© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Electric, Performance and Luxury
The American love affair with SUVs shows no signs of abating, but at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show automakers also debuted a number of significant new car models as well. Considered a kickoff to the 2020 auto show season, the Los Angeles Auto Show always has a few surprises. This year’s car debuts during press preview days included new electric models, high-performance variants and new luxury choices, as well as updated versions of more mainstream models. Let’s take a look at the car premieres of the 2019 L.A. Auto Show.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
BMW debuted the 2 Series Gran Coupe in Los Angeles — a new 4-door addition to the 2 Series lineup that already features a 2-door coupe and convertible. The 2 Series Gran Coupe will be offered for the U.S. market as the 228i xDrive and the M235i xDrive, and features the fast roofline of a coupe with the room and versatility of a 4-door sedan. The compact 2 Series Gran Coupe offers a performance-oriented 4-door alternative that is smaller than the 3-Series sedan and 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 2 Series Gran Coupe receives a new near-actuator wheelslip limitation system — technology from the BMW i3.
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BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 228 horsepower from 5000–6000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1450–4500 rpm. Power is delivered through a standard 8-speed Sport automatic transmission and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system to vary the distribution of torque between front and rear wheels. The M235i xDrive is also powered by a version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 301 horsepower at 5000–6250 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque from 1750–4500 rpm. The M235i xDrive receives a standard mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission that can lock the differential between the front wheels. M Sport suspension is standard on M235i xDrive and optional on 228i xDrive. The 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is scheduled to go on sale in March 2020.
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BMW M2 CS
BMW premiered the new top-performance version of the M2 in the City of Angels: the 2020 M2 CS, which is tuned and optimized for the racetrack while still suitable for everyday driving. The M2 CS was developed alongside the M2 CS Racing model, which will be available through BMW Motorsport for customer racing. The M2 CS is powered by a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine producing 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 39 horsepower over the M2 Competition. The M2 CS is offered with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the M Double Clutch Transmission and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds with the 6-speed manual, or 3.8 seconds with the M DCT and reach a top track speed of 174 mph.
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BMW M2 CS
The BMW M2 CS comes standard with Adaptive M suspension, which has not been offered previously on M2 models and offers driver a choice of Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, each with different damper settings. M Sport brakes with 6-piston front calipers and 4-pistion rear calipers are standard with M Carbon Ceramic Brakes available as an option for the first time on M2. Carbon fiber is used for the hood, roof, mirror caps, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. The paint is Misano Blue metallic and the 19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels are either high-gloss Jet Black or matte Gold with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Interior features include carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, black M Competition sport seats with red stitching, an Alcantara M Sport steering wheel, M seatbelts and M2 CS sill plates. The 2020 BMW M2 CS will be produced for one model year only, beginning in March 2020.
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BMW M8 Gran Coupe
BMW also featured the new 2020 M8 Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe Competition at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Joining the M8 lineup alongside the M8 Coupe, the M8 Gran Coupe is 9.1 inches longer, 1.4 inches wider and 2.3 inches taller than the M8 Coupe and rides on a 7.9-inch longer wheelbase. Inside, the M8 Gran Coupe offers rear-seat passenger 7.1 inches more legroom, 7.7 inches more shoulder room and 3.5 inches more headroom than the M8 Coupe. The M8 Gran Coupe is powered by a 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine producing 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, combined with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive system. The M8 Gran Coupe Competition pumps power to 617 horses and 553 lb-ft of torque.
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BMW M8 Gran Coupe
The M xDrive intelligent rear-biased all-wheel-drive system in the M8 Gran Coupe is standard and sends torque to the front wheels when needed, but gives the driver both a rear-wheel-drive experience with the addition of 4-wheel traction when needed. The default mode is all-wheel drive, and the driver can choose 4WD Sport; deactivating dynamic stability control allows 2WD rear-drive mode for experienced drivers. The M8 Gran Coupe First Edition is based on the M8 Gran Coupe Competition and only 50 units are designated for the U.S. market. The First Edition is finished in Individual Diamant Green Metallic, exclusive to the limited-edition model with the BMW Kidney grille, side air vent trim, mirror trim, window trim, exterior badging, sill plates and 20-inch forged M Star-Spoke wheels finished in GOLDBRONZE. Inside the M8 First Edition features BMW Individual Ivory White / Tartufo Full Merino leather and Piano Black trim.
