We are pleased to bring to you our coverage of this year's LA Autoshow. This year's show had some large announcements on offer, viz. the much fantasized-about Audi Prologue Concept, the very radical Toyota Mirai, the first production H-FCV vehicle on roads, and the Lexus LF C2, among others.
Audi Prologue Concept
The Prologue concept takes Audi's surface refinement to the next level, while also bringing some classical land yacht cues to the form. It has a long, sweeping coupe roofline and is said to influence the next generation of Audi's saloons, viz. the A8, A6, A4 etc. The interior is very simple and elegant, the IP bing laid out in a layered theme, with a bold and prominent gloss black band running through the centre of it. The Prologue is visually stunning inside out and although features few details which are never before seen, it wins you purely with its lines, volumes and proportions.
Toyota Mirai - The First production Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (H-FCV)
So.. What do we say about this one. The design is surely as path breaking as the powertrain which is covers. But as is true in some cases, path breaking is not necessarily good. This is especially true and unfortunate in the case of the Mirai, since a good, well sorted design would've done wonders in selling the concept of FCVs. A design that is as polarising (haven't yet found any admirers, though) as this, is sure to scare away a good chunk of those early adopters. The design is based on a 'flowing water' theme, and although this is evident in the design, the result fails to please. Add to the that the very unconventional proportions, the tiny wheels and the gaping front intakes, and you're left very confused. The question we would like to ask is - Did Toyota sacrifice too much design for the sake of being different ?
Lexus LF-C2 Concept
What you see here is the classic Lexus design cues applied to a open top convertible. We especially like the grille pattern on this one. It is much more resolved and has more character than the previous designs, which were pretty much just a diamond mesh formed to the desired section. Also, the front and rear air vents are very well designed and bring a lot of 'Lexusness' to the exteriors. Also worth special mention here is the bold sunset yellow paint scheme. Something to do with California sunshine ?? We think so !
Scion IM
Take the Auris > Add bodykits > Add few other garnishes here and there > Call it the Scion IM concept.
Scion was once a youthful brand that had its own cult following among the youngsters, with its pimped out utilitarian looks and awesome interior functionality. Alas, economies of scale have caught up with this once iconic brand and are now forcing it to sell mundane vehicles, with bodykits added for the sake of differentiation.
Bentley Grand Convertible
Very reminiscent of another ultra luxe British land yacht. "Did anyone say Rolls Royce Silver Ghost ? No ?? Must've been the wind then !!"
But on a serious note, it takes guts and loads of self confidence to do something like this, especially since both of these are such well established brands.
