Must-See Cars at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show

auto shows are massive events. Dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of cars to look at (many you can sit in), thousands of square feet of carpet to walk…all at your disposal when you attend. The Los Angeles Auto show is certainly no exception, but how do you make sure you don’t miss anything? That’s where we come in. We spent the day sitting in, taking pictures of, and drooling on the must-see cars of the show. Our feet are aching so yours don’t have to.

BMW Vision Efficientdynamics Concept

What it is: BMW’s take on a green car. Naturally, it keeps performance in mind.

What we like about it: You can have your cake and eat it too. Stellar performance in a radical wrapper that’s actually good for the planet.

Bottom line: While this is a concept of a car that’ll probably never be produced, it’s exciting to see tree hugging and road hugging together at last.

Cadillac CTS Coupe

What it is: CTS sedan minus 2 doors plus a whole lot of style.

What we like about it: The concept vehicle’s design carries over virtually unchanged to production: nearly horizontal rear glass, LED light pipes all around, center exit exhaust and all.

Bottom line: The CTS Coupe showcases the future of Cadillac design. We like where this is going. 

Chevrolet Cruze

What it is: The replacement for the lackluster Chevy Cobalt. Finally!

What we like about it: This is GM’s first crack at a serious small car for the United States. Gorgeous exterior, interior that rivals a Cadillac’s and 40 mpg on the highway…need we say more?

Bottom line: Here’s a major contender from GM in the small car market that Toyota and Honda have cornered in the US for decades.

Chevrolet Volt

What it is: GM’s all-in bet on plug-in electric technology.

What we like about it: A hatchback that can drive up to 40 miles without burning a drop of gas, and up to 300 miles with the gas engine-generator running.

Bottom line: An electric car designed and priced for the masses. What took so long?