Day one highlights at the AutoMobility LA Show

Automakers put their best feet forward at Automobility LA which is the former Los Angeles Auto Show during the week of November 15-20, 2021. We at Napleton News have had our fingers on the pulse of the show and bring this wrapup of day one’s reveals to you. Check back tomorrow for a look at the releases from Thursday’s show.

Here’s a few of the Wednesday reveals:

KIA EV9 Concept

The Kia EV9 concept is a midsize three-row electric SUV that sizes in with similar dimensions as the bestselling Kia Telluride. It’s constructed using Kia/Hyundai’s e-GMP modular platform with its “skateboard-like” design and batteries located in the floor. Kia claims 300-mile capabilities and the ability to use the most powerful DC chargers on the market today. Kia states with a feed of 350-kWh, the EV9 can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 to 30 minutes.

Inside, the EV9 has a large front screen display that measures 27-inches. Interior seating can pivot around, with the middle row folding flat to form a table. It appears the only vehicle more angular than the EV9 is the Tesla Cybertruck.

Hyundai Ioniq 7 Concept at Automobility LA

 

Using the same pixelated headlights found on the Ioniq 5 EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 7 Concept hints at the brand’s e-SUV intentions moving forward. The Ioniq 7 features a tailgate made entirely of glass, a lounge-like interior, eco-friendly materials and futuristic controls. There’s a small fridge, tons of storage and a headliner that doubles as a movie screen. The Hyundai experiments with unique lighting.  The ‘7’s lights can be set in a UV mode to sterilize the vehicle’s interior.

Hyundai expects around 300 miles of range and charging from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes with a 350-kilowatt charger.

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a hybrid version of the latest generation Kia Sportage. This gasoline/electric vehicle uses the company’s popular 1.6-liter turbo inline-4 engine with a 44-kW hybrid electric motor. The net result is a combined 226 horsepower. Kia estimates the Sportage Hybrid will get approximately 39 mpg and a projected range of more than 500 miles on a tank of gas. The new Sportage Hybrid is standard with front-wheel drive, but active all-wheel drive with a center lock differential is an available add-on.

The new Sportage Hybrid utilizes the same Kia N3 platform as the Kia Sorento. It’s also larger than the vehicle it replaces with the most cargo space and rear legroom in its segment. When properly equipped, the Sportage Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 pounds.

2023 Toyota bZ4X

The Toyota bZ4X was introduced at the show. A member of Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” lineup, the bZ4X is part of efforts to achieve Japan’s zero-emissions goals. Available in front- or all-wheel drive Toyota estimates a 250-mile range from the 150-kilowatt motor. The AWD model features dual 80-kilowatt motors. Range figures have not been released at this time.

There’s a new user interface inside that uses voice controls rather than many of the typical buttons and knobs. Simply say “Hey Toyota” for the bZ4X’s voice control system to complete a task.

The new Toyota bZ4X is a platform-sibling to the new 2023 Subaru Solterra EV, which was also revealed at Automobility LA. Read our preview below.

2023 Subaru Solterra EV

A twin to the new Toyota bZ4X EV, the Subaru Solterra EV is the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle. Although the EPA has not weighed in, Subaru estimates that a 220-mile range from the Solterra’s lithium-ion batteries will be possible. It will be available elsewhere in the world with front- or all-wheel drive models. In America, the Solterra will be available with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. It will have hill ascent, X-Mode and descent assists. Its dual electric motors will produce a total of 215 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque.

The e-Subaru Global Platform allows for a flat floor that provides more interior room than a gas vehicle. That interior includes folding rear seats and a low rear floor for easy stowage. There is no pricing information at this time.

2022 Porsche Taycan GTS and Sport Turismo Wagon

 

Porsche goes big at the Automobility LA show. The Porsche Taycan GTS and Sport Turismo Wagon are two examples that show Porsche has not forgotten their mid-tier customers who would like some change back from their six-figure purchase. Both models use the same electric motor set as the Porsche Taycan 4S but it uses a two-speed reduction gear. The net result is a 93.4 kWh battery that makes 590 horsepower and propel the GTS from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

The GTS rides on a unique air suspension system with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus. The brakes are now larger than on the Taycan 4S.

All of the same fitment is available on the Taycan Sport Turismo wagon. We call the Taycan Sport Turismo a station wagon.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is the track-ready race car version of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. It delivers 500-horsepower from the naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine found in the 911 GT3 sports car. That’s a 75 hp jump from the engine found in the GT4 Clubsport.  A new seven-speed PDK automated manual transmission is included in the GT4 RS Clubsport.

The Clubsport includes a welded-in roll cage, an FIA-Approved six-point harness, fire extinguisher and built-in air jack system. Because it is a full-fledged racing machine, there is no air-conditioning or in-car entertainment. Sorry-not sorry.