Must See Sports Cars of the LA Auto Show 2014

2014 LA Auto Show jaguar sportscar unveil

You will really need good walking shoes to experience all of the sports cars on show at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. These performance driven cars are more sophisticated than ever. From Spyders to crossovers that can really scoot, these are the sports cars to see in L.A. this year.

2015 Audi R8 Competition

Audi is running out the clock on its R8 halo car, the super car that helped place the brand on the map in terms of high-performance coupes and roadsters. As the second-generation R8 grows nearer, Audi is presenting the R8 Competition: a higher-performance variant with an unbelievable top speed and bespoke accents that are a fitting goodbye.

The most significant number for the R8 Competition is its 570-horsepower output from its tried and true V-10 engine—20 more than the typical V-10's output. That boost helps the R8 Competition reach a claimed top speed of 199 mph, by the manufacturer's estimates. Cosmetically, liberal use of high-gloss black accents and carbon fiber make the design of the R8 Competition unique among the R8s. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, as is a 7-speed S-tronic gearbox.

According to Audi, only 60 examples of the R8 Competition will make it to the United States as part of this-generation R8's farewell tour. Place your orders this month and anticipate delivery in early 2015.

Pricing for the R8 Competition was not announced.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2016 Ford Mustang GT350

The 2016 Ford Mustang GT350 is the spiritual successor to the Boss 302, a track-ready version of the coupe that is more sports car than muscled bruiser.  The muscle’s definitely there, of course: the 5.2-liter V-8 offered by the GT350 generates ