The Los Angeles Convention Center was ablaze with the latest concept cars leading the future of the automobile industry. Starting with a circus like atmosphere under small tents more than 100 years ago, the LA Auto Show has quickly risen to one of the premier automobile trade shows in the world.
Here is a recap of the winners and losers from the L.A. Auto Show.
The winners
Chevrolet and its cache - This show was a big winner for Chevrolet, which showed off several new vehicles and concepts including the Camaro convertible and its fleet of eco cars, including the Cruzo Eco model with 42 mpg and the Volt´s dominance over the Leaf with its Motor Trend Car of the Year award announced at the show.
Cadillac and its design - Cadillac made its presence felt in the design wing of the show, with its new Urban Luxury Concept car, a space saving car with a luxury interior. With LED headlights and button activated scissor doors, the car has scrapped the traditional centered instrument panel and went with controls on the passenger doors.
Buick and its fuel economy - Buick presented its 2012 LaCrosse, a fuel saving wunderkind that debuted its new eAssist system as standard which boosts fuel economy by up to 25% with a lithium ion battery pack to boast 37 mpg. With an estimated starting point under $30,000, this is an absolute steal over more popular competitors Lincoln MKZ and the Lexus HS250.
Hyundai and its small car resurgence - The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is quickly rising to Honda Civic status lore, with 40 mpg fuel economy, excellent rear room, outstanding cargo space, and some of the sharpest styling on a small car you´ve ever seen.
The losers
The disappointing Dodge Avenger - The very mediocre Dodge made a mediocre showing with its 2011 Avenger, with the same plastics and one of the least stable interior consoles in the business. Refinement is limited, with the same poor gas mileage and sleep inducing styling. With the midsize car segment full of perennial contenders (Accord, Sonata, Fusion), the Dodge Avenger should stay behind.
Toyota and its Corolla - The Toyota Corolla has steadily dropped in the small car rankings despite a massive redesign a few years ago and the rise of Chevy, Kia, and Hyundai. With limited refinement for the 2011 year and very unassuming minor design changes to its front grille with the same fallen interior, the 2011 Corolla looks to disappoint.
