Article and photos by Brendan McAleer and Mark Stevenson

Los Angeles – In the basement below the glitterati of the Los Angeles auto show’s finest, I found an Audi wagon decked out with Duck Dynasty style camouflage. Yeesh. Looks like the city isn’t the only thing that has an unsightly underbelly.

Still, as car shows go, this year’s LA Auto Show was a pretty good one. The wraps came off a rebirth of the Maybach brand. The Shelby GT350’s flat-plane-crank V8 rumbled into life. The Mazda CX-3 proved it’s possible to make a good-looking compact crossover. The ATS-V coupe and sedan promised to take the on-track battle right to the European competition. The Jaguar F-type got a stick-shift, and available all-wheel-drive. Kia handed out free beer.

It was a wonderful, tumultuous show filled with far too many people taking pictures with iPads. Here are our picks of the highlights and dim bulbs from the shining City of Angels.

Brendan’s Picks

Best in Show – Mustang Shelby GT350

I’m sure there’ll be pushback from anyone wearing a bowtie t-shirt on this one, but for me, the Shelby GT350 was the belle of the automotive ball. Apart from the new MX-5, and we’ve seen that out and about all ready, no other car was as temping. I absolutely can’t wait to drive this thing, even though I had to go look up what a flat plane crank does (Cole’s notes version: louder, revvier, faster, better).

The best part about this replacement for the Boss 302 is that it should be relatively affordable. Ford brought along one of the original 1965 Shelbys as tribute, and you’d have to think ol’ Carroll would be proud to see his name on the back of this bellowing beast. Let’s lay some stripes.

2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Concept, Volvo T8 Twindrive. Click image to enlarge

Best Concept – Chaparral CX2

The Audi Prologue concept was beautiful. The Toyota i-Road concept was a unique vision of future mobility. The Bentley Grand Convertible was a thinly-disguised hint at a future Mulsanne-based drop-top. And over at Chevy, well, they had a laser-powered racecar. Frickin’. Lasers.

Talk about ill-tempered, the laser-turbine flight of fancy Chaparral CX2 was easily the wildest thing on any display. Bound for the virtual world only, it was nonetheless a knife-edged delight. Why can’t a concept be this fun?

Best Technology – Volvo T8 Twindrive

Combining twin-charging tech with a hybrid drive is a bold move, but the Swedes have always been at the forefront of forced-induction technology. This XC90 is part Stig Blumqvist and part eco-friendly Scandinavia, coming as it does with a 400 hp, 472 lb-ft of torque powertrain that develops all that power out of just four cylinders and two-litres of displacement.

With the ability to run up to 40 km on electric-only power, it’s a clever solution to the luxury crossover. In terms of boosting Volvo’s sales, it can’t get here fast enough.

“Should we send them the Scirocco? Hmm, they really seem to like it. Oh well. Nein.”Biggest miss/mistake – Golf R Sportwagen not for North America

Somedays you almost think VW’s sales decisions aren’t based on market research as much as on irritating North Americans. “Should we send them the Scirocco? Hmm, they really seem to like it. Oh well. Nein.” So too was one of this show’s reveals just a big ol’ tease.

Known as the Golf R Variant in other markets, the bright blue Sportwagon doesn’t need its appeal explained: 290hp, all-wheel-drive, a 0-100km/h time in the five second range, while still hitting fuel economy targets around 7L/100km combined. VW reports that their MQB architecture is flexible enough to allow for multiple applications like this. So why can’t we have one?

Questionable Parenting Award – Hellcat Charger (honourable mention ATS-V Sedan)

Dodge had all its Hellcats in a row, squaring them off against a Viper and B5 blue 392 Charger. Even though it’s not brand-new news any more, the Hellcat Charger still attracted plenty of attention. With those kid-friendly back seats, it’s Questionable Parenting Magazine’s runaway favourite.

Of course, if you want to lap the Nürburgring with your kids strapped in the back (definitely not recommended), then the 445 hp ATS-V Sedan has you covered. Plus you can teach them to drive stick. Nothing could possibly go wrong. Surely.

Best Luxury – Mercedes-Maybach 600

Mercedes is having another go at the whole Maybach thing, but this time it’s being a little clever. Much like the Pullman of the past, the Mercedes-Maybach is merely an enhancement of a fine automobile. It’s an S-class with more, and everybody knows what that means.

The twin-turbo 6.0L V-12 makes 523 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque, but that’s hardly the point. This car is all about its quilted leather interior, its whisper-quiet cocoon of a cabin, and the branded champagne glasses. Quick, what’s German for Grey Poupon?

Best Supercar/exotic – F-Type R-Coupe All-Wheel-Drive

We’re stretching the meaning of exotic here, but really, with a McLaren P1 in the basement riding on Dubs, perhaps a vehicle with some taste and refinement needs to take centre stage. Badly.

The all-wheel-drive version of the mighty supercharged V8 F-type Coupe is still as beautiful as ever, but now it’s something of a snow-cat. All-wheel-drive grip makes this Jaguar part Lynx, and it still looks and sounds as stunning as ever.

Mercedes-Maybach S 600, Jaguar F-Type R-Coupe, Galpin Auto Sports Peel P50. Click image to enlarge

Best Truck – Colorado ZR2 Concept

California is the home of the compact truck, and has been so ever since that first ex-serviceman tracked down that first imported Datsun pickup and demanded to buy it. It’s the land of the Tacoma and the Frontier, but Chevy hopes to change that with their mid-sized offering.

The off-road ready ZR2 looks great, and with beefy tires, a heavy-duty suspension, and a 181 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque four-cylinder diesel, it’s ready to hit the rough stuff. Plus if you get stuck – it has a built in on-board winch. It all looks great, and we’ll see this mighty-mite engine in the 2016 model year.

Theme of the Show – Rise of the Compact Crossovers

Luxury manufacturers have been heralding the compact crossover segment as hot stuff for a while. Well, here come the mainstream brands. Honda’s HR-V makes the practical argument. Mazda’s CX-3 promises fun.

If we’re honest, it’s the Mazda we’re most excited about driving, but the HR-V’s clever folding seats should make it a boon companion for adventures as well.

Most Unlikely Hero – Galpin Auto Sports Peel P50

Galpin Auto Sports has been customizing cars since the 1940s. They’ve got a gorgeous GT40 here, and have formed a partnership with Henrik Fisker to build a modern 700 hp+ Mustang. But in the basement of the LA auto show, we found two more plucky machines.

Namely a Peel P50, and a Ford Pinto, all decked out in racing livery and ready to run. For a while, the Peel was a contender for best-in-show: how could you say no to that cute little mug?

Toyota Spongebob Squarepants Sienna , Kia Ballast Point Sedona. Click image to enlarge

Best Minivan – Kia Ballast Point dispenser (honourable mention Spongebob Sienna)

Parenting is hard. That’s why beer was invented.

Kia seems to realize this, and brought along a Kia Sedona set up with taps dispensing the sweet, sweet golden nectar that is Ballast Point’s fine craft beers. The Sculpin IPA was particularly good.

For parents with a sense of humour, who drives in a Toyota under the sea? That’s right, Spongebob Sliding Doors. This Sienna mocked up to look like everyone’s favourite anthropomorphic sea-sponge was so bizarre it actually worked.

Biggest Danger To Wallet – Huge Hot Wheels Vendor Displays

In the basement of the LA auto show, we also stumbled across this, a giant truck filled with rare and hard-to-find Hot Wheels models from all makes and years. The vendor said he would sell upwards of 17,000 blister-packed model cars over the course of the show. He also took Visa. We ran away as fast as we could.

Enthusiast’s choice – manual-transmission Jaguar F-type V6S

It’s a Jaguar F-Type in the lighter and livelier supercharged V6 model with a genuine six-speed manual gearbox. ‘Nuff said – tally ho!

Best hope for a Brand: Acura ILX (Honourable mention 500X)

Sometimes a car reveal can be about more than just a product – the entire company’s hopes can be resting on it. With the ILX, it’s imperative that Acura have something to help their lineup appear more attractive to new buyers. A 201 hp four-cylinder and eight-speed transmission should go a long way, and the new styling is actually attractive. This could be as popular as the old 1.6L was.

Also bound to be a hit, Fiat’s 500X is the bigger car the company needs to make its sales targets. Based on the Jeep Renegade, its 180 hp 2.4L engine and eight-speed transmission have a lot of expectation to haul around. Happily, it looks good, and where Fiat is concerned, that’ll go a long way. It’s everything they wish the 500L has been: stylish, sporty, and desirable.

Hot Wheels Vendor Display, Audi Prologue Concept, Jaguar Project 7. Click image to enlarge

Mark’s Picks

Best in Show – Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Concept

It might not be the best concept, just because it is a bit far out there and doesn’t have much bearing on any possible future vehicle outside a video game, but I’m so happy this exists. Also, I’m really surprised Chevrolet didn’t just build us some Michael Bay version of a Corvette.

Kudos to you, General Motors. This is properly mental.

Best Concept – Audi prologue concept

It’s a design revolution for Audi under the leadership of Marc Lichte and this is the first evidence of his new relationship with the Ingolstadt automaker. It has just enough concept flare to start one on a dreaming path of future A6s, A7s, and A8s – and that’s what makes us love this auto show business.

Best Technology – Electrically Driven Turbocharging

I’m really not trying to stack up the Audi picks, but 48V electrical systems look to offer a serious number of benefits without many downfalls. One of those benefits: electrically driven turbocharging.

Thanks to these new turbochargers, stereotypical turbo lag is virtually eliminated and efficiency is increased. Also, say goodbye to pesky back pressure problems. Oh – and say goodbye to horsepower numbers under 500 hp.

Biggest Miss/Mistake – Honda HR-V

While the compact crossover space is absolutely exploding with tempting options, Honda thinks their new HR-V is going to take on all the others. But, the problem with this space is it’s based on having sharp, individualistic styling. The HR-V misses the boat in that respect and just looks like an awkward, jacked-up Fit with a face made of plastic cladding.

Questionable Perpetual Bachelor Award – Jaguar Project 7

The Project 7 pays homage to the D-Types of yore. It’s also what the beginning of a divorce looks like.

While you cannot deny the sexiness that is the Project 7, something about that hump in the rear – pulled directly from the D-Type – says, “I’m trying too hard.” If you show up at a party with this car, nobody will like you (whether they are jealous or otherwise).

Best Luxury – Mercedes-Maybach S 600

Brendan nailed it on the head with this pick. An up-fitted – and not restyled – S Class is what Maybach should have been from the start.

While most people won’t see the value in an S-Class that’s only really sporting changes behind the B-pillar, those with the cash to buy one will surely see the benefit of being driven across the city without having to hear Sally Soundtrack belting out the lyrics to Anaconda in the next lane on the freeway.

Best Supercar/Exotic – Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

There’s something to be said about going back to your roots – especially when they go back 50 years.

It takes courage to go from a car making over 650 hp to another, wearing a similar nameplate, with just over 500 hp. But, with the Shelby GT350, you get so much more. The GT500 was never a proper track weapon. This, on the other hand, is a track weapon that can take you home at the end of the day.

Theme of the Show – It’s Like The Hindenburg In Here

With a significant number of announcements and reveals before and during the show about the future of hydrogen in cars, it’s easy to see where automakers think we should go.

Maybe they’re seeing the writing on the wall for battery density potential. Or, maybe, they see the ability to refill and/or recharge a vehicle in the same amount of time as today’s typical petrol fill as a must in order for people to embrace alternative energy.

2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, Morgan Three-Wheeler, BMW X6 M. Click image to enlarge

Most Unlikely Hero – Super Bling Morgan Three-Wheeler

Sitting in a small hall among fledgling brands and other marques well past their prime was Morgan. And while we’ve typically seen their Three-Wheeler done up like an old fighter jet, complete with painted on teeth, this chromed-out Morgan seems like an oxymoron running on three wheels. Yet, I’m so amazingly happy it exists.

Best Racecar – Cadillac ATS-V.R

If it ain’t broke, make it a little smaller and faster. With the debut of the Cadillac ATS-V in both two-and four-door guises, there’s a need for a new touring racer. The ATS-V.R is just that car.

Biggest Danger of 90-Month Loan Term – BMW X6 M

It’s an SUV turned into a coupe and given the power of M. I’m also taking over/under bets on whether the first one off the production line will make a direct trip to the nearest wheel and tire rental shop.

Enthusiast’s Choice – Manual-transmission Jaguar F-Type

What Brendan said.

Best Hope for a Brand – Scion iM Concept

We take Scion to task lots for having lackluster product outside the ever-willing FR-S. When we first saw pictures of the iM Concept released before the show, we slightly wrote it off. After seeing it in person, I am thinking in the opposite direction.

While this is not the production vehicle (it was actually built by an aftermarket tuner and based on the Toyota Auris), we will get confirmation on dealer lot ready bodywork at the North American International Auto Show in January. Let’s just hope it retains some of its cool.