LA Auto Show
 

I just got back from the LA Auto Show.
I understand the recession is in full swing but what a disappointment this years show is.
The Porsche exhibit was nothing better than a large showroom with a small boutique.
No Ferrari or Lambo. ONly a few concept cars. The aftermarket expo is a complete waste of space.
The show opened at 11 this morning. I met a friend there at 10: 40 to buy a ticket get in at rope drop. He is a senior and wanted his discount as did many of the couple of hundred people waiting. They did not have anything open early to sell tickets and at 11:10 we went to the ATM ticket machines and paid the premium. I spotted my friend the $2, boy to those seniors like their discounts.
I have always made an effort to see the LA auto show and some years went twice, but this year I was in , through everything and out in 3 hours.
After I go thru the shots I'll post some pictures.
Anyone gone or going?
Steve

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321660939.jpg
Steve

Yeah, us oldsters want the discount and then you buy an 8 dollar beer.

I think the LA Auto Show has been down a few notches for a few years. They moved it up to Fall instead of Jan to be more relevant, but let's face it, it's not Detroit or Geneva.

I went to the "Porsche Breakfast" (9am-11am), I arrived around 9:45. No big deal there, continental breakfast, but got to sit in the cars. Also, no lines to get in.

They had a number of debuts this year at the Auto Show, more than recent years.

I agree with you Steve, the aftermarket is a waste, it has been getting smaller each year. I was out earlier than I usually have gotten out in the past.

I did like seeing the layout for the new "Porsche Experience Center" that they will start building next summer at the current location of the Dominguez Hills Golf Course.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321683882.jpg

I had to chuckle when I saw the Miata Spyder. The top looks like the one on the Boxster Spyder.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321686873.jpg

Did they at least fix the stupid-looking smooshed-face front end on the Gen-3 miatas? I know they're better on paper, wider stance, lower, better handling, etc. but they just look so stupid compared to the Gen 1 or Gen 2 versions I could never own one...

A Spyder version does sound interesting. Now if they would only bring back the turbo engine (2004) to go with it...

Oh yeah, they ripped off Porsche big time.

What is with the Porsche display, grey car on grey background? and those wheels, pimping and not in a good way.

O K its silver, but come on!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321733678.jpg
The red really stood out.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321733738.jpg
Interior of the new 911. I didn't like the look of the shiny metal particularly on the steering wheel. I think it will scratch easily also.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321733839.jpg
I didn't think I would ever be saying this, but I like the look of the Cayman better than the (new behemoth) 911. This Black Edition was quite nice.

I would have preferred to see the GT3 Hybrid
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321734612.jpg
Steve

Since no one else is posting any pics, I'll post a few more of my cell phone pics.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321734489.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321734527.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321734553.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321734596.jpg

I hope my memory is correct, isn't that the Caddy that Radu designed?

I actually like the pic of the silver 911 including the wheels. I thought they looked less blingy and more understated. I like the panamera and the Cayman BE. I suspect the Aston is fun to drive, but it's a bit whacky looking.

There are two slightly (very slightly) different versions of the new Miata. In the first version the "mouth" in the front was oval. I like that one. The newer versions went to the lemon wedge shaped mouth. I don't like that one. The middle version of the miata ('99-'05) had almost the same exact difference between the mid-model updates.

I'm not a violent man but whoever designed that Caddy should be shot!
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321735288.jpg
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Steve

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321734932.jpg
Land Rover's DC100 Concept. Looks like the replacement for the Defender 90.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321735022.jpg
It looks too much like the Toyota FJ.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321735118.jpg
Jaguars

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321735199.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321735249.jpg
I thought this was a nice rig.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1321735302.jpg

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