LA motor show 2017 – preview

The Los Angeles motor show is the last motor show of the year and often offers something different; it’s usually not to the same scale as Detroit, Geneva or Frankfurt, but each year it holds the premieres of some of the most interesting and important cars of the future. 

This year is no different. So with only a days to go before the show opens its doors, take a look at what’s coming to LA later this month.

Los Angeles motor show: the cars

Aria FXE

California-based engineering company Aria will reveal a high-performance concept model in LA, as shown by a single preview image. The picture reveals little other than that the car will have a fixed rear wing and intakes over the rear, suggesting it will be mid-engined.

BMW i8 Roadster

The drop-top version of BMW’s hybrid supercar has been spotted testing and hinted at a few times now, so a reveal in sunny, eco-friendly Los Angeles would fit the model perfectly. It’ll spearhead the facelifted i8 range, following the facelift of its smaller i3 sibling.

Genesis G70

Genesis pulled the wraps off of its rear-wheel-drive G70 saloon in September, but the car will make its public debut at the LA motor show. Despite its imminent arrival in the US, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class rival isn't due to make it to Britain until 2021.

Infiniti QX50 

Yes, it's another SUV, but they are the voiture du jour. Infiniti’s QX50 - a rival to the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC - will be a close follow-up to the QX50 concept that was revealed at the Detroit motor show less than a year ago. 

Jeep Wrangler

Despite being leaked earlier this year, we’ll get our first proper look at the most rugged Jeep in the brand’s stable at LA next month. Expect ferocious go-anywhere ability, throwback looks and a smaller entry-level engine – a 2.0-litre rather than the current car’s 2.8-litre. 

Range Rover and Range Rover Sport facelifts

Mild refreshes to the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport have brought a more Velar-inspired front end to each, as well as a hybrid powertrain. They’re two more cars that have been given the big pre-show reveal long ago, but the first in-depth, in-the-metal look we get will be at the show. 

Lexus RX L

Lexus' largest SUV, the RX, is about to get even bigger, with the introduction of a three-row version at LA. It'll be available in 350L and 450hL versions, meaning there will be a choice between petrol-only and hybrid powertrains. Rivals include the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS, as well as the upcoming BMW X7. 

Mazda 6 facelift

Mazda's handsome saloon is reaching the mid-point of its life cycle, so it's getting a nip and tuck to keep it competitive with rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. Mazda has already shown most of the car's front-end styling in a preview image, so it's clear where the tweaks are. There's also a new 2.5-litre petrol engine added to the 6's line-up.  

Mercedes-Benz CLS

We’ve already had a ride in the next-generation CLS, but we’ve yet to see what it looks like in full. It’ll be one of two new four-door coupés in the Mercedes line-up, with a four-door AMG GT model to be revealed later. Expect the CLS to keep things more on the tame side in comparison. 

Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman GTS

Porsche has given the 718 range a spruce-up with a new performance flagship model. There’s 361bhp on tap - that’s up by 15bhp - thanks to a new intake system and turbocharger tweaks, as well as styling changes to mark it out from the standard 718 Boxster and Cayman. GTS badging seals the deal.

Subaru Ascent

Subaru will reveal a production-ready three-row SUV called the Ascent at the LA show, fitted a new direct injection boxer engine. Although primarily focused on the US market, the large model's powerplant will likely make it to Britain in future applications.

Toyota FT-AC

Toyota has released a teaser image of a concept machine it will launch at the show. The Future Toyota Adventure Concept is understood to be an off-road SUV-style machine. The firm showcased an urban SUV concept, the FT-4X, at this year's New York show.