LA Auto Show Visit

I like to go to the LA Auto Show every year and get an up close look at the new cars that will be coming out in the near future. This year the impact the economic downturn has had on the auto industry was very apparent. Right when I walked in I was greeted by a large open space where the Ferrari booth is normally set up. This set the tone for the show as Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Maserati were also missing from this year's show.

A newcomer for this year's show was Fisker Automotive showing off their impressive hybrids. Both cars were very well designed with slight references to Maserati design cues.

The biggest debut at the show was Mercedes new SLS Gullwing that has been rumored for quite some time. This car easily had the biggest crowd at the show with everyone trying to catch a glimse of the first car designed and built from the ground up by Mercedes performance division AMG.

The LFA, Lexus' first supercar which has a rumored price tag upwards of $400,000 had suprisingly few people checking it out.

Audi had a nice looking electric car on display. Called the E-Tron this vehicle would surely be an attention getter on the streets with its wire wheels and very chrome accents.

All in all the show felt a little less exciting this year. I really hope the economy picks back up and we get the joy of seeing the luxury brands like Ferrai who decided not to come out to LA this year.