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SUVs Dominate
The American appetite for SUVS shows no signs waning, so it comes as no surprise that at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show crossover and SUV debuts outnumbered other models by a wide margin. On display were offerings of both all-new vehicles and updates to existing choices from companies such as Subaru, Jeep, Hyundai and more. Here’s a sampling of SUV debuts from the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.
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BMW Concept X7 iPerformance
After its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance made its debut on U.S. soil at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The three-row, full-size luxury SUV will join the top of the X line of Sport Activity Vehicles above the current X5 and X6 models.
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BMW Concept X7 iPerformance
The largest SUV ever to be offered by BMW, the 6-seat Concept X7 iPerformance provides a look at the production version of the X7 that will follow, scheduled to go on sale in 2018. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Concept X7 iPerformance combines a BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine with electric eDrive technology.
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Hyundai Kona
Hyundai adds a new compact crossover to the U.S. market with the Kona, featuring a bold, expressive design and fun-to-drive character in a small, entry-level model. The front-end design features LED headlights and daytime running lights, and LED taillights bring up the rear. The aggressively-shaped black fender flares extend into the headlights, taillights and rocker panels.
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Hyundai Kona
Hyundai offers two powertrain options for the Kona: a standard 2.0-liter that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode. An optional 1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine produces 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. Kona is offered with bright color choices and available contrasting roof colors.
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Infiniti QX50
In Los Angeles Infiniti debuted the 2019 QX50 midsize luxury crossover carrying a new interpretation of Infiniti’s Powerful Elegance design language, remaining true to the designs of the QX50 Concept and QX Sport Inspiration. The new design features a strong shoulder line that flows from the headlight, along the bottom of the clamshell hood and along the full length of the car, anchored by the signature Infiniti double-arch grille up front.
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Infiniti QX50
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is powered by the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, which is the first production-ready engine that adjusts compression ratio to optimize both power and efficiency. Combined with a continuously variable transmission, the VC-Turbo is rated at 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and is expected to be rated at 27 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
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Infiniti QX80
Infiniti’s full-size SUV gets redesigned for 2018 with inspiration from the QX80 Monograph concept and a bold new take on Infiniti’s Powerful Elegance design language. The hood sits higher and leans forward for a more squared-off, vertical front end and a longer, flatter hood. Inside, the QX80 features high-quality materials and a handcrafted experience.
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Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 draws power from a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 400 ponies and 413 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 7-speed automatic transmission that features Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching. In 2-wheel-drive configuration, the 2018 QX80’s fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. Four-wheel-drive variants are capable of 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined.
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Jeep Wrangler
In Los Angeles the Jeep brand revealed the next generation of its most iconic model, the Wrangler. Tracing its roots back to the original World War II U.S. military vehicle, the 2018 Wrangler stays true to its heritage in design and off-road capability while evolving with new fuel-efficient powertrains, improved on-road dynamics and advanced safety and technology. The 2018 Wrangler retains its 7-slot grille and round headlights, although the grille is taller and wider, and the outer edges now trace around the shape of the headlights, reminiscent of the Jeep CJ.
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Jeep Wrangler
Overall the new Wrangler body is more aerodynamic, and the windshield can still be folded flat to the hood. Two hardtops, a new Sunrider soft-top and a new Sky One-Touch power top, are offered. Both 2-door and 4-door versions are available in Sport, Sport S, Rubicon and Sahara trim levels. The 2018 Wrangler continues to have advanced off-road capability with two 4-wheel-drive systems and — for the first time — a 2-speed transfer case with full-time 4-wheel drive. Three engines will be available starting with the 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, a new 270-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel with 442 lb-ft of torque that will arrive in 2019.
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Kia Niro PHEV
Kia introduced the 2018 Niro Plug-In Electric Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the third plug-in electric model from Kia. With an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 26 miles, the Niro PHEV is rated at 105 MPGe with overall EPA ratings of 48 mpg city / 44 mpg highway / 46 mpg combined.
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Kia Niro PHEV
The Niro PHEV is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and a 60-horsepower electric motor for a total combined output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Niro PHEV has the same 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as Niro with four drive modes: EV, Hybrid, Eco or Sport. The higher capacity batter is stored under the cargo floor and rear seat, retaining the same amount of cargo capacity as the Niro Hybrid.
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Kia Sorento
Kia’s largest crossover, the 7-passenger 3-row Sorento is refreshed for 2019 with subtle design changes, revised interior and new technology. The new front-end design includes a more detailed grille, new bumper design and new headlights with full LED lighting for SX and SXL trims. The redesigned fog lights use projection bulbs for EX and SX trims and LEDs for SXL.
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Kia Sorento
At the rear, the Sorento receives a new bumper, new exhaust tip and new taillight design with LEDs for EX trim and higher. Inside, the Sorento updates include a revised instrument cluster with new graphics, new steering wheel, new shift knob, revised air vents and center stack design. A third-row seat is now standard for all trim levels. New technology includes Driver Assistance Systems, Harman-Kardon audio with Quantum Logic and wireless charging.
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2019 Range Rover P400e Plug-In Hybrid
In the City of Angels Land Rover showed its first plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, the 2019 Range Rover P400e. Powered by a 296-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine combined with an 85-kW electric motor, total system output is 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel-drive system.
