From $20,000 subcompact crossovers to convertibles with $200,000 price tags, the 2016 Los Angeles auto show has proved diverse, just like the opinions of the Motor Trend staff. Don’t miss all our 2016 L.A. auto show content RIGHT HERE, whether you’re looking for info on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio crossover or the Star-Wars-themed Nissan Rogue special-edition model. But if you want to know what intrigued the editors who brought you the 2017 Motor Trend Awards and Best Driver’s Car, read on.
Jaguar I-Pace Concept
“If this were the Tesla Model X, the electric-SUV conversation would be over,” Mark Rechtin said. “Jaguar designers are showing what cool things you can do with the hoodline when you don’t have to worry about cooling an engine. The interior has ‘next-gen Jaguar’ written all over it. Whereas Tesla is playing it safe with EV design (except the falcon doors) and shapes to make it not stand out too much, Jaguar looks to create something that leaps (heh) right off the road and into your soul.”
From Frank Markus: “Yes please! A slinky Jaguar electric SUV with F-Pace moves and a 90 kW-hr battery good for 220 miles? Sounds like it oughta be as fun to drive as a Tesla Model X, but with normal doors and seats that allow me to carry long stuff inside or on the roof.”
From Erick Ayapana: “Jaguar’s design boss Ian Callum is seriously on a roll. The I-Pace concept is stunning inside and out, and it’s one of the few cars at the show I’ve come back to look at more than once (the other being the Audi A5/S5 Sportback).”
The I-Pace’s impressive 220-mile range, styling, seating for five, quick charging time, and performance could make the production version of the SUV hard to beat. –Michael Cantu
2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
When I first saw the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 during our 2016 Truck of the Year (TOTY) program, I quickly fell in love. In black, it looked like an updated version of Marty McFly’s dream truck in Back to the Future. The lust faded quickly though–it seemed a little overwrought for real four-wheeling’ and I couldn’t stand the tubular side steps, especially after living with them with a long-termer of 2015 Truck of the Year. This “baby Raptor” ZR2? Badass! I dig the pure functionality and stripped-down execution. No roll bar needed, just Mulitmatic DSSV double reservoir shocks and bumpers that help with approach and departure angles. And it comes in a diesel? Sign me up! –Ed Loh
Amid a pretty lackluster showing at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 was hands-down my favorite debut. GM hasn’t made a real off-roader since Hummer was shuttered during the Great Recession, and yet with the Colorado ZR2 the company has shown that there wasn’t a brain drain from losing its off-road brand. Chevy really got it right—the Multimatic shocks look to be an engineering marvel, there are real locking rear and front differentials, and the ground clearance has been significantly improved by ditching the non-ZR2 truck’s stupid air dam and fitting new front and rear bumpers. The best part? Offering up the new 3.6-liter gas V-6 and the Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel I-4. Most probably would’ve forgiven GM for making the V-6 the only available engine, but offering up the turbodiesel-four shows that Chevy is taking the new ZR2 seriously. –Christian Seabaugh
The Colorado ZR2’s Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve suspension on a production truck for the first time should give this rugged off-roader an advantage against its Tacoma TRD Pro rival. –Michael Cantu
Lexus Sriracha IS
Lexus had some fun with the custom-built IS featuring Sriracha Red paint with chili pepper-like flakes and green accents, a steering wheel designed to look like it was made of sauce, climate controls with a “Sriracha hot” setting, a trunk stocked with 43 bottles of Sriracha and a key fob dispensing Sriracha at the press of the emergency chili button. No production plans, just good fun. –Alisa Priddle
Some might say the Sriracha IS is out of place at a luxury-automaker’s show stand, but I love this whimsical show car. Lexus really paid attention to the details with this one, and that’s very much a trait you want associated with your brand. The seats with multi-color accents and awesome paint job are two highlights, as is the “SRIRACHA” badge on the trunk lid in the font Lexus uses for all of its badges. Thanks Lexus, for giving jaded automotive journalists (and L.A. auto show public day visitors) something cool and surprising to check out. –Zach Gale
2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country
The Volvo V90 Cross Country is the lifted, more rugged-looking variant of the S90 sedan and V90 wagon, cars we already like. Markus commented that the car featured “gorgeous styling inside and out, with the promise of all the driving excellence I’ve come to appreciate in the #MTGarage XC90, but with a lower center of gravity. Of course, I’m not sure I wouldn’t prefer the normal (cross-city?) V90 without the SUV pretensions…”
Honda Civic Si Prototype
Although unfortunately only in coupe and sedan versions (no hatch) the Si will come with a six-speed manual, good mesh and bolstering in the front seats for those twisty roads, and an engine that will have north of 205 hp from a 1.5-liter turbo-four. To help the driver out, the new Si comes with a limited-slip differential, as well as adaptive steering and suspension systems. The car should arrive in mid 2017. If that’s still not enough performance, the Civic Type R will arrive later in the year, with even more performance and body cladding so wild, it looks straight out of the SEMA show catalog. –Mark Rechtin
2017 Mazda CX-5
“The midsize crossover has matured for 2017,” said Alisa Priddle, “with a more upscale face and a side profile accentuated by a crisp line that fades as it near the rear of the car.” Although some Motor Trend editors would have liked a manual transmission option, a diesel option could make for an interesting Equinox diesel alternative once the CX-5’s new engine variant arrives in the second half of 2017.
