If ever there were a driving community, its Los Angeles. Which is why the 2018 LA Auto Show – aka Automobility LA – is one of the most important shows for automakers. Currently running from November 30 to December 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this show will not disappoint.
From out of this world concept cars, to debuts of autos ready to hit the market to those in in production, ‘LLERO has always covered all the hottest whips at the show. 2018 is no different. Here are seven must see rides at this year’s show.
Debuts
Icona Nucleus
The car of a few tomorrow’s yet to come, describes the Icona Nucleus. It made its debut in Geneva, but its American debut is in Los Angeles. Icona Nucleus is a self-driving car. On the inside there’s no steering wheel or dashboard; rather a lounge like cabin is described as a mobile living space. Guy road trips are now at a whole new level.
Mercedes 2020 AMG GT Pro
Mercedes Benz debuted the latest version of its AGM GT, the AGM GT Pro. The model at the show is a nice mix of understatement, e.g. matte grey paint, and flash, in the form of neon accents (a nod to LA??). Under the hood, the AMG GT R PRO is modified in numerous ways to deliver even more racetrack performance: The lightweight construction, new suspension and aerodynamic fine-tuning. Lightweight-design wheels also contribute to the enhanced driving dynamics and faster lap times on the racetrack or the street – we’re not telling.
Rivian R1T
Rivian, is an electric vehicle manufacturer looking to reinvent the truck for the modern age. At the show it debuted to R1T, the first of its two Electric Adventure Vehicles™ the R1T™, is an all-electric, 5-passenger pickup.
This ain’t your daddy’s pick up. It’s all electric, features a wading depth of 1 meter, has a retractable roof and claims to have the most lockable storage of any pick up in the world.
Aside from debuts at the show, there are some cars that are already in production and will be appearing at your dealership in no time…
Production
Karlman King
If Batman had a jeep, this would be it. This armored SUV/truck was built by Chinese company IAT is equal parts beast and opulence. Said to go for no less than $2 million. Why? Maybe it’s the matte black, it likely the armored body work and dimensions. The Karlmann King is 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide and weighs no fewer than 6 tonnes (13,227 lbs) – so like the Batmobile, it could probably plow through most obstacles on the road. Yet, if we want to embrace your inner Bruce Wayne instead, there is always the retractable widescreen TV, refrigerator, Nespresso machine and electrically operated pop-out tables. Alfred is not included!
Audi e-Tron
For the more practical, there is Audi’s first electric SUV Cross-Over, aptly called the e-Tron.
The e-tron is a mid-size five-seat crossover that utilizes a heavily modified version of Audi’s MLB modular platform. The e-tron’s Drive Select system features seven driving modes that Audi claims range from “comfortable, though efficient” to “distinctively sporty.” No bat-wing doors, no glass dome windshield, but the model on display at the show had one hell of custom paint job!
Then there is the future. Check out some of the concept cars in development.
Concept
BMW Vision iNext
A little over 10 years ago BMW introduced it’s “i” models anchored by the BMW i3 and i8. Now comes iNEXT. The exterior of the iNext seems inspired by the BMW i8, but the real innovation appears to be on the inside. The tops of the front seats can recline to afford comfortable conversation with the rear passengers, and the hardwood floors are durable enough to withstand a lifetime of use. At the rear of the vehicle, passenger entertainment comes in the form of an overhead projector that can project movies, images, or even text onto a virtual notebook to pass the time. Currently in concept phase BMW is seeking to bring the iNEXT to market in 2021.
Byton K-Byte
The self-driving Byton K-Byte Concept breaks the mold of conventional sedans to bring Level 4 autonomous driving technology to life. Upstart Chinese electric car maker Byton, brought its Byton K-Byte Concept to the show. Believe it or not, this was just the appetizer as another model, the M-Byte is said to be in the pipeline.
