7 Weird Things I Saw At The LA Auto Show

A full-size Tie Fighter

The show’s West Hall was dominated by the bizarre and frankly awesome sight of a full-size Tie Fighter. Nissan had brought it along for the debut of its Star Wars/Rogue One-themed Rouge SUV. See what they did there?

Zelectric 911

Probably the most Californian thing we saw was the Zelectric stand. It was full of all sorts of hipster-friendly vehicles (classic 911s, VW Campers and the like) converted to electric power.

Using the same battery cells as Tesla, this 911 has the same power as it did when it was powered by an internal combustion engine, deployed over 100 or so guilt free-ish miles.

Sriracha Lexus IS

If you’re really into hot sauce, this one’s for you. Other than the paintwork being the colour of Sriracha chilli sauce and the boot being full of sauce bottles, there’s also perspex sections in the steering wheel filled with the stuff.

Because why not.

Really, really tall basketball people in a VW Atlas

While the main draw for us European journos at the VW press conference was the e-Golf, the company also showcased its enormo-SUV for the North American market, the Atlas. Brought in by basketball legends James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Obviously.

Why? Because they’re stupidly tall and still fit in the damn thing. Worthy is six foot nine inches, and Abdul-Jabbar a colossal seven foot two. If only CT video chief Alex had been around for a comparison pic…

Baron Margo's sculptures

Among all the lifted pickups and widebody monsters in ‘The Garage’ aftermarket part of the show, we came across the work of metal sculptor Baron Margo. This particular piece isn’t just a static display either - Baron Margo told us it actually runs and drives…

This thing

Complete with pink shagpile carpet and cushions. And an engine directly behind the driver’s head.

Yamaha drone crop duster

I want a go. Rather badly.