The Best and Worst From The LA Auto Show

November 27, 2014
Story By
Andrew Modena

Over 30 new 2015 models made their debut at the LA Auto Show this year. With all the new options on the market, here are some of the best and worst choices from this year's LA Auto Show.

Worst Car for Avoiding the Cops – Dodge Charger & Challenger SRT Hellcat

707 horsepower directed to the rear wheels makes the Hellcat the most powerful muscle car on the planet. Good luck keeping your driver’s license.

Best Practical Sports Car – Mercedes AMG GT S

Hiding a twin turbo V8 under its long hood and a silhouette reminiscent of the classic Jaguar E-Type, the AMG GT S is a perfect balance of beauty and power. 503 horsepower might not be practical but unlike its competitor, the Porsche 911, the AMG GT S' hatchback rear is more practical than the Porsche's front mounted trunk.

Worst Truck for Taking Out on the Weekend – Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

Equipped with a beefier suspension, skid plates, locking rear axle and Nitto Terra Grapplers, the places that the 4Runner TRD Pro can take you will make every weekend feel too short. You might even want to quit your job, grow a beard and live outdoors.

Best Car for Hauling Ass and Groceries – VW Golf R Sportwagen

300hp. 6 speed manual transmission. 4Motion all-wheel drive. Wagon, Variant, Sportwagen…whatever you want to call it, it will carry groceries plus a flat screen TV and still do 0-60 in 5.1 seconds.

Best Use of Carbon Fiber – Porsche 918 Weissach Edition

Not a new 2014 debut, but Porsche brought out their $929,000 918 Weissach Edition.

The Weissach Edition is an $84,000 package that shaves 100 lbs from a standard 918 Spyder by using various carbon fiber, magnesium and ceramic bits. The Weissach Edition is so dedicated to saving weight, it uses a colored film instead of paint...because racecar. (Checkout the one we spotted this month at Cars & Coffee!)

Best SUV for the Miata Owner that needs extra space – Mazda CX-3

So you own a Miata and you feel torn – you need something to haul tires and car parts but you don’t want to drive a boring SUV. Packing more cargo space than a Miata while still being fun to drive, the CX-3 is here to solve all your problems.

Best Future Craigslist Bargain – Cadillac ATS-V

Cadillac’s latest BMW M3/M4 killer has 455 horsepower, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, an optional carbon fiber package and does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Based on the history of depreciation that the CTS-V has experienced, the ATS-V should be a steal on Craigslist in a few years.

Best Car for a Cross Country Road Trip – Mercedes AMG S65 Coupe

With a twin turbo V8 sending 577 horsepower to all four wheels, the S65 Coupe will blast through any weather conditions. Between fill ups, the adaptive dampening suspension and a plush quilted leather interior will make you feel like you’re driving a cloud through a marshmallow farm. There’s no better car for a quick cross country road trip than the S65 coupe.

Best Car for Rappers or Oil Barons – Mercedes-Maybach S600

The Maybach is back and just like the last model, you wouldn’t dare be caught sitting shotgun.

Riding on a chassis that is 8 inches longer than the standard S-Class, the Maybach offers a back seat experience that rivals the luxury of a 1^st class seat on Emirates Airlines; a seatback that reclines up to 43.5 degrees, standard champagne flutes and curtains so your haters can’t see in. You might never want to leave the car.

Worst Looking Hydrogen Powered Car – Toyota Mirai

Sure Audi and VW offer hydrogen powered cars that look just like their gas powered counterparts, but you want to let everyone know that you care about the environment. You want the fuel cell powered Toyota Mirai. Buy one and Toyota will even include 3 years of free hydrogen! It doesn’t use gasoline and you don’t have to charge it. While it's styling won’t win any beauty contests, at least everyone will know that you’re driving “that fuel cell thing.” Let us know what your favorite car was in the comments below!