2014 has been an eventful year on the auto show 
circuit. Whether it was in Detroit, Geneva, New York, Frankfurt, Paris, or even SEMA, we’ve seen plenty of new production models, concepts, and even limited edition supercars this year. But now that 2014 is coming to a close, we’re down to one last major auto show: the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The LA Auto Show opens to the public from November 21st to 30th, 2014. Before that, press days are going to be held from November 18th to 20th, 2014. It’s hard to make an argument that the industry is saving the best for last in Los Angeles given what we’ve already seen this year. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going to see a menu full of awesome world debuts and concept vehicles in the City of Angels.
We’re even looking forward to the annual Design Challenge, one of the most important mini events in LA.
Thus far, debuts are confirmed for plenty of production models we’ll be seeing a whole lot of in 2015. The BMW X5 M and X6 M will be in attendance; ditto for the Cadillac ATS-V and the Audi R8 Competition. Oh, speaking of Audi, the company is also bringing the highly anticipated A9 Concept to Los Angeles, which we’ve had our eyes and ears on for quite some time.
Now that you’re getting your fill of the 2014 SEMA Auto Show, take a step back and heave a deep breath as soon as you’re done. The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show is coming and it’s prepared to end the auto show circuit with a loud and thunderous bang.
Click past the jump to read about the models to be unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show
Getting to the Show
The LA Auto Show takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is located at 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 and parking is available at the South and West Halls of the Convention Center. Tuesday through Thursday, parking costs $15 per day and it jumps to $20 per day on Friday through Sunday.
If you need tickets to the show, you can pick them up here. Adult tickets (13 years and up) are $12 on Monday through Thursday and $15 on Friday through Sunday for adults; Children 6 to 12 years old cost $5, and those five years and under are free.
Lastly, the Convention Center is a rather large place, so here is a show map in PDF form to help you get around.
Crossovers and SUVs
BMW X6 M
BMW is bringing a double dose of SUV awesomeness to Los Angeles with the world debuts of the BMW X6 M and X5 M. First up is the X6 M, which has transitioned from being a BMW oddity into one of its fiercest and most powerful models. For 2015, the X6 M received a smattering of body changes and engine upgrades that should endear itself to customers looking for a real out-of-the-box SUV. Power for the X6 M comes in the form of a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged, V-8 engine that now packs 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque while mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. That represents tidy three- and ten-percent improvements in power and torque numbers from its predecessor. Despite its size, the X6 M is pretty quick off the block, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds, faster than any 2015 model not named the M3 and M4.
Gallery BMW X6 M
BMW X5 M
The more conventional of BMW’s two SUV big brothers is the BMW X5 M and yes, it’s joining the X6 M in Los Angeles. Just like the X6 M, the X5 M will proudly have its chest out in LA, parading a heap of new updates and extra power from its 4.4-liter V-8. The SUV will receive the same 567 horsepower and 553 pound-feet torque as the X6 M. Performance capabilities are also identical with the X5 M sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds to go with a top speed of 155 mph. Aesthetically, you can easily distinguish the X5 M from the X5 thanks to some aggressive styling details like the large front intakes, the lower apron, and the more pronounced bumper design.
Gallery BMW X5 M
Porsche Cayenne GTS
Staring down the two M-powered BMW SUVs from across the SUV section in LA is the 2015 Porsche Cayenne GTS. It wouldn’t be fair to compare this SUV with the Bimmers, but the Cayenne GTS is offering its own unique package to customers. It received fresh updates both outside and inside, which should come in handy given the mass of updates its rivals have been rolling out recently. But the biggest change on the 2015 Cayenne GTS can be found when you pop open its hood. Instead of its old, V-8 powerplant, the Cayenne GTS now has a 3.6-liter, V-6 engine that pumps out 440 ponies and 442 pound-feet of torque that mates to an eight-speed, Tiptronic S automatic transmission. Despite the smaller engine, the Cayenne GTS can now sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than its predecessor to go with a top speed of 163 mph.
