2017 Hyundai Grandeur/Azera

It looks like we are not getting the new generation Azera in the US.
I guess Hyundai thinks one car (The redesigned Kia Costanza) is enough to represent the large sedan market.
Plus, they now have Genesis anyway, with its G80.
So why not.

This is a very nice looking car. It has a bit more curves than recent Hyundai designs. Which might be a trend. Showing us where they are going with the next Sonata?

The interior seems inspired by Toyota. I see a bit of the new Prius and HR-C in there.
Plus the version pictured above seems pretty serious. With its black and metal trim interior.

2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Finally, we get a real look at the "regular" model. 

And it's not bad. Sure, there isn't much inspiration in the design.

but compared to super boring stuff like the new Audi Q5, this looks like an exotic model.

We should be seeing quite a few of these...

2017 Ford Fiesta: First official pix

Looking really good!

Interior is a huge improvement. 

So far this looks like one of the nicest car in its class. 

More soon...

All new 2017 Ford Fiesta

I have been watching the launch event, and grabbed some of these. For you.

The new Fiesta, at least in Europe, will come in a super luxury version called Vignale.

(Like other Euro Fords) It is the white car .

The yellow one is an all new model called the Active.

Basically what VW is doing with pretty much all their models in Europe. 

A fake SUV look. In the case of the new Fiesta, I think it looks great.

There is also a 3 door. For Europe. And an ST Line version. Which is mostly the ST look without ST guts.

More very soon...

How about another Chinese EV brand: WM Motors.

 That's right. Not just another Chinese EV. But 3! And an all new brand!

These all look fine. Wagon/hatchback, Minivan and SUV body styles.
Very modern, but not too weird.

Still.

There has been a lot of Chinese EVs lately. Most of them are in financial trouble and might never see the light of day.
Like that Faraday they are supposed to be making in Nevada. Except they have now stopped the construction of the factory. And the local Governor is saying the Chinese billionaire behind the whole thing  is actually broke.
That same billionaire is  also financing that "other Chinese EV company" called LeEco. (isn't he broke?)

All these companies come with big claims and even bigger money. For a while.

This new one isn't trying to compete in the super expensive car business.
Their first model will be competing with the Tesla model 3. ( As well as the Bolt)
They will launch in 2018 and plan to sell 100 000 cars a year within 3 or 4 years.

I haven't seen any specs yet, but by 2018, it will be hard to sell something with less than 200 miles range on a charge.

Let's hope this works out.

All new Ford Fiesta

Looking good so far.
Even though the current Fiesta came out 8 years ago, I think it still looks really good. (Much better than the tortured looking new Honda Fit)

The grille on that new one does look a bit sad though...

The new Fiesta is being unveiled today in Europe, so stay tuned for much more info and pix!

Kia GT/K8?

 Whatever they call it, the all new RWD sedan will be quite a looker.
(Not as slick as the earlier concept bellow of course. )

Not sure how big this thing is. If they call it K8, it could be larger than the new Cadenza.

I personally think this should replace the large K9 in the US.
No one is buying it anyway. And it seems the new Genesis G90 is a better fit for the large soft sedan Hyundai is selling us.
Whatever they call it, it looks almost ready.
So we should see much more of it very soon.

All new VW Arteon

The all new Arteon will replace the old CC next year.

The CC was based on the previous Passat. And this one will be based on the current European model (Not the one we have here)

And, it will finally be a true hatchback!

The CC has been out for a very long time, and still looks quite nice.

I test drove one  couple of years ago and I must say I was disappointed.

The DSG/2.0 Liter Turbo combo was not the best around. With quite a bit of lag.

This new model will use better versions of the 2.0Like they have in recent VW models liter engine and more modern transmissions.

So things should improve quite a bit. 

The yellow car above is the concept version from last year.
Let's hope it stays close to it.
Especially inside. Where things looked great in the concept version.

VW does need a stylish sedan in its line up. 

2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

This gives us an idea of what the "regular' Stelvio model will look like.

Not the the crazy 500HP Quadrifoglio version we saw a few days ago.

The 2.0 Liter pictured above is the one that people will actually buy. Even if all car magazines will only want to test drive the Quadrifoglio.

And, of course the cheaper one looks nicer. 

Gone are the vulgar black wheels (although they might still be available as an option). And the front end is much simpler.

Otherwise, it is still really boring and completely uninspired...

Here is that super sport model.
The one only about 12 people will buy.

Friday night cars at Bob's Big Boy...

Just came back from good old Bob's Big Boy in Burbank.
A good friday night, with lots of really cool looking old cars.

Nice to see all these colors. From the days when cars were not all grey...

Los Angeles Auto Show video

Just like being there!

L.A Auto Show: 2017 Ford Ecosport

Ford is finally bringing the Ecosport to the US.
It is a revised version of the one that has been on sale for over 3 years around the world.
Which might be its main problem...

The new interior is fine. A bit more upscale than the new Toyota C-HR. But not nearly as nice as the Mazda CX-3. It is a bit convoluted and flashy, compared to the Mazda and the Honda HR-V.

I think this might be closer to the equally "not new" Chevrolet Trax. (Which also got a new front and and revised interior for 2017)

But since everyone and their brother has to be represented in this "tiny SUV" market these days, why not...

L.A Auto Show: Infiniti Q60 and Acura Precision sedan Concept

 Walking around the Los Angeles auto show. I noticed Acura had brought their concept from last year. (Which I really didn't like in pictures)
The new Infiniti Q60 coupe sits not too far from it.
And I just though they looked quite similar from behind.

Kind of...

 Besides that, I really took a good look at that Acura concept. And it does look a million times better in the flesh.

You can really see what they are going for. Which is mostly missing from pictures.

And it's too bad Acura insists on crafting the concept's front end on existing super boring designs.
It just doesn't work at all. But it looks really good on the concept.

They should just wait until they have a brand new, more modern looking sedan...

I mean just look at these headlights. I've never seen anything like it.
Isn't it nice when people try something new....

2017 Jeep Compass

Not sure if it was the wine at the "Cadillac Cafe". Or the beer at the "Genesis Event".
Or even the scotch at the "Toyota C-HR extravaganza". But I totally missed the all new Jeep Compass even though I was looking for it...

So here are a few official pictures. For the fans.