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2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: Top picks by NDTV's Auto Editor Siddharth Vinayak Patankar

It was my first visit to the LA Auto Show, and even though this show has been on since way back in 1907, it is not considered one of the premier or must-attend shows on the global automobile calendar. In the past it was seen as too North-America centric, but over the years it has evolved. And like New York, it has gained the reputation of throwing up some interesting debuts and unveils, which are also globally relevant. Being a California-based show though, it isn't surprising that it has got that edge when it comes to luxury and sports cars – seeing that California is the world's largest market for such cars. While the show is certainly not as large or busy as say Frankfurt, or even Geneva, I found some interesting cars worth your time. So here are my top ten picks from the show.

  • <strong>#10</strong> Let's begin with the <strong>Mercedes-Benz Vision Grand Turismo</strong>. This car has been designed purely for a video game ? yes, the soon-to-be launched new version of the Grand Turismo or GT 6. The game's creator has challenged 22 carmakers to create concepts exclusively for the game, but Mercedes-Benz decided to go outside the digital realm and make an actual concept car.
    #10 Let's begin with the Mercedes-Benz Vision Grand Turismo. This car has been designed purely for a video game – yes, the soon-to-be launched new version of the Grand Turismo or GT 6. The game's creator has challenged 22 carmakers to create concepts exclusively for the game, but Mercedes-Benz decided to go outside the digital realm and make an actual concept car.
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  • <strong>#9</strong> Next is the <strong>Ford Edge</strong> concept. Now it is a bit sad that Ford has not seen potential for its many more sophisticated SUVs in India, and has stuck with the Endeavour. The Edge, in my opinion, is a good blend of size, attribute and value proposition. The concept shown in LA will likely debut as the next generation Edge in late 2014.
    #9 Next is the Ford Edge concept. Now it is a bit sad that Ford has not seen potential for its many more sophisticated SUVs in India, and has stuck with the Endeavour. The Edge, in my opinion, is a good blend of size, attribute and value proposition. The concept shown in LA will likely debut as the next generation Edge in late 2014.
  • <strong>#8</strong> The <strong>Range Rover Long Wheelbase</strong> is an attempt by Land Rover to make the new generation Rangey even more high-end. Yes, we didn't think that was possible, but clearly we were wrong! The car has 140 mm of extra rear cabin room, which allows for retractable tables, large view entertainment screens, a refrigerated beverage cooler, and individual reclining seats, besides many more pampering options. The car is strictly for the chauffeured, and is targeted at markets like California and the rest of USA, Western Europe, and even India ? but primarily at China.
    #8 The Range Rover Long Wheelbase is an attempt by Land Rover to make the new generation Rangey even more high-end. Yes, we didn't think that was possible, but clearly we were wrong! The car has 140 mm of extra rear cabin room, which allows for retractable tables, large view entertainment screens, a refrigerated beverage cooler, and individual reclining seats, besides many more pampering options. The car is strictly for the chauffeured, and is targeted at markets like California and the rest of USA, Western Europe, and even India – but primarily at China.
  • <strong>#7</strong> Now, even though the 2014 <strong>Chevrolet Corvette Stingray</strong> broke cover much earlier this year, I still was excited to see it in the flesh in LA. The car is a departure from Corvettes of the past, and while it maintains its American muscle car-worthy looks, it is transformed into a contemporary beast, complete with hydroformed aluminium and carbon-fibre body panels.
    #7 Now, even though the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray broke cover much earlier this year, I still was excited to see it in the flesh in LA. The car is a departure from Corvettes of the past, and while it maintains its American muscle car-worthy looks, it is transformed into a contemporary beast, complete with hydroformed aluminium and carbon-fibre body panels.
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  • <strong>#6</strong> The <strong>Cadillac Elmiraj</strong> concept is grand, ostentatious and points to the future design direction from Cadillac. After going very edgy and geometrical with its car design language the past few years, the brand seems to be taking that more high-end now. The Elmiraj was first seen two months ago at a private invite-only event in Carmel, a few miles South from here, but the LA Show is its first public viewing. The car could be developed into the next XTS production model that rivals the BMW 7 or Jaguar XJ. The concept uses a 4.5 litre engine with 500 bhp on tap.
    #6 The Cadillac Elmiraj concept is grand, ostentatious and points to the future design direction from Cadillac. After going very edgy and geometrical with its car design language the past few years, the brand seems to be taking that more high-end now. The Elmiraj was first seen two months ago at a private invite-only event in Carmel, a few miles South from here, but the LA Show is its first public viewing. The car could be developed into the next XTS production model that rivals the BMW 7 or Jaguar XJ. The concept uses a 4.5 litre engine with 500 bhp on tap.
  • <strong>#5</strong> I have two cars sharing this spot, as they come from the Bavarian automobile giant, and they're also debuting simultaneously across the Pacific at the Tokyo Motor Show. The new <strong>3rd generation Mini Cooper</strong> is almost 100 mm longer than its predecessor, while wheelbase is also up a generous 25 mm. It has got more electronics on board too, and I can't wait to drive it!
