At the Los Angeles Auto Show, where big engines once ruled and horsepower was king, cushy seats and stereo gadgets now hog the spotlight, the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
In the heady days of sub-$2 gasoline, automakers used the annual show – which will open to the public Friday – to highlight their biggest, fastest and loudest machines. This year, with hybrids all the rage, carmakers have instead played up their creature comforts.
General Motors hung its Chevrolet Corvette from the ceiling of the Convention Center and instead talked up its Buick Enclave crossover. Ford brought a showy Mustang concept car but drew just as large a crowd to listen to fabric engineers for its new Escape.
Practicality was the word of the day.
