2023 LA Auto Show offers fun for the entire family; wraps up this Sunday

The all-new 2025 Lucid Gravity EV made its world debut at the LA Auto Show. (Jason Rzucidlo/AmericaJR)

Los Angeles — The 2023 LA Auto Show opened to the public on Friday, Nov. 17 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 26. It features nearly 1,000 vehicles, made up of concept cars and 2025 new production models. There’s also Hollywood flair with celebrity-owned vehicles on display.

Here are some of the world and North American debuts at this year’s auto show:

Lucid unveiled its new 2025 Gravity electric SUV with 440 miles of driving range. It offers three rows of seating for six or seven passengers. When plugged into a DC fast charger, it can charge up to 200 miles in just 15 minutes. 

Another big debut is the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia crossover SUV, the second model of the Crown lineup. It produces 243 horsepower and preliminary manufacture-estimated 36 combined MPG. This new hybrid vehicle features a a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. Look for it to arrive in summer 2024.

Toyota also announced its best-selling Camry sedan will be offered as hybrid only starting with the 2025 model. Under the hood will be a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System to produce 225 net horsepower. Standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The ninth generation Camry goes on sale in spring 2024. 

“This is possibly the coolest thing I’ve been to,” said Gareth Richer from Salt Lake City. “You’re seeing concept cars like the Prelude. I didn’t know they were going to continue the Prelude, I thought they were done. I would totally recommend it. The test drives are top tier. You’re never done smiling here.”

Kia showed off two concept vehicles at the LA show. The first is the Concept EV3 is a new crossover vehicle with influence from the EV9 SUV. Meanwhile, the Concept EV4 is based on a four-door sedan. Both offer a glimpse of future KIA models. 

In addition, Kia displayed its new 2024 Sorento production vehicle with new style, more technology and a new X-pro version. One of the exciting tech upgrades is the new Digital Key 2.0 which allows owners to use their smartphone to unlock and lock the vehicle. Kia also says a plug-in electric version of the Sorento will come later in 2024.

Kia also brought the 2024 Times Square numerals that will be featured on the New Year’s Eve broadcast in New York City. It is a great photo opportunity. Look for the numerals located under the escalators in the West Atrium near the food court.

Ford introduced its 2024 Mustang GT California Special. It features blue accents on the interior and on the exterior. The California Special package adds $1,995 to the price of a Mustang GT Premium and is available in Coupe and Convertible body styles with either the six-speed manual gearbox or the optional 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford also has a large Bronco test track inside the West Hall. The Off-Roadeo Adventure Ride took attendees straight up a giant hill and across uneven road to show off the durability and handling of the new Bronco. 

“It’s definitely different than other conventions,” said Tucker McKelvy from Cedar City, Utah. “You’ve got the ride-a-longs, every company does something different to entice you to come to their section. At Subaru, they have dogs there. It doesn’t really correlate with cars, but it’s something to just attract everybody.”

The Honda Prelude Concept made its North American debut in LA. The sleek two-door coupe makes its North American debut 45 years after the first-generation Prelude entered production in November 1978. 

In early 2024, Honda will begin sales of the Honda Prologue, Honda’s first all-electric SUV. Following the Prologue, in 2025, a mid- to large-size EV model based on Honda’s own EV architecture will go on sale.

Honda also brought foldable Motocompacto e-scooters that look like briefcases on wheels. It offers a maximum speed of 15 mph and zero-emissions range of up to 12 miles. Pricing starts at $995 MSRP and is available for order right now at Honda and Acura dealers. 

Hyundai Debuted its all-new 2025 Ioniq 5 N performance sports vehicle. It is equipped with a 84-kWh battery producing 641 horsepower. An estimated range has not yet been announced. It is the first electrified model of Hyundai’s N brand. Look for it to arrive at Hyundai dealers in March 2024. 

Hyundai offered free test rides in its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs on an indoor track inside the South Hall. 

Verge Motorcycles unveiled their new California Edition Electric Superbike. It offers a top speed of 124 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The super bike has a total range of 217 miles. It can be recharged fully in just 35 minutes using a DC fast charger. 

“It’s pretty good, it’s beautiful, it’s amazing,” said Alvaro Castaneda from Torrance, Calif. “I never thought it was going to be this amazing. The best part, I love all of the Chevys. We’ve been exploring it and it’s pretty cool. I’m willing to come back again.”

Actor Robert Downey Jr. showed off six of his eco-modified vehicles. They were featured on the “RDJ Dream Cars” series on MAX TV. They are all being given away in a sweepstakes to attendees who make donations. 

Five iconic movie cars featured in the “Fast & Furious” franchise are on display in the West Hall atrium. It’s all brought to you by The Drive it Forward Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to uniting individuals who share a deep enthusiasm for cars and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

The Galpin Hall of Customs returned to the Concourse Hall and Foyer. It features customs, exotics, classics and limited edition vehicles. You can also pick up a free 2024 calendar at the Galpin display. 

New for 2023: Car enthusiast Kevin Hart is displaying 11 of his custom built vehicles at the LA Auto Show. You’ll see everything from classic muscle cars to Ferraris. His vehicles range from a 1959 Chevy Corvette to a 2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione and everything in between. 

Custom car lovers and enthusiasts will want to check out The Aftermarket Garage located in Kentia Hall. It offers renowned tuners, customized rides, cool collectibles, and preferred aftermarket goods/services. Some of the featured exhibitors include South Bay Popups, SS Motorsports, Chariots, Yamaha and Burning Rubber. 

In the Aftermarket Garage, you’ll see an Indycar race car to promote the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The 2024 race is set for April 21 on the Streets of Long Beach. Just a few steps away is a No. 22 Joey Logano AAA NASCAR show car. The NASCAR Cup series returns to the L.A. Coliseum on Feb. 4, 2024!

Be sure to stop by the concourse hall and foyer area to see a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car that actor Adam West drove in the 1966 Batmobile TV series. It drew large crowds. 

Mike Choi from San Diego told me more about his camping vehicle that he converted from an old ambulance. It’s on display in the OVR Land Outpost section of the show. 

“During quarantine, we were lucky enough to find this on Craigslist,” Choi explained. “I did a camper conversion during quarantine. We did all of the woodwork, painting, maintenance, installed solar and all of the batteries.”

The 2023 LA Auto Show continues through Sunday, Nov. 26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For tickets and more info, go to www.LAautoshow.com.


video by Jason Rzucidlo / AmericaJR


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