Here are 10 cars we checked out at the LA Auto Show
23 Nov 2019|7,940 views
There is a lot of talk of the future at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For one, a slew of all-electric concept cars, some closer to production than you may think. Yet, there is still a bunch of all out performance cars where internal combustion engines take centre stage.
Whatever you choose, there is plenty to see at the show. Here are 10 cars we checked out during our time there.
Audi e-tron Sportback
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_2.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
The Sportback mimics that of the e-tron SUV in almost every aspect including pace and range, with the exception of its coupe-like bodystyle.
Aside from visual differences, Audi is offering new matrix LED head lights in the Sportback.
They feature a chip with over one million micro-mirrors, which projects light in a way where only the lane ahead is lit, without blinding other drivers.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Effectively the first sedan in the compact class from BMW, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is based on the same front-wheel drive architecture as the 1 Series - but with two doors along with a coupe-like silhouette.
It isn't just style and substance, there are clues that the 2 Series Gran Coupe might be a pretty sweet car to drive, too. It is longer and lower than the 1 Series, which should offer a more dynamic experience behind the wheel.
It too offers the same petrol powertrains like the 1 Series. There is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 218i with 138bhp, and the hot-tempered 2.0-litre turbocharged M235i with 297bhp. One thing is for certain, though. The 2 Series Gran Coupe will bring the challenge directly to the Mercedes CLA.
BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe
Here's the top of the range BMW M car with four doors - the M8 Gran Coupe.
The M8 Competition Gran Coupe that was unveiled at the show was also the First Edition model.
Finished in iridescent Saleve Vert green with gold-coloured accents, it closely resembles the M8 Concept Gran Coupe that was first revealed a year ago. It is certainly a very attractive addition and unique to the M8 Gran Coupe.
While the car wins on looks, it has enough go, too. The M8 Competition Gran Coupe will make 608bhp and a massive 750Nm of torque from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
BMW M2 CS
As you can tell, BMW is on a roll here in LA with the car launches. Here is one car that brings the M2 Competition one step above, the M2 CS.
What lies under the vented bonnet is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six like the M2 Competition. Here, it makes 27 more horses at 432bhp and 550Nm of torque - offering it a 0.2 second faster century sprint at 4.0 seconds.
Also different is that the M2 CS comes with standard equipment like Adaptive M suspension and an Active M differential. BMW is marketing this directly to customers who would want some actual track time with the car, which we assume will herald a new clubsport-esque segment from the brand.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_6.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
Yes, the nomenclature might put off some muscle car enthusiasts. But if you look at it just as an all-electric SUV, it isn't a bad looker at all.
What's more, this all-electric SUV is no slouch. The GT variant will come with 465bhp and an earth-moving 829Nm of torque, offering what Ford claims is a sub 4.0 second century sprint. A range of up to 480km is possible when fitted with an optional range extender.
While still a concept, Ford says that the Mustang Mach-E will be made in right-hand drive for markets like Australia, but there is no official word yet on whether it'll arrive in Singapore.
Hyundai Vision T Plug-in Hybrid
Hyundai debuted its crossover concept called the Vision T at the show, showcasing the Korean brand's latest design innovation.
An incredibly sharp-looking and angular concept car, Hyundai says the look is part of the 'Sensous Sportiness' design language.
We can't exactly tell you what that means. But if the 'T' in its name means anything, the Vision T's size closely resembles that of the current generation Tucson.
Unfortunately Hyundai hasn't released any specifics on the Vision T's powertrain. But the existence of the Vision T alone is enough to give you a glimpse of the future of Hyundai's SUV lineup.
MINI John Cooper Works GP
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_8.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
Powering the GP is a 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant that produces 297bhp and 450Nm of torque - figures that match the BMW M135i. What is different from the M135i though is that the GP is front-wheel drive. It is also a wilder, more aggressive car, if those fender flares topped with that big wing aren't clues.
MINI says it is the most powerful MINI ever made for the road, and has unofficially clocked a time of under eight minutes at the Nurburgring.
If you're looking to get one in Singapore, tough luck. The 25 units officially allocated for us are all sold.
Porsche Taycan 4S
You might be wondering why we're talking about the Taycan, especially since we just covered the official launch of the car in Singapore. What Porsche unveiled is in fact another variant for the Taycan, the 4S.
The Taycan 4S will be the least powerful variant of the three now available, but it isn't slow by any means, either.
A performance pack offers 553bhp from the standard 514bhp in the 4S, and Porsche says the 4S will do the century sprint under 4.0 seconds.
More importantly, since the 4S is the lesser powered variant, it should be the cheaper option when compared Taycan Turbo and Turbo S.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
With Toyota's expertise in hybrid technology, it comes as to no surprise then that it has put in a plug-in hybrid powertrain underneath its RAV4 crossover.
But there's more to just efficiency for this car. For what is essentially an economical, Toyota hybrid powertrain, it packs a punch.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid makes 297bhp and 227Nm of torque, and offers a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds. That is pretty quick for Toyota standards.
Now, the RAV4 will match or exceed the pace of its turbocharged European peers like the Volkswagen Tiguan, so you can have some fun while saving the planet, too.
Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion Concept
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_11.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
Based on Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive Matrix platform, the Space Vizzion is powered by a 275bhp motor mounted in the rear wheels, and offers a Worldwide Harmonised Test Procedure range of 480km.
And we like that it is a wagon and not a crossover all-electric vehicle. Volkswagen says the production model will most likely hit the roads by 2022, so if you're a wagon lover and want to go all electric, you'll have to wait till then to get your hands on one.
