2012 Los Angeles Auto Show in Depth
We spent a solid twelve hours on the opening day of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. Cars were driven, materials were poked, seats were tirelessly bounced upon. Follow the jump for an in depth coverage of this year’s auto show.
To prepare ourselves for the long grueling hours, we kicked off breakfast with the newly opened Slaters 50/50 in Pasadena. It’s dangerous to go to an auto show on an empty stomach.
Bacon bun, bacon slices, bacon patty
Before we even made it into the actual auto show, we spent over an hour hopping between different manufacturer test drives. Surprisingly, there were some high power sports cars available for testing.
Hemi V8's? Wet pavement? Check and check.
Fact: wood paneling is less interesting than Hemi V8's
Sadly, the line was too long to drive this CTS-V Coupe
The main auto show event was split out across two main showrooms, and a basement of aftermarket stuff. Jaguar’s new F-Type is a real visual stunner.
Jaguar F-Type. Hot.
Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar XF-R is blindingly blue
A much more affordable, but less sexy blue can be had in Volvo trim.
Fast and Volvo don't mix. Unless it's a Polestar S60
If we’re talking blue, this was by far the fastest blue thing at the show
No Vettel was sighted
Bentley brought some real bruisers to the show.
Old world styling meets new world power
Bentley gives Colin Chapman the finger
Mazda’s taking a new direction with efficiency. Diesel’s what they’re zoom-zooming towards.
Beauty, practicality, fun. Mazda wants it all with the 2013 Mazda 6
Mazda wanted to prove that they were still going to make cool and fun cars. So they brought along this beast.
2.2L LMP2 race diesel making 400 HP and 445 lb-ft of torque
Speaking of efficiency, there were a lot of electric cars, both in concept and production form.
2013 Fiat 500e. The 'e' means electric.
Infiniti wants in on the luxury electric car market
Induction charger means no need for cables in your garage
Chevrolet Spark EV
BMW doesn’t think that electric has to be synonymous with slow.
BMW i8 Concept
BMW i3 Concept
I hear cutting down weight is a great way to get better gas mileage.
Where do you sit?
More practically, the upcoming 2013 Dodge Dart will get 39-41 MPG highway depending on trim level. It’s also happens to be quite a looker.
2013 Dodge Dart impresses inside and out.
With all the fossil fuel savings, it’s only fair that Dodge makes something for some weekend fun.
2013 Dodge Viper SRT
Viper?
In case you wanted to take your family out also, Mopar also makes a 4 door Viper.
Best. Family. Hauler. Ever.
That’s not to say that small isn’t fun. Fiat managed to cram this 1.4L turbo into the pint-sized 500.
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth. Itty bitty engine bay.
Buick also brought some turbocharging to the showroom.
2013 Buick Verano Turbo in Si blue
The most important hot hatch debut goes to the Ford Fiesta ST. If you ask me, this should’ve been Aston Martin’s Cygnet.
2013 Ford Fiesta ST
2013 Ford Fiesta ST looks like a baby Aston Martin
2013 Ford Fiesta ST. Like a Focus ST, but smaller
If a Ford is too plebeian for you, Mercedes AMG devision has a cure for you.
Mercedes decided this SLS AMG needed to a bit more "flair"
Even the wheels on a Mercedes SLS AMG scream at you
If hypercars aren’t your thing, maybe a futuristic concept G-wagon is?
Mercedes rethinks the G-wagon
Hyundai think there’s more than one way to do flashy.
2013 Hyundai Veloster. Nope, can't bring a bike.
Meanwhile, Audi keeps it classy in the A7.
Wood should look and feel like wood, not plastic. Kudos Audi.
Acura also tried to go the classy route, dressing all of their spokespeople in formal black clothes to match their all black lineup. But even the new RLX didn’t draw in any crowds.
The most interesting design detail on the RLX wasn't all that interesting.
Hopefully Acura visited the basement to get some fresh ideas on glitz and glamour.
Batman's loaner is a Kia.
Too much?
This post is just a sample of the sweet goodies at this year’s LA auto show. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for two additional albums with over 200 photos from the show. Also don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!