Exciting debuts on the world stage

Auto shows are a good indication of the health of the auto industry. The industry is looking quite optimistic then, given the slate of auto shows that are scheduled for the last quarter of 2013.

 

First up is the Specialty Equipment Market Association (Sema) show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sema is widely recognized as the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the international auto community. Sema welcomed over 60,000 visitors last year and featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced auto parts, tools and components. Sema is a show for the aftermarket, but the car manufacturers are looking at Sema as a showcase for the customization possibilities for their offerings, as well as a crystal ball for styling and vehicle trends.

 

The American Big Three automakers are making their presence felt in Sema. Ford is putting together a 47-vehicle display within a 2,500-square-meter display area. These will include the Mustang and Fiesta, among other models. The Vandemonium program will feature 10 Transit vans acting as a blank canvas for aftermarket tuners.

 

Chrysler is using its Mopar sub-brand to highlight several vehicles in Sema.

 

‘Transformer’ movies

 

Meanwhile, General Motors’ Chevrolet is powering into Sema with all the subtlety of the “Transformer” movies. The star of the Chevrolet booth will include such cars as the Sonic, and its recently introduced all-new Impala and Malibu sedans. The Sonic RS concept will feature engine performance, suspension/brake and styling upgrades developed by factory engineers and designed to be installed by Chevrolet dealers. Chevrolet says that this type of dealer fit-out maintains the vehicle warranty, unlike other aftermarket installations.

 

Another Sonic concept is the All-Activity Sonic, upgraded to 18-inch wheels, and fitted with rear wing spoiler, smoked lamp housings, ground effects package and a roof rack. A personalized Sonic concept will be fitted with Borla performance exhaust, lowered ride height suspension kit and 18-inch wheel package. The Spark EV will pack a powerful electric motor with instant torque, good for zero to 100 kilometers per hour  in 7.5 seconds. The Malibu LTZ concept will feature 19-inch wheels and Borla exhaust for a ‘throatier’ note to the 259-horsepower 2-liter turbocharged engine. The Cruze Diesel also gets some attention, with a ground effects package by 3dCarbon, its 1,147-kilometer driving range on a single tank of fuel intact.

 

Redesigned Civic Coupé

 

Honda will unveil its redesigned Civic Coupé at Sema, aiming to get some of its tuner mojo back. Honda rightfully cites the Civic as one of the vehicles that sparked the original “import tuner” movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Multiple variations on the tuner theme will be displayed at Sema.

 

Kia will feature five of its all-new Soul vehicles, each with a theme inspired by music.

 

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show will be next on the calendar in mid-November. The premier auto show in Malaysia is expected to feature some regional debuts as well as highlight some of the trends in that country’s automotive manufacturing scene.

 

The much-anticipated Tokyo Motor Show follows just days after, taking over the Big Sight convention center at Odaiba once again. Toyota is taking the wheel of this show, with chair Akio Toyoda playing host to the world’s motoring press for a pre-event dinner and gathering.

 

Mitsubishi has already teased a preview of a triplet of cars, including what is expected to be the successors of the ASX, Pajero and Grandis. Honda is set to unveil several new cars, including a near-production S660 sports car, likely a cheaper alternative to its S2000 convertible. Subaru has announced a Levorg sports tourer prototype for Tokyo, as well as a concept car called the Crossover 7, a new seven-seat SUV with “true off-road driving capability,” probably a successor to the Tribeca. The 570-HP Porsche Panamera will make its world debut at Tokyo.

 

Then a pair of American auto shows is next on the calendar. The Los Angeles auto show, in America’s biggest market for automobiles, will be the venue for several world debuts. BMW will launch its 4 Series convertible at the show, as well as offer some of the first test drives of its i3 electric car. The LA auto show will host more than 60 unique, historic and significant vehicles as part of its inaugural MPG Motoring Invitational.

 

We would be remiss not to include the biggest auto show in America, the North American International Auto Show, aka the Detroit auto show, which will actually be in January 2014. Detroit is to showcase dozens of worldwide vehicle introductions, in nearly all categories. More than 30 press conferences are scheduled for the two days of press previews.

 

With the full schedule of debuts for the last few months of 2013 and the first month of 2014, the auto industry seems to be in full motion for the very near future.