2013 Los Angeles Auto Show Reveals Automotive Innovations Across All Vehicle Segments

Kelley Blue Book's Managing Editor, Micah Muzio introduces the latest technological and design advancements driving the growth in the automotive industry

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Kelley Blue Book

Nov 25, 2013, 03:32 ET

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Start your engines! The Los Angeles Auto Show, the first auto show of the season is here! Widely regarded as being the most forward-thinking of all the major shows, the latest in technology and design exhibited at the show will be finding their way into driveways across the country in the near future. The show proves to be as exciting as ever this year, featuring 22 World debuts, futuristic concept cars, alternative fuel vehicles, and a connected car expo focusing on advanced technologies.

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2015 Audi A3
Audi of America officially announced plans for the arrival of an entirely new family of premium compact cars, including three body styles, five new unique engines and seven variants.

This all-new Audi A3 lineup begins with the A3 sedan, which goes on sale in the spring of 2014. The A3 sedan plays a pivotal role in the soon to be expanding Audi A3 family and will be priced from a base MSRP of $29,900. It will be joined later in the fall of 2014 by the Audi A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI clean diesel sedan, the high-performance S3 sedan and in early 2015, the A3 Sportback e-tron® gasoline electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

"We aren't just bringing one new car to market, we're launching an entire new family of cars that will add to our momentum in the U.S. marketplace," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "This A3 line-up redefines the standards of the entry premium market in terms of technology, craftsmanship and performance."

2014 Mazda3

The all-new 2014 Mazda3 was awarded the 2014 "Innovation Vehicle of the Year" in the "Under $29,000" category by the Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG). Making its global debut in June, the 2014 Mazda3 is completely redesigned from the ground up, sharing nothing with its non-SKYACTIV predecessors except for its well-recognized name. Featuring the full suite of lightweight, fuel-saving SKYACTIV® technologies, aggressive styling with KODO "Soul of Motion" character lines, all-new active safety offerings in i-ACTIVSENSE and a "Heads-Up Cockpit"-based HMI/infotainment system known as MAZDA CONNECT™, this third-generation Mazda3 was more than ready to go head-to-head with its compact car stable mates.

"The 2014 Mazda3's success continues to show that compact no longer means cheap, that non-luxury no longer means non-premium," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "It's a great honor to be awarded MPG's first-ever IVY. We are proud to offer consumers – and critics – a vehicle that exceeds expectations and innovation not only in driving excitement but also in safety, fuel economy, technology and value. It's no secret that Mazda3 is our best-selling vehicle worldwide, and it's no secret as to why."

2015 Subaru WRX

Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the 2015 WRX, a more powerful and better handling version of the brand's iconic high-performance model, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Powered by a new 268-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX debuts the model's first six-speed manual transmission and a new, optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic CVT with two manual modes.

With its bold new wide-body sedan design and expanded performance envelope, the 2015 WRX marks a major evolutionary step for the rally-bred performance car that has become a global automotive legend.

Hyundai 2015 Tuscon Fuel Cell

Hyundai announced plans to offer its new Tucson Fuel Cell Hydrogen Electric Vehicle for the U.S. market at a lease rate of only $499 per month, including unlimited hydrogen refueling at no cost. The leasing program will provide consumers the opportunity to be driving the hydrogen-powered Tucson CUV down the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes of Southern California freeways by spring 2014.

"The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell represents a landmark moment for the automotive industry. With the world focused on renewable energy sources and reducing harmful emissions from automobiles, now is the time for a breakthrough vehicle like the Tucson Fuel Cell that marries these requirements with a no-compromise, high-utility CUV platform," said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. "Hyundai believes hydrogen-powered electric vehicles represent the next generation of electric vehicle technology. Their superior range and refueling speed will delight their owners, and we'll all share the environmental benefits. We're excited to bring the Tucson Fuel Cell to our consumers in Southern California in just a few short months."

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book