BMW i3

The first stop I made when I was at the L.A. Auto Show was the BMW i-Experience, where people can learn more about BMW's i sub-brand, particularly the i3, and test-drive the new i3. I wasn't able to test-drive the BMW i3, though. Pure EVs, along with hybrids, that aren't designed for performance are one of my least favorite types of cars, but the i3 isn't that bad for a car its class. It looks much better in person than on paper or in someone else's pictures. It is powered by a 22 Kwh battery producing 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 can be reached in 7.2 seconds, which is decent for a pure EV. The i3 comes equipped with a CVT and front-wheel drive, definitely indicating that this was designed for city driving and maximum fuel efficiency, not performance. Its top speed is 93 mph and it can go 80 miles on a single charge. The BMW i3's starting price is $41,350 and will go on sale very soon. Just like every other vehicle in its class, it is not very fast, but the i3 is more appealing and will turn more heads than the Nissan Leaf.

2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2014 MINI Cooper

I know, this is not the most exciting car debut in the City of Angels, but this is an all-new and important car for the BMW Group. The new MINI Cooper has grown considerably compared to its predecessor, which means MINI is not staying true to its roots. The base MINI Cooper is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder producing 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the S model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to a six-speed manual and power goes to the front wheels. The base MINI Cooper propels from 0 to 60 in 7.4 seconds and tops out at 130 mph; the MINI Cooper S launches from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 146 mph. In the Bay Area and Southern California, these are quite common and probably where most MINIs are sold in North America. These are also common in large cities, such as New York, Chicago, and Miami (FL). the 2014 MINI Cooper will likely have a starting price of around $20k. There is also a diesel variant, but it may not be available for U.S. consumption. Overall, the new MINI Cooper is a fairly decent automobile and is much better than a Fiat 500, but there are lots of cars that are miles better than a MINI Cooper.

2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: Kia K900

It has been one month since the L.A. Auto Show opened its doors. Kia brought the all-new K900 sedan to the L.A. Auto Show. It is one step in the right direction for Kia trying to change their image. If you didn't know already, Kia's goal is to become a premium automaker by 2017. I, along with other gearheads, perceive Kias as boring and cheap, but the K900 isn't any of those. It is powered by either a 3.8-liter V6 churning out 311 horsepower or a 5.0-liter V8 churning out 420 horsepower. Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic and come equipped with rear-wheel drive. The K900 is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Genesis and Equus. It is also known as the K9 in South Korea and Quoris in other markets. The Kia K900 somewhat resembles a BMW 7 Series in my opinion. Standard features include a 9.2'' navigation screen, front and rear park assist, blind spot detection,  adaptive cruise control and leather seats. V8 models have LED headlights, a 12.3'' full-color display, and Nappa leather. The K900 will hit U.S. showrooms early next year. Overall, this isn't a bad car, but I'd rather have any of its German competitors (Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class) or a Jaguar XJ over the Kia K900. Also, I find the K900 more appealing than its platform-mate, the Hyundai Equus, even though it will have a lower starting price. If you're wondering, the only other Kia that I think is decent is the Optima.

Merry Christmas!

From all of us to all of you, we wish you a warm, safe, and happy holiday season. Below are some Christmas-related pictures I took recently for your viewing pleasure. In the third photo, I'd rather have that murdered-out Corvette more than any other car in there.

2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: Honda FCEV Concept

Honda debuted the hydrogen-powered FCEV Concept in Los Angeles, the biggest market for alternative fuel vehicles in the U.S. The Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Concept previews the next-gen FCX Clarity. For the first time ever, a fuel-cell powertrain has been placed in the engine bay, allowing the designers to go crazy with the styling and offer more space. It has a range of 300 miles and a charging time of three minutes. In general, I dislike hybrids, EVs, fuel cell vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles not geared toward performance. On the other hand, I think this is a cool concept despite the fact that it can't go very fast.

2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: Ford Edge Concept

The Ford Edge Concept showcased here is a preview of the next-generation Ford Edge crossover. Not much was given about this concept, but the next-gen Ford Edge will be a global model in markets varying from South America to China. This is a good-looking concept even though the Edge may not be as interesting as other Ford models, such as the Mustang, F-Series, Fusion, Explorer, Fiesta & Focus ST, and Expedition. Pictured below is the current-gen Ford Edge, which isn't that bad of a car.

 

2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2015 Nissan GT-R/Nismo

The 2015 Nissan GT-R Nismo made its original debut at the Tokyo Motor Show back in November and it, along with the updated 2015 GT-R, was showcased in the City of Angels. 2015 will be the final model-year for the R35 GT-R; the next-generation GT-R will have a hybrid powertrain that will boost performance and fuel efficiency. Both versions are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 545 horsepower and 463 lb-ft of torque, while the Nismo variant produces 591 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph is accomplished in the two-second range, 2.8 for the standard GT-R and 2.5 for the Nismo variant. The 2015 GT-R Nismo lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:08.679, making it the fastest volume production car to ever lap the famed circuit. It also comes with a six-speed dual-clutch and all-wheel drive. I am not a huge fan of Nissan in general but the GT-R is a very cool car. I think it looks better than other Nissans and it is very fast and reliable. I would have to say that the R35 GT-R, specifically the Nismo version, is the best Nissan ever built. Below are more pictures of the current (R35) generation Nissan GT-R. The first one (in mahogany and white stickers) was also from the L.A. Auto Show; I don't think it looks very good. The second one (in silver) was taken in early October. The third one (in gray) was taken in May, and the final one is a pre-facelifted model I saw in San Francisco in late May.

 

2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: Subaru Legacy Concept

If you were wondering, it has been two weeks since the L.A. Auto Show opened its doors. I haven't had time to add the other important debuts lately. The second car Subaru debuted in the City of Angels was the Legacy Concept. This is a preview of the next-generation Legacy midsize sedan. Its styling is an improvement over the current generation. Not much information was given, but I have a feeling the production version's styling will be watered down when it comes out for the 2015 model year. Whenever there is a new Legacy, a new Outback generally follows. Pictured below is the 2014 Subaru Legacy, which I don't think is that bad of a car. In the midsize family sedan segment, I'd prefer the Ford Fusion, Mazda6, or Honda Accord over the Legacy. The photo below was taken last month.

2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2015 Subaru WRX

Next up is Subaru, one of my favorite Japanese automakers. The first car they debuted in L.A. was the new WRX. Its styling is somewhat of a letdown compared to the WRX Concept that debuted at the New York Auto Show back in March. I think it looks okay despite what everyone else thinks of its styling. The 2015 WRX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph occurs in 5.4 seconds. It comes with a new six-speed manual, while a CVT (continuously variable transmission) is optional. It also comes equipped with all-wheel drive, which comes standard on every Subaru except the BRZ, which is rear-wheel drive. Other new features consist of a torque-vectoring system that reduces understeer, a stiffer chassis, larger brakes, and a performance-tuned suspension. The interior has upgraded materials and lots of soft-touch plastics, which is an improvement compared to the previous WRX. A 4.3'' multi-information central display comes standard. A Harmon/Kardon premium sound system is optional, which is a first for the WRX. 17'' wheels plus front and rear LED lights also come standard. The 2015 WRX will start at around $27,000. Overall, this is a pretty decent car. It is very reliable, quite fast, and relatively inexpensive. If you're wondering, the more potent WRX STi will have its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.