Fab Five Concept Cars at the LA Auto Show 2014

Some of the most interesting and attention-getting cars at any auto show are, unfortunately, the ones that might not make it to production. Still, concept cars are worth a close look because they hold a lot of clues indicating a brand’s future direction. There were a lot of these vehicles at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, and Michelle Naranjo, Autobytel’s Editor-in-Chief, offers her thoughts on the Fab Five. The Audi Prologue is Autobytel’s top pick, since it’s the foundation of the upcoming Audi A9 and gives a lot of insight into other future Audis, with its distinctive profile and 587-horsepower engine. Another opulent European concept is up next, the Bentley Grand Convertible. It features a unique liquid metal front end treatment that complements the Sequin Blue exterior finish, and it’s as powerful as it is pretty, producing 530 horsepower. The Volkswagen Roadster, based on the Golf GTI, was shown at the Wörthersee festival in Austria earlier this year before appearing in LA. It’s unlikely this car will get produced since it’s just a design study, but it’s served its purpose of getting VW fans all worked up. Scion showed off its iM Concept, which is currently slated for production. This compact hatch is a central part of Scion’s effort to reinvigorate the brand. The MINI Superleggera Vision concept is the last of Autobytel’s Fab Five concepts, and it earns its spot for its sheer cuteness. This roadster is a collaboration between MINI and the Italian coach builder Touring Superleggera.

See more of Autobytel's coverage of the cars on show at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.