From Hypercars to Immersive Gaming Experiences, Here’s Why You Should Attend the LA Auto Show This Year
The Los Angeles Auto Show 2024 is more than just an automotive showcase—it’s a celebration of car culture, a tribute to innovation and an experience designed to captivate every sense. Taking place from November 22 to December 1, this year’s show promises to be bigger, more dynamic and more engaging than ever before. I had the privilege of attending the media preview on November 21, and let me tell you—the LA Auto Show has gone all out to make sure attendees are fully immersed in the magic of automotive wonder. From the sleek hypercars to the adrenaline-inducing simulators, it’s a playground for car lovers, gamers and everyone in between.
Stepping into an Automotive Wonderland
As I stepped into the South Hall of the LA Convention Center, I was immediately struck by the sight of beautifully lined-up cars that seemed to go on forever—a fleet of the latest models, from exotic hypercars to everyday electric vehicles. It wasn’t just the visual display that made it incredible, but the immersive setup itself. Alongside the cars, there were test drives happening, but not your typical kind. Imagine steering sticks, pedals, and the roar of engines—all in a simulated video game setting that looked as if it had come straight out of a racing movie. The Digital Overdrive SIM Racing and Esports activation was absolutely buzzing, with crowds cheering on as gamers raced virtually.
All Roads Stage: Where Car Culture Meets Storytelling
New for 2024, the All Roads Stage delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that brings diverse voices from across the automotive world to the forefront. Featuring influencers, builders, and trailblazers, this stage is where you want to be if you love the stories behind the cars. It includes people like Sasha Selipanov with his new NILU hypercar, the wildly customized Tesla Cybertruck from Unplugged Performance, and the charismatic MrCarSounds with his custom BMW E92 M3. The vibe on the All Roads Stage was electric. These are the movers and shakers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and seeing their projects live was like peeking behind the curtain of automotive magic.
The Garage Aftermarket: Lowriders, Classics, and Gearhead Heaven
Don’t miss The Garage Aftermarket in Kentia Hall—it’s an essential stop for those who love custom rides and vintage aesthetics. Walking through its 160,000 square feet of car heaven, I was blown away by the over 60 custom lowriders on display. This isn’t just a car exhibit—it’s a story of customization, identity, and passion. The South Bay Pop Ups Lowrider & Motorcycle Collective and Black Classics Car Club were just some of the highlights, showcasing chrome-drenched masterpieces and mind-blowing paint jobs. It’s the perfect place to bring your family, stroll through automotive history, and even snag some cool automotive collectibles.
Digital Overdrive: The SIM Racing Dream Come True
If you’ve got a soft spot for gaming, you’ll want to check out the Digital Overdrive SIM Racing and Esports zone. Partnering with Tryhard Consulting, LANFest, Zotac, and Thrustmaster, this activation is a haven for sim racers and gaming enthusiasts. You could try out the professional racing rigs, watch a Rocket League showdown between USC and UCLA, or even meet NASCAR driver Jesse Iwuji in person. The energy here was palpable—hands on the wheels, screens lighting up the arena, and a palpable sense of excitement that had people lined up to try their hand at racing glory.
OVRland Outpost: Where Adventure Meets Adrenaline
Overlanding fans, rejoice! The OVRland Outpost is back and more epic than ever. With 30 custom overlanding rigs in collaboration with OVR Magazine, this part of the show caters to adventurers ready to hit the trail. Whether it’s the rugged GMC Hummer, the latest Jeep, or Exodus Rigs that caught my eye, I could see why overlanding has skyrocketed in popularity. Southern California is perfect for this kind of adventure, and the LA Auto Show brings it all under one roof. You’ll leave ready to take on the world—or at least pack up your vehicle for a weekend out of town.
Micromobility: Compact Fun, Big Impact
If big SUVs and roaring engines aren’t your thing, then the Micromobility exhibits might just be the perfect fit. This year, Yamaha is displaying everything from e-bikes to ATVs, while Aventura-X showcases their first retro electric scooter with a removable battery—a sleek, modern take on compact, emission-free commuting. It’s a big adventure in a small package, and wandering through this section reminded me just how diverse the future of mobility really is.
Why You Should Attend
Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast, a tech lover, or just looking for a memorable family day out, the LA Auto Showhas something for everyone. The cars are, of course, the stars of the show—but it’s the extras that make this event truly shine. The immersive gaming experiences, the off-road exhibitions, the collection of customs and classics, and the conversations happening at the All Roads Stage are reasons enough to make a visit.
This year, the LA Auto Show doesn’t just exhibit cars—it celebrates the stories behind them, the people driving them, and the communities built around them. I walked out of the media preview buzzing with excitement and a renewed appreciation for car culture. I can’t wait for everyone else to experience this thrilling automotive adventure firsthand.
For more information and to grab your tickets, visit laautoshow.com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the experience that defines car culture in Los Angeles and beyond.
Dates: November 22-December 1
Address: 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of L.A. Auto Show
