LA Auto Show: Foose and BMW

 We were surprised to come across a custom creation by Chip Foose. He is my all-time favorite customizer, and we watch his show 'Overhaulin'' all the time. He is an amazing artist who does sketches that are out of this world. And his ability to translate those sketches into actual creations, well that make him unique indeed.

 Top that off with a people-oriented personality and that is why I am firmly in the Foose Fan Club category (if there is such a thing). This rod is a fine example of his handiwork. It appears to be purely custom and not based on any production vehicle. Great taillights, too.

 It is just lovely. Every line, every detail, every angle, obviously thought out and stressed over

 Probably my favorite angle on this car is the 3/4 rear angle. Delicious.

 And here is a sneak peek at the engine. I bet it is very loud in the cabin with that monster running! This is obviously more show car than street car, as I see no way for that engine to breath other than sucking air from the passenger compartment. Not a good thing, lol.

 I have no idea why I decided to throw the next gen BMW 6 series concept in with this post, but I did. This is another car with delicious lines, and I'm betting the production version out next year looks just like this. It looks production ready.

 The lines are pure luxury sport, which is a combination I am very attracted to and always have been. I could easily see this car being my daily driver.

The new signature BMW taillights are awesome, in my little opinion. Great job, BMW.

LA Auto Show: GM

 Now here is a car we were very anxious to see at the auto show: the Chevy Volt which should be hitting dealer lots any day now. I loved the original concept car, was a bit let down when I saw photos of the production version, but in person it is awesome! A very aggressive stance, very nice lines for it's size class.

 There were tons of people wanting to sit in it, and they each spent po-lenty of time in those seats so we didn't even try to sit up front. But I did get to sit in the back, and loved the interior. Dashboard is light years ahead of the Prius, very Apple-like. Can't wait to start seing them on the road. Luckily, SoCal is one of their first areas for introduction so I should be seeing them soon. Congrats, Chevy!

 Between the buildings, we noticed that GM had a gaggle of vehicles that could be taken for a test drive. Great idea, kind of an extension of the "Auto Show In Motion" concept they used to have.

 Someone taking the new Camaro for a spin. Love the Camaro, hate the stripes.

 I was going to bypass this GMC concept (called Granite), but David was drooling over it so we went over to take a look.

 Here he is drooling. He seems to like little box-on-box rockets, witness his attraction to GTIs. I can understand it I guess...lots of power in a little package = lots of fun!

 The interior. Silver-gray and brown is not my favorite combo. And the obligatory suicide doors that every concept must have, apparently.

 Now here is a concept I did love, from Cadillac. Probably will never see production, and that's too bad because it is lovely.

 I wish all cars had doors like this. No more door-dings inthe parking lots.

 Notice the little window slivers in the A-pillars. Very nice touch that would no doubt never make production.

 David and Ron discussing the concept model with an actual model.

David and Ron discussing the actual model in front of the concept model. Just joking.

LA Auto Show: Toyota

 Those of you who know me know that I have only one car company I truly dislike, and that is Toyota. Even before the recent scandals, I have felt they have been less than honest with the public for a couple of decades now. And it accelerated in the last 10 years. But I thought I'd give a quick tour of some of their stuff at the auto show, since they do do a few things right. Hey, nothing is pure evil. They are very good at reaching out to young drivers, as this Scion display shows.

 And though the press hates it, I kind of like the Venza. At least from a styling perspective, maybe I'd hate it too if I drove it.

 It looks especially good in this blue. Press is unhappy because they say Toyota cut many corners and it feels cheap. I never get close enough to one to tell.

 A view of the Scion display. They had loud hip-hop playing and dancers sprinkled about. Yes, they know how to attract youth. Including those with weird footwear.

Over at the Lexus display, Toyota was trying to shake the "old persons" label that Lexus is quickly getting. They had this lowered LS400. It looked very picturesque and with the photo being taken while her daughter ran, I thought my photo came out pretty nicely. So here it is.

LA Auto Show: Rolls-Royce and it's European Friends

 Lotus cars have always intrigued me, though never enough to buy one. And this one, with these wheels and in this color, is probably the best looking Lotus ever. I bet it is a blast to drive.

 Aston Martins are something else I lust after, though the models on display were not their best examples. Silver with red interior just doesn't cut it for me, sorry.

