What's New at the LA Auto Show: World, North American Debuts

Some small cars get a little larger and more versatile, others go electric

Nearly 50 vehicles will debut later this month when the Los Angeles Auto Show opens at the LA Convention Center.

That number includes 24 world debuts and 25 vehicles that will be unveiled for the first time in North America. Some of the debuts are concept vehicles, others are ready for the road.

A look at some of the confirmed debuts:

Acura: The RLX is a tech-laden sedan from Honda's luxury division. The automaker says it "behaves not as a machine, but as an extension of your instincts."

Audi: Several North American debuts, all under what is usually one of the most appealing displays on the convention floor.  

BMW: The i8 Spyder Plug-In Hybrid is a concept car with design elements similar to the model featured in "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol." BMW also is set to make an "undisclosed world debut" and take the wraps off its X1 Limited Edition.

Chevrolet Spark EV
: The all-electric version of Chevy's Spark runabout, which looks like something you could pick up and hug after parking near your friend's loft apartment in a congested urban area.

Fiat: Add E and L to the end of 500 and you get the tiny Fiat in an all-electric version (500e) and another with five doors (500L). 

Ford: Updates for the compact Fiesta and extremely useful Transit Connect.

Jaguar: The automaker that blessed the automotive world decades and a few parent companies ago with the incomparable E-Type adds the highly anticipated F-Type roadster to its lineup.

Mercedes-Benz: The GL 63 AMG high-performance SUV, SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG Black Series -- the striking SLS on a high-carbon fiber diet -- all make debuts.

MINI: The Paceman, which borrows styling from the MINI coupe, offers more room and versatility. The Clubvan is MINI's take on the delivery van.

Nissan: Concept cars often point toward designs to come. The Hi-Cross provides an idea of where Nissan is headed in the crossover market.

Porsche: The 2013 911 Carrera will make its North American debut. A second Porsche, described as a "compact sports car," will make its world debut.

Editor's Note: Bentley, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Subaru, and VW also will present debut vehicles at the LA Auto Show, scheduled for Nov. 30 through Dec. 9 at the LA Convention Center. 

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