There is a lot of talk of the future at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For one, a slew of all-electric concept cars, some closer to production than you may think. Yet, there is still a bunch of all out performance cars where internal combustion engines take centre stage.
Whatever you choose, there is plenty to see at the show. Here are 10 cars we checked out during our time there.
Audi e-tron Sportback
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_2.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
The Sportback mimics that of the e-tron SUV in almost every aspect including pace and range, with the exception of its coupe-like bodystyle.
Aside from visual differences, Audi is offering new matrix LED head lights in the Sportback.
They feature a chip with over one million micro-mirrors, which projects light in a way where only the lane ahead is lit, without blinding other drivers.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Effectively the first sedan in the compact class from BMW, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is based on the same front-wheel drive architecture as the 1 Series - but with two doors along with a coupe-like silhouette.
It isn't just style and substance, there are clues that the 2 Series Gran Coupe might be a pretty sweet car to drive, too. It is longer and lower than the 1 Series, which should offer a more dynamic experience behind the wheel.
It too offers the same petrol powertrains like the 1 Series. There is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 218i with 138bhp, and the hot-tempered 2.0-litre turbocharged M235i with 297bhp. One thing is for certain, though. The 2 Series Gran Coupe will bring the challenge directly to the Mercedes CLA.
BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe
Here's the top of the range BMW M car with four doors - the M8 Gran Coupe.
The M8 Competition Gran Coupe that was unveiled at the show was also the First Edition model.
Finished in iridescent Saleve Vert green with gold-coloured accents, it closely resembles the M8 Concept Gran Coupe that was first revealed a year ago. It is certainly a very attractive addition and unique to the M8 Gran Coupe.
While the car wins on looks, it has enough go, too. The M8 Competition Gran Coupe will make 608bhp and a massive 750Nm of torque from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
BMW M2 CS
As you can tell, BMW is on a roll here in LA with the car launches. Here is one car that brings the M2 Competition one step above, the M2 CS.
What lies under the vented bonnet is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six like the M2 Competition. Here, it makes 27 more horses at 432bhp and 550Nm of torque - offering it a 0.2 second faster century sprint at 4.0 seconds.
Also different is that the M2 CS comes with standard equipment like Adaptive M suspension and an Active M differential. BMW is marketing this directly to customers who would want some actual track time with the car, which we assume will herald a new clubsport-esque segment from the brand.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_6.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
Yes, the nomenclature might put off some muscle car enthusiasts. But if you look at it just as an all-electric SUV, it isn't a bad looker at all.
What's more, this all-electric SUV is no slouch. The GT variant will come with 465bhp and an earth-moving 829Nm of torque, offering what Ford claims is a sub 4.0 second century sprint. A range of up to 480km is possible when fitted with an optional range extender.
While still a concept, Ford says that the Mustang Mach-E will be made in right-hand drive for markets like Australia, but there is no official word yet on whether it'll arrive in Singapore.
Hyundai Vision T Plug-in Hybrid
Hyundai debuted its crossover concept called the Vision T at the show, showcasing the Korean brand's latest design innovation.
An incredibly sharp-looking and angular concept car, Hyundai says the look is part of the 'Sensous Sportiness' design language.
We can't exactly tell you what that means. But if the 'T' in its name means anything, the Vision T's size closely resembles that of the current generation Tucson.
Unfortunately Hyundai hasn't released any specifics on the Vision T's powertrain. But the existence of the Vision T alone is enough to give you a glimpse of the future of Hyundai's SUV lineup.
MINI John Cooper Works GP
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_8.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
Powering the GP is a 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant that produces 297bhp and 450Nm of torque - figures that match the BMW M135i. What is different from the M135i though is that the GP is front-wheel drive. It is also a wilder, more aggressive car, if those fender flares topped with that big wing aren't clues.
MINI says it is the most powerful MINI ever made for the road, and has unofficially clocked a time of under eight minutes at the Nurburgring.
If you're looking to get one in Singapore, tough luck. The 25 units officially allocated for us are all sold.
Porsche Taycan 4S
You might be wondering why we're talking about the Taycan, especially since we just covered the official launch of the car in Singapore. What Porsche unveiled is in fact another variant for the Taycan, the 4S.
The Taycan 4S will be the least powerful variant of the three now available, but it isn't slow by any means, either.
A performance pack offers 553bhp from the standard 514bhp in the 4S, and Porsche says the 4S will do the century sprint under 4.0 seconds.
More importantly, since the 4S is the lesser powered variant, it should be the cheaper option when compared Taycan Turbo and Turbo S.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
With Toyota's expertise in hybrid technology, it comes as to no surprise then that it has put in a plug-in hybrid powertrain underneath its RAV4 crossover.
But there's more to just efficiency for this car. For what is essentially an economical, Toyota hybrid powertrain, it packs a punch.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid makes 297bhp and 227Nm of torque, and offers a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds. That is pretty quick for Toyota standards.
Now, the RAV4 will match or exceed the pace of its turbocharged European peers like the Volkswagen Tiguan, so you can have some fun while saving the planet, too.
Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion Concept
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/news/article_events/2019/3800_p1_s_11.jpg)
![](https://i.i-sgcm.com/images/spacer.gif)
Based on Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive Matrix platform, the Space Vizzion is powered by a 275bhp motor mounted in the rear wheels, and offers a Worldwide Harmonised Test Procedure range of 480km.
And we like that it is a wagon and not a crossover all-electric vehicle. Volkswagen says the production model will most likely hit the roads by 2022, so if you're a wagon lover and want to go all electric, you'll have to wait till then to get your hands on one.
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