LA MOTOR SHOW 2014: Preview

The 2014 Los Angeles motor show kicks off on November 19 and is shaping up swimmingly, with an impressive line-up of quality acts expected to capture the attention of all and sundry. Audi is planning three global debuts, BMW has at least two, Porsche will be getting jiggy with a GTS version of its 911, as Toyota and Volkswagen also hatch plans for global debuts. All told, more than two dozen global reveals are expected.

"With this debut line-up, Los Angeles will deliver the best of what’s to come in the automotive space and we’re eager to see how it all unfolds," said LA Auto Show President, Lisa Kaz. "The automotive landscape is ever-changing and we continue to be at the forefront of the groundbreaking news."

A decade ago the LA motor show was a somewhat provincial affair but today it's one of the biggest motor shows in the US, with California's clout as the world's eighth largest economy – bigger than Russia – increasing its importance on the world stage.

Audi
Audi flagship concept car. A preview of the new Audi A9 is expected to make its global debut in concept car form at the 2014 Los Angeles motor show, the German car maker planning to make a big statement with its Porsche Panamera-sized luxo-cruiser before year's end. As well as making use of the company's new Virtual Cockpit instrument design, first seen on the new TT, the big Audi could also debut a new corporate image for the brand, perhaps borrowing design cues from the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept (pictured). Head honcho Rupert Stadler will be on hand to talk about the company's latest star, along with at least one other still secret global debut.

BMW
BMW X5 M and X6 M. The return of the BMW M division's two heavy-hitting SUVs, X5 and X6, will be significant for the Los Angeles motor show, because both models are built in the USA at the company's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The BMW SUVs are expected to show a clean pair of heels via weight reductions and also more power than the current 408kW/680Nm.

Cadillac
Cadillac ATS-V. Although Detroit represents the beating heart of the US car industry, it's California that buys the cars, and the high-performance 2015 Cadillac ATS-V will make its debut in LA, not Detroit. The new model will be the US luxury car-makers answer to the BMW M3, its twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 generating close to 310kW/580Nm. Another GM company, Chevrolet, is also planning a global debut, possibly an updated version of the Camaro.

Chrysler
New-look versions of the 300 and 300C large sedans will break cover in the City of Angels along with expected minor tweaks to mechanical and feature specification.

Mazda
Mazda CX-5 facelift. The venerable CX-5 medium SUV has been a consistent performer for Mazda, not just in Australia, and it's now due for a nip and tuck. A new look front end with more aggressive headlights and grille work to mirror the new 2015 Mazda2 is expected, along with new equipment. There are also two other global premieres for the company, which could include a new concept sports car – possibly a reborn RX-7. You can also expect a whole boat load of brand-new MX-5s twinkling away on the Mazda exhibit.

Porsche
Porsche 911 GTS. The latest porker to wear the GTS badge will make its global debut at the LA show and will slot into the sports car range between the 911 Carrera S and 911 GT3. Powered by a detuned version of the GT3's naturally-aspirated, high-revving 3.8-litre boxer six-cylinder engine, the new GTS could also be our first look at the facelifted 911 range. Another global debut from Porsche is expected, and could be a new version of Macan, launched at this show the year prior.

Lexus, Acura, Toyota and Volkswagen are also tipped to turn heads with global premieres at the LA show.