Photo by Jill Weinlein
For 117 years, the LA Auto Show is the premier international and domestic show for automakers to show off their vehicles to car enthusiasts. There is never any pressure for visitors to vehicle comparison shop. Auto fans can take test drives and car rides, learn about car culture, and see some incredible concept cars, luxury SUVs and sedans.
This year’s LA Auto Show was better than ever with an array of new luxury electric vehicles, such as the Drako Motors Dragon, an innovative concept car. Ready for production soon, this electric vehicle will have 2,000 horsepower, 0-60 mph acceleration in 1.9 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph. This latest technology will transform a driver’s entire experience. The large, power-operated gullwing doors are easy to enter the front and rear seats. Made with full carbon fiber structure, it saves 50 percent of the weight of the chassis compared to a traditional SUV and delivers twice the structural rigidity.
Drako Motors is taking fully refundable $500 reservations for this five passenger luxury SUV.
Paris Hilton’s Bentley. Photo Jill Weinlein
Paris Hilton’s 2004 Bentley Continental GT was at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Reportedly she purchased this Barbie Pink Bentley Continental GT for around $220,000, sometime in 2008-2009. The Hilton heiress and socialite has always had a soft spot for pink, but not just any pink. Her obsession is the perfect pink, so she commissioned West Coast Customs to enhance her Bentley in ‘Iced Pearl Pink’. The interior has custom designed Diamond Stitched & Crystal for the ultimate ‘That’s Hot’ ride through Beverly Hills.
Oscar de la Hoya’s truck. Photo by Jill Weinlein
Other West Coast Customs cars on display included Oscar de la Hoya’s Chevrolet. It was given to the boxer after he won his gold medal in the 1992 Olympics. With his likeness on the hood, this truck has 14-carat gold plated wheels, a 3000 watt sound system with 32 speakers.
Will.I.Am’s car. Photo Jill Weinlein
Car collector and Grammy Award Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am, commissioned West Coast Customs to build ‘The Monster.’ From the ground up, his 2015 exotic car was featured in #thatPower music video featuring Justin Bieber. There is nothing stock on this car, because there is no automative platform.
Chrysler’s HALCYCON concept car. Photo Jill Weinlein
FUTURISTIC CAR
The futuristic space age looking HALCYCON by Chrysler will have an 800-volt lithium-sulfur battery. This Chrysler Halcyon concept is a head turner. It will have the ability to charge at a rate of 40 miles per minute with fast charging technology.
Currently in development in Detroit, Michigan, this breakthrough charging technology replenishes vehicle energy directly from the road. Guided by predictive navigation, STLA AutoDrive Level 4 Autonomy will set the driver and passengers at ease. Chill Mode allows passengers to rest and relax by folding the wheel into the dash and providing both head and footrests.
The dimmable glass roof canopy and windows will automatically tint, and the full Augmented Reality Head-Up Display will appear and offer adaptive media suggestions for in-vehicle entertainment, based on driver preferences and viewing history.
2025 Corvette. Photo Jill Weinlein
2025 CORVETTE
Check out the 2025 Corvette ZRq 3LZ Coupe. This 1,064-horsepower twin turbocharged 5.5L DOHC V8 engine provides edge-to-edge aerodynamics and can handle the curves on any road both fast and strong. It’s a car that will empower you.
The 2025 Corvette Z06 3LZ Coupe and Convertible have a 670-horsepower 5.5L LT6 mid-engine V8 with a flat-place crankshaft and 8600 rpm redline. This 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is smooth in automatic with the control of a manual. Go 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.
EV Acura. Photo Jill Weinlein
NEW ACURA EV
Another head-turning EV is the Acura Performance concept that is set to go into production in 2025. This stylish SUV is a game changer for Acura. It’s the first EV model engineered on an all-new Honda-developed EV Platform, and the first model produced at the new Honda EV Hub in Ohio.
Monterey Motorsport Concourse. Photo Jill Weinlein
MONTEREY MOTORSPORTS CONCOURSE
The Monterey Motorsports Concourse brought over $20,000,000 worth of cars on display to the LA Car Show, enticing car fans to come to the 2025 Monterey Motorsports Festival on August 16. See over 500 cars on display at this family friendly event from 2 to 10 p.m.
Ampure. Photo Jill Weinlein
Ampure is a California-based pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology. This industry-leader offers a lineup of high-quality charging solutions to just plug in, unplug and go. The portable EV charger is easy to place in a trunk or frunk. Ampure’s commitment to drivers’ allows freedom and flexibility to embark on adventures without range anxiety.
Ampure’s “Where Will You Go?”
Ampure was the Official EV Charging Partner of the 2024 LA Auto Show and title sponsor of the event’s Electric Avenue Powered by Ampure. Their portable EV charging solutions connect to people’s lifestyles and hobbies. This campaign stands for EV freedom from mountain adventures, cruising the slopes, catching waves, action-packed desert rallies, and powering the most coveted family road trip.
The Ampure chargers available include:
Ampure Home Chargers; Ampure Go (Gen 2) – a premium dual-voltage (120V & 240V) portable electric vehicle charger designed to charge all types of EVs whether at home or on the go. Intelligent Grid Plug Assemblies allow for safe and reliable charging.
Level 2 EV Charger with SAE CouplerTurbo DX 2 – a safe, and easy-to-use Level 2 wall-mounted EV charging station. It’s perfect for all-battery electric EV drivers.
Turbo Connect is the next level of electrification with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity that meets the highest cybersecurity standards and stringent automotive quality, safety, and performance requirements.
