Special Edition: Recap of the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show #225 / December 1, 2023 (Fri) / Confidential
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I attended the 116th edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Despite facing traffic congestion in the aftermath of heavy rain and the recent 10th freeway fire, which required navigating through crowded LA streets, the journey took approximately two and a half hours, leaving me a bit fatigued. Nevertheless, it proved to be an enjoyable experience.
The changing landscape was evident as participating manufacturers dwindled, and the momentum toward electric vehicles became more pronounced. Beyond the area filled with new cars, additional sections were introduced, including a course for firsthand experience of electric vehicle performance and corners providing diverse explanations of lifestyle accessories for overlanding and off-roading vehicles. I'm eager to convey reviews based on firsthand encounters, sitting in, and exploring the new cars showcased, which have been highlighted in various events throughout the year. |
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NEW CARS
- 2025 Lucid Gravity
- 2025 Toyota Camry & Crown Signia
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The Lucid Gravity+, an upgraded version of the UX, boasts a $80,000 price tag, a range of 440 miles, and a 3-row configuration+Frunk Bench seat
Derek Jenkins, Lucid's Design Vice President, promised during the unveiling event that the Gravity's design would embody the essential design of an SUV, combining the advantages seen in SUVs throughout different eras. However, upon seeing the model in person at the showroom, the initial impression deviated from the sleek SUV designs seen so far, evoking the term 'dull.' Equipped with the integrated lamp of the Lucid Air and featuring short overhangs reminiscent of the ID4, along with a two-tone treated roof and body, it appeared more compressed and narrow compared to the massive square-shaped body, giving an overall ambiguous stance. (I'd like to confirm if there's a different feel in daylight).
In an effort to cater to the mainstream taste of Americans leaning towards SUVs, the Gravity SUV, following the Air sedan, seems notably conscious of its rival, the Tesla Model X. With a towing capacity similar to the X at 6,000 pounds, a 0-60 acceleration of 3.4 seconds, and a reasonable $80,000 price tag (even more appealing with the addition of a $7,500 federal tax credit), the Gravity SUV adds allure with its 3-row seating and a 34" OLED screen.
The front frunk seat was impressive, featuring foldable foam seats that, when unfolded, cover the grille and create a bench seat where two individuals can comfortably sit and converse. Considerate of the American lifestyle, which values moments of relaxation with a cup of coffee anytime, cup holders were sensibly positioned on the side of the seat. A luxurious touch was added with a honeycomb design pattern beneath the hood, an area usually overlooked in frunks, creating an impressive aesthetic when looking up at the sky.
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The frunk seat, reminiscent of Tesla's early models, seems to evoke the concern that the cushion, being thin, might lead to discomfort if seated for an extended period. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to experience the frunk seat despite designer Sasha Selipanov, known for his work with Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Koenigsegg, diligently promoting it.
The interior's focal point, without a doubt, is the slim 34" OLED screen. The thin ambient lighting behind the screen seems to be designed to effectively set the mood during well-being activities or breathing exercises. Rather than a cumbersome large screen that spans from left to right, the focus on the driver-centric display aims to minimize distractions during driving. As explained in the video below, the effort to consolidate content previously divided into three in the Air sedan, allowing for seamless navigation and customization between the upper and lower screens, reflects an intention to minimize unnecessary steps in the user experience. |
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In the second row, similar to the Sienna minivan, there's a floor track for easy chair arrangement and movement, along with a foldable table attached to enhance convenience. On this occasion, a similar table was observed in the ID Buzz, with the Gravity's table featuring the same color as the seats, providing a seamless appearance. In contrast, the ID Buzz's table appeared more snack-oriented, emphasizing functionality, and its adjustable angles suggest versatile use in various situations. |
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The showcased storage space presentation within the armrests seen in the video is highly intriguing. The lunchbox-style storage box, combined with drawer-type trays, suggests a high potential for diverse customization based on customer preferences.
Moreover, many vehicles demonstrated an effective use of materials from the center trim expanded to the sides, minimizing intricate patterns or decorative elements on the door panels. This approach creates a connected space that visually expands, contributing to a more spacious feel. The Gravity model featured an embossed edition name, exuding a sophisticated style that is likely to leave a positive impression on customers, personally, I found it very appealing. |
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The 9th generation Toyota Camry is gradually adopting a style reminiscent of Lexus
Twenty years ago, my first car upon arriving in the United States was a Camry. Renowned for its outstanding fuel efficiency and efficiency, the Camry, even in the evolving landscape of downsized sedans in the US, continues to emerge as a symbolic presence, recently unveiling its 9th generation model at the LA Auto Show.