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Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition
Dodge celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Challenger with a limited-production 50th Anniversary Edition that debuted at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show. The 50th Anniversary Edition will be offered on four Challenger trim levels: Challenger GT RWD, R/T Shaker, R/T Scat Pack Shaker and R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody. In addition, the 2020 Challenger SRT Hellcat and Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye models will feature a 50th Anniversary grille badge. A body-color Shaker hood scoop is standard on the R/T, R/T Scat Pack and R/T Scat Pack Widebody when equipped with the 50th Anniversary package.
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Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition
Gold Rush, a new high-impact paint — or HIP — color will be available for the first time on Challenger 50th Anniversary Editions, bringing the number of HIPs offered to seven. Dodge will produce a total of 1960 Challenger 50th Anniversary models, limited to 70 cars in each HIP for each of the four trim levels. In addition to the HIP colors and the shaker hood scoop, 50th Anniversary Editions also include a satin black hand-painted hood, black wrapped roof and trunk lid, 50th Anniversary badges and 20-inch “Gold School” wheels. Inside, the 50th Anniversary Edition features premium Nappa leather and Alcantara, Sepia accent stitching, real carbon fiber accents, “50” logos, and Challenger 50th Anniversary logo numbered instrument panel badge. The Challenger 50th Anniversary Edition package starts at $4,995, and dealer orders begin December 2019 and are scheduled to start arriving in spring 2020.
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Fiat 500X Sport
Fiat debuted the new 2020 500X Sport at the Los Angeles show, featuring new front and rear fascia designs, body-color painted side moldings, new dark-finish exterior accents and Sport badges on the front fenders. The 2020 Fiat 500X Sport is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard intelligent all-wheel drive with automatic rear-axle disconnect for improved fuel economy. A new Rovente Red exterior paint color is added along with White, Black, Moda Grey and Italia Blue. A new black roof option is also offered for a custom look.
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Fiat 500X Sport
Inside, 2020 Fiat 500X Sport updates include a dark headliner, dark pillars, new door trim, a new console finish and a techno-leather steering wheel with red stitching, Alcantara inserts and paddle shifters for manual shifting. New sport seats exclusive to the 500S Sport feature black fabric with vinyl inserts and a grey stitched “500” logo. The revised instrument panel has an Alcantara-covered instrument cluster and new graphics. The package is completed with aluminum pedal covers and Sport floor mats.
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Genesis G90
The flagship of the Genesis line, the 2020 G90 luxury sedan debuted during press days at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show. The new look showcases the evolution of Genesis design language with extensive exterior and interior updates, new exterior colors and an expanded interior color palette. From the front the G90 is dominated by a large signature crest grille flanked by quad headlights with the license plate positioned as low as possible. According to Genesis, every panel except the door and the roof are new. The 2020 G90 is a flagship sedan for Genesis in the truest sense,” said William Lee, executive vice president and global head of the Genesis brand. “Its launch begins a product offensive for the Genesis brand centered around emotive products with exceptional design,” Lee predicted.
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Genesis G90
Inside the New G90, the design follows what Genesis describes as an ethos of Horizontal Architecture, dominated by a harmonious, flow of horizontal surfaces, with an emphasis on premium materials. The 2020 G90 is the first vehicle of Genesis to offer over-the-air wireless updates for maps and software; the 12.3-inch display navigation system incorporates touchscreen controls and a copper Graphic User Interface. The 2020 Genesis G90 will be offered with a choice of two engines, either a 3.3-liter V6 producing 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, or a 5.0- liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Hyundai IONIQ
Hyundai debuted the 2020 IONIQ family of cars with new styling, upgraded interiors and more electric range. The IONIQ is offered in three versions: Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and Electric. All three tout an exterior design refresh, interior design, added infotainment technology and Hyundai SmartSense active safety features and driving assistance systems. Exterior design highlights include a new mesh grille for the Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid; a new pattern on the closed grille of the Electric; new front and rear bumpers; LED headlight, taillights and daytime running lights; and new wheel designs. Interior updates include a new available 10.25-inch widescreen navigation system, a new center LCD information screen, a new instrument panel, dark chrome trim and touchscreen heating and cooling controls.
