By The Associated Press
Matthias Müller, President of the Executive Board, Porsche AG introduces the new Porsche Macan Turbo at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Maria Sharapova
Tennis player Maria Sharapova talks about the new Porsche Macan Turbo at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Matthias Müller
Matthias Müller, President of the Executive Board, Porsche AG introduces the new Porsche Macan Turbo at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
LA Auto Show Porsche Macan
The new Porsche Macan S in introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Matthias Müller
Matthias Müller, President of the Executive Board, Porsche AG introduces the new Porsche Macan Turbo at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
LA Auto Show Porsche Macan
Photographers shoot pictures of the new Porsche Macan Turbo interior at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Prev
1 of 6
Next
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Auto Show opens to the public Friday after two days of media previews. Here are some of the most buzz-worthy vehicles being introduced at this year’s show:
_________
PORSCHE MACAN
Porsche is entering the fast-growing small SUV market with the Macan. The Macan — the name comes from the Indonesian word for “tiger” — is six inches shorter than its sibling, the Cayenne SUV, but features the same muscular look. It also uses some tricks to look more substantial, like a broad, wraparound hood that encompasses the headlights. Porsche designed two versions: The Macan S, with a new, 3.0-liter V6 engine that gets 340 horsepower and the Macan Turbo, with a new 3.6-liter V6 that gets 400 horsepower. Standard features include an off-road mode, which adjusts the torque, shifter and other functions for off-roading at the touch of a button. There’s an optional air suspension chassis, which can set the vehicle’s ground clearance at three different levels. Porsche says the feature is unique to the Macan among small SUVs. The Macan goes on sale this spring at a starting price of $50,895 for the Macan S and $73,295 for the Macan Turbo. Sales of small luxury SUVs are up 25 percent so far this year, making them the fastest-growing segment in the luxury market. Find similar cars at https://www.conklinhondasalina.com/used-inventory/index.htm.
___
FORD EDGE CONCEPT
Ford says its Edge concept vehicle previews the design direction and technology of the company’s future SUVs. The lines on the concept are sharper and more angled than the current Edge, and it adopts the trapezoidal grille shape and narrow headlights of Ford’s newer products. Advanced safety features include an automated parking system that can find and park in a perpendicular space. The system can even be activated remotely, pulling the car out of a tight spot before the driver gets in. The Edge concept also will automatically steer away from obstacles and brake to avoid a collision. The Edge mid-size SUV has recently been overshadowed by Ford’s newer SUVs, including the small Escape and larger Explorer. This will be the Edge’s first full redesign since it was introduced in 2007. The new Edge will also target a global audience — it will be sold in Europe, China and South America for the first time. Ford isn’t yet saying when the new Edge will go on sale, but it’s likely to arrive sometime next year.
___
JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE
The F-Type convertible, which went on sale in the spring, was Jaguar’s first two-seat sports car in 50 years. Now the company’s adding a hardtop version. The 2015 F-Type coupe, which goes on sale this spring, starts at $65,000, or $4,000 less than the convertible. The base model of the all-aluminum coupe — made, in part, from recycled metal — has a 340-horsepower V6 engine and a top speed of 161 mph. For $77,000, buyers can upgrade to a V6 with 380 horsepower and a top speed of 171 mph. At the top of the lineup is the $99,000 F-Type R, which has a 550-horsepower V8 engine and goes from zero to 60 mph in four seconds. It has a top speed of 186 mph. All versions have an eight-speed transmission and a hidden rear spoiler that automatically rises at 70 mph and tucks back in at 50 mph or less. Jaguar’s U.S. sales are up 36 percent so far this year, thanks to the F-Type convertible and the recently redesigned XF sedan.