In its pursuit of becoming a fuel efficiency icon, the Camry's exterior design, with the entire trim lineup exclusively offering hybrids, gave me a sense of Lexus in certain aspects. The line that follows the center of the hood to the grille brings to mind the spindle grille characteristic of Lexus. However, in a departure from the previous approach of fully glossing the grille in black, this time they opted to confine the black treatment to the air curtain area, elevating the overall luxurious impression. The lower grille section, appearing more substantial in person than in photos, bears a resemblance to the Lexus RX. Furthermore, the assertive design of the air curtain and lower cladding isn't merely for aesthetics but also contributes to aerodynamic efficiency.
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The blue exterior color stood out in various areas of the showroom, and Toyota's new color, 'Ocean Gem,' evokes a sense of the 90s while simultaneously exuding a luxurious feel. This new color is like a magical shade that recalls the history of the Camry, dating back to 1983, yet remains on-trend without falling behind.
Beyond the 12.3-inch screen, the presence of buttons allowing individual adjustments for all HVAC functions without the need to navigate through a touchscreen is appreciated. Observing the Camry, with both USB C and USB A ports for charging, I couldn't help but feel that the company is balancing between the past and the future. |
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Rare Find: Wagon-Style SUV, Toyota Crown Signia
Toyota has resurrected the forgotten name "Crown" after 50 years. Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, the Signia, a wagon-style SUV not previously seen, has captured the attention of many with its unmistakable wagon DNA.
Displaying a lamp design with ribbon-tipped ends, akin to the Camry and Prius, the Signia completes its unique family look by incorporating the distinctive upper slot characteristic of the Crown series, rather than using LED throughout for DRL. To differentiate from the Camry, the headlights are positioned lower, creating a distinct separation with a broad body-colored section in the middle.
With an impressive length of 194 inches, the Crown Signia, designed to exude a sporty feel, features shortened front and rear overhangs. The side design accentuates dynamism by applying glossy black to the lower body, wheel arches, C-pillar points, and the floating roofline. Chrome is sparingly used on the roof and beltline, achieving a harmonious "mix and match effect."
Opening the trunk, adorned with slim horizontal tail lamps and wide Crown lettering, reveals a spacious cargo area. While the exact cargo capacity hasn't been disclosed, the attention to detail, such as installing a separate flap to maintain a smooth surface when folding all seats flat for camping, is noteworthy.
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It appears to have a design well-suited for the preferences of Americans in their 30s and 40s, with a size similar to the Lexus TX, quality interiors, and an affordable price. |
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1. The Los Angeles Motor Show highlights the lifestyle aspect
While many competitors chose to skip the event, the spacious exhibition hall at the Overlanding Expo showcased numerous accessory manufacturers worth checking out. Taking advantage of California's geographical features with mountains, deserts, and canyons within 1-2 hours' drive, it was a delightful experience to see products reflecting the outdoor lifestyle of Californians who enjoy outdoor activities.
One interesting aspect was the wide variety of scales within the realm of Overlanding. Whether strapped for cash and relying on resourcefulness and DIY or lavishly indulging in luxury and rare items through substantial investments, there are diverse ways to enjoy Overlanding.
What caught my attention was Lauren and Mike's trailer, which told a compelling story of creating an Overlanding vehicle through personal builds using vehicles and items purchased through the U.S. version of the Carrot Market. Their website provides a detailed journey along with the list of vehicles and equipment used.
*Overlanding: Traveling overland with a well-equipped vehicle to overcome obstacles, enjoying the exploration and adventure of nature, and traveling by road to reach destinations through camping and off-roading.
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2. Cup Holder Approches
The sizes of insulated bottles and cups in the United States are evolving relatively quickly. To cater to situations where people spend extended periods at work or school, bottles as large as 128 ounces (3.78 liters) have emerged. Customers, however, are requesting cup holder sizes that can accommodate thick bottles up to 6.45 inches (16 cm). Manufacturers are visibly making efforts in various ways to meet this demand. |
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3. Back-lit controls
I had the opportunity to experience the Aria model and could see the Backlit Control up close, which I had only seen in photos before. In the sunless showroom, the control displayed remarkably sharp resolution, making it very user-friendly. However, it raises questions about whether it will be visible under the dazzling California sun or easy to control while driving. |
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4. Door Handles - Very Personal!
While experiencing various cars in one place, one of the new insights I gained this year was about the 'emotions felt through the door handle.' Regardless of the type of handle—swing, popup, or grip-style—I personally felt a subtle but significant difference based on the sensation of wrapping my hand around it (thickness and shape) and the angle at which the handle bends. Personally, the electronic handles where you insert your hand to press a button to open the door didn't give me a satisfying experience as the door didn't open successfully on the first attempt, and grabbing a thick handle that doesn't fit in my hand gave me a strange feeling, as if the car suddenly turned old-fashioned. Of course, the impact of the door handle on the decision to buy a car is likely minimal, but feeling various emotions in this small detail was a unique experience. |
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Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm reaching out a bit late. I wish you a wonderful last month of the year and good health in the chilly weather. If you have any questions about the motor show content, please feel free to email me. Thank you. |
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