2015 L.A. Auto Show: Cool Vehicles

Not surprisingly, the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show did not have much pickup truck news. However, given that California and the Southern California region are both top pickup truck markets, we saw quite a few midsize and full-size trucks in many of the automaker displays. Here are just a few of the interesting vehicle highlights from this year's show.

GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty Underbody Display

One of our favorite displays was in the GMC booth, lifting a fully loaded GMC Sierra 2500 Denali 12 feet in the air so we could walk underneath. Thankfully, GMC identified all the important parts for our benefit. Other highlights in the GMC booth included the new 2017 Canyon Denali and Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate trim packages.

2017 Ford Super Duty F-350 King Ranch

There's a lot of buzz about the 2017 all-aluminum-bodied Super Duty that goes on sale by the third quarter of 2016 along with the new F-150 Raptor. But this was our first look at a King Ranch version up close. Displayed with a nice Airstream — also with an aluminum outer shell — the F-350 single-rear-wheel Super Duty looks ready for adventure. We still don't have any detailed information about exactly how much lighter the new truck will be, but we do know it won't save as much weight as the 2015 F-150, mostly because the Super Duty gets a much stronger frame and axles.

2017 Ford Super Duty F-450 Damper

During a closer inspection of the 2017 Ford Super Duty F-450 on display along with a stripped chassis exhibit of the same model, we noticed an odd piece of technology boxed at the back end of the frame, just aft of the last trailer hitch cross-member. After poking around a bit, we were told it's a frame-mounted vibration damper only required on F-450 models because that is the only model to use 19.5-inch wheels and tires.

Kia Photo Safari Sedona

This was possibly our favorite vehicle of the show because of all the high-tech electronics and camera-mount equipment both inside and out. Sure, this is simply a converted minivan, but we love the fact that Kia tried to give it a small suspension lift for better adventure capability, and the bed cutout in back shows some real creativity and understanding of a truck mind-set. Maybe this wouldn't be a huge seller for Kia, but just think of the possibilities for factory accessory customization.

2017 Versus 2016 Super Duty Flares

There are plenty of differences between the current-generation Super Duty and the 2017 model set to go on sale later next year (late fall), but we couldn't help notice the pronounced difference in design styling between the old and new dual rear wheel fender flares. The rounded ones above are from the current dualie, while the ones below will be on the future pickup. Although the old model was often criticized for looking funny, it did provide the least amount of visual blockage for the driver when towing.

U.S. Specialty Vehicle Rhino GX

As the ultimate in safety and security, the U.S. Specialty Vehicle Rhino GX is a monster of an SUV. With a modified Super Duty frame and chassis (both shortened and reinforced), the custom, heavy-duty 10-lug axles are designed to hold up to the most punishing and brutal terrain. Powered by Ford's 6.8-liter 30-valve V-10 gas engine, the Stealth Black survival vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds and (depending on how many luxury options you order) weighs about 10,000 pounds. The Southern California builder offers two types of Rhinos, the larger GX (seen here) and the smaller (based off a Jeep Wrangler) Rhino XT.

Galpin 2016 Gulf F-150

Hiding in a hall dedicated to the Galpin Auto Sports design team of Southern California, this 2016 Ford F-150 pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the Ford victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (with the Ford GT). GAS created the 2016 Gulf F-150 4x4 to turn heads on the street as well tackle any mountain terrain thrown its way. The Gulf F-150 uses long-travel coils in front and Deaver re-arched springs in back along with triple bypass shocks and six-piston calipers to bring the monster to a stop. No word yet as to whether Ford is considering this for a future trim package option, but we think it's a good idea.

Cars.com photos by Mark Williams

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