2016 LA Auto Show: foam cars, electric vans, new colors

The 2016 LA Auto Show is emphasizing technology this year with its newly named segment, AutoMobility LA. The expanded format allows for more innovation exhibits — some logical advancements in the automotive landscape, other products and software hard to decipher.

In the latter category, consider the Spira4u Co. It debuted its three-wheel electric trike. It’s steered with a tiller and its exterior looks like a toy car covered in styrofoam.

The Spira4u can be driven with a car or motorcycle license in California, and a helmet is not required. The body is constructed of recyclable light foam, fiberglass and plastic. Top speed is 75 mph. The gas version is priced at $6,000 and the electric version is priced at $10,000.

Downtown Los Angeles is no stranger to oddities, but the Spira4u attracted its share of attention in test drives near the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Design and Developer Challenge is also part of the three-day, newly named AutoMobility LA. It replaces the previous Advanced Technology Showcase and Car Connected Expo and will be held through November 17 during the more than century-old show’s press and trade days.

The 2016 LA Auto Show will be open to the public, Nov. 18-27. As per the tradition of the show, several dozen vehicles will make either global or North American debuts.

Global debuting vehicles include Alfa Romeo’s SUV, the 2018 Chevy Equinox and the turbocharged Civic Si sports compact. North American debuts include Mercedes-AMG’s GT Roadster and Porsche’s second-generation Panamera.

Current automotive technology and innovation will comprise a large chunk of the show. But the spotlight will also be on new entry level sub-compacts to supercars and luxury SUVs to family sedans.

Here are the show’s public days hours:

Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m-6 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Ticket prices
General Admission Monday – Thursday Admission Ages 13 & up: $12
General Admission Any Day Admission Ages 13 & up: $15
Child Admission Ages 6-12: $5 (children 5 and under are free when accompanied by an adult)
Seniors Ages 65 & up: $10

For ticket information and additional details, call (310) 444-1850 or visit the website, www.laautoshow.com.