Currently reading: LA motor show 2014 preview
A range-topping Audi concept, two high-performance BMW SUVs and a more powerful Porsche 911 Carrera – here's our round-up of what to expect in Los Angeles

The LA motor show takes place next week, and Autocar will be there to bring you all the latest news, pictures and gossip from this important US event.

The show opens its doors to media on 19 November and runs through until end of the month at the Los Angeles Convention Centre.

As one of several US motor shows, Los Angeles has risen in prominence in recent years thanks to a series of high-profile car launches, with highlights from last year's event including the reveal of the Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Type coupé and Mk3 Mini.

Here's what to expect at the LA motor show 2014.

Acura ILX compact saloon - Acura will be showing off an updated version of its ILX saloon, which will come with a "potent new powertrain, more forceful, sporty exterior styling and substantially upgraded interior styling." The sister car to the TLX, which was unveiled in production form in New York earlier this year, the latest ILX is promised to bring "a sharper performance focus" to the brand.

Audi A9 – A few darkened preview images are all we've seen of Audi's range-topping concept car thus far, but it's expected the firm will use the LA show to reveal its future design direction in the form of the high-tech A9. Scheduled to launch in 2017, the A9 looks set to take on a swooping, four-door shape. Audi also has two other vehicle debuts planned for LA.

Audi R8 Competition - This race-inspired version of the R8 comes with the claim of being the "fastest R8 ever offered". Audi says it can reach 60mph in 3.2sec and can accelerate on to a top speed of 199mph. Taking inspiration from Audi's R8 LMS race car, the R8 Competition features new aerodynamic bodywork upgrade and a large, fixed rear spoiler.

BMW X5 M and X6 M - The second-generation versions of BMW's X5 M and X6 M will arrive in the UK in April next year, priced from £90,179 and £93,070 respectively. The pair both receive the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, which provides both cars with 564bhp and 553lb ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed unit of the first generation models, while both cars also get new, more aggressive bodywork.

Cadillac ATS-V coupé - Aiming to take on the likes of BMW's M4, the Cadillac ATS-V coupé has already been spotted completely undisguised in spy pictures. Power is expected to come from a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, while the model also sports more aggressive front and rear bumpers.

Chrysler 300C  – Chrysler has announced plans to launch "thoroughly refreshed" versions of its 300 and 300C models in LA, with both models arriving in US showrooms in the first quarter of next year. Details on the updated models are limited, but spy photos have shown mild styling tweaks to the car's bumpers, grille and interior.

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Fisker Rocket - Former Aston Martin design chief Henrik Fisker - who founded the Fisker Automotive brand - has promised to unveil "the ultimate American muscle car" in LA, and has teamed up with US-based Galpin Auto Sports. The new model, christened Rocket, features exaggerated styling that mixes muscle car and sports coupé lines.

Ford Explorer and Mustang - So far, the Blue Oval has only confirmed it will be showing two new models in LA; one will be a new version of the Explorer SUV and the other is a hot version of the recently launched Mustang. Back in February we spotted a hot-looking Mustang in testing. That model, dubbed the GT350, could come with more than 420bhp and be powered by the range-topping 5.0-litre V8 from the standard car.

Jaguar F-type AWD – Already spotted testing in spy pictures, Jaguar confirmed the existence of an AWD F-type when it confirmed its partnership with the Bloodhound SSC land speed record team. The car, which is capable of sprinting to 60mph in 3.9sec in top-end R coupé form, took part in a high-speed communications test with the Bloodhound team in South Africa.

Lexus LF-C2 - So far Lexus has only released a single image of its open-top concept, but it's hard to deny the similarity in shape to the RC coupé which made its debut in Tokyo last year. It's highly likely, then, that the LF-C2 previews a convertible version of the RC. Expect a hardcore RC-F version to follow, too.

Mazda CX-5 facelift – We've spotted late-stage prototype versions of Mazda's updated crossover testing ahead of a likely debut in LA. Expect subtle styling changes, particularly around the front grille and bumper, while the current model's engine line-up is expected to carry over unchanged. Inside, the updated CX-5 should come with a new free-standing infotainment system similar to that used on the 3 hatchback.

Mazda 6 facelift - The Japanese manufacturer will unveil a facelifted version of its Ford Mondeo rival. Like the CX-5, expect light styling changes and economy and emissions improvements to the 6's range of engines.

Mazda CX-3 - Mazda has already confirmed that its new CX-3 compact crossover will reach the UK around next April. Set to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, the CX-3 gets Mazda's 'Kodo - Soul of Motion' design language and will be powered by the firm's Skyactiv engine range.

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Mercedes-Benz S600 Maybach – Following months of speculation Mercedes-Benz has finally confirmed it will be bringing the Maybach name back on a range-topping S-class, dubbed the Mercedes-Maybach S600. A series of subtle exterior details will mark out the Maybach from the rest of the model range, while a newly designed interior with electrically adjustable rear seats features. Power comes from a revised version of Mercedes' twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine. 

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS – Joining the Boxster and Cayman GTS variants launched earlier this summer, the new range-topping Carrera GTS features an updated version of the Carrera S's 3.8-litre flat six engine, which produces 424bhp. Standard equipment includes Porsche's Chrono package and the company's PASM suspension management system. Official figures point towards a 0-62mph time of 4.0 seconds, and a top speed of 190mph.

Porsche Cayenne GTS - Sitting alongside the 911 Carrera GTS in LA will be the revised Cayenne GTS. Power comes from a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 434bhp, while Porsche's Active Suspension Management system has been tweaked to give a sportier ride. Also expect Porsche's new entry-level Cayenne to be on show.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive Exclusive - Just 100 units of the luxurious long-wheelbase Panamera Turbo S Executive Exclusive will go on sale. The model comes with new paintwork, alloy wheels and bespoke bodywork. Inside, new leather seats feature alongside extra cabin trim and new infotainment systems for rear seat passengers.

Toyota FC-V interior - So far we've only seen the dramatic exterior styling of Toyota's hydrogen-powered FC-V, which will go on sale in the UK in very limited numbers next year. Now Toyota is ready to show the car's interior, and if the car's futuristic powertrain and exterior looks are anything to go by, we can expect a similar treatment inside.

What are you looking forward to seeing in LA? Let us know below, and see more pictures in the gallery above. We'll update this preview as we move closer to the LA motor show, and you can read more LA motor show news here.

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Add a comment…
Marv 18 November 2014

1 day to go!!

I'm actually a little excited to see what the reveals will be tomorrow. Am I sad? Oh well, I love cars.
IAD 5 November 2014

Bring out your dead

Didn't realise Porsche made hearses as well
jonboy4969 4 November 2014

Maybach was undoubtably the

Maybach was undoubtably the biggest flop of the new millenium, they were the most hideous things around, so an extended S-Class is probably the best way for the name to be used.

Jag will have not only the F-Type but the XE in LA as well as LR's Discovery Sport, there will be loads of new metal, significantly more than mentioned above, looks like LA is the place to be for car launches, especially after the poor showing at Paris.