By Steve & Tamami Laser
Welcome to part two of our 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show review, where we highlight new models and concepts from Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, and Kia.
Chevrolet
2023 Corvette Z06 Convertible
We were thrilled to get a close-up look at the 2023 Corvette Z06 Convertible during the Los Angeles Auto Show press days. With its enhanced performance, engineering, and design details, Chevrolet calls the new Z06, “The most capable Corvette ever produced.”
Our video offers a quick look at the exterior and interior of the new Corvette Z06, planned to go into production in summer 2022, in coupe and convertible models.
The Z06 is powered by a new LT6 5.5-liter DOHC naturally aspirated V8, with a flat-plane crankshaft, rated at 670 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque. Z06 gains specific suspension tuning, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, a 3.6-inch wider stance, unique front and rear fascias, and a reconfigurable rear spoiler. An available Z07 Performance Package adds even more goodies.
Ford
2022 F-150 Lightning®
The all-new F-150 Lightning® offers plenty of reasons to go electric. With a targeted 563 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque, there’s plenty of power on tap, from the standard dual in-board motors and 4×4. Available towing capacity is up to 10,000-pounds, when equipped with extended range batteries, and the Max Trailer Tow Package on XLT and Lariat.
Ford calls the F-150 Lightning the “Truck of the Future,” with its all-electric powertrain, an extra-large “frunk” up front, available Pro Power Onboard to power electrical devices away from home, and Intelligent Backup Power, that turns the truck into a power source at home. Availability is expected to begin in spring 2022.
We like the look of the sleek exterior, with its LED light bars in the front and rear. Inside, Lariat and Platinum models feature a 15.5-inch touchscreen and SYNC® 4A, with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and SYNC AppLink apps. A 12-inch digital instrument cluster features animated graphics and a customizable interface.
F-100 Eluminator EV Concept
Ford brought the F-100 Eluminator concept truck to the LA Auto Show following its debut at SEMA in Las Vegas. Based on a 1978 F-100, the all-electric pickup employs a 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition twin-electric-motor powertrain with a combined 480 hp and 634 lb.-ft. of torque.
Designed by Ford Performance, the truck was built with McCue & Lane Electric Racecars, riding on a custom chassis from the Roadster Shop. Ford Performance offers a new Eluminator e-crate motor for sale to builders planning to craft their own EV projects.
2021 Bronco™
Among the lineup of new Bronco models that Ford brought to the LA Auto Show this year is an Advanced 4×4 Badlands finished in Race Red.
Powered by a 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 teamed with a 10-speed SelectShift® automatic, it features Badlands Suspension, front and rear locking differentials, and Terrain Management System™ with G.O.A.T. Modes™.
We think the new Bronco is really good looking, with its heritage-inspired design that brings to mind the originals. This Bronco’s interior was fitted with a long list of high-tech goodies, including a 12-inch touchscreen navigation system, SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition, B&O® Sound, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging.
Jeep®
2022 Grand Wagoneer
The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates return for 2022, following a lengthy hiatus, as full-size SUVs. With body-on-frame construction, and generous proportions, these premium vehicles enable Jeep to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade, and Lincoln Navigator.
Grand Wagoneer has a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, Quadra-Drive II 4WD system with electronic limited-slip rear differential, Selec-Terrain traction management with five settings, Quadra-Lift air suspension with rear load-leveling, and available 22-inch alloy wheels.
We were impressed with the Grand Wagoneer’s luxurious cabin and high-tech features. There’s a 12-inch instrument cluster TFT display, Uconnect® 5 Navigation with 12.0-inch center display, 10.25-inch interactive display for the front passenger, and a McIntosh audio system with 19 or 23 speakers. The available Rear-Seat Entertainment Group includes 10.1-inch screens.
Kia
Concept EV9
With the new Concept EV9, Kia offers a preview of the design direction for a potential all-electric large SUV. Sporting a dynamic, angular exterior, the Concept EV9 wears a Digital Tiger Face, a star-cloud pattern grille, bold fenders, machined 22-inch wheels, and retractable roof rails.
We were impressed with the styling, and also liked the Concept EV9’s creative exhibit display, with animated, wave-like effects running behind and underneath the vehicle (see our video).
Kia reimagines the Concept EV9’s flexible interior with three modes: Active Mode is for driving, with all seats facing forward. Pause Mode can be used when the vehicle is stopped, offering a first-class lounge feeling with rotating seats and a fold-down table. Enjoy Mode allows passengers to enjoy the great outdoors, via an open tailgate, and third-row seats facing rearward.
2022 EV6
EV6 is the first model to go on sale in Kia’s new EV line. For 2022, EV6 is available in EX, EX+, GT-Line and First Edition models, with dual-motor, all-wheel-drive offered on the top trims. Equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery and RWD, EV6 has an EPA estimated all-electric range of 310 miles.
EV6 offers dual 12-inch displays, a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power source, Augmented Reality (AR) Head-Up Display (HUD), Meridian Premium Audio, and UVO link. A GT model, with 576 horsepower, is expected to join the range later in the model year.
Visit the following links for our additional 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show stories:
2021 Los Angeles Auto Show Review – 2023 Toyota bZ4X, Lexus LX F SPORT, Nissan Z, Ariya EV
2021 Los Angeles Auto Show Part 3 – Hyundai SEVEN, Range Rover, Subaru Solterra, Fisker Ocean
CarNichiWa.com thanks the Los Angeles Auto Show for providing us with a press pass to the media preview days
Note: Features, specifications, and launch timing for U.S. market production models in this story are subject to change without notice
Story, photos and videos © 2021 CarNichiWa.com