Gallery Porsche Cayenne GTS
Mazda CX-3
European SUVs aren’t the only ones making an appearance at LA. Japanese automaker Mazda will also roll out the new 2016 CX-3. This is the first time we’ll see the CX-3 as it joins Mazda’s current SUV lineup to slot itself just below the CX-5. The CX-3 is expected to carry the same KODO design language that a lot of the company’s current models have adopted. That should make it easier to identify the model. Likewise, no engine details have been announced, but we do expect it to feature two engines: a 2.0-liter SkyActiv unit that pumps out around 155 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque and a smaller 1.5-liter SkyActiv mill that could see output numbers hover from 100 to 115 ponies.
Gallery Mazda CX-3
Kia Sorento
The 2016 Kia Sorento already made its global debut at the recent 2014 Paris Motor Show. But that’s not stopping Kia from bringing its new SUV to Los Angeles to make its North America debut. See the difference there? The 2016 Sorento isn’t a new-generation model, but the extensive list of changes nearly makes it one. Engine specs are set to be unveiled in Los Angeles, but Kia did say that five engines will be available “depending on the country.” Among those the company has identified include a 2.4-liter GDI unit, 2.4-liter and a 3.3-liter MPI units, and 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter ‘R’ turbo-diesel engines. The power output from these engines will range from 170 horsepower to 266 horsepower.
Gallery Kia Sorento
Sedans and Luxury Cars
Porsche Panamera Exclusive Series
The Porsche Panamera Exclusive Series is one of the first of what we expect to be many special-edition models to be announced for the LA Auto Show. The Panamera Exclusive Series gets its special-edition name thanks to a two-tone, hand-painted body featuring a deep-black metallic finish and a gradient Chestnut Brown contrast that prominently runs just below the doors. The same Chestnut Brown finish can be found on the interior, which Porsche used as the color of the Poltrona Faru leather found on the seats and lower door panels. Porsche’s only planning to build 100 examples of the Panamera Exclusive Series, each priced at $263,900, excluding a destination charge of $995.
Gallery Porsche Panamera Exclusive Series
Acura ILX
Acura has often used the LA Auto Show as a venue to introduce its new models. In 2013, Honda’s luxury division introduced the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. In 2010, it was the TSX Sedan’s turn under the spotlight of the LA Auto Show. At the 2014 installment of the LA Auto Show, Acura turns to the new 2016 ILX, the company’s resident compact sedan. Details of the new ILX will be revealed in LA, but a few days ago, the Acurazine forums published what it says is a leaked teaser image of the car. It’s not the most well-lit photo out there, but we do see Acura’s new jewel headlamps and a less pronounced beak on the car. Is this the 2016 Acura ILX ? It sure does look like it. As for its engine, we’re looking at the car receiving a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine sourced from the Honda Civic Type R with around 250 horsepower on tap.
Gallery Acura ILX
Cadillac ATS-V
Another expectant debutante we don’t know a whole lot about is the Cadillac ATS-V. Actually, Cadillac announced last October 30, 2014 that it would bring the ATS -V coupe and sedan to LA. A rather big leak indicates that Cadillac is giving the ATS-V a 3.6-liter, twin-turbocharged, V-6 engine with “at least” 450 horsepower. Together with its styling updates, the sedan and coupe versions of the ATS-V seem well equipped to square off against the likes of the BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW M4 Coupe.
Gallery Cadillac ATS-V Coupe
New Versions of the Jaguar F-Type
In a segment dominated by Audi and Porsche, Jaguar is making bold moves with its sultry F-Type. Originally launched in 2012, this luxury coupe inherits some pretty big shoes as the successor to the iconic E-Type . However, Jaguar isn’t sending it into the fray improperly equipped, as the F-Type sports a wide selection of supercharged engines to choose from, including a range-topping 567 horsepower V-8. Complimenting that stout power output is a new all-wheel-drive version slated to debut at the LA Auto Show, a necessary move to stay in the running with the likes of the R8 and Carrera 4 . We also know the F-Type AWD is fast, maintaining that 186 mph top speed while taking only 3.9 seconds to sprint to 60 mph, a tenth quicker than its rear-drive equivalent. It appears as though anyone looking for a powerful, well-shaped luxury car should now consider the British marque, even if grip levels are less than ideal. On top of giving us an in-person look at the AWD F-Type, Jaguar is also giving us a look at the remaining seven new F-Type versions for 2016, which we assume will include a new, four-cylinder-powered base model and a track-focused model.
Gallery Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupe
Sports cars and supercars
Audi R8 Competition
The Audi R8 Competition is one of the first supercars to book its place at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Built as a limited-edition version of the R8, the R8 Competition features plenty of race-spec qualities that more than justifies its name. Carbon-fiber parts were generously served into the R8’s body to improve its aerodynamic capabilities. It also features a more powerful Lamborghini -sourced, 5.2-liter, V-10 engine that produces 570 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque while mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Thanks to its lighter weight brought about by the use of carbon fiber, the Audi R8 Competition is capable of covering 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds to go with a top speed of 199 mph.
Gallery Audi R8 Competition
Ford Mustang GT350
We’ve been teased, and teased, and teased some more, but it looks as though it’s finally here: the Mustang GT350. As far as muscle cars go, it doesn’t get much more textbook than this. A 5.2-liter V-8 up front produces over 500 horsepower at the rear wheels, the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever produced. Just as Carroll Shelby intended, this pony is a street-legal track machine, with independent rear suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and six-piston Brembo brakes. Even the aero has received a performance boost.
With fifty years of history to celebrate, it looks like this Mustang may be one of the most track-worthy vehicles available. We can’t wait to see it under the lights of the LA Auto Show and not hidden in the shadows of yet another teaser video.
Gallery Ford Mustang GT350
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
We’re not too sure at what capacity the MX-5 will be at the LA Auto Show, but we do know that its chassis and engine will be there. This may also be a great time to steal a look at the engine or maybe grab a quick word with a loose-lipped Mazda rep.
Gallery Mazda MX-5
Concept cars
Audi A9 Concept
The Audi A9 Concept is arguably one of the most important unveilings at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. That’s not to poo-poo all other cars making their debuts, but the underlying significance of the A9 Concept is going to have long-term ramifications on Audi’s designs and technological advancements moving forward. Details are scant at this point, but a recent teaser video featuring new Audi design chief Marc Lichte showed us a few glimpses of the A9 Concept, including a quick shot — blink and you’ll miss it — of part of the concept’s front section that shows a long swooping hood, angry headlights, and a large front grille that looks like it’s occupying a huge surface area on the front section. You want to see it for yourselves? Play the video above and try your damnedest to pause at the 1:18 mark. It took me a couple of tries, but I managed to do it.
Gallery Audi Prologue Concept
Scion iM Concept
Ahh, the Scion iM Concept. When Scion first revealed the teaser images, our own James Wolfcale noticed that it was strikingly similar to the Toyota Auris hatchback, a model that we do not have here in the U.S.Once Scion finally unveiled the exterior shots and details of the iM, it was clear that this was a hot hatchback based on the Europe-only Auris. We’re unsure exactly what this model will bring in terms of powertrains, but by the looks of it, it will compete with the likes of the Golf GTI. This means it needs at least 180 ponies to even be relevant. We’ll find out all of the details in LA.
Gallery Scion iM Concept
Station Wagon and Trucks
Volvo V60 Cross Country
Sadly, the Volvo V60 Cross Country hasn’t adopted Volvo’s new design language. Other than that, the off-road crossover does provide buyers a nifty option when they’re in the market for a high-clearing wagon that is probably best described as a crossover these days. The Volvo V60 Cross Country will be powered by the company’s “iconic” (read: old) 2.5-liter, turbocharged engine that spits out 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque and mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. It will also be offered with an all-wheel-drive system and deliver a combined fuel-economy rating of 23 mpg.
