The 2023 LA Auto Show this weekend displayed more than 1,000 vehicles spanning the 720,000-square-foot LA Convention Center.
Many cars debuted at this year’s show, including the first appearance from Lucid. The all-electric car company, which is quickly growing in popularity, presented its first SUV, the Gravity, to the world at the 2023 show. The Lucid Gravity is a seven-seater that costs nearly $80,000 and has a range of approximately 440 miles on a full charge.
New vehicles were also presented by Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Subaru, and Toyota.
A real wow factor came from the custom car area, with the entire lower floor of the South Hall dedicated to vivid colors, bling, and imagination. Just about any vehicle you could dream up had a spot on the floor. There was something for everyone from the old to the new, gold to neon green, two wheels to four.
Supercars, often called exotics, were also dispersed throughout the show including Ferraris, a McLaren, a Pagani, and a few Lamborghinis.
Comedian Kevin Hart had eleven from his twenty-car collection on exhibit as well, most of them restorations from the 1950s to the 1980s with custom modifications. However, there was also his 2023 Ferrari 812 Superfast Competizione, valued at $600,000.
The number of gas-powered vehicles on display has withered more each year. This year was no exception. In contrast, hybrid vehicles (gas and electric-fueled) are becoming a more popular alternative. Electric vehicles are showing improvements in charging time, speed, and travel distance, but they are still an elusive purchase for most buyers. The auto show reflected this buying trend by showcasing a greater number of hybrid cars and fewer EVs.
Even those who had never been camping had their imaginations set ablaze in the outdoor arena. There was nothing rustic about the set-up including solar power, espresso machines, and a beer tap. Whether installed on the back of a truck, roof of an SUV, or pulled behind a minivan, there was no excuse for venturing into the great outdoors.
There were also other activities to please the non-car enthusiasts. Toyota had a sports fair which included wheelchair basketball and many other activities, demonstrating their partnership with the Olympics. Subaru themed its whole display area like a national park. Some of their cars even displayed painted-on mud. They also included a small pen for dog adoptions from a local animal shelter. Nissan Thrill Street was a themed display with five different challenges, including the Nissan Z Tour, trivia, and a scavenger hunt, Z/Tokyo Scene photo ops, and the Ariya ride-along. Visitors who participated in 4 of 5 Nissan display activities had the opportunity to step up to the high-energy Thrill Machine and spin the wheel for a chance at special prizes. Kia, Subaru, Hyundai, and Volkswagen interactive racing experiences were also popular stops for visitors. The simulators rocked and rumbled, allowing the driver to experience the thrill of the vehicles’ performances.
For the average person, the everyday vehicles and dream cars of the LA Auto Show provided quality time with family and friends, while others might have gone to satisfy their passion for the next generation of automobile design. One thing is for sure, it was a great place to scope out the next car to park in a driveway or garage. The Los Angeles Auto Show would be a great event to stick on your calendar when it comes to town next year.
