Gear -- 5 days ago
Words: Rory FH Smith
The people of Los Angeles are certainly no strangers to the limelight, especially considering a significant number of them earn – or at least try to earn – a very handsome wage from it. But as of November 21, it’s not the people that draw the crowds to the City of Angels, but the cars as the LA auto show opens its doors to the petrol head community. Here are the five cars you need to know about.
AUDI PROLOGUE
Dubbed by Audi design chief Marc Lichte as ‘much more than a concept car’ the Audi Prologue illustrates ‘a new era for Audi design,’ he said. With a wider track, lower cabin, longer wheelbase and fastback, the Prologue is intended to ‘create the sense of a car rushing forward,’ says Lichte who took the role of design chief in February 2014. Rumors circulating in LA suggest the Prologue is the forerunner to a flagship A9 model, but there’s still no official word on this from the German carmaker. Watch this space.
BENTLEY GRAND CONVERTIBLE
No prizes for guessing where the inspiration for Bentley’s new convertible land yacht came from but we’re guessing the heads at Rolls Royce may be feeling a little put out this week. The Bentley Grand Convertible, which is based on the already sizable Mulsanne, will be looking to sway buyers away from Rolls Royce’s long established Phantom Drophead Coupe. With Bentley boss Wolfgang Durheimer maintaining that the Grand Convertible was purely ‘developed to signify Bentley’s intentions for the future,’ the car’s production-ready looks suggest it will only be a matter of time before they’re seen cruising around the capital.
FORD SHELBY GT350
It certainly wouldn’t be the LA motor show without a large dose of pony power and Ford’s latest offering, the Shelby GT350, serves it up in spades. With a 5.2-litre V8 up front, the muscle car will produce north of 500bhp, although Ford is yet to disclose the finer performance details. Despite looking distinctly similar to the 2015 Ford Mustang, everything from the front windscreen forwards is new with an aluminum bonnet, aggressive lower lip spoiler and a – of course – the distinctive Shelby Cobra badge on the grille.
MERCEDES-MAYBACH S600
Thought Maybach died an untimely death? Think again, as Mercedes announced the return of the super-premium brand to carry the German automaker’s flagship S600 long-wheelbase limousine, based on the S-Class. Setting itself apart from the Mercedes range, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is 200mm longer, around £40,000 more than expensive and a whole lot more luxurious than the top of the range S-Class. Offering its occupants a leather-clad cabin to rival first class airlines, the Mercedes-Maybach also offers almost endless scope for personalisation. Prices are expected to start from £170,000.
VW GOLF R ESTATE
Falling just short of owning an Audi RS6? Fear not as VW has shoehorned a few more horses under the bonnet of its family-friendly work horse to make the Golf R Estate. With its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296bhp, the estate will reach 62mph in 5.1 seconds while boasting a boot big enough for 605 liters of luggage or a large Alsatian dog or two, to give it some perspective. Set to launch in spring 2015, expect the Golf R Estate to retail from £31,200.
