To be frankly honest, the LA auto show this year failed to impress me. There weren't as many exciting models as I had expected...especially from US car manufactures! Still, there were some considerable highlights:
Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black Series
The fifth entry of MB's "Black Series" family, the SLS is the baddest bad boy of them all: 622 horsepower engine, with 0-60 at just 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 196 mph... and let's not forget, it shedded 154 pounds off its original model, thanks to all the carbon fiber panels used in this car. In short, this is one heck of a car. Sadly, something must've happened at the AMG styling department, because it simply looks..."off", compared to previous Black Series models. Still a great car nevertheless.
2014 Porsche Cayman
Here it is, ladies and gentlemen: The all new Cayman. Yes, no big surprise, since it's technically just the hardtop version of the highly acclaimed Boxter, launched earlier this year at Geneva. Despite that, the Cayman is still quite a car of its own: lower and longer, lighter and faster, more efficient and more powerful than ever. The standard Cayman model arrives with a 2.7-liter flat-six Boxer engine rated at 275 horsepower, while the premium Cayman S is fitted with a 3.4-liter six generating 325 horsepower. It will do 0-60 in just 5.1 seconds, while the S does it in just 4.4. Expect it at a showroom near you next spring.
2014 Jaguar XFR-S
This isn't the first time we've heard about a crazy, 550HP super saloon, but this is Jaguar's version, and boy does it look exciting. Presented with the same crisp blue paint as the XKR-S (but also a hideous spoiler)...this is sports saloon at its best. Oh, and that blown 5.0-liter V8 dishes up a full 502 pound-feet of torque, which is good enough to shuttle the four-door to 60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds. Now that's blistering fast. Not to mention that the chassis stiffness has been reduced by 30%...making this one very distinct car from the original model.
Mercedes Benz Ener-G Force Concept
Nobody saw this coming...but it did. Here's your G-Class successor, which is meaner, cleaner, and greener. Conceptually, the Ener-G-Force utilizes a "hydro-tech converter" to convert water into hydrogen for its fuel cell power. Emitting nothing but water vapor out of its exhaust pipes, the SUV has a range of about 500 miles and is nearly unstoppable thanks to its four wheel-hub electric motors that are electronically controlled to precisely handle any terrain. Adding to the Ener-G-Force's capabilities is its Terra-Scan system, highlighted by a 360 degree topography scanner that automatically adjusts its suspension on the roll. Now, notice how I said "Conceptually"...because, to spoil the beans, this car probably won't ever make it into production. Why MB even took the time and effort to build a car whose plastic wheels won't even turn...I don't know.
2014 Nissan GT-R
Yes. Another year, another GT-R. Again revised for the coming year, this Godzilla has been finessed with new fuel injectors and a new oil baffle pan, and each hand-built engine gets a plaque with the builder's name. Nissan says the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 for 2014 gets injected with 15 more horsepower and 15 more pound-feet of torque, but the 545 hp and 463 lb-ft are the same as the 2013 model listed on Nissan's web site. Compared to 2012, however, both numbers are up by 15. The looks remain the same however...unfortunately.
And that's it. You heard me right. Unless you're interested in dull looking Japanese SUVs which got it's V6 engine removed, or hideous looking concepts designed by fashion designers... there aren't much left to report on from the LA show floor. Let's pray for the Detroit auto show then.
No comments:
Post a Comment