The Best & Worst Of The LA Auto Show

My father and I have been attending the LA Auto Show since 2000, and since the demise of the Indy 400 in Fontana a few years ago, the Auto Show is our last local tradition. So I was glad we found time to attend the 2008 show that inhabited the LA Convention Center last week, even if we did make barely make it in yesterday, on the show’s last day. It always provides a quick roundup of everything that’s going on in the auto world. So what’s going on this year?

Not much.

The industry’s troubles are well-documented, and it showed at the LA Auto Show. Even top marques brought few cars, there were fewer concept vehicles and even fewer brand-new models. Still, a number of vehicles made their world or North American debuts, and we were delighted to get a glimpse into the (possible) future of the auto industry. If you weren’t able to make America’s premier auto event, my father and I bring you the Top 15 Best and Top 10 Worst of the LA Auto Show.

BEST: Aston Martin DBS

The world was introduced to the Aston Martin DBS with Casino Royale, the 2005 James Bond movie that boasted a handsome, aggressive star in Daniel Craig and a handsome, aggressive vehicle in the DBS. So the car’s looks were no surprise, but no less stunning when seen in person. It’s exactly what an Aston Martin should be, and will be Aston’s flagship model for years to come.
Dad’s Verdict: Looks great from every angle.

BEST: Chevrolet Camaro

Like the DBS, the Camaro has been photographed and leaked so many times that everyone knew what the car looked like by the time it made its official debut. Arriving a little late to the “retro” fad and offering little of what GM needs to regain its footing, the Camaro was in danger of making the “Worst” list. But Dad’s fondness for it and Chevy’s decision to use a more efficient V6 than the tempting V8 put it over the top.
Dad’s Verdict: I like aggressive cars, with muscle. This fits perfectly.

WORST: Buick Riviera Concept

As one of GM’s least-profitable brands (and that’s saying something), Buick is in trouble of being axed at any moment. So why put time, energy and resources into developing a concept car that we all know will never see the light of production? The Riviera conjures up visions of tank-like handling and frequent trips to Chevron, so any attempt to fool us into thinking that this creative two-door coupe will use its name is just trickery.
Dad’s Verdict: I hate those huge grilles.

BEST: Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Ok, it may be counterproductive to bestow the “Best” label on two of GM’s muscle cars, but the mind-boggling performance offered by the ZR-1 is just too much to pass up. The Corvette Z06 looked like the perfect ‘Vette, but somehow they topped it with this monster. It’s an engineering marvel and an absolute steal for the price.
Dad’s Verdict: There’s just something about powerful American cars like the Corvette.

WORST: Pontiac G8 ST

Sometimes, GM just doesn’t get it, do they? The Pontiac G8 Sports Truck (ST) is a cumbersome, powerful, inefficient disaster. This is exactly the kind of thinking that has gotten GM into so much trouble. More power and towing capacity are not going to save your mismanaged company. Worse, the terrible name G8 Sports Truck was chosen from 18,000 submissions in a naming contest. Worse still, it’s actually being produced. Someone actually green-lighted this idea.
Dad’s Verdict: I’ve never understood the attempts to revive the El Camino.

BEST: Dodge EV

The Dodge EV makes the “Best” list for proving that attractive, efficient cars are possible to produce with impressive performance. The body is that of a Lotus Europa, so you know it’s going to be light and agile. Better yet, Dodge converted the EV to run entirely on electricity, which is undoubtedly the auto industry’s best chance to reduce its gasoline dependency. The Dodge EV is proof that oil independence is possible. Thanks to better resources and a little ingenuity, it’s what the Tesla was supposed to be.
Dad’s Verdict: Very cool, Lotus meets Viper. But electric.

WORST: Chevrolet Volt

The Volt is a victim of unrealistic expectations. Chevy released plans to produce an exciting, all-electric, mass-produced vehicle years ago. Then, earlier this year, they released photos of an uninspired sedan that was still two years from car lots and without a suggested price. By now, consumers should not have to wait around for electric technology. We all know it’s possible. GM has the resources. They didn’t even bring the car to the show, just the frame and battery with wheels. This is the car that could possibly save your company! Creating a little fanfare around it would have been a good idea!
Dad’s Verdict: (He went to look at something else)

BEST: Ferrari California Spyder

Yes, Ferrari has sold their souls. After introducing cars named after famous Italian racing locales (Modena, Maranello), racetracks (Fiorano) and their founding father (Enzo), the pracing horse showed its intentions for the newest model by naming it after a state. It’s unabashedly aimed at wealthy Americans who love creature-comforts and don’t mind decreased performance from a convertible. But fear not, fellow Tifosi. The California will sell… well. And that’s great news. Because it took a lot of 360 Modenas to give Ferrari the flexibility to build the Enzos and Fioranos, and the cash made from the California Spyder will power Ferrari through whatever incredible surprise they’ve got in store for us next.
Dad’s Verdict: Nice homage to the classic Ferraris, and with 460 horses!

BEST: Honda CR-Z Concept

Simple, attractive, exciting design. Honda is very good at this, and the CR-Z proves it. It probably won’t see production, but provides the excitement that all concept cars should, without being brash or polarizing. And though it may not see the roads in this form, it likely provides a glimpse into Honda’s future design plans, from the large grille intake to the sloping glass roof. A great first impression.
Dad’s Verdict: I’d definitely drive it.

WORST: Ford Mustang GT

The 2005 Mustang was a great car that single-handedly kept Ford afloat for awhile. So Ford decided not to change the car for its 2010 version. So the question is, why call it a new model if its just recycled styling? Ford will point to a more aggressive front fascia and fancier taillights. But this is the same car. Similar to the rollover models in the mid-90s, they’ll ride this style until they’re forced to excite us again.
Dad’s Verdict: Even as a Mustang lover, this is a little disappointing.

BEST: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

It’s still not the prettiest thing on four wheels, but get the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder in motion and it doesn’t matter. The Spyder made its world debut in Los Angeles and attracted a constant crowd of fans. Classic extreme Lambo styling and a version suited for SoCal, it will do very well as Lamborghini’s moneymaker.
Dad’s Verdict: Looks just like a fighter jet.

WORST: Nissan Cube

For some reason, boxy cars have done very well lately. Which is fine. They’re not my thing, but to each his own. But why Nissan chose to copy the Scion B so shamelessly is beyond me. It’s overly cute, overly drab and overly ugly. And Nissan was doing so well…
Dad’s Verdict: First the Element, now this?

BEST: Lexus IS Convertible

In case you haven’t noticed, the Lexus IS is selling like hotcakes. So it makes perfect sense to convert the sedan to two doors and lose the top. An exciting move that I didn’t see coming, because Lexus’ only other convertible is the aging SC430 and the IS just didn’t seem destined for a droptop. But it doesn’t lose any of its elegance, and that cherry red color scheme is always a good idea.
Dad’s Verdict: I’m waiting for the new SC430 in two years.

WORST: Honda Insight

The new version of the Toyota Pri… oh, wait, this is a Honda? Well then why does it look so much like a Prius? Especially when the Insight was supposed to be Honda’s victorious stake into the hybrid class. I don’t understand why you’d make a Prius-fighter look so much like a Prius. The Insight is a very nice car that ups the level of class associated with hybrids. A little more creativity would have been appreciated.
Dad’s Verdict: Why not make the CR-V instead?