Automopedia @ #LAAS Week 1
Welcome to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
As week one gets underway for the public (automotive press has mostly come and gone) there are a few models we can’t wait to show you. Some are production versions of concepts long teased online (we’re looking at you Subaru!) – while other vehicles rolling across the floors of LAAS were created simply for fun, and to gain that all important auto show “WOW” factor.
What better way to spend those pre-Thanksgiving days walking around a car show – Here’s a look at some of the more interesting LAAS 2011 reveals.
A Real Life Mario Kart
You can’t run an auto-related event in Southern California without West Coast Customs dropping by. The crew famous for Pimp My Ride, and making Xzibit a star, marked the release of Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo Wii by creating fully functional, real life models of Mario character karts.
Mario & Luigi’s vehicles from the game were present, and can be driven on both ground and water (if you follow the video game’s premise that is).
Ford at 2011 LAAS – 2013 Mustang GT500 & Escape
Ford made huge reveals at this year’s LAAS. First up, it’s the much anticipated 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 from Shelby. What’s so special about another GT variant? This model can reportedly hit 200 miles per hour, while remaining perfectly street legal. In our opinion, it’s also one of Shelby’s sexiest enhancements to date.
On the other end of the spectrum is 2013′s Ford Escape. Originally the auto maker’s prized crossover, this vehicle is now being geared towards soccer mom’s as the latest in lady-driver tech. We don’t understand this new gender-biased marketing strategy – especially since this gas or hybrid powered truck registers 237-hp from its 2.0-liter engine. Who says women have to drive wimpy cars, anyway?
2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year – Volkswagen Passat
Next up, it’s time for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award. The honor was bestowed to a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The VW was singled out for its affordability, as well as popularity. Passat had its best month (October 2011) as far as sales since 2005. With the successful release of a redesigned Jetta also taking place this Fall, seems like 2012 will be a great year for VW sedans.
American Luxury – Cadillac XTS
Cadillac is doing battle with foreign luxury auto makers. If they stick to models like the upcoming XTS sedan, they’ll have no problem kicking BMW in the bum. Headed to dealers in 2013, XTS reminds us of President Obama’s pumped-up Cadillac limo. The large trunk on this full-sized vehicle harkens back to Caddy’s of yesterday – the kind Robert De Niro hid bodies in.
Subaru’s Sports Car – The BRZ
Subaru has been teasing us with dark images of the BRZ sports car for months. Finally, at 2011 LAAS, we get to see a production-ready variant. Subaru’s horizontally-opposed “boxer” engine will power BRZ, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a low center of gravity. Apparently, the more officially official Subaru BRZ will debut Nov. 30th at Tokyo’s International Auto Show. So, what exactly is the model we’re looking at above??
Land Rover DC100
We almost forgot: Land Rover still exists, and is making new cars. The long awaited Land Rover DC100 Sport is rumored to be the company’s replacement for Defender. However, other rumors suggest Land Rover Defender will stay with the foreign nameplate until 2015 – 2017. Guess only time, and sales figures, will tell.
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