2011 Los Angeles Auto Show preview

This week, the Los Angeles Auto Show kicks off with many new models and concept cars on display through Thanksgiving. Here are some of the things we are looking forward to at the show.

Wayne Cunningham Managing Editor / Roadshow

Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.

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Wayne Cunningham

Nov. 15, 2011 10:54 a.m. PT

2 min read

This week kicks off the Los Angeles Auto Show, where automakers show off their latest models and concepts in the city known for its car culture. CNET will be at the show during press preview days this week, getting a first-hand look. Here are some of the cars we are looking forward to seeing at the show:

MyFord Touch screen v.2 — Ford will show its updated MyFord Touch interface. Ford

Ford will unveil its much-needed update to the Escape, which competes in a market becoming saturated with small SUVs. Ford has not yet released photos of the updated car, but has given us a few enticing details. What we are most looking forward to seeing is the updated version of MyFord Touch, which gets a new graphical layout and performance tweaks.

Cadillac CUE — Cadillac's new CUE infotainment system uses gesture control. Cadillac

Cadillac will have onhand its new luxury roller, the XTS. And while we've been eagerly waiting for a new sedan from Cadillac that is not a CTS variant, what is more exciting in the XTS is Cadillac's new CUE infotainment system. CNET got an early look at the system, sans car, at CTIA, but now we get to see it in situ.

Subaru BRZ STI concept — The BRZ represents an exciting new model from Subaru and Scion. Subaru

The Subaru BRZ concept is high on our list of new, desirable cars. Jointly developed between Subaru and Toyota, it represents a departure for both companies. For Subaru, it's a new, sporty, rear-wheel-drive car. Toyota will sell it under the Scion brand, and it will probably be the first Scion model to exhibit true performance.

The Audi S7 is the sport variant of the A7. Audi

When we reviewed the Audi A7 earlier this year, we found a near-perfect tech car. That can only get better as Audi releases the S7, the performance variant. The cabin tech in this car is already fantastic, with such innovations as Google Earth navigation. The A7 also featured Quattro all-wheel drive and an efficient engine. The S7 should have even more power and better handling.

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We got a look at the new Porsche 911 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt earlier this year, but this car is worth a second look. With slightly different proportions from the current model, the new 911 represents a significant update. And Porsche fits it with a new seven-speed manual transmission.

There are many other cars, and we expect a few surprises, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which will be open to the public November 18 to 27.

Our coverage of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show runs through Friday of this week.