Last week marked the end of the 2015 LA Auto Show, and this year was one of the biggest in the event’s history.
Over the past few years, the LA Auto Show has had a strong focus on green cars, with automakers from around the globe mainly placing new fuel-efficient models on display. This year, however, visitors got to see quite a few performance cars, crossovers, and sleek new concepts unveiled by the top car companies in the industry.
Car enthusiasts know that auto shows basically provide a glimpse of new cars and concepts that will soon hit the markets. If you plan to enroll in automotive courses, or you’ve recently started your program, read on for a few highlights from this year’s LA Auto Show.
The VW Beetle Dune Might Trigger Nostalgia with Automotive School Grads
The Beetle Dune has been long-anticipated, but will finally go on sale in early 2016. Both the convertible and coupe versions of the car pay tribute to the Baja Bugs of the 1970’s, and will be different from Volkswagen’s traditional Beetle in a few ways.
Compared to the standard Beetle, the Dune model has new body panels that give it a more rugged look. The Dune is also slightly wider—and students enrolled in automotive school know this gives it the ability to hug turns more aggressively. Most of the major changes, however, are in the car’s appearance and wide stance. It features the Beetle’s base powertrain of a 1.8 TSI four-cylinder capable of 170 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Watch this video for a closer look at the all-new VW Beetle Dune:
2017 Lincoln MKZ: Automotive School Grads Will Welcome its Advanced Tech
The 2017 version of Lincoln’s MKZ shows the automaker’s ability to continuously produce top-of-the-line American luxury as well as modern auto technology. It has a new adaptive cruise control system that provides driver assistance in stop-and-go traffic. This can also hold the sedan in place without drivers having to use the brake pedal. In addition, a pre-collision assist feature automatically activates the brakes to avoid accidents.
Lincoln has made some pretty impressive changes under the hood. The all-wheel-drive MKZ is available with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that produces 400 horsepower. 350hp front-wheel drive and 2.0-litre hybrid models will also be available when the new MKZ hits dealerships next spring.
Get a first look at the 2017 Lincoln MKZ here:
Fiat 124 Spider: This Year’s Automotive Industry Showstopper
A lot of heads turned at the LA Auto Show when Fiat rolled out its all-new 124 Spider roadster. Students in automotive industry training are likely familiar with the Mazda MX-5 on which this car is based, and will probably be impressed with the additions that Fiat made.
Rather than the standard 2.0-litre engine featured in the MX-5, Fiat went with a 1.4-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder that has a beefy 184 lb-ft of torque and can put out 160hp. As far as looks go, there were mixed reviews from several auto experts in attendance on Fiat’s overhauled MX-5. However, there’s no denying that the 124 Spider is a good looking ride that flaunts the Italian brand’s unique style and architecture.
See the all-new 124 Spider Here:
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