Gallery: The 10 Coolest Cars at the LA Auto Show
Newspress USA01Saleen FourSixteen
Saleen is known more for supercars and hot-rodded Mustangs, but the FourSixteen, it's riff on the Tesla Model S, is cool too. It's got a locking differential and drivetrain upgrades that give it enough grunt to smoke the tires. There's less need for such a thing now that that Tesla's offered the super-duper Model S P85D, but the custom bodywork will set you apart.
Newspress USA02Toyota Mirai
The number here is 300: That's how many miles the hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Mirai will go without stopping to refuel. We won't recount the shortcomings of hydrogen, and instead say Toyota hopes this car does for fuel cells what the Prius did for hybrids.
Chris Carlson/AP03S600 Mercedes Maybach
Mercedes-Benz is once again reviving the Maybach name, which once was synonymous with the most luxurious automobiles. Mercedes has reworked the S600 and named it the Maybach 57 and 62. It's aimed squarely at the likes of Rolls, with a price to match---$350,000 or so.
Newspress USA04Cadillac ATS-V
This is the race-ready version of Cadillac’s smallest car, the ATS, which has gotten the gotten the V treatment that turns everything up three notches. A 455-horsepower V-6, 6-speed manual and beefed-up suspension make this one hell of a ride. Look for a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds, a top speed north of 185 and no enormous wing on the production version.
Newspress USA05Rick Dore Black Pearl
Putting aside any thoughts you have on Metallica or James Hetfield, you've gotta admit Het's custom is badass. The Black Pearl is old-school the work of custom car legends Marcel and Luc De Lay. This is the one we most wanted to drive home.
Newspress USA06Audi Prologue concept
The Audi Prologue is the manifesto of the brand’s new design head, Mark Lichte, formerly of Volkswagen. It indicates where the company is headed, aesthetically. Like other concepts we saw in LA, it has the thin headlights and replaces straight lines with curves. Audi says the lines seen here are locked into production.
Newspress USA07Fisker Rocket Concept
We loved the Fisker Karma, so we're glad to see Henrik Fisker is back. He and the guys at Galpin reskinned a Ford Mustang, then tweaked the engine to make 725 galleries. Two words: Yes, please.
Newspress USA08Jaguar F-Type AWD
We love the Jaguar F-Type, which seems happiest when it's sideways. Now Jaguar's given the brilliant coupe all-wheel-drive to help out drivers who might venture forth in rain or snow. The car’s default is to send all the power to the rear wheels, 100 percent of the torque sent to the rear axle, but it will divvy up power as needed. No less exciting: you'll be able to get it with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Newspress USA09infinitiQ80
The Infiniti Q80 Concept is one of the sexiest concepts we've seen in awhile, and it provides a glimpse of the styline of future models. It’s long and low, and rocks suicide doors. Those probably won't see production, but you can bet the 550-hp hybrid drivetrain will.
Newspress USA10Bentley Grand Convertible concept
This is LA, which means big honkin' luxury cars are always in style, especially if they've got a drop-top. The Bentley Grand Convertible concept is a riff on the flagship Mulsanne sedan, and we have to admit it's handsome. It's also quick, with a 530-horsepower V-8. There's no word on production, but it's a safe bet it'll be green-lit.