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2019 Range Rover P400e Plug-In Hybrid
Electricity is stored in 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the cargo area floor and estimated electric-only range is 31 miles. The driver can choose between Parallel Hybrid and EV electric-only modes. In Parallel Hybrid mode the driver can optimize battery charge or fuel economy with a Save function that prevents battery power from dropping below a chosen level, or Predictive Energy Optimization that uses GPS data for a selected route to combine gasoline and electric power to maximize fuel economy. The Range Rover P400e is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2018.
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Lexus RX L
Lexus debuted an all-new three-row version of the popular Lexus RX midsize luxury crossover at the Los Angeles show. Standard 7-seat configuration includes a 40/20/40 split-bench second-row seat, and an available 6-occupant versions adds second-row captain’s chairs. Leather seat trim for the first two rows, tri-zone climate control and a power-fold third row seat are all standard. To add the third-row seating, Lexus extended the body 4.3 inches and changed the angle of the tailgate for improved headroom. The RX L is offered in RX 350L and Rx 450hL trim levels.
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Lexus RX L
The RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque with either front-wheel drive or available Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive. The RX 450hL is powered by a hybrid system combining the 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower. Standard all-wheel drive uses a separate electric motor at the rear to drive the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is needed.
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Lincoln Nautilus
Lincoln debuted the Nautilus, a new midsize luxury crossover, in Los Angeles. Replacing the MKX in the Lincoln lineup, the Nautilus draws strongly on styling cues from the flagship Continental sedan and the full-size Navigator SUV, including the bold signature grille and beltline trim. Acoustic glass reduces wind noise and Ultra Comfort seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways.
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Lincoln Nautilus
Standard power for this new luxury SUV comes from a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and an available 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines get combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and include Auto Start-Stop. New driver assistance technologies include lane-centering and evasive steer assist.
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
A new compact crossover in the Mitsubishi lineup, the Eclipse Cross made its North American debut in Los Angeles. With the return of the Eclipse name, which was previously a sport coupe in the Mitsubishi lineup, the 2018 Eclipse Cross combines coupe styling with crossover utility.
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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Powered by a 1.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine that produces 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Eclipse cross has Super All-Wheel Control that integrates the vehicle dynamics control systems (including stability control, anti-lock brakes and active yaw control) with the all-wheel-drive system to control torque supplied to each of the four wheels.
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Nissan Kicks
The all-new 2018 Nissan Kicks debuted in Los Angeles, joining the Nissan lineup as a new entry crossover alongside Rogue and Rogue Sport. Its unique styling adds a sporty flare with a tall crossover stance, bold fender arches, a V-Motion grille, a floating roof, boomerang shaped taillights, standard Intelligent Auto Headlights and available LED low-beam headlights with LED accents. Two-tone paint options include a black roof with white, orange or red body color; an orange roof with gray body; or a white roof with a blue body.
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Nissan Kicks
The entirely-new Nissan Kicks derives power from by a 1.6-liter engine rated at 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, combined with an Xtronic continuously-variable transmission. Fuel economy is expected to be 33 mpg combined. Automatic Emergency Braking is standard and Intelligent Around View Monitor is available as an option. Nissan Kicks is scheduled to go on sale in June 2018.
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Porsche Cayenne
The all-new 2019 Porsche Cayenne was on display in L.A. after the debut of the Cayenne and Cayenne S in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen last August. The 2019 Cayenne Turbo made its world debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The third-generation Cayenne has fresh styling inside and out. Cayenne is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
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Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne S receives a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 440 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Powering the Cayenne Turbo is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that generates 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo can be identified by its wider painted wheel arches, quad exhaust outlets, special 21-inch wheels, and an adaptive roof spoiler that adjusts depending on acceleration and braking.
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Subaru Ascent
In La La Land, Subaru added the all-new Ascent to its lineup — a bigger vehicle for loyal Subaru fans who need more room. With seating for up to eight occupants, the 3-row Ascent is the largest vehicle ever produced by Subaru; a 7-passenger version with second-row captain’s chairs will also be available. When it comes to comfort and convenience, no one is left out, including eight USB charging points, 19 (yes, nineteen) cupholders, standard three-zone climate control, air vents for all three rows and reading lights in all seating positions.
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Subaru Ascent
Power for the brand-new Ascent comes from a new 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, combined with a continuously variable transmission. Full-time all-wheel drive will be standard across the board; active torque vectoring will also be standard, which enables better handling.
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Toyota FT-AC Concept
The Future Toyota Adventure Concept — or FT-AC, for short — debuted at the Los Angeles show as an example of a future vehicle Toyota might create for outdoor enthusiast who love to head for the hills, desert or beach. A bold off-road vehicle with a long wheelbase and wide stance, the FT-AC features a wide grille, bright LED headlights, fog lights, recovery hooks and skidplates.
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Toyota FT-AC Concept
Aggressive fender flares on the FT-AC surround 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The safari-style roof rack system could haul different types of adventure gear. A design study at this time, The FT-AC is Toyota’s vision of a next-generation gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, variable terrain-response settings and 4-wheel lock functionality.
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Volvo XC40
Volvo’s new compact SUV, the 2019 Volvo XC40 made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The smallest SUV in Volvo’s lineup, the XC40 joins the full-size XC90 and the all-new midsize XC60 and will initially be offered with Volvo’s T5 four-cylinder Drive-E powertrain and all-wheel drive.
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