with two refreshed models: the 2019 Maxima and Murano.

The Maxima gets updated stylistically inside and out and has a larger grille as well as redesigned rear tail lamps. New wheels are added to all five trim levels with the 19” Hyper Silver Platinum Reserve Package set sitting at the top of the list. Rear Door Alert is now standard for all trim levels.

The Murano also sees a styling refresh with a more pronounced V-motion grille up front and redesigned LED lighting. New wheels and exterior colors have been added as well.

 

2020 Kia Soul


2019 Kia Niro EV


 

Kia took to the stage with the redesigned 2020 Soul. Staying with its boxy shape, styling is more modern with new lighting and a bigger grille. Overall length is up over two-inches and cargo capacity comes in at 23.8 cu.-ft. — 5 cu.ft. more than the previous generation. A large 10.25-inch touchscreen is available as is an 8-inch head-up display. 

The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder comes with 147 horsepower and either a 6-speed manual or the Intelligent Variable Transmission that debuted in the 2019 Forte. Move up to the 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 and you’ll get 201 horsepower running through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Can’t stand internal combustion engines anymore? Go with the Soul EV. Using a new, liquid-cooled 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. The EPA has yet to release official EV range.

We also saw the 2019 Niro EV for the first time in North America. It uses the same battery as the 2020 Soul EV and has a range of 239-miles.

Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept

 

The Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept rolled on to the stage for its North American debut. The four-wheel drive EV embodies what Mitsubishi sees as their future. e-Evolution uses three electric motors to power its wheels; one in the front, two in the back. Mitsubishi also integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology in this rugged concept SUV.

 

2020 Hyundai Palisade

SUVs continue to be hot sellers and Hyundai introduced an all-new model. The 2020 Hyundai Palisade mid-size SUV seats up to eight and serves as the Korean brand’s flagship utility vehicle. 

The Palisade rides on an all-new chassis and resembles a bigger Santa Fe. It’s 3-inches longer than a 2019 Santa Fe XL and passengers can enjoy available quilted Nappa leather and woodgrain trim that wraps around the instrument panel. Second row captain’s chairs are available and the third row has an optional power-folding operation. USB ports are offered in every row.

A push button shifter is part of Hyundai's shift-by-wire system and was implemented to save space. As a safety measure, the car will automatically go into park when the vehicle is off and the driver’s door opens. Head-up display is also available while Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist is standard.

Power is provided by an Atkinson cycle 3.8-liter V6 with an estimated 291 horsepower, which is more standard horsepower “than any other SUV in its competitive set.” An eight-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties and can go to either two- or four-wheels. 

Built in Ulsan, Korea, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade is expected in U.S. dealerships by the summer of 2019.

 

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Another car that debuted before the show, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was out for display. It’s the first plug-in hybrid for the company and uses the same Subaru Global Platform as the purely gas powered Crosstrek. The high-capacity lithium-ion battery is beneath the cargo area. Subaru’s StarDrive Technology uses two electric motors. One starts the engine. The second motor powers the vehicle for hybrid and electric driving. EV range is 17 miles. Total range is 480 miles. Subaru dealers should have them by the end of the year starting at $34,995.

 

RIVIAN

Rivian, an American technology company, used the LA Auto Show to unveiled two new entries that they describe as Electric Adventure Vehicles. One is the long rumored R1T all-electric, 5-passenger pickup truck, and the second is the R1S, a 7-passenger all-electric SUV.

Rivian says both will feature up to and over 400 miles in electric range, a wading depth of 1 meter, lockable storage bins that can fit the bulkiest of gear, and the performance and precise control of quad-motor AWD.

The foundation of the R1T and R1S is Rivian's skateboard platform, which packages the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system all below the height of the wheel, leaving the space above for occupants and their gear.

Beyond the claimed packaging benefits, this architecture delivers a low center of gravity that supports the vehicle's agility and stability. Adding to these inertial advantages is a car-llike suspension architecture with unequal length double wishbone suspension in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. The suspension features dynamic roll control and adaptive dampers along with ride-height adjustable air-suspension – allowing the suspension to be adjusted for highway comfort, on-road performance or off-road capability.

Both vehicles will be produced at Rivian's manufacturing facility in Normal IL.