Show-Stopper Japanese Cars at the 2012 LA Auto Show
Whether you are a Japanese car enthusiast or an American-made fanatic, we can all agree that the 2012 LA Auto Show is going to be one of the biggest automotive events this year. With 40 brand-new automobiles set to be revealed at this year’s Auto Show, there will be no shortage of oohs and aahs to be elicited from your lips. The only question is, which cars should you ogle at first? Luckily, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today.
As you continue reading, I’m going to brief you on the top 4 Japanese cars you won’t want to miss whether you’re tuning in to or actually walking the floor of this year’s Auto Show in Los Angeles.
#1. 2013 Honda Civic
While the 2013 Honda Civic certainly won’t be the most glorious of unveilings at this year’s Auto Show, there’s a good chance that it will be the model that goes on to sell the most units. When it comes to the Civic, it really does seem like Honda can do no wrong. What this car has traditionally lacked in style it has doubly made up for in safety, reliability and efficiency.
The finalized version of the 2013 Civic that you will find at the LA Auto Show will feature a more angular design to create a sort of rugged aesthetic… A definite improvement over the bubbly-smooth 2012 model. The car will also feature several safety enhancements over the previous year, really exactly what you would expect from Honda.
#2. 2013 Toyota RAV4
Speaking of Japanese automakers who garner hordes of loyal buyers, you won’t want to miss Toyota’s newest gem at this year’s LA Auto Show – the next-generation 2013 Toyota RAV4. Actual specifications for this crossover SUV have been kept pretty close to the chest, but what we do know is that the redesign will feature a sleeker body with the most noteworthy change likely being the Camry-style taillights.
#3. 2014 Subaru Forester
The next generation 2014 Subaru Forester is also slated to make it’s North American debut at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The crossover SUV has already started selling in Japan as the 2013 model, but Subaru is releasing it in North America. as a 2014 model.
The new Forester will be available with either a 2-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine (250hp) or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (170hp). It will also feature improved fuel economy, increased cargo space, enhanced smartphone integration, and helpful safety features such as a rearview camera.
#4. Lexus LF-LC Concept
When it comes to concept cars, I suggest you keep an eye out for the Lexus LF-LC concept hybrid that originally debuted last year at the Detroit Auto Show. While the red version that was displayed last year was certainly eye-catching, what you will see at the 2012 LA Auto Show will be a sleek blue version that is much closer to the final production model that we’re all holding our breath for.
The Toyota luxury division’s goal with this coupe is to push the boundaries of the typical hybrid image with an Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system capable of 500 hp output, complete with a stylishly dynamic silhouette to seal the deal.
#5 Mitsubishi Outlander
Described as being “core” to the brand’s US resurgence there is a lot riding on this launch. To be brutally honest, the styling is nothing special — this is no Range Rover Evoque. What will be crucial is how the market responds to the plug-in hybrid version slated for 2014 which Mitsubishi is talking of being able to achieve 151 mpg, have a range of 500 miles and emit just 50g of CO2 per kilometer. If those stats are realized, then Mitsubishi will be able to leapfrog even Toyota’s Prius PHV and wow customers with an even larger, more versatile vehicle. Now that could be a real game-changer.
Whether you live in Southern California or not, you’ll definitely want to tune in to the 2012 LA Auto Show next Wednesday and Thursday (November 28 – 29). If you’re in the market for a new car or if you just want something to drool over, there are sure to be plenty of goodies for every Japanese car enthusiast at this year’s biggest auto event.
