You know that feeling you had as a child waking up on Christmas morning? That’s how I feel when I go to press day at the L.A. Auto Show - giddy with excitement. And the presents come in all shapes and colors like the Nardo Grey Audi S8 Plus and an orange R8. Plus, there’s food, drink, and mingling with relatives (or in our case, media relatives) just like Christmas day. Yes, press day at the L.A. Auto Show is a feast for the automotive senses.

The first stop, of course, was the Audi booth, which is the first one you see as you step into the South Hall at the L.A. Convention Center. The new Q7 greeted us, but was occupied for quite awhile as men in suits played around with the technology. This next generation Q7 received many tech upgrades like the and , plus it shed about 430 pounds. It also features Audi’s new MMI and digital dashboard.





Many seem to like this new Q7, but I must admit that I’m not that wild as I used to be about it. What I once thought was a commanding force on the road has slightly stepped into van territory. There’s something about the exterior design that just screams ‘Soccer Mom/Dad Van’. No offense, soccer moms/dads.

Perhaps without explicitly saying so, that is where Audi is headed with their largest SUV - toward a van-oriented demographic. That’s because I believe that this beauty will be taking its place as the new dream SUV...



Audi’s e-tron concept is one of the “first steps into an electrified future” as the company has committed to achieve at least 25% of U.S. sales from electric vehicles by 2025.

The color is enough to stop you in your tracks. Unfortunately, I was told by the project manager in charge of design that this color is reserved just for auto shows. It costs too much to create it for the masses. Interestingly, if you're standing right in front of it, it looks blue. However, when I was looking at it from above in the Audi lounge, it took on a bluish-green look. We were only able to view the exterior because the interior is still in development, but I was told that by next year’s show they will reveal the beauty inside.

There seems to be mixed thoughts about the current design of this concept car. The rear is reminiscent of the concept car that was on display at last year’s show, but the grill on this model is more pronounced and has sharper lines. According to the project manager I talked to, based on feedback there will probably be a few minor changes before this model goes on the market, which will be a few more years.


Audi of America President, Scott Keogh, was in attendance at the show where he gave a press conference to a big crowd who were probably curious to hear what he had to say amidst "Dieselgate”.



The A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid (to be released later this year) also took center stage during press day, but didn’t get as much attention as the blue beast. The company is working on building a 150 kilowatt fast-charging network that will provide 80% charge in 30 minutes.


As much as I like to be the tree-hugging hippie who advocates for better fuel economy and green living, I’d still buy the Audi S8 Plus as it stands right now. This gift from car heaven was the show-stopper for me. As I stood there marveling at its stunning exterior, my heart was already palpitating and I could just feel the adrenaline rushing throughout my body. I can only imagine what it would feel to accelerate in this 9th wonder of the world with its 605 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The “regular” S8 gets 520 hp. And if you have $115,825 at your disposal, you can have one sitting in your garage right now.




The S8 Plus pictured here is equipped with the Dynamic Package that includes a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, sport exhaust system, and carbon-ceramic brakes.


The RS7 and R8 rounded out the triple power threat that was on exhibit this year at the L.A. Auto Show. As expected, the flashy orange R8 was constantly surrounded by cameras and crews making it a challenge to get a decent shot, but I did have a few stolen moments alone with it.





CES (International Consumer Electronics Show) and the Detroit Auto Show are next month, so it will be interesting to see what new announcements, if any, Audi will come out with.

View more photos from the L.A. Auto Show here...