Skip advert
Advertisement

LA Motor Show 2013: Top 5 cars

Deputy news editor Luke Madden picks his top 5 show stars from this year's LA Motor show

With both the LA and Tokyo Motor Shows sharing the same calendar dates, there's always plenty of new metal to gawp at. In recent times motor shows appear to have grown up a little and its becoming increasingly rare for manufacturers to bring along those crazy concept cars that will never make it into production. The good news is most of the cars on display at the LA Motor show, however crazy their design may appear,  will make it to the production in one way or another. Luke Madden picks his top 5 from the show.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

1. Porsche Macan

OK, the Macan is another SUV from Porsche but we learned long ago to trust its engineers to deliver something special. We don’t get to drive it until February but Porsche is calling it the only ‘sports car’ in its segment, so we’re expecting it to be good. The design team, led by Michael Mauer has delivered a car that is instantly recognisable as a Porsche but features a few nice, unique design cues. The 3D rear lights and absence of shut lines in the bonnet are two stand-outs. Engines range from a 3.0-litre V6 diesel to a 396bhp 3.6-litre biturbo, capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

2. Mercedes AMG Vision Gran Turismo

Definitely one of the most outlandish concepts at the LA show, but Mercedes has said that the Vision Gran Turismo does actually point towards the car that’s set to replace the SLS next year. It’s powered by a biturbo V8 tuned to produce 577bhp, and it weighs in at 1,385kg. Visitors to the Mercedes stand were also invited to drive the Vision concept on the game it was originally designed for – Gran Turismo. We’ll have to wait until early next year to see the car that will borrow styling cues from the Vision, but if this concept is anything to go by, it’ll look very special indeed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

3. Nissan GT-R Nismo

The standard Nissan GT-R is already one of the most extreme on the road, so you wondered what exactly Nismo could do to make it better. Turns out they tweaked the suspension and tuned the engine up to 587bhp, with the end result being a car that can sprint from 0-62mph in 2.4 seconds and lap the Nurburgring in 7:08. That is with the optional track pack fitted, though, which includes some carbon fibre body parts, cutting weight by 65kgs. There’s also a set of manually adjustable Ohlins springs. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

4. New MINI

The design may be only a slight evolution but underneath MINI is promising its latest hatch is a definite revolution. More high-strength steels in the construction have improved rigidity, refinement and safety, while also cutting weight. There’s a range of three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines promising improve fuel economy, while the four-cylinder turbo in the Cooper S provides better acceleration than ever before. The MINI is really growing up, too, with hi-tech safety systems and quality cabin materials never before seen in the hatch. There’s even the option to spec your hatch with matt wood.

5. Ford Edge Concept

The Ford Edge wears a concept badge but you’re essentially looking at a production car that’ll be on UK roads during 2015. Ford has realised that many of its buyers are going for top-spec models so they see potential for an SUV that’s more expensive than its existing offerings. The Edge is based on the new Mondeo and will join the Kuga and the forthcoming EcoSport to complete Ford’s SUV line-up. We’re expecting a range of diesels, including a 2.0-litre TDCi, as well as petrol EcoBoost models and a hybrid. When it does make it to the UK it’ll cost just under £30,000.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Subaru Forester unveiled at LA Auto Show: new hybrid, old 4x4 toughness 
Subaru Forester - front tracking
News

New Subaru Forester unveiled at LA Auto Show: new hybrid, old 4x4 toughness 

More of the same for Subaru’s rugged 4x4, with hybrid and a raft of EVs to follow
17 Nov 2023
New Subaru Forester poised for big LA Motor Show reveal
Subaru Forester - wheel
News

New Subaru Forester poised for big LA Motor Show reveal

An all-new generation of Subaru’s mid-size SUV is nearing launch
10 Nov 2023
New Lucid Gravity electric SUV to touch down at 2023 LA Auto Show
Lucid Gravity teaser
News

New Lucid Gravity electric SUV to touch down at 2023 LA Auto Show

The seven-seater follow-up to the Lucid Air saloon will boast “supercar levels of performance”
20 Oct 2023

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024