The Car Guide's Top 10 Lookers at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
It debuted in Dubai, but Los Angeles was the first chance to see the most-powerful production Corvette on North American soil. Powering the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1convertible is a supercharged, 6.2-litre V8 that produces 755 horses and 715 lb.-ft. of torque that will be the first to use a dual-fuel-injection system and new intercooler. An automatic transmission will be offered for the first time in a ZR1, as that eight-speed will be an option alongside its seven-speed manual. Two packages named High Wing and Low Wing provide extreme downforce or top speeds, respectively.
2019 BMW i8 Roadster
BMW adds to its electrified roster with the 2019 i8 Roadster plug-in hybrid that can go topless with a power-retractable soft top. When released in mid-2018, the two-seat roadster takes on a refined high-voltage battery for a total of 53 kilometres of pure electric performance. The first-ever PHEV convertible doesn't disappoint with continued edginess and sexy cuts along with 369 horsepower that's able to achieve a 0-100 km/h sprint in close to 4.6 seconds. Its hybrid-specific all-wheel drivetrain sets the stage for both a balanced and thrilling experience.
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS took centre stage in Los Angeles with one of the sleekest presentations of a Benz yet. The CLS is meant to be the cool coupe-like offering away from its traditional sedans, and this new version holds true with its long hood, sloping roofline, rakish cutlines and a grille surround that expands its stance. Its new interior gets the same refined and modernized treatment as the recently introduced E-Class, with a widened stylish sanctuary of space featuring a larger infotainment unit and digital instrument cluster. Under the hood will be a new inline six-cylinder gas option that produces 362 hp, which will also use an integrated electric motor known as EQ Boost to up its output and torque numbers, creating the performance of an eight-cylinder in a six-cylinder unit.
2018 Jeep Wrangler
For the outdoorsy, off-roading type, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler may be the nicest of the bunch. The iconic rugged-looking Jeep has been trimmed down with the use of aluminum in its structure for better fuel economy, a feature it's never been associated with. This theme continues under the hood with a new 2.0-litre turbo four with efficient eTorque technology. It will accompanied by the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with engine stop/start and a diesel-powered 3.0-litre V6 in 2019. An eight-speed automatic transmission or a new six-speed manual will be offered.
2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T
There were many distractions in the Porsche exhibit between the 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS, but the one beauty that stood out was the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T in its Racing Yellow colour. Constructing a lightweight vehicle is taken to another level with its rear windshield and rear side mirrors made of lightweight glass; the German brand even replaces regular door handles on the inside with loops to save weight. All of this assists the Carrera T to achieve a 0-100 km/h push in 4.3 seconds with a manual transmission, or 4.0 seconds matched to a PDK gearbox from its twin-turbo, 3.0-litre flat-six with 370 hp and 331 lb.-ft. of torque.
2018 BMW M3 CS
This was a big show for BMW with nine unveils. We could have easily gone with the electrified i Vision Dynamics concept or the M5, but the 2018 M3 CS makes this list. BMW M models strike a wanting desire with many, and this M3 CS sheds plenty of weight through carbon fibre for friskier, on-track action. According to BMW, its additional power and reduced weight contribute to a 0-100 km/h sprint of 3.9 seconds from its 460-hp, twin-turbocharged inline-six and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
2019 Aston Martin Vantage
If you're looking for beauty, look no further than the Aston Martin Vantage. It's one of the more higher-end vehicles at the show, sporting a biturbo, 4.0-litre AMG V8 that generates 503 hp and 505 lb.-ft. of torque that can do a 0-100 km/h sprint in close to 3.6 seconds. Even though Aston Martin buyers can be up there in age with a starting price tag of USD$149,995, the new look is geared to aspiring younger buyers with a new, bolder design, allowing the two-door sports car’s cuts and angles to do the talking.
BMW 8 Series Concept
Another vehicle, another BMW. If you were to pick the most elegant vehicle on the floor, it has to be the 8 Series luxury sports concept. According to BMW, this stunning beauty is close to its production version with a launch scheduled at some point next year. There were no specs provided, but what makes it so special is that it shows off BMW's future design language.
2019 Infiniti QX50
Infiniti called its 2019 QX50 the most important vehicle ever launched. And if that's the case, the latest all-new compact SUV outlines a bright future for the brand from its attractive design cuts and sexy silhouette that's built off an all-new platform. As with most Infinitis, interior is of utmost importance with high-quality materials and technologies throughout, including ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre VC-Turbo engine that adjusts its compression ratio to optimize both power and fuel economy.
2018 Lexus RX 350L
It might not be the sexiest reveal, but we wanted to add a little practicality to this list. The Lexus RX can be a polarizing SUV, but for the ones that are in the happy camp, their smile got larger with the addition of a much-needed third row. It's called the Lexus RX 350L and it will be joined by the RX 450hL hybrid version, both to arrive later next year. The RX 350L can be had with either bench seats or captain's chairs.