Automopedia @ #LAAS Week 2
Welcome back to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show. As week two comes to a close, and we microwave Thanksgiving left overs, auto makers who graced the floors of LAAS are headed home. But we leave LA with a bang, Parkour style!
According to Wikipedia: Parkour (sometimes abbreviated PK) is a method of movement focused on moving around obstacles with speed and efficiency. Originally developed in France, the main purpose of the discipline is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping.
It’s also a favorite hobby of Dwight, Andy, and Michael:
Smart 341 Parkour Concept
Sadly, Smart Parkour has nothing to do with the French martial art. It’s a concept designed by “Annie” – an investigative reporter who entered her idea for “Hollywood’s Hottest New Movie Car” and won top prize at LAAS.
Smart Parkour features several design elements that allow occupants to shoot photos from all angles, including the small car’s domed top, along with its ‘suction cap-enabled’ climbing ability.
“With the 341 Parkour, Smart hit the nail on the head: the design combines innovation and functionality with an exciting film plot,” according to judges.
This is Lincoln’s “New” Design: 2013 Lincoln MKS
Lincoln has continually stated they are going ‘all new’ for 2013, including a complete remake of their models. Well, sorry to say, the 2013 MKS looks pretty similar to previous models. Maybe this “new and improved” design will pop up in 2014.
Lincoln hopes to transform itself into a “great American luxury brand” – much like it was before it became the symbol of livery cab use. The auto maker is spending $1 billion on development of seven new / refreshed models, the first of which should appear at January’s 2012 Detroit Auto Show in the form of a MKZ concept.
Back to MKS, which contains a 3.7-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. There will also be a 3.5-liter EcoBoost version available, with 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. We’re curious to see of that big ol’ grille remains in 2014.
Chevrolet, Topless: 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible
At long last, Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible makes an appearance, and will soon drop into your local Chevrolet dealer. 2013′s Camaro ZL1 houses a powerplant making 580 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter LSA engine. Better put on a hat while blowing down sunny California freeways.
GM flip-flopped for over a year on whether or not to produce a convertible variant. Seems as if they gave in to fan requests, but will these loyal followers show up to dealerships?
2012 Jaguar XKR-S
Finally, there’s a new luxury coupe/convertible in town. Based off the popular Jaguar XKR, the supercharged 2012 XKR-S Convertible was live at 2011 LAAS.
XKR-S Convertible is more ‘dramatically styled’ than many other Jag models. With a 550 horsepower, 502 pound-feet of torque engine, XKR-S hits the 60 mph mark in an amazing 4.2 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest convertibles ever available from this car maker.
That’s all from LAAS 2011! Check back for more Auto Show updates @ Automopedia!
Source: Motor Authority
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