---
title: "5 Things You Have to Do at the Los Angeles Auto Show"
description: "Besides sit in all the cars, of course."
date: "2017-12-01"
modified: "2017-12-01"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Constantine"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-constantine"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/16582/5-things-you-have-to-do-at-the-los-angeles-auto-show"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "LA Auto Show"
  - "los angeles"
  - "The Grand Tour"
---

# 5 Things You Have to Do at the Los Angeles Auto Show

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/11/20171129_095448.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The [Los Angeles Auto Show](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/16439/2017-los-angeles-auto-show-preview-expect-a-giant-suv-traffic-jam>) is a great place for casual buyers and car enthusiasts of all ages to witness some of their dream cars and potential purchases. The general rule is: If a car isn't behind a barrier and is unlocked, you can sit in it. Those that are locked are usually high-performance and custom cars, but they're still fun to look at. Included in that group are new and crazy vehicles like the [Mercedes-AMG Project ONE](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/14246/1000-horsepower-mercedes-amg-project-one-hypercar-unveiled>) and [Acura NSX GT3](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/12953/the-acura-nsx-gt3-is-now-on-sale-for-543000>) on display. While these are the main draws of the LAAS, there are plenty of other car-related activities available. Here are our favorites.

### Iron Schöckl presented by Mercedes-Benz

![message-editor%2F1512089949150-20171130\_132945.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1512089949150-20171130_132945.jpg>)
**Chris Constantine**

Located outside on the breezeway, the Iron Schöckl or "Iron Shock" activity demonstrates the [Mercedes-Benz G550's](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/8419/mercedes-g550-earns-our-21-gun-salute>) impressive all-terrain capabilities. With 416-horsepower, 4-wheel-drive, and three independent locking differentials, the G550 can navigate through, around, and over all sorts of obstacles with ease, as demonstrated [here](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2rGSAO36kg>). Passengers ride along as a trained Mercedes driver takes them up and over MB Mountain, planting the car on 45-degree slopes on both the ascent and descent. It feels like a slow rollercoaster–– but it's still thrilling.

### Dodge Demon Drag Racing

![message-editor%2F1512090008560-20171130\_130137.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1512090008560-20171130_130137.jpg>)
**Chris Constantine**

While most of us won't ever be get behind the wheel of the [Dodge Demon](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/15990/dodge-demon-deliveries-begin>) on a real drag strip, the LAAS offers a nice (and safe) compromise. In the back of Dodge's exhibit lies a pair of Demons hooked up to a racing simulator. Launching the Demon in-game is a little different than the real thing, but the cars will simulate a quarter-mile in Dodge's drag-monster pretty well. It's good fun and pretty challenging to control the car, although we wish it gave better and more violent feedback: We want to *feel* what zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.1 seconds is like!

### The Garage

![message-editor%2F1512090034207-20171129\_131703.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1512090034207-20171129_131703.jpg>)
**Chris Constantine**

The Garage is a highly-recommended exhibit for enthusiasts. It's located downstairs and is often overlooked by show-goers, making it far less crowded than the main floors. Previously called the Aftermarket Hall, it's basically LA's version of [SEMA](<https://www.thedrive.com/watch-this/16356/take-a-look-at-what-it-is-like-to-have-a-car-featured-at-sema>), with plenty of aftermarket vendors showing off stanced Ferraris, lifted trucks, and SMART cars with Lamborghini doors. There are also two huge [Hot Wheels](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/3175/hot-wheels-pays-tribute-to-japans-dekotora-truck-culture>) vendors offering new and rare models for die-hard die-cast enthusiasts.

### Porsche Hall

![message-editor%2F1512090060531-20171130\_124602.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1512090060531-20171130_124602.jpg>)
**Chris Constantine**

Okay, this seems like a big showroom, but the Porsche Hall is so much more than that. You can see the Nurburgring-conquering [911 GT2 RS](<https://www.thedrive.com/watch-this/15630/enjoy-this-hypnotic-porsche-911-gt2-rs-drawing-video>), 680-horsepower [Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/14640/porsche-panamera-turbo-s-e-hybrid-sport-turismo-is-a-680-hp-family-hauler>), just-announced [911 Carrera T](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/15380/the-2018-porsche-911-carrera-t-is-a-lightweight-911-made-for-purists>), and [718 GTS](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/15230/porsche-announces-718-boxster-and-cayman-gts-models-with-365-hp>) twins in person for starters. At the press preview, the Porsche room also featured a full bar, accessory store, Cayenne handling demonstration, and touchscreen TV that lets you experience every new [Porsche's exhaust note](<https://www.thedrive.com/porsche/9812/nice-pipes-ride-onboard-this-718-cayman-s>).

### Free beer at the Grand Tour Mayhem Hall Pub

![message-editor%2F1512090240984-20171130\_123710.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1512090240984-20171130_123710.jpg>)
**Chris Constantine**

[Amazon's favorite trio](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/16465/watch-the-grand-tour-hosts-attempt-to-be-more-american>) is back this year at the Auto Show, this time with their own pub. The pop-up pub located near the Porsche Hall, served free scones, tea, and beer as long as you post lots of selfies with the cut-outs of Clarkson, May, and Hammond on social media.

The LA Auto Show is open to the public from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10 and is a must-visit for anyone in the area interested in automotive tech, with more than 1,000 vehicles on display.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/GT_ISO>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/GT_ISO>)