Los Angeles

Your spotters guide to the 2015 LA Auto Show

Everything We Know About What's Coming To Los Angeles

All automotive eyes are on the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. We'll have our usual obsessive coverage during the media days, but in advance of all that hubbub, we've put together a comprehensive list of what to expect at this year's show.

The LA Show has established a reputation over the years of being a green-focused event. Not only is it home to the Green Car of the Year Award, but the Los Angeles Auto Show generally attracts all manner of alt-fuel vehicles. That said, we expect this year's show to be dominated not by EVs, but by crossovers, with a healthy sprinkling of performance and luxury models.

Scroll down to see what each automaker is bringing, when it'll debut, what we're allowed to tell you right now, and other insights.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

ALFA ROMEO

Press conference: Wednesday, 8:25 AM
Debut: Giulia (US-spec)

We're expecting Alfa Romeo to debut the US market Giulia sedan, although it's unclear if it will be the high-performance, 510-horsepower, twin-turbocharged Quadrifoglio model, or if Alfa will take this opportunity to introduce some more attainable models to the mix.

Audi RS7 Performance

AUDI

Press conference: Wednesday, 3:35 PM
Debuts: RS7 Performance, S8 Plus

Both the 597-horsepower RS7 Performance and the 605-horsepower S8 Plus have been confirmed to debut in LA, with both vehicles boasting price tags easily beyond $100,000. You can get the official details on both vehicles here and here.

BMW X4 M40i

BMW

Press conference: None
Debuts: X4 M40i, M2 (probably)

The X4 M40i isn't a full M job. It takes the place of the X4 xDrive35i at the top of the model's lineup, sort of like how the 2 Series launched in 228i and M235i variants. There's a 355-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbo-six underhood, and more equipment inside. Oh, and speaking of 2 Series, while it's not totally confirmed, we won't be surprised if the new M2 shows its face in LA. That's a proper M car, right there.

Buick LaCrosse Teaser

BUICK

Press conference: Wednesday, 11:05 AM
Debut: LaCrosse

Expect sheetmetal inspired by the Avenir concept from the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, and based on the lone teaser image, a more purposeful stance and a more assertive roofline. Based on rumors, we can expect the third-generation LaCrosse to get General Motors' new 3.6-liter V6, lose a bit of body fat, and feature a five-link rear suspension. This will be one to watch.

Cadillac XT5

CADILLAC

Press conference: Thursday, 9:30 AM
Debut: XT5

Cadillac's SRX-replacing crossover is coming to LA, where it will show off handsome new sheetmetal, a gorgeous interior, and an eight-speed automatic. The XT5 officially debuted at the Dubai Motor Show earlier this month, so read everything we know already, here.

Fiat 124 Spider

FIAT

Press conference: Wednesday, 10:00 AM
Debut: 124 Spider

The reborn 124, in case you've forgotten, will be based on the critically acclaimed fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. While the interiors will be virtually identical, based on spy photos, the exterior sheetmetal will be fairly different. Also different? The turbocharged engine, expected to be either the 1.4-liter engine from the 500 Abarth or less likely, the 1.75-liter four-cylinder of the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Ford Escape refresh

FORD

Press conference: Wednesday, 9:00 AM
Debut: Escape

While Ford is known for auto show surprises – we're looking at you, Detroit 2015 – we wouldn't expect much more than the long-awaited and rather comprehensive facelift to the Escape CUV. As evidenced by our spy photos, we can expect the Escape to adopt an Edge-inspired grille and Mustang-like headlights. The taillights, meanwhile, get some inspiration from Explorer. As for the rumored Escape ST, there hasn't been anything about a higher-performance model since it was hinted at by a Ford of Europe exec in late September.

GMC Canyon

GMC

Press conference: None
Debut: Canyon Denali

Like you didn't see this one coming. Considering how much of a cash cow GMC's Denali line is for General Motors, it makes sense that every model in the company's lineup eventually gets a chrome-heavy version. The only GMC to not yet wear a Denali badge is the midsize Canyon pickup, but that's all going to change in LA. Expect a reworked grille, some flashier (and larger) wheels, and a few upgrades inside the cabin. Don't be surprised if GMC/Denali has another debut or two in store for LA, as well.

Honda Civic

HONDA

Press conference: Tuesday afternoon, offsite
Debut: Civic Coupe

Honda might not have a press conference during the LA Show media preview days, but that doesn't mean the Japanese automaker won't be making a splash. The two-door Civic Coupe will bow this week, and we expect it to share all of the new sedan's qualities in a slightly more rakish package. The standard car should pack the 1.5-liter turbo-four from the sedan, but there's also a chance the Civic Coupe could debut in racier Si trim. Fingers crossed.

Hyundai Elantra

HYUNDAI

Press conference: Wednesday, 1:05 PM
Debut: Elantra

Look for a thorough redesign when Hyundai introduces its US-spec Elantra. The compact sedan was already shown in the company's home market featuring a grille that is strongly reminiscent of the redesigned Tucson CUV. The headlights share a lot with the Sonata, although the taillights are a pretty straightforward translation of the Tucson's units. It's unclear what engine will be used here in the US, but the KDM model was unveiled with both gas and diesel options. We'd expect the former but not the latter come November 18. As previously reported, Hyundai may take the Tucson theme a bit further and offer an Elantra with that car's turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-cylinder.

Infiniti QX30

INFINITI

Press conference: Tuesday evening, offsite
Debut: QX30

Eager to enter the land of the small, luxury crossover, Infiniti will debut its production QX30 in Los Angeles. It's a high-riding version of the Q30 that bowed earlier this year, sharing a lot of its internals with the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. (The Q30, of course, being based on the A-Class.) All of the Q30's details should carry over largely unchanged, save the addition of all-wheel drive, larger wheels (probably), and a slightly higher price tag.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

JAGUAR LAND ROVER

Press conference: Wednesday, 11:35 AM
Debuts: Evoque Convertible, XE (US-spec), F-Pace (US debut)

The British partners are holding a single press conference for a pair US debuts, as well as a single global debut. Look for US domestic market versions of the XE sedan and F-Pace CUV, as well as the world debut of the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible.

Jeep Wrangler

JEEP

Press conference: None
Debuts: Grand Cherokee SRT Night, Wrangler Backcountry

In the world of special editions, none are as plentiful as the Jeep Wrangler. It seems like three or four limited editions or new trim levels debut every year, so we're hardly shocked that yet another will debut in LA. It's called the Backcountry, and yes, it's purple. Joining this Wrangler will be a stealth, fast Jeep: the Grand Cherokee SRT Night. Read about both, here, and look for them during our live LA coverage.

Kia Sportage

KIA

Press conference: Wednesday, 4:10 PM
Debut: Sportage (US-spec)

After its debut just a couple months ago in Frankfurt, Kia is bringing the US-spec Sportage to LA. We expect it to make just as funny of a face in the City of Angels as it did in Germany, with looks that have been heavily inspired by the company's concept vehicles. As we reported from Frankfurt, it's a safe bet that the company will offer both naturally aspirated 2.4-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines.

Lamborghini Huracan

LAMBORGHINI

Press conference: Tuesday evening, offsite
Debut: RWD Huracan

We aren't completely sure what's in store for the new Huracan variant, but we can tell you it'll be a more hardcore version of the already-crazy coupe. Our sources say early reports of rear-wheel drive and lighter weight are pretty much accurate, but it's unclear if this will be a proper SuperVeloce version, or just some one-off, limited-production model. Either way, it's a new Lambo. Get excited.

Mazda CX-9

MAZDA

Press conference: Wednesday, 1:35 PM
Debut: CX-9

The second-generation CX-9 will finally make its debut in Los Angeles. The company's current model has been around for nearly a decade and will finally be getting the redesign it's needed for the past several years. Expect Kodo-inspired looks, as shown in the teaser above and much like those applied to the Mazda3, Mazda6, and MX-5 Miata. We'll be driving a prototype of the new CX-9, too, so stay tuned for our early impressions.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

MERCEDES-BENZ

Press conference: Wednesday, 12:05 PM
Debut: SL-Class (including AMG)

Based on the leaked images we've seen, the LA Auto Show will see the Mercedes SL get sexy again. The sixth-generation SL has never been the most attractive car, but with a dose of AMG GT inspiration, it's about to get far more beautiful, with a broad, powerful grille and handsome headlights. The rear of the SL will continue to be the car's best angle, though, thanks to the handsome evolution of the taillight design. Check back Wednesday afternoon for the full technical details on the new roadster and its AMG variant.

Mini Convertible

MINI

Press conference: None
Debut: Convertible

Okay, technically the Mini Convertible debuted in Tokyo, but in the interest of full disclosure, we'll be honest: we missed it. Still, the official US showing will take place at the Los Angeles show this week, so look for a full gallery and details of the third-generation droptop. You can read everything we already know about the new Convertible, here.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

MITSUBISHI

Press conference: Wednesday, 4:40 PM
Debuts: Outlander Sport, Mirage

Mitsubishi hasn't offered much in the way of details on its LA Auto Show plans, aside from saying both the 2017 Outlander Sport and Mirage will be on display. As both vehicles are relatively new, we'd expect nothing more than facelifts. Expect the Outlander Sport to ape its big brother's new look, although it's harder to predict what's in store for the tiny Mirage.

Nissan Sentra refresh

NISSAN

Press conference: Wednesday, 9:30 AM
Debut: Sentra

The LA Auto Show website already announced that Nissan will debut the Sentra. Based on a memorable set of spy photos, we can expect the Sentra to follow in the Altima's path and adopt the company's Energetic Flow design language. Basically, look at the Altima, scale it down, and you'll get a rough approximation of the new Sentra.

Porsche Cayman GT4

PORSCHE

Press conference: Wednesday, 10:30 AM
Debut: Cayman GT4 Clubsport

Want to go race a Porsche but aren't interested in ponying up for a 911 GT3 Cup? You'll love the Cayman GT4 Clubsport, which takes the king of the Cayman range and applies a full-on racing treatment. Confirmed by Porsche, the Clubsport will feature a full suite of safety equipment, including a roll cage, six-point harness, and racing buckets. It'll also get some suspension elements from the 911 GT3 Cup, but motivation will still be provided by the 3.8-liter flat-six from the road-going model.

Toyota C-HR Concept

SCION

Press conference: Wednesday, 2:05 PM
Debut: C-HR Concept

Toyota first showed its C-HR Concept crossover at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Now, we expect to see the highly anticipated Scion version in LA. The actual production model, slated to debut in March at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, will then follow that vehicle. So what should we see in LA? Well, option one could see a production-based concept car. Option two might simply be an evolution of the Paris concept. Or perhaps most annoyingly, we have option three, where Toyota decides to just have some fun with us and show the C-HR with nothing more than a new paint scheme and badge. We hope it's not option three.

Subaru

SUBARU

Press conference: Wednesday, 2:35 PM
Debut: Impreza Sedan Concept

Remember the Impreza 5-Door Concept from Tokyo? Its sedan sibling will debut in Los Angeles. We liked the swoopy hatchback that bowed in Japan, and we're expecting a similar flowing design to show up on the four-door. Subaru has historically offered the Impreza in both sedan and hatchback forms here in the US, so each concept gives a good glimpse at what's ahead for the all-new 2017 Impreza. Of course, Subaru also historically shows gorgeous concepts and then rolls out not-so-pretty production cars, so we won't get our hopes up too high.

VW

VOLKSWAGEN

Press conference: Wednesday, 3:05 PM
Debut: Unknown

So, here's the thing. Volkswagen has a press conference on schedule for LA, and the company already confirmed that it would have some sort of product debut. As for what it is, your guess is as good as ours. Could it be the US debut of the Tiguan? Maybe. But we wager VW will wait until January's Detroit show to roll out the US-spec Tig. We don't think a new model is coming to Los Angeles, so maybe it's a special edition of an existing car. Maybe one of those Beetle concepts from New York is finally coming to production – the Dune was already confirmed, after all. We'll know soon enough.

Volvo Time Machine Concept

VOLVO

Press conference: Wednesday, 12:35 PM
Debut: Time Machine Concept

Volvo has been extremely coy about its LA Auto Show Concept, releasing a teasing press release that hinted at a "time machine." While the Swedish company (probably) hasn't channeled its internal Doc Brown, the new concept hints at a vehicle that gives drivers back plenty of time. Volvo has been anything but quiet about its autonomous vehicle ambitions, and based on what we've seen, that's not likely to change in LA.

US-TRANSPORT-LA-AUTO-SHOW

AT LARGE

But wait, there's more. You'll also be able to see the Bentley Bentayga for the first time in the US (incidentally, we're driving the new Bentayga this week), Smart will bring over its ForTwo Cabriolet, Lexus will have the updated GS and LX from Pebble Beach, and Toyota will finally show the new Prius we first saw in September. We chose to leave these vehicles off our list since (1) their respective automakers don't have press conferences, and (2) we've already covered them.

But wait, there's still more. Don't miss the annual Green Car of the Year Awards ceremony, and of course, look for one-off creations like the super-ridiculous Puma (pictured above) from a couple years back. EV startup Elio Motors has a press conference scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, and one-off maker DiMora Motorcar will be showing something shortly thereafter, at 10:35.

The festivities kick off Tuesday with the Connected Car Expo, with the LA Show media days happening Wednesday and Thursday. We'll have our team on hand during all the events, so stay tuned. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for on-the-fly updates and impressions, as well.

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