Top 5 Highlights From the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show
The 2022 edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show wrapped up a few days ago, and once again the focus was on environmentally friendly cars. After all, this is California, the greenest State in all of the U.S.
In case you didn’t pay attention, here are the top five new models that made their debut at the event:
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6
After a long-awaited design reveal last summer, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 was officially unveiled on North American soil at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Similar to the IONIQ 5 crossover, there are no less than 700 parametric pixels in the headlights, taillights and inside the cabin to enhance the futuristic/vintage feel. The swooping, boat-tail rear end isn’t just another clever Hyundai design feat. Thanks to this (and other exterior features like a full underbody cover and reduced wheel-arch gaps), the IONIQ 6 delivers an impressive drag coefficient of 0.22. With the 77.4kWh battery on top of that, maximum range is estimated at up to 547 kilometres.
The interior proves surprisingly roomy (except when it comes to rear-seat headroom) and is highlighted by a pair of 12.3-inch displays. For added fun and ambiance, users can choose from a spectrum of 64 colours and six-dual colour themes. What’s more, Hyundai says the IONIQ 6 is fitted with a virtual propulsion sound called electric-Active Sound Design that uses an acoustic design processor to “provide unique driving sounds inside the cabin and the ability to set the volume.” The 2023 IONIQ 6 will hit the market next spring. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
2023 Porsche 911 Dakar
No one needs a 911 to go off-roading, but we’re sure glad Porsche had the guts to come up with one. Unique bumpers, underbody skid plates, raised suspension, all-terrain tires and more will get drivers through sand, mud, dirt and snow. New drive modes include Off-Road and Rally. The optional roof rack can accommodate rallying equipment up to 42 kilograms, while the interior gets rid of the rear seats just like in the 911 Carrera T.
One of the highlights of the 911 Dakar is certainly the Rallye Design Package, the look of which reprises the winning car from the 1984 Dakar Rally. At $32,490, it adds a two-tone finish in White/Gentian Blue Metallic and a Roughroads logo on the doors, plus decorative stripes in red and gold, white-painted rims and a red taillight strip. Customers can also choose an individual race number from 0-999. The 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar will be available in Canada starting at $247,300.
2023 Toyota Prius
For 2023, a new generation of the Prius makes its debut—the fifth to hit the road in a quarter-century. Canadian-spec models will feature AWD only, but wait, it gets even better. Output is increased to 196 horsepower, while average fuel consumption drops to just 4.1 L/100 km. In the case of the Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid), we’re looking at 220 horsepower and approximately 50 percent longer zero-emission range, so around 60 kilometres.
Unsurprisingly, the 2023 Prius boasts a polarizing design just like its four predecessors. Aerodynamics was evidently a big part of the development process, and somehow the car manages to look a bit sporty at the same time. The rear door handles are now built into the C-pillars for a coupe-like appearance. The taillights are basically just a strip of light that stretches across the entire rear end, with the car’s name in block letters positioned in the middle of the liftgate. Pricing and on-sale date for the 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime will be announced later.
Genesis X Convertible Concept
After showing off its X Speedium concept at the New York Auto Show in the spring and the X Concept earlier in 2021, Genesis took the top off its mysterious two-door temptation with the X Convertible Concept. The luxury brand unveiled this new design study in a bucolic setting along the sunny beach in Malibu, but truth be told the car shone even brighter.
If we look at the young brand’s past in terms of originality, like launching sedans before SUVs, this concept might have a fighting chance of making it to the production stage. Of course, if it ever gets the green light, a fully electric powertrain will reside under the body. Meanwhile, the folding hardtop has an integrated transparent moonroof. And according to its creator this car should be aimed at pleasing driving enthusiasts with a very sporty character.
2024 Subaru Impreza
Why does a small, entry-level sedan appear on this list? There are two reasons. One, the return of the RS. For anyone who’s been a fan of the Subaru Impreza over the years, you will immediately recognize the RS badges. These two letters stand for more performance and power—not quite to WRX levels, but at least a boost over the base models. The model stands out with 18-inch dark metallic alloy wheels, RS badging, simulated carbon-fibre accents and red-stitching inside, as well as aluminum alloy pedals and a black headliner.
Under the hood is the second reason: Subaru is bringing back the 2.5-litre BOXER engine, which will produce 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque. Many drivers will be ecstatic. Alas, gone are the days when we get to row our own gears. None of the 2024 Impreza models offer an optional manual gearbox, not even the RS. On the flip side, the Impreza retains Subaru’s incredible symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which definitely sets it apart from its direct competition, mainly the heavy-hitting Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Availability and pricing will be announced in the coming months.
