LA Auto Show goes small but still has plenty of new car buzz

The 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show began the 2024 auto show season subdued and significantly smaller show than in years past. Several automakers didn’t attend. Noticeably absent was nearly every European automaker except Volkswagen. Attending carmakers did their best. Several new cars debuted amid plenty of excitement.

Here are some highlights:

GENESIS
Genesis unveiled its GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe. The distinctive luxury vehicles represent a further refinement of the brand’s “two lines” lighting elements applied to a familiar and handsome design language.

The design is reminiscent of a Bentley while being uniquely Genesis, except perhaps for the winged emblem that adorns the grille. It’s apparent Genesis has improved the fit and finish of its luxury cars.

The GV80 is as beautiful as a Mercedes-Benz. The interiors are sumptuous. Genesis has spared no expense with the quality and workmanship of the interior appointments. You may consider taking off your shoes before entering.

I believe the term “coupe” is incorrectly applied to a five-door, two-box design, but I understand the brand’s intention to reference the model’s coupe-like roofline. Whatever it’s called, it looks good.

The GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe will be powered by conventional internal combustion powertrains. The GV80 SUV will come standard with a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter I-4 turbo engine. An optional 375 horsepower 3.5L twin turbo will be available. The GV80 Coupe will offer a triple-blown 3.5L V6 equipped with twin turbos and a 48V electric supercharger. That should be fun. No word on pricing.

HONDA

After a 23-year hiatus, Honda unveiled a Prelude concept. It’s thoroughly modern but there are a few hints of Prelude models of yesteryear. Illuminated blue accents on the front and rear fascia hint at the model’s electrified powertrain, but it won’t be an EV, says Honda. Instead, the new Prelude will be powered by a hybrid powertrain. Honda isn’t revealing many details about the Prelude so no word about how much power it will make and what transmission will be offered. Hopefully, a manual transmission will be available but don’t count on it.

Preludes are historically front-wheel drive, but the new hybrid powertrain may make an all-wheel-drive model economical. It will be refreshing to see a coupe back in Honda’s lineup. If the Prelude gets approved, and hopefully it does, it should arrive in showrooms for the 2025 or 2026 model year. Pricing is anticipated to start around $34,000.

KIA

Kia debuted two electric vehicle concept cars, the EV3 and EV4. The EV4 looks to be an evolution of the popular EV6 model; the EV3 is a futuristic concept that represents a complete departure from Kia’s current styling cues.

The EV3 and EV4 highlight Kia’s fresh EV design language and feature the company’s Starmap signature lighting.

The clean, fresh and modern interiors look light and airy and are made with innovative, environmentally sustainable materials. While both cars are concepts the company hinted the models will likely be put into production.

Kia also unveiled a mid-cycle refresh of the popular Sorento SUV. The Sorento sports updated styling complementary to the EV9 and the recently updated Telluride. Sorento also gets updated displays and onboard electronics similar to the Telluride. New to Sorento is the X-Pro off-road package.

LUCID MOTORS

Lucid unveiled a handsome new sport utility vehicle, Gravity. It’s the company’s first SUV. Lucid’s design language has matured and is particularly well suited to an SUV. I was immediately drawn to the design. It’s bold and expressive but exercises restraint to give the utility an “air” of sophistication, pun intended.

The 800-horsepower all-wheel drive SUV seats seven and accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. It has an anticipated range of 440 miles.
The interior is befitting a vehicle double its price. The expansive LED instrument panel is particularly innovative. The driver’s view of the IP is unobstructed by the flat-topped steering wheel thanks to creative packaging. Pricing will start under $80,000. The Gravity is expected to debut in late 2024.

SUBARU
Subaru revealed the 2025 Forester SUV. The new Forester features freshly revised styling and further enhancements of the company’s EyeSight driver assistance technology. The 2025 Forester is more of an evolution of the current model rather than a revolution.

Only astute observers will be able to discern the new Forester from the model it replaces. Despite styling similarities the 2025 Forester rides on a new platform. Improvements include better torsional rigidity, an enhanced torque vectoring system, and a host of new in-vehicle electronics. The 2025 Forester should offer improved ride and handling on the highway and off-road. No word on pricing.