The L.A. Auto Show at the L.A. Convention Center this week once again places the City of Angels at the center of the automotive universe. With available free test drives, concept cars, new production models, trucks, race cars and custom vehicles on display, the annual extravaganza features the latest in technology and style. School is out, families are together and Thanksgiving Day is here, why not see for yourself? What can be better than turkey and touring?
The show opened Nov 22 and will run through Dec 1 so plan a full day of exploration if you decide to go. With over 1,000 vehicles on hand you’ll need lots of patience, $25 for parking and a pair of comfortable walking shoes! Click here for ticketing information and show hours.
Once again Lincoln Motor Company has a large display with multiple SUVs and sedans on view. Featured is its newest model, the 2-row Corsair, which replaces the MKT in Lincoln’s lineup. The Corsair can be ordered as a plug-in hybrid or a conventionally powered vehicle.
Continuing an industry trend toward greater automation, it comes standard with the Co-Pilot360™ suite of five driver-assistance features to provide enhanced confidence on the road and expanded awareness of your driving environment. Features include Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, Rear View Camera and Auto High-Beam Headlamps. It also offers phone as a key, wireless cell phone charging and personal profile memory. Talk about smart cars!
Lincoln now has five SUV models ranging in size from the Navigator 3-row flagship down to the 2-row MKC. Others in between from largest to smallest are the Aviator, Nautilus and Corsair. The show features the elegant coach door Continental sedan as well as the popular MKZ sedan, which also can be ordered as a hybrid.
Click here for a full description of each vehicle, and remember, all LCOC members are eligible to receive X-Plan pricing, with substantial price breaks for the purchase of new Lincolns.
Several high-profile models make their debut at the show including the new Corvette and the much-heralded Mustang Mach E electric SUV.
New generation Corvette draws a crowd. 
Corvette’s distictive rear styling sets it apart.
The Mach E looks a lot more like a Tesla than a traditional Mustang, including its huge control panel inside. It can be ordered as a RWD or AWD vehicle. Range is reported up to 300 miles, but the average is around 230. It will be appearing at dealers late in 2020 for the 2021 model year. A few pony design cues carry over from traditional Mustangs. Here is a preview from the show and an interior view from Ford’s website.
When asked whether a Lincoln version of the Mach E is coming, neither Ford nor Lincoln exhibit hosts would comment. They would only offer a sly smile. So draw your own conclusion. It would certainly make sense.
Lexus offers a very advanced looking electric concept car called the LF-30 with a huge gull wing door, sculpted sides and in-wheel electric motors. Is this the Lexus of 202_ ?
Likewise, Infinity has its own concept vehicle, the QS Inspiration.
It would be impossible to recount eight full hours of exploring two enormous multi-story exhibit halls, but here are a few general impressions: Lincoln’s vehicles are very competitive with other luxury brands. Styling is first rate and interiors are very high quality. But other makes also have made improvements this year.
The new G90 model Genesis from Hyundai is a beautifully designed and proportioned luxury car. If it runs as good as it looks it will muscle in as another worthy Lincoln competitor.
Honda, Alpha Romeo, BMW and Toyota had their racers on display along with their street vehicles, while Hyundai featured two drivers from the Michelin series, Mason Filippi, left, and Michael Lewis to meet fans.
Sleek designs predominate but classic lines and proportions will always have appeal as is evident from this customized 1963 Lincoln offered by SS Design.
About 40 percent of all the new cars at the show were alternate fuel vehicles. The trend away from fossil power is in full swing. So is the ever-escalating use of computer-aided technology to help with vehicle management and handling. Like it or not, the days of fully automated driverless vehicles for general use are not far off.
Yes, time and technology march on, but at least for now nothing beats driving our own beautiful classics on a perfect day!
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