Stefan Ogbac is looking forward to the diesel option, and suggests that “the styling, while evolutionary, is a step in the right direction and the interior puts it in line with the rest of the Mazda lineup. The Soul Red Crystal exterior paint glimmers and is even better in person, and adds to that class above feel of the overall design.”
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Now that EVs can go way more than 200 miles, the best reason to bother lugging along an engine and gas tank is because you plan to take loooong trips, and there’s just NO BETTER VEHICLE in which to lug the family on a long trip than a minivan. The world is way overdue for a PHEV minivan. –Frank Markus
Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV concept
Subaru is about to fill the gap left by the Tribeca when it was discontinued in 2014, and the replacement three-row crossover will be significantly larger. The VIZIV-7 previews the size of Subaru’s upcoming seven-seater, and at 204.7 inches long the concept indicates that the new product will be Subaru’s largest ever. Though Subaru makes no promises about the concept’s design influencing the vehicle planned for early 2018, we hope some elements of this handsome show car make it to production. –Alex Nishimoto
We’re not supposed to read too much into the styling of Subaru’s new large three-row SUV concept, but still, what a massive if traditional step forward from the Subaru’s last attempt in this space, the quirky Tribeca. Unlike that short-lived, unloved model, the VIZIV-7 concept is a true large SUV that will be made for America, in America. Subaru of America president Tom Doll said the company has already completed expansion plans at its Indiana plant to accommodate the production of this model when it comes online in 2018. The rear seat should be able to comfortable seat two normal sized adults or three children–the question is what engine would power it… More answers coming at the New York International Auto Show.
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
It’s not easy for a large crossover to pull off a golden yellow paint job, but it certainly works on the Atlas. The crossover’s chiseled corners and commanding stance is a welcome change from other softer-looking three row crossovers on the market. Look inside, and the interior is refreshingly simple: a large touchscreen dominates the dashboard. –Kelly Pleskot
2018 Audi A5/S5 Sportback
The A5/S5 Sportback made its U.S. debut in L.A., where Audi confirmed the four-door hatch will go on sale in the U.S. My first car was a liftback, which probably explains why I’m so drawn to this thing. Not only is it more functional and roomy than the A5/S5 coupe, but it looks better, too, especially from the rear three-quarter angle.
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Stelvio vs I-Pace: Two compelling crossovers, but the Stelvio gets the nod in my book. First of all, it snatched the name of one of Europe’s most iconic mountain passes (can’t believe nobody locked that one down before) and it really does look the business, although the styling team need to look into more sidewall for the tires. As Mark Rechtin mentioned to me, he’s not sure about the rear end, but I think it’s been executed better than that of the I-Pace concept. I love the stance and angles of the Jaguar–particularly the rear flanks, but as another industry sage whispered to me, “Yes, it looks good–but does it look like a Jaguar?” And he’s right–I see a lot of Infiniti in the proportion and front three-quarter angle, and that’s not a dis, by the way. Infiniti styling has looked pretty sharp as of late. –Ed Loh
The fenders of the Giulia-sedan-based Stelvio are muscular yet elegant. With rear-biased all-wheel drive standard, I would pick the Stelvio over the Giulia just because of the extra traction it offers, meaning you can drive enthusiastically in this car regardless of the weather conditions. –Stefan Ogbac
Now that more automakers are putting the “sport” into SUV, it’s nice to see Alfa Romeo’s take on the segment with the new Stelvio. If the Alfa’s gorgeous looks don’t do it for you, the claimed 177 mph top speed sure should. –Christian Seabaugh
Consider this an Italian Porsche Macan. It’s clearly sitting on its rear haunches, to identify it as a rear-drive-based vehicle. It has the unmistakable face of an Alfa. Inside, the giant sunken instrument cluster binnacles and gunsight vent openings give loads of character. The historical circular-pattern wheels are vaguely reminiscent of a biohazard symbol, but I can look past that. –Mark Rechtin
2017 Jeep Compass
The new Compass isn’t sporty, but it looks awesome. The crossover brings a lot of personality into the compact CUV segment—you’ll never mistake it for anything else. –Stefan Ogbac
2017 Porsche Panamera Executive
The new Panamera looks and feels special enough in standard form, and the stretched Executive body style elevates that feeling of exclusivity to new levels. Rear legroom is massive, as are the available 10.1-inch rear entertainment screens. –Alex Nishimoto
The post Best Cars of the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show: Motor Trend Favorites appeared first on Motor Trend.
from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/2g2Qn3z
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire