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2006 Los Angeles Auto Show - A New Beginning
By: Drew Phillips
Photos by the author
December 11, 2006

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For the last several years we have come away disappointed from the LA Auto Show. The lack of new cars, debuts, and general attention from the automakers made it a mediocre show at best. The show’s early January date meant that everyone’s focus turned to Detroit just a few days later. Back in 2004 I even suggested “a date change…would help things out, and we wouldn’t have all our auto show fun all at once.” Well, the organizers of the show took my advice whether they knew it or not and set a new date at the end of November. The shows theme was called “A New Beginning”, and it was expected that the show would become “a significantly more important venue for the industry. "Changing the dates of the LA Auto Show is the single most dramatic development in the show’s history," says Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the LA Auto Show. “It’s similar to when the Detroit show changed its name and dates, which was the beginning of its rise to international prominence that it now enjoys.” The results of the date change became immediately apparent with official sanctioning from the Organisation Internationale des Construceurs d’Automobiles (OICA) for the first time, and more than 35 vehicles making their international or North American debut. “This will be the best LA Auto Show ever,” Fuzesi claimed before the show. Adding to the excitement was the fact that this was the 100th show. It’s hard to call it the 100th anniversary since the show started in 2007. The date change this year added a second show for 2006, accounting for the 100 total.

At first glance, the “new beginning” seemed to be for real. The makings for a great auto show were all there during press days – a full schedule of press conferences for new cars, dozens of journalists crowding for a view as covers are taken off new sheet metal, and a media room busier than a hive of bees. To be truthful, the show did demonstrate its importance in the industry. Several important new cars made their debut, and beautiful concept cars caught your eye, but the show seemed to lack flair. Perhaps as a car enthusiast that is focused on sports cars, I don’t place as much importance on environment-friendly hybrids, new SUV models, and performance specification-absent concept cars that are simply a design study for a new compact car.

Amidst the sedans, suv’s and trucks, a few standouts caught my eye. First and foremost was the Ford Mustang Giugiaro Concept, an American classic with Italian flare. The car was no surprise due to spy shots posted on the internet a few weeks before and official photos and information released a few days before the show, but it was still impressive to see the car in person. The rear view is the most pleasing to the eye, reminiscent of the classic fastback Mustang with its raised rear fenders and grilled rear-quarter windows. The engine bay is a mix of form and function; the Ford Racing supercharged V8 pumps out 500 horsepower. Other extras include a glass roof and horsehide interior – don’t expect either to be featured on a future production Mustang.

Another expected debut was the Roadster version of the Murcielago LP640. Roadster versions have followed coupes on every Lambo model since the Diablo, so it was no surprise when the latest drop-top raging bull was unveiled. The roadster features the same 6.5 liter V12, 640 bhp, AWD, and exterior and interior upgrades as the hardtop. The car’s 205 mph top speed undoubtedly makes it one of the fastest convertibles in the world. The choice of L.A. as its debut is evidence of Lamborghini’s customer base in the area.

Other notable cars making their debut included the 252 bhp Lotus Sport Exige Cup, Callaway C16, Acura Advanced Sedan Concept, and Mazda Nagare Concept. Making their first appearance in North America were the Audi TT Roadster, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, and Maybach 62 S.

The “New Beginning” of the L.A. Auto Show may have been somewhat over-hyped and underwhelming, but it is surely a start. Manufacturers have once again taken notice of the show, and it will hopefully share more of the spotlight with Detroit in the future.