The 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show (Nov. 18-27) figures to be a busy one with approximately 20 world or North American debuts on the docket during the show’s media preview days (Nov. 16-17), which have been folded into the wider AutoMobility LA industry forum which runs for most the week (Nov. 14-17) before doors open to the public on Friday (Nov. 18).
Among the many reveals we’re expecting to see, here are a few that are worth looking out for. The reveals will start to flow fast and thick beginning tomorrow so be sure to check back here throughout the week for all the latest news from the Los Angeles Convention Center.
ALFA ROMEO
Hot on the heels of its scintillating Giulia sedan (pictured) reveal at last year’s show, Alfa Romeo is scheduled to reveal its first-ever SUV, called the Stelvio, in L.A. FCA hasn’t confirmed any details, but several published reports suggest it will be based on the Giulia and will share powertrains, which could mean a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine and a twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 for the high-end (Quadrifoglio?) trim. In terms of transmissions, expect the same six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic found in the Giulia.
HONDA
American Honda, the company’s U.S. arm, is expected to bring an Si to L.A. in either concept or production form, but details so far have been scant. We know it’ll be based on the new 10th-generation design language and will boast a turbocharged engine, either a variant of the 2.0L slated for the Type R or the 1.5L in the regular Civic (pictured). A six-speed manual transmission also seems likely, but another gearbox (a CVT?) could also be offered. Performance numbers haven’t been confirmed by several reports suggest it’ll likely be in the 220- 230 horsepower range.
MAZDA
Mazda has confirmed its all-new mid-size 2018 CX-5 crossover will make its world debut in Los Angeles, but has said little else. The current CX-5 is getting a bit long in the tooth, dating back to the 2013 model year, so the ’18 should mark a significant departure in terms of design at least. A facelift model (also revealed in L.A.) debuted in 2014.
MERCEDES-BENZ
Mercedes-Benz has already let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, when it confirmed in late October that the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 sedan will make its auto show debut in L.A. We hope to have much more to say about this fire-breathing sedan in 2017, but I’ll leave you with some basic performance numbers for the E 63 S: 4.0L biturbo V8, nine-speed multi-clutch (MCT) automatic / 603 horsepower, 627 lb-ft. of torque / 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h): 3.3 seconds, top speed: 186 mph (299 km/h). Oh, and it has a drift mode.
TOYOTA
Toyota has confirmed it will be unveiling the production version of its all-new C-HR compact crossover (2018 model year) in L.A. The C-HR concept was originally badged as a Scion when it was unveiled at last year’s show, but will instead carry on as a Toyota due to the demise of Scion. No details have been released, but it has been confirmed the C-HR will ride on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA).
THE REST
Press conferences are scheduled for several other manufacturers, including Acura (likely a concept), Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover (I-Pace concept), Jeep (replacement for Compass), Infiniti (QX Sport Inspiration concept), Kia, Mini (2017 Countryman), Nissan, Porsche, Subaru (concept), Volvo and Volkswagen (Atlas full-size SUV).