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Hyundai IONIQ
The 2020 IONIQ Electric receives a battery upgrade from 28 kWh to 38.3 kWh for an additional 36 percent energy storage capacity and an estimated range of 170 miles. The electric motor produces 134 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque; a 7.2-kW onboard charger is standard. Using a 100-kW fast-charging station, the battery can reach 80 percent charge in as little as 54 minutes. The new IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Plug-in are both powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque. The IONIQ Hybrid electric motor delivers 32 kW with maximum torque of 125 lb-ft, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.56 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats. The IONOQ plug-in electric motor delivers 45 kW with maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft., powered by an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery. The 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with the electric motor in IONIQ Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid model delivers a total system output of 156 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Lexus LC 500 Convertible
Lexus revealed the 2021 LC 500 Convertible on November 19th — the evening before the official press preview at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. From the front, the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible looks identical to the coupe, but the roofline and rear decklid design are unique to the open-top version. The 4-layer soft-top has been designed so the supporting frame is not visible through the fabric material yet it keeps tension, minimizes wrinkling and improves sound insulation. For the unveil in Los Angeles, Lexus displayed the LC 500 Inspiration Series — a special edition limited to 100 units. The Inspiration Series is offered in Structural Blue with white semi-aniline leather interior, blue interior accents and a unique blue top. Chrome and black 21-inch wheels are included; more information will be announced at a later date.
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Lexus LC 500 Convertible
The LC 500 Convertible is powered by the same 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine as the coupe, producing 471 horsepower at 7100 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. To ensure LC 500 Convertible occupants remain comfortable — whatever the weather conditions — Lexus adds Climate Concierge with Upper Body Heating, which automatically manages the air conditioning, heated seats, neck heaters and heated steering wheel. The cabin is designed to reduce wind noise and a transparent polycarbonate wind deflector helps prevent excessive, unwanted air from blowing in. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible also has an available windscreen to reduce buffeting at higher speeds. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible is scheduled to go on sale in summer 2020.
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MINI Cooper SE
The Los Angeles Auto Show was the North American premiere of the 2020 MINI Cooper SE — the all-electric MINI based on the 2-door hardtop. The Cooper SE is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in March 2020 at a starting price of $29,990 but may cost buyers considerably less with federal tax credits and electric vehicle tax credits in some states. The Cooper SE is powered by an electric motor producing 135 kW (181 horsepower) and 199 lb-ft of torque, and accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds. The new MINI Cooper SE charges on a 12-volt socket or a wall-mounted home charger, but with a DC fast charger of 50 kW the SE can charge up to 80 percent in 35 minutes.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
MINI Cooper SE
The high-voltage 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack gets positioned in the floor so the MINI Cooper SE retains the same cargo capacity as the MINI 2-door hardtop. Range is expected to be 145–167 miles, but U.S. EPA estimated range is not yet available. The MINI Cooper SE is distinguished from other MINI models by the closed grille with yellow accents, yellow mirrors, a unique rear apron and 16-inch MINI Electric Revolite Spoke alloy wheels, or optional 17-inch asymmetrical design MINI Electric Corona Spoke 2-tone alloy wheels. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, 2-zone automatic air-conditioning, heating with heat pump technology, auxiliary heating, an electric parking brake and connected navigation.
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MINI John Cooper Works GP
The Los Angeles Auto Show was the world premiere of the high-performance MINI John Cooper Works GP — the fastest MINI ever produced for the street. A limited edition of only 3,000 units will be produced. The MINI John Cooper Works GP is powered by a 2.0-liter MINI TwinPower Turbo engine producing 301 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque — 75 horsepower more than the MINI John Cooper Works. The engine is combined with an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with an integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheels. The John Cooper Works GP will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds; it has a top track speed of 165 mph.
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MINI John Cooper Works GP
The MINI John Cooper Works GP is finished exclusively in Racing Grey metallic with unique front and rear fascias, a double-wing rear spoiler; the roof and mirror caps are finished in contrasting Melting Silver metallic. The most powerful MINI ever for the road features special suspension tuning that lowers the ride height by 10mm compared to the John Cooper Works, and also receives a high-performance sport brake system with 4-piston calipers on the front. Lightweight 18-inch forged wheels feature GP logo center caps and are fitted with 225/35R18 high-performance tires. The MINI John Coper Works GP adds wheel arch trim made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Inside the John Cooper Works GP only offers two seats; noise insulation is removed for weight reduction.
