LOS ANGELES — After a COVID-induced hiatus, the LA Auto Show is revving up for its return to the Convention Center with the usual mix of vehicular eye candy. What’s different this year is a variety of new, in-car experiences and a bounty of battery electric SUVs making their long-awaited debuts.
“This year is about interaction and real life experiences,” LA Auto Show Consumer Marketing Director David Fortin told Spectrum News 1. “It’s not just about looking.”
Here’s what visitors can expect when the show kicks off Friday for its 10-day celebration of all things automotive.
Which automakers are showing cars this year?
Participating companies include a mix of mainstream brands and startups, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bremach, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Cobra, Dodge, Edison Future, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Fisker, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Imperium Motor Co., Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, MINI, Mullen, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sondors, Subaru, Toyota, Vinfast and Volkswagen.
This year’s show features about 1,000 vehicles, which is comparable to earlier years, Fortin said. While there are fewer debuts than prior years, the LA Auto Show is the first place many new models can be seen up close and in person.
Porsche fans will be treated to five all-new vehicles that are being shown for the first time in the world in LA, including the new 196-mph 718 Cayman GT4 RS high-performance mid-engine coupe and the third body style for the German automaker’s first fully electric model — the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo.
Battery electric SUVs are a major theme this year. The Manhattan Beach startup Fisker debuted its new Ocean, Toyota is showing its new bZ4X battery electric SUV and Subaru also pulled the wraps off its first-ever electric, the Solterra.
Which automakers are offering test drives or other experiences?
Many of the companies at this year’s show aren’t just parking their cars on the carpet, they’re letting visitors try them. For the first time, the show will include a 55,000-square-foot indoor EV test track for visitors to experience zero emissions driving first hand in select Porsche, MINI, Hyundai and Kia models.
Also new to the LA Auto Show this year is Camp Jeep, a 25,000-square-foot outdoor adventure zone that lets visitors tag along with a professional 4x4 driver and experience the off-road capabilities of seven different vehicles, including the Wrangler 4xe and Gladiator Rubicon. Indoors, something called Ram Territory offers an opportunity to ride shotgun in a Ram pickup truck, as its driver wheels over half barrels, powers up a hill and winches a wall into an upright position.
Ford is also operating indoor and outdoor experiences. Built to Electrify is an indoor track for drivers to take Ford’s battery-electric Mach-E for a spin, while an outdoor off-road course called the Bronco Built Wild Experience lets them hitch a ride in the new Bronco over a 38-degree hill.
The VW Roadshow is yet another closed-track outdoor experience, where visitors can drive various Volkswagen SUVs, including the all-electric ID.4, family-sized Atlas and Taos and Tiguan compacts.
Not to be left out, Subaru is offering an all-new interactive display called the Subaru National Parks Experience. A wonderland of imitation flora and fauna, its highlight is a cave that showcases the automaker’s no-touch technology. Subaru being Subaru, there is also a daily pet adoption event.
And if traditional test drives are more your thing, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru and Wagoneer are all letting drivers take a spin on the streets outside the Convention Center.
How much are tickets?
For adults age 13 to 64, tickets are $20; early entry, Saturday or Sunday is $40. For seniors age 65 and older, tickets are $12; early entry, Saturday or Sunday is $24. For children ages 6 to 12, tickets are $6; early entry, Saturday or Sunday is $12. VIP group tour tickets are already sold out.
Tickets can not be purchased for cash onsite. All tickets have to be purchased either in advance online or with a credit card at a ticketing kiosk at the show.
When is the show?
This year’s LA Auto Show is open to the public Friday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 28, as follows:
Friday, Nov. 19: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 20: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (early bird VIP group tours start at 8 a.m.)
Monday, Nov. 22: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 23: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 24: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 25: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 26: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 27: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (early bird VIP group tours start at 8 a.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 28: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (early bird VIP group tours start at 8 a.m.)
What are the COVID protocols?
The LA Auto Show is following the guidelines set by the LA County Department of Public Health and the city of Los Angeles. Inside the Convention Center, anyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask. Anyone 12 years of age or older must also present proof of full vaccination or provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen COVID test. Masks are also required for outdoor activities.