The 111th Los Angeles Auto Show begins its 10-day run at the Los Angeles Convention Center Friday, with more than 60 vehicles making their debuts, Alfa Romeo joining the brands offering test drives and many new interactive experiences.
"Alongside the vehicle debuts and conversations surrounding the evolution of the automotive and technology spaces, the Los Angeles Auto Show is also about providing visitors with novel experiences each year," Alexis Evans, the show's director of communications, told City News Service.
"We're excited with the activations taking place across the nearly one million square feet of our show's campus. From top-of-the-line VR technology and video gaming areas, to a designated kids zone, we have something for anyone who comes to the L.A. Auto Show."
The interactive experiences include the Amazon Gaming Lounge where visitors can play "The Grand Tour Game," based on the Prime Video series.
Brands offering test drives include Acura, Alfa Romeo, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.
The premium smart electric vehicle brand BYTON will provide test rides of its M-Byte Concept SUV, which includes a 49-inch touch-screen shared experience display dashboard. It is set to go into production at the end of 2019.
Professional drivers will take show-goers on rides in the Polaris Slingshot, a three-wheeled open-air roadster.
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Hyundai's eight-passenger Palisade mid-size SUV will be among the vehicles making their debuts at the show. The Korean manufacturer's flagship SUV includes a host of technology features ideal for family road trips including a 10-inch navigation display, wireless charging, seven USB outlets and second-row ventilated seats.
The Palisade has "new levels of all-road, all-weather capability, technology, safety, roominess and efficiency, all packaged in cutting-edge design," said Mike O'Brien, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of product, corporate and digital planning.
The Palisade will be available at dealers next summer.
Kia will be debuting its Niro EV crossover and 2020 Soul, a new version of its unconventional compact utility vehicle. Also making its debut is the Jeep Gladiator midsize truck.
Custom and unique vehicles on display include the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the film "Bullitt" and a customized Lexus RC 350 F Sport. A life-sized model of Transformers' Bumblebee, the main character of the upcoming film, will also be on display.
The show will be open from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 7-8 and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 9. The box office opens one hour before the show opens.
Tickets for adults ages 13-64 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are $20 at the door and $16.71 online at the show's website, laautoshow.com. Tickets for Monday through Thursday are $15 at the door and $13.62 online.
Tickets throughout the show are $10 for senior citizens and $5 for children ages 6-12, plus a fee when purchased online. Children 5 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
