WRAP-UP: 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show delights attendees of all ages

LOS ANGELES — More than 50 new concept cars and production models were revealed at this year’s 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

BIG news from the Italians at this year’s L.A. Auto Show. Alfa Romeo showed off its 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio. It comes with a Ferrari engine that produces 505 horsepower. Fiat is bringing back its 124 Spider as a 2017 model. Now, that car hasn’t been sold in the U.S. since the 1980’s.

“Because a lot of the debuts are in segments that have been struggling recently,” said Akshay Anand, KBB Senior Insights Analyst. “It will be interesting to see if consumers take to those or keep going at SUVs that they’ve been snapping up.”

Subaru revealed its new Impreza Sedan Concept. It’s an idea of what the next model will look like. In addition, the automaker said it would build the car at its new facility here in the United States–in Indiana.

“Our annual production will expand from 200,000 units up to 400,000 units by the end of 2016,” explained Yasiyuki Yoshinaga, CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries.

As far as the domestic automakers go, Ford debuted their 2016 Escape with two new EcoBoost engines and greater connectivity, General Motors showed off its 2017 Buick LaCrosse that is longer, lower to the ground, wider and lighter than the outgoing model. Cadillac revealed its 2017 XT5. This is a luxury crossover vehicle being added to their line-up for the very first time.

Let’s fast forward to the future. Volvo took the wraps off it’s Concept 26. It gave us an idea of what the interior of an autonomous vehicle would look like.

“People are looking for the option to drive when they want to, but also read, consume media, work on their next big idea, or simply relax when in autonomous drive,” said  Tisha Johnson, Volvo Senior Design Director

Alright, let’s come back in the present time–Mazda introduced a refresh of its CX-9 three-row, midsize crossover SUV rounding out their line-up of all-new vehicles.

“Product has just become so good now if you look at product now vs. even 10 years ago, almost any car you get is going to last you 150,000 miles or 200,000 miles, whatever it is,” Anand added. “We’re just looking at a lot of great product.”

That’s all great, but what are actual consumers thinking? I went to find out.

“It was a great show. Not crowded on a weeknight,” said attendee Joshua Burns of Los Angeles. “I test drove the Lincoln MKC. Very nice. Like those massaging  seats.  New Lincoln’s are looking good. Little overpriced. But lease deals could make them a good option. Domestics are looking better and better lately. Not full of cheap plastic anymore. I like the look of the new Chevy Volt. Finally looks like a normal car I would actually drive. The new Caddy flagship sedan seemed very bland and not worth the $70k it will go for. I think favorite car of the show was the new BMW 7 series. I got to play with gesture control. Wave your hand in a circle and the radio volume rises. Pretty cool toy.”

Another attendee, Felix Gutierrez from San Bernardino, added: “An awesome display of every make and model. I love the import and domestic performance models the best. Too many to name. A relaxing time with my 15-year-old daughter.”

Special thanks to the crew at the L.A. Auto Show for providing us with media passes and hosting our annual contest giveaway for public show tickets.