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Nissan Sentra
The all-new Nissan Sentra debuted in the City of Angels with more expressive exterior styling, a new platform, a more refined interior and new connectivity technology. The new Sentra receives its own version of Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, flanked by narrow headlights that flow back into the front fenders. At the rear, the 2020 Sentra’s roofline is lower and it has the floating design first seen on the Maxima. The 2020 Sentra is powered by a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 149 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 25 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque over the previous generation’s 1.8-liter engine. Expected to offer improved fuel economy, the new engine is paired with the latest generation of Nissan’s Xtronic continuously-variable transmission.
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Nissan Sentra
For 2020 the Sentra is offered in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. Inside, Nissan focuses on the details to create a Sentra interior that is more refined and luxurious, including the feel of the standard D-shaped steering wheel and smooth operation of dials and switches. The sporty Sentra SR features 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/45R18 all-season tires; a dark chrome V-Motion grille; LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights; a sport cloth interior with orange stitching; a rear spoiler and lower bodyside sill extensions. Available options include quilted leather seats, heated front seats and intelligent around view monitor. Sentra also receives Nissan’s NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats first offered in the Maxima. Nissan engineers aimed to improve handling, stability and ride comfort with a new independent rear suspension combined with a McPherson strut front suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers. The 2020 Sentra is scheduled to go on sale in late January 2020.
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Porsche Taycan 4S
The Taycan 4S that debuted in Los Angeles is the third version of its all-electric, 4-door sports car and that joins the Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S. The Taycan 4S is offered with two battery options: the standard single-layer Performance Battery with a capacity of 79.2 kWh, and the two-layer Performance Battery Plus with a capacity of 93.4 kWh. With the standard battery Taycan 4S produces up to 522 horsepower; with the Performance Battery Plus up to 562 horsepower. According to Porsche, both versions accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and have a top track speed of 155 mph.
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Porsche Taycan 4S
The Taycan 4S features electric motors on both the front and rear axles for all-wheel-drive capability. Porsche uses a centrally-networked control system for the Taycan chassis. The integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control analyses and synchronizes all chassis systems in real time. The Taycan 4S features Porsche 4D Chassis Control , adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology and PASM electronic damper control. It is also equipped with red-painted 6-piston aluminum monobloc caliper brakes at the front and 4-piston aluminum calipers at the rear. “A year ago we introduced the new generation of the 911 in Los Angeles,” said Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG Oliver Blume. “Now we follow up with the Taycan — the first all-electric sports car from Porsche,” Blume noted.
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Subaru WRX Series.White
Subaru debuted the limited edition 2020 WRX Series.White and WRX STI Series.White in front of a crowd of journalists at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show, announcing that 500 of each version will be produced. Finished in exclusive Ceramic White paint, the WRX Series.White is fitted with matte bronze 18-inch wheels, and the WRX STI Series.White receives matte bronze 19-inch forged BBS wheels. Both cars have Bilstein sport-tuned suspensions as well as Brembo brakes with red calipers for WRX and silver calipers for WRX STI. The WRX STI Series.White also features Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
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Subaru WRX Series.White
The WRX Series.White, will be the highest-performance WRX ever sold in the U.S. market, based on the 268-horsepower WRX Premium with a 6-speed manual transmission. It includes the Performance Package with Ultrasuede-trimmed Recaro seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, moonroof delete and Brembo brakes. Additional standard equipment includes LED Steering Responsive Headlights, LED fog lights, Crystal Black Silica foldable exterior mirrors and new matte black rear badging. The WRX STI Series.White is powered by a 310-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine and features Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring. Inside the WRX STI Series.White features black Ultrasuede seats with Carbon Black leather bolsters and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching. The WRX Series.White is priced at $33,995 and the WRX STI Series.White starts at $42,695.
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Toyota Camry AWD
Toyota is adding all-wheel drive to the Camry lineup for the first time since 1991, when Toyota sold the Camry AllTrac from 1988–1991. The Camry AWD was developed in the U.S. exclusively for the North American market and assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky. The Toyota-developed Dynamic Torque Control AWD system will be available as a standalone option for the Camry LE, XLE, SE and XSE trim levels. Toyota will also offer AWD for the first time on Avalon XLE and Avalon Limited.
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Toyota Camry AWD
The opportunity to develop AWD for Camry and Avalon came about because of the Toyota New Global Architecture. Both cars, as well as the Toyota RAV4 are based on TNGA, and the team combined the upper body structure of the Camry and Avalon with the engine, transmission, transfer case and rear differential from the RAV4. The Camry AWD is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 202 horsepower, combined with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission.