    #5 I have two cars sharing this spot, as they come from the Bavarian automobile giant, and they're also debuting simultaneously across the Pacific at the Tokyo Motor Show. The new 3rd generation Mini Cooper is almost 100 mm longer than its predecessor, while wheelbase is also up a generous 25 mm. It has got more electronics on board too, and I can't wait to drive it!
  • <strong>#5</strong> The second car is the new <strong>BMW 4 Series Cabriolet</strong>. BMW was always going to apt to debut the topless version in sunny California! Sharp looks and a smart engine line-up will see this car being popular when it goes on sale in early 2014.
    #5 The second car is the new BMW 4 Series Cabriolet. BMW was always going to apt to debut the topless version in sunny California! Sharp looks and a smart engine line-up will see this car being popular when it goes on sale in early 2014.
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  • <strong>#4</strong> The <strong>SRT Viper GTS</strong> has looks that will stop you in your tracks ? and it had the same effect on me too. So even though the model is not new, the LA Auto Show got lucky with this stunning car, which uses a new Anodized Carbon Special Edition package. The matte paint enhances the car's curves and the black vapour ?Rattler' wheels with orange brake callipers and carbon fibre brake ducts are just gorgeous too. By the way the car is powered by an 8.4 litre V10 that belts out 640 horses. Wow, right? And the fact that the brand's name reminds me of the Little Master, it just makes me happier!
    #4 The SRT Viper GTS has looks that will stop you in your tracks – and it had the same effect on me too. So even though the model is not new, the LA Auto Show got lucky with this stunning car, which uses a new Anodized Carbon Special Edition package. The matte paint enhances the car's curves and the black vapour ‘Rattler' wheels with orange brake callipers and carbon fibre brake ducts are just gorgeous too. By the way the car is powered by an 8.4 litre V10 that belts out 640 horses. Wow, right? And the fact that the brand's name reminds me of the Little Master, it just makes me happier!
  • <strong>#3</strong> Next we have the rather attractive <strong>Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept</strong>. The souped-up avatar of the recently introduced GLA compact SUV/crossover, uses a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 360 bhp output. That is of course the same engine from the sister A 45 AMG. The car has exaggerated wings and spoilers, and sits lower than the regular production GLA ? another car that I cannot wait to see in India. The AMG Concept though is likely to go into production too.
    #3 Next we have the rather attractive Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept. The souped-up avatar of the recently introduced GLA compact SUV/crossover, uses a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 360 bhp output. That is of course the same engine from the sister A 45 AMG. The car has exaggerated wings and spoilers, and sits lower than the regular production GLA – another car that I cannot wait to see in India. The AMG Concept though is likely to go into production too.
  • <strong>#2</strong> Jaguar promised drama and dynamic thrill when it unveiled the <strong>F-Type Coup�</strong> at a special ceremony on the eve of the LA Auto Show. The car is certainly making waves at the convention centre too, at the JLR stands. The Coup� is simply beautiful in form, and is likely even more potent on the road than its convertible twin which debuted last year. Expect the F-Type Coup� to possibly become the brand's modern-day masterpiece, and in time a true and deserving icon.
    #2 Jaguar promised drama and dynamic thrill when it unveiled the F-Type Coupé at a special ceremony on the eve of the LA Auto Show. The car is certainly making waves at the convention centre too, at the JLR stands. The Coupé is simply beautiful in form, and is likely even more potent on the road than its convertible twin which debuted last year. Expect the F-Type Coupé to possibly become the brand's modern-day masterpiece, and in time a true and deserving icon.
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  • <strong> #1</strong> And finally we have the car the whole world has patiently waited for ? the <strong>Porsche Macan</strong>. The Macan is a compact SUV but Porsche says it's still very much a sports car. That claim seems believable considering the Macan is not big, bulky or high riding. The Macan is available with three V6 engines: 3.0-litre 340 bhp S, 3.0-litre 258 bhp S Diesel and the range-topping 3.6-litre 400 bhp Turbo. Yes, that means it is a top-down strategy, and so the Macan will by no means seem like a steal. Subsequently though you can expect lower grades or variants. But for now the spotlight is clearly on the car that is expected to take Porsche volumes into the stratosphere over the next few years.<br /><br/> I simply can't wait for the day I get behind the wheel of this car. And yes for the uninitiated ? Macan is so named for the Malay word for tiger, and related meaning like clouded leopard. Not quite the <i>roti, kapda aur Macan</i> connect one might imagine! However, for some this car may seem just as essential!
    #1 And finally we have the car the whole world has patiently waited for – the Porsche Macan. The Macan is a compact SUV but Porsche says it's still very much a sports car. That claim seems believable considering the Macan is not big, bulky or high riding. The Macan is available with three V6 engines: 3.0-litre 340 bhp S, 3.0-litre 258 bhp S Diesel and the range-topping 3.6-litre 400 bhp Turbo. Yes, that means it is a top-down strategy, and so the Macan will by no means seem like a steal. Subsequently though you can expect lower grades or variants. But for now the spotlight is clearly on the car that is expected to take Porsche volumes into the stratosphere over the next few years.

    I simply can't wait for the day I get behind the wheel of this car. And yes for the uninitiated – Macan is so named for the Malay word for tiger, and related meaning like clouded leopard. Not quite the roti, kapda aur Macan connect one might imagine! However, for some this car may seem just as essential!
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