The 2012 LA Auto Show event set the stage for what was a glamorous introduction as a slew of all-new models hit market.
In total, 24 new world premieres will debut on spinning pedestals at the Los Angeles Auto Show. What's more, an additional 36 models will make their first North American premiere.
Which ones do we think are the best? Here are our top 5 cars from this year's LA show:
5. Ford Fiesta ST
In Europe, Ford hot hatchbacks are utterly sensational standard setting cars. Among the greats include the old Ford Escort Cossies, the original exciting Ford Focus RS, and now the current Ford Focus ST. At one point, Ford had decided against selling its successful European models in the North American market.
Now, we are finally lucky enough to experience these awesome sport compacts on our shores. First, the Focus ST hit our market earlier this year. Now, it's little brother Fiesta ST is making its debut as well.
Don't let the little brother fool you, it's still one potent chili pepper. The dynamic 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission. The power output of the Ford Fiesta ST is rated at 197-hp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque, nearly as much as the Golf GTI but at a much lighter package.
4. Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster
After 10 years of the Murcielago, the Lamborghini Aventador finally broke cover last year, proving that the "Raging Bull" is as angry as ever.
Named after one of the fiercest trophy-winning fighting bulls Spain has ever witnessed, the Aventador boasts a brutal 6.5 liter V12 powerplant that delivers 691-hp and 509 lb.-ft. of torque. Acceleration from 0-to-60 mph only takes 3 seconds and the Aventador will easily sustain its rapid launch to a top speed well over 200 miles an hour.
Now, Lamborghini has finally revealed its new Aventador Roadster at Los Angeles. Every bit as awesome as the hardtop, the roadster now features endless headroom, exposure to the elements, and an even more intimate relationship with that insane V12 engine right behind the driver's ears.
3. Jaguar XFR-S
From the Jaguar S-Type R to the XFR, the Jaguar sports sedan was never short on brawn but for some reason, it has always lurked in the shadows of the German colossi - BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and Audi RS6. Is there anything Jaguar can do tilt the playing field in its favor?
Enter the latest 2014 Jaguar XFR-S. The British automaker always carried itself with poise and understated sophistication but with the new S model, all that has been thrown out the window.
Let's begin with power. The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S pushes out 550-hp and 502 lb.-ft. of monstrous torque from its British supercharged V8 powerplant. 0-to-60 mph takes 4.4 seconds and unlike its German counterparts, no government speed limiter means its top speed is way over the pedestrian 155 mph.
However, it's the exterior stying that really sets the tone. British Racing Green gets replaced by an electric French Racing Blue. What's more, the biggest upright spoiler to ever sit on a Jaguar is squarely planted on the brawler's trunk. It's not a British sleeper at all - in fact it looks like an Aussie V8 supercar. Oi! Oi! Oi!
2. Porsche Cayman
Ever since Porsche introduced its Cayman, car enthusiasts have always accused the 911 for causing the Cayman to be less of a car than it could have been. Not anymore.
While the new Cayman is still priced a little lower and offers less power than the flagship, the new Cayman promises to be significantly more refined than the outgoing model. Once again, the Cayman will be fitted with a 2.7 liter flat-six in the standard model and a bored 3.4 liter for the Cayman S. Power output is rated at 275 and 325 respectively and the vehicles will be offered in both six-speed manual and automatic PDK.
Expect the 2014 Porsche Cayman to arrive in showrooms by Spring 2013. Prices will start at $52,600 for the standard model while the S will start at $63,800.
1. BMW i3 Coupe Concept
BMW reveals the latest iteration of its radical i3 Concept Coupe. A vehicle meant to revolutionize the state of city transportation, the BMW i3 boasts a compact platform that still manages to squeeze a sophisticated lithium ion battery array between the 101.2 inch wheelbase.
This latest version of the i3 Concept has gone progressively more conservative as we near BMW's final full production version. Available as the first all-electric car from BMW, the i3 design is certainly a bold leap for the Bavarian automaker. That said, the drivetrain isn't the most innovative thing about the i3. So, what is?
BMW's new line of i-cars will be built upon an all-new "LifeDrive" structure, a full Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) monocoque to protect the occupants. Carbon fiber architectures have been applied in supercars including everything from the classic Ferrari F40 to the new Lamborghini Aventador. However, a mass-production carbon fiber vehicle doesn't exist. With the new i3 city car, BMW hopes to change this as early as next year.
Prices have not been confirmed but we expect it to begin at approximately $50,000.
