The Los Angeles Auto Show is a scam. Sometimes it’s a bland performance by local bodyshop dealers, sometimes it’s breathtaking fireworks of new products. The results of this year, probably the most important US auto show at the moment, are mediocre. With one exception, European manufacturers are speechless: with the 911 Dakar, Porsche is showcasing an all-terrain version of the sports car icon. Logical? Perhaps in California, one of the brand’s main markets.
However, other than that, the events are predominantly dominated by Asian participants. With the X Convertible, Genesis reveals the work of an electric convertible that is more about a clear, streamlined design line than a statement of its intention to bring something like this to mass production. Subaru has unveiled the 2024 next-generation Impreza – although the shape of the compact hatchback looks very European, it’s still only for the US.
Toyota with two innovations
But Toyota is really going full throttle and pulling the fabric from the new Prius. The new model, which was the hybrid pioneer nearly 25 years ago, is now available as a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of around 80 kilometers and 223 hp – almost twice the predecessor. And with the bZ SUV Concept, the world’s largest automaker is also showing an electric replica of the C-HR crossover with a surprisingly futuristic interior.
However, the absolute eye-catcher at the trade show is provided by Silicon Valley start-up Drako with the carbon fiber crossover Dragon. There’s 2000 horsepower for the gorgeous gull-wing doors that allow the luxury SUV to accelerate to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds. The 500 kilowatt charging capacity would also be an industry record.