2018 LA AUTO SHOW ROUND UP

Porsche 992 911

A new 911 is always special. The latest 992 generation was debuted at LA and immediately hijacked internet traffic all over the world as scores of people stared at a familiar yet completely different shape. The 911 Carrera 4S features a 450 HP motor paired to an ever-intelligent AWD system (driven by an 8-speed DCT) and adaptive chassis. There's more tech inside and out, with new driving modes and millennial friendly tech like a road trip app.

Audi e-TRON concept

Audi claims the e-TRON concept is in a production ready skin. Considering the fantastic proportions and sleek lines of the electric sedan, the e-TRON in production form will be an astounding prospect when lined up next to its rivals from Tesla. With Fisker long out of the picture and Tesla seemingly floundering in scaling up production, Audi might surge ahead—provided they can push the e-TRON out sooner rather than later. Make the electric car great again please.

Hyundai Palisade

With Audi making them mainstream and Lexus taking it above and beyond, the upright radiator grille seems to be coming back into fashion, straight out of the 1930s. Hyundai's Palisade flagship SUV features a snout so upright that you almost don't notice it has bumper mounted headlights and fender mounted DRLs—another fad that's taking hold. The  gargantuan Palisade is squarely aimed at Chevrolet and GMC buyers in the US.

Mercedes Benz AMG GT C Roadster

Mercedes Benz's current flagship sports car got a whole host of upgrades displayed at LA. The new AMG GT R Pro features hardcore track performance, the GT R and base GT gets minor facelifts, while the GT-C Roadster gets the most obvious change—a full roof chucked out. With a stiffened chassis compensating for the structural changes, the GT-C delivers the same ballistic missile performance that AMG is known for.

Mazda 3

Mazda has always been a gold standard of how to design gorgeous cars for the mass market. The Mazda 3 has always been a looker, but the car they debuted at LA seems a bit…opinion dividing. While the front end and rear light treatment is undoubtedly ground breaking, the window-line is a bit odd. When most manufacturers are trying to make the cabin airy and light, Mazda seems to be going the opposite way with thick pillars and massive blind-spots. Still quite good-looking though.

Nissan Maxima/Murano

Nissan debuted a new family face at the LA Auto Show, with the launch of the new Maxima mid-size sedan and Murano 

crossover. While the squinty alien eyes frontal treatment sort of works (and looks good if you yourself squint) on the Murano, the Maxima just looks odd and awkward. The Maxima tries to ape the Toyota Mirai with an extra-large roof and short front and rear, but it looks hideous overall. Like the Mirai.