The also rans

Here are those that for some reason or the other didn't make it big here in LA. Some owe it to the design, some to their proportions and some to just tired marketing.

Coda EV. The styling is 15 years behind the technology

Mismatching names on the stand and the car is unforgivable at an autoshow, no ?

Engineering, very clever; the design, not so much

The sub-Smart micro-car that was raised on the track. eh ?

Ducati Diavel

Here's something for our two-wheeler straddling readers. Presenting the new Ducati Diavel. Weighing in at 210kg and brandishing a 162 bhp mill. What could possibly go wrong with the combination !!

Hyundai Azera

Taking its fluidic design language to the maximum with this offering, the Azera sits a notch above the Sonata, with a longer wheelbase and length. It is aimed at its contemporary German sedans, though industry analysts say it might cause some overlap with the Sonata. The Azera is distinctively Hyundai, and although the design looks a little finicky at places, it is certain that the fluidic design language is here to stay with Hyundai, atleast for the foreseeable future.

Ford Escape

Descending from the Vertrek, the Escape manages to please in most places, but offers disappointments in some. Adding to the ever-growing breed of cross-overs, the Ford takes the revised Kinetic design language

further. But in direct comparison with the Vertrek, the Escape has definitely lost substantial ground. Getting the car production ready has taken a toll and the Escape has ended up losing the Vertrek's stance.

 

Subaru BRZ-STi

Yet another step forward towards seeing a production version of this car. The design doesn't offer much in terms of freshness, but it is well-resolved and gets most things right. The real winner for this car and Subaru/Toyota might actually be the proportions of this car. It is very compact and yet low. It stands in contrast with
its contemporary sport cars and makes a lot of sense for urban driving

Infiniti JX

This new offering from the Infiniti stable makes its global debut here at LA 2011. The JX sits in the SUV-high-side station-wagon category. Slightly smaller than the Q7 the JX boasts of being the most practical SUV, claiming to beat the competetion with its modular interiors and driver aids. It also carries the upcoming Infiniti styling cues like the kinked D pillar and the crescent shaped grille.

Ford Flex 2012

With the face-lifted 2012 model, the bland Ford Flex gets a much needed shot in the arm, styling-wise.

The most obvious change here is the horizontal grille that is integrated with the headlamps. The grille brings  a very contemporary, 'techy' feel to the car and goes well with the rest of the features, like the flat shoulder line, the flat hood etc. Same theme is carried into the interior. Overall, a well made car.

Honda CR-V 2012

Say hello to the production CR-V of 2012. The new version gets a boot-up from the previous version, with
some of the oddities resolved, especially in the fascia. A well- resolved piece of design, even the rear holds some interesting aspects. The rear tailgate now features smoked glass, pumping up contrast. Other notable difference is the evolved window graphic that seems more at peace with the centre-line.

LA Autoshow 2011 Coverage

Welcome to our coverage of the LA Autoshow 2011.
Here is a highlight of the key launches of the autoshow.

       Ed Welburn presents the new Cadillac XTS

Chevy Spark 2013

Ford Escape

Ford Flex

Subaru BRZ-STi

Infiniti JX

Scion FR-S

Honda CR-V 2012

Stay tuned for more news and detailed coverage.

Looking ahead at LA Autoshow 2011

Its November already and as the year draws to a close we bring you the latest from the US of A.

Please join us in checking out our coverage of the recently concluded LA Autoshow 2011.

Being one of the biggest autoshows in the US, the LA show brings forth some of the latest and greatest concept cars and offers a glimpse of the varied American car market and trends. Watch the leading OEMs

battle it out and win favour with the American consumer.

Apart from this the LA show features the entries to the LA Design Challenge, inviting the most blue-sky vehicle ideas, and the most inspiring visions of the future of cars. Recent years has seen increasing activity from the competing studios with Mercedes going all the way and making a full-scale prototype of its entry, the Biome.