The LA Auto Show is the first big production auto show every year and is known as one of the best auto shows in the world. As usual, the new debut vehicles from all the key manufacturers were prominent but this year was epic as there were a total of 22 world debuts.
One of my favorite concept cars of the show was the Mercedes Gran Turismo Vision – WOW! This is one sexy automobile. Very aggressive and futuristic looking as it was built for video game creativity as opposed to drivability at this point. I sure would love to see a re-worked, road-practical version in the future.
Mercedes Gran Turismo Vision Concept Car. Photo: Mercedes
Check out the rear side trunk view and the sleek lines of this beautiful concept car.
Rear Trunk View – Gran Turismo Vision – MJB Photo
As you can see, this is a long, wide and super low looking concept car.
Heavy too! Weight is estimated at almost 3,100 pounds.
The engine needed to push such a sexy beast? At least 575 horsepower generated from a big V8 in my opinion. Stay tuned for more information on this concept car in the future. While this may only be a concept in Mercedes’ AMG line, for now, there are still other AMG models available to buy now, like the used examples over on the Autozin website.
Mercedes Gran Turismo Vision Concept – MJB Photo
Click on the photo to the left for press releases from AutoBlog.
Another futuristic-looking vehicle was the 2014 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive Touring Motorcycle.
I’m not sure I like the “Luxury in Motion” approach to motorcycling myself. This bike, like the Honda Goldwing, is basically a Cadillac on 2-wheels but hey, one has to give credit where credit is due.
The equipment on this machine is exceptional from all I could see. The bike comes with a 6-cylinder, liquid cooled, 4-valves per cylinder powerhouse. This engine puts out a whopping 160 horsepower at 7,750 rpm. Torque is hefty at 129 pounds/foot at 5,250 rpm. Engine displacement is 1,649 cc.
BMW K 1600 GTL – Click on photo to see AutoEvolution photos.
Fact is, this BMW is a beautiful motorcycle. The bike’s wheelbase is 63.7 inches. Seat height range is relatively high at 29.5 inches to 31.5 inches. Full 7-gallon gas tank bike weight is 794 pounds. Maximum permitted total weight is 1,235 pounds. Brakes come standard ABS. The frame is cast aluminum. Gearbox is 6-speed with a shaft drive on a single-sided swingarm. Click here for a review of this bike from the good folks at RoadRunner.
Speaking of luxury vehicles, let me share my 2-cents with you on the Chevrolet Silverado High Country.
Me & the Chevy Silverado High Country – 2014. Click to CarAndDriver for more information on this luxury pickup truck.
This is one high-end, good-looking, workhorse of a pickup truck. Chevrolet make some great trucks (if you want to see an example, check out a used Chevy Colorado). Chevrolet trucks are great quality and quick, what more could you want!? With this particular model, I really like the saddle-brown leather interior and the dash controls looked really functional and easy to reach. The 20-inch chrome wheels look really cool and fit the overall luxury look of the truck nicely. The big news with this new Chevy truck is the powerplant. It comes with a 355 horsepower, 3-liter V8 or for you guys needing even more power, you can get a whopping 420 horsepower, 6.2-liter engine. The difference between driving trucks to smaller and lighter cars is that with the added weight, you may find you quickly wear out the condition of the brakes due to additional stopping distances. Some advice if you already own, or are planning on owning a truck is to always remember on looking to change out your brakes a little sooner than you would with a car, so you can keep braking efficiently. It was something I came to notice when owning my old truck. If it wasn’t for my love of motorcycles I might think about getting a new one. Otherwise this is a great truck from all I could tell. If you’re looking to drive this very capable truck home with you, you could check out the availability of both used and new examples of the vehicle at a Wichita Chevrolet Silverado dealer.
Saddle brown leather interior. Photo: CarAndDriver
I visited the LA Auto Show with my son, Ryan, this year. This video hit home. A man, his son, and his truck…click here to see the new video on the new Chevy Silverado.
Ride Safe Out There.
Motorcycle Marc
Bikers4CleanWater – Motorcyclists Making A Difference. Click here to donate to my Charity:Water Campaign, Bikers4CleanWater
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FYI – The Los Angeles Auto Show is operated by ANSA Productions and is endorsed by the Greater LA New Car Dealer Association.
