Celebrities, test drives, rare cars set for LA Auto Show

Celebrity interaction, more test-drive availability, increased mobility solutions, custom cars and a host of world vehicle debuts are set for the LA Auto Show.

The annual 10-day extravaganza of all things automotive will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. And there will be something for everyone, whether you’re an avid car enthusiast or a first-time visitor to the more than 100-year-old show.

Consider a few highlights:

* Amazon Gaming Lounge: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are bringing high-jinks and hot laps to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in The Grand Tour Game, an episodic racing game based on the hit Prime Original series, The Grand Tour. Created by Amazon Game Studios, The Grand Tour Game transports players to exotic locations, where they’ll drive the world’s most interesting cars, and participate in the show’s outrageous challenges.

* BYTON Test Ride: Premium smart electric vehicle brand BYTON will host free test rides on a closed course at the show. Attendees will be one of the first passengers to experience the M-Byte Concept SUV and its groundbreaking 49-inch Shared Experience Display, which goes into production at the end of 2019.

* Free Test Drives: For the first time, attendees will have the opportunity to test drive Alfa Romeo models at the show. Visitors will also be able to test drive brand new vehicles from brands including Acura, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.

* Slingshot Joyrides: Located in Pico Plaza, show-goers will be able to ride alongside a professional driver who will demonstrate the Slingshot’s fun driving capabilities by whirling around multiple tight corners within a custom-built, 18,000-square-foot course.

* Bullitt Mustang: The 1966 Mustang GT Fastback, famous for being driven by Steve McQueen in the classic film “Bullitt” and estimated to be worth of more than $4 million, will be featured in Ford’s display at the show located in West Hall.

* Galpin’s Hall of Customs: Galpin’s Hall of Customs will feature a variety of unique custom vehicles, including a Ford Raptor S from YouTube sensation Salomondrin, a 2019 Aston Martin DBS, and the Galpin Rocket Mustang to name a few.

* Lexus Customs: Lexus’ customized RC 350 F SPORT will make its grand entrance at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Friday, Nov. 30. Inspired by the transformative experience of road trips, Lexus creatives teamed up with several of the country’s top customizers in Miami, Atlanta, Austin and Las Vegas, to create a one-of-a-kind car. Lexus will showcase the vehicle’s cross-country journey and eight unique musically influenced customizations with a live performance at the show by celebrated DJ Henry Fong.

* Paramount Pictures’ BUMBLEBEE: A life-sized model of Transformers’ Bumblebee, the main character of the upcoming movie of the same name, will be on display during the LA Auto Show. Visitors will have an opportunity to see the Bumblebee statue, whose original form is that of a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, in anticipation of the movie’s release in theatres on Dec. 21. Bumblebee can be found at the Turo booth in the West Atrium.

*West Coast Customs: Making its inaugural appearance at the LA Auto Show, West Coast Customs will feature two custom concept cars created for Black Eyed Peas founder Wil.i.AM, a Jeep Wrangler customized “Miami-style” for baseball superstar AROD, a RestoMod Porsche 356, a Liberty Walk Ferrari and Post Malone’s Mercedes SLS with interior styling replicating the cover art of his recent double platinum album. Marking its 25-year anniversary, West Coast Customs will also announce West Coast Racers, the world’s first racing launch roller coaster, slated to debut at Six Flags Magic Mountain in 2019.

For additional information on the LA Auto Show or AutoMobility LA, please visit LAAutoShow.com and AutoMobilityLA.com.