Our Favorite Six Things to See at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show
Sara Lacey
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The Los Angeles Auto Show is a hub of activity this year
There are a ton of electric cars to see, from large manufacturers and from small ones. You can find the trusty favorite Camp Jeep ride, and also Ram trucks has a ride up some steep scaffolding. But there are also new gasoline powered cars, some twists on heritage models, and some shiny new concepts. These are the ones we think you should check out.
Related: The 2023 Toyota Prius Builds On Its Status As An Icon. Will You Recognize It?
2023 Porsche 911 Dakar. Photo: Sara Lacey
1. Porsche Goes into their Off-Roading History with the 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar
Porsche showed off their specialized 2023 911 Dakar at their display in L.A. Yes, a 911. Not only was there the new one set to debut next year, Porsche also had the historic original 911 from 1984 that was driven in – and won – the Paris-Dakar rally. You can see the original, then the 2023 model in an almost identical livery named the Rallye Design Package. Not only does the Rallye Design Package come with the iconic paint scheme, buyers can customize the number on the side (as long as the number is between zero and 999).
Related: Should I Own My Dad’s Cherished Car, a Porsche 911? The Vintage Car Conundrum
1984 Paris-Dakar Porsche 911. Photo: Sara Lacey
The 2023 model is there too, in a glossy coat of grey-green paint and black wheels. Whether you’re racing in the desert or not, these cars are hot. You’ll notice right away that the 2023 911 Dakar has a higher ride height than a 911. You can get an additional 30 millimeters of height using the Dakar’s lift system. Porsche says this will get you to a ride height comparable to conventional SUV’s. The rooftop basket is optional, as is a rooftop tent. The 2023 911 Dakar will be available in spring of 2023 and will start at $222,ooo.
Vinfast head of design. Photo: Sara Lacey
2. VinFast is Working Hard to Become the Name You Know in Electric Cars
VinFast is an electric car manufacturer from Vietnam. They are at the L.A. Auto Show with 4 all-electric SUV’s, the VF6, VF7, VF8 and VF9. They have vegan leather interiors, buttons to select gears are situated below a central screen. What VinFast has to offer is something that feels close to immediate gratification in this climate of open-ended production timelines; Chief Service Officer Craig Westbrook says these cars will be available in the U.S. starting in early 2023. The downside? Most of them will be going to reservation holders, and the six stores they already have open in California.
Related: Here’s a New Automotive Name to Know: VinFast. And Here’s Why
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3. (Well, 3a. and 3b.)The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a Dazzler, as is their Hydrogen Concept N Vision
Possessing a swooped design looking like a car in a windstorm, the Ioniq 6 took my breath away. The Ioniq 6 a four door sedan has a futuristic dash with screens and LED lighting. There are some climate control switches below the large touchscreen in the center of the dash. But the Ioniq 6’s screen extends to the front of the steering wheel and operates as a customizable instrument cluster.
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The Ioniq 6 has a single motor in the base trim level, and two motors in the higher trim levels (that will be all-wheel drive). No pricing, power information, or mileage was announced for the Ioniq 6. But the Ioniq 5 starts at $40,925 so it’s reasonable to expect the Ioniq 6 will be more expensive.
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Come for the Ioniq 6, stay for the N Vision. It’s a hydrogen concept car that looks like a race car out of a video game. The N Vision was inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe from 1974, developed by the same designer of the DeLorean. Despite the connection, Hyundai is quick to inform you that they did it first.
2023 Chevy Trax Activ. Photo: Sara Lacey
4. The Chevrolet Trax Levels Up
When you look at the new Chevrolet Trax, you’ll be hard-pressed to remember that the Trax is Chevrolet’s least expensive SUV. It’s a more dynamic-looking car. It’s more angular and muscular than the outgoing model. It’s got a smart-looking interior making you rethink the price. The Activ model shown in these photos is the top of the line and costs only $25,000. The Trax only comes in front-wheel drive though.
Does it look like a Prius? Photo: Sara Lacey
5. (Well, 5a. and 5b.)An All-New Toyota Prius has some Sinewy Sass
Take a gander at the 2023 Toyota Prius at the L.A. Auto Show and you will not once think of it’s boxier, polarizing past. It is leaner and is definitely a sedan. The squared off rear end is gone, and in its place is a sloped roofline and a beveled trunk lid. The front end is equally pointy and beveled, and also set off by distinctive LED headlights.
The Prius sits lower than the last generation. That’s because it has an all-new lithium ion battery pack that is smaller and reduces weight. Toyota was able to push the wheels out to the edges for more confident handling. And oh yeah, those new batteries make the Prius faster, too.
Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept. Photo: Robert Guio
While you investigate the Prius, be sure to take a moment to look at the bZ Compact SUV Concept. It’s got a phenomenal interior that looks like a grey flannel suit. It’s incredibly soft and cozy.
6. (Well, 6a. and 6b.) Genesis X Convertible Concept has me California Dreamin’
I love a convertible and I can’t stop looking at the Genesis X Convertible Concept. One look at Connie Peters’ instagram post will make you feel the same way.
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Genesis also premiered the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70. The all-electric SUV will be the first Genesis vehicle built entirely in Montgomery, Alabama. That production will begin in December of 2022. If you go to the show, be sure to take a look at the beautiful interior of the GV70. It has a unique interior full of little details that will make you smile. And want one.
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