A nice Bently Continental GT convertible. Black with red, much better. But still not optimal.

 And then there was Rolls-Royce. I have always had a huge fondness of Rolls, and it has been painful watching them approach a near-death posture the last couple of decades. But then they were bought by BMW and has been blossoming very, very nicely. Thank you, BMW! You have been spot-on in all you've done for Rolls.

 With the exception of the grille. More on that later. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is very nice, and a great size too.

 I especially like this shot, with the model holding her hand to her chin in an upscale way, and the svelte arm of the bystander on the right. They really frame the Ghost very well. I would think there would be a better color for this car, but what do I know.

 And this Phantom demonstrates the beef I have with the grilled. The top (just above the slats) has more of a brushed look, not the high polish that Rolls grilles traditionally have. BMW has integrated the entire grille into the body more (I'm for that), changed the slats/fins to be more modern (I'm for that), but I think they should keep the high polish top piece since that really says "quality" and "workmanship" to me and countless others. Just a suggestion, Rolls/BMW.

 Love the details here, just right for Rolls. The door handle at the front is an awesome detail, especially it's long narrow shape. The small side windows ahead of the door, again just a superb unusual detail. And the wood trim around the convertible boot - spectacular. These all evoke memories of the hallowed wooden Chris-Craft boats of yore.

 The beautiful rumps on these cars. We weren't allowed to sit in them, but I understand. It is doubtful any commoner will make their way up the food chain enough to buy one anyway. But you CAN buy a 1970s Rolls convertible now for about $20K. That is very tempting...

One more shot of the Rolls-Royce Chris-Craft (heh) Phantom Convertible.

LA Auto Show: Jaguar

 Here is the new Jag show car, powered by electric motors and gettings tons of press right now. For good reason. This gets my vote for best concept car of show. I just love it.

Especially from this angle, it is a real looker. Love the wheels, the back window, the taillights. And the green stripe in the tires, what a detail!

 Almost the same angle, but another shot that I just love. The comments from those standing around this were superb. Everyone was drooling.

 If there is a weak angle to this design, this is it. The headlights and side openings are more angular, seemingly incongruous with the soft gentle sexy curves of the rest of the body. It leaves me scratching my head a bit.

 But all is forgiven when the car is turned just a bit more so that those magnificent curves again overwhelm the senses. Thank you Jaguar for all this eye candy.

 Okay, just one more shot of that gorgeous rear. Baby got back.

 And now, here is the top contender for Our Next Car. Yes, we've talked about this car for over a year now, and as far as I can tell it is still top contender. This is the interior of the Jaguar XF. It is a 4-door, which everyone around me has been impressing upon me as a requirement next time around (we currently have no 4-door cars, and only one car with a back seat - a Mustang!).

This XF was metallic black which, as I stated before, is a favorite color of mine. I really like the styling. This car is supposed to get revised headlights (more like the Jag XJ) and LED taillights next year. You can bet I'll be watching.

LA Auto Show: Saab and Audi

 Here is a car that has been a contender for Our Next Car: the new Saab 9-5. The photos of it have looked very nice, it is the right size, and it has four doors. This is my first time seeing it in person...so far so good.

 But when I sat in the car, it didn't feel quite, well, quite 'me'. It still had a few of the Saab quirks (see the air vents?) that appeal to Saabofites, but really don't resonate with me too well.

 Is it crossed off the list? Well, no. But it probably got dropped down a few notches based on this experience. And having Saab as an independent car company with an unclear future sure doesn't help matters much.

 Now here is a car I have really liked lately: the Audi S5 coupe. There is a new silver one in my parking lot at work, and it looks gorgeous. But as gorgeous as it looks, it looks even better in red!

 In side view, there is not a bad line or angle on this car, from end-to-end. It is one magnificent couple.

 In rear view, it looks good too. I wouldn't call it a standout look, but it is appealing. Especially in red.

 Where I've always had issues with Audi is the front end. To me, it is just plain ugly. And those silly LED swoops they've been adding don't help matters much, in my book. They are like BMW in that they've developed a front end trademark look and they stick with it come hell or high water. Come, guys...adapt to the car! Go with the flow! Quit being so anal!

Interior is not bad, but not a oh wow either. The cluster in front of the driver either looks sad-eyed, or racoon-eyed, I can't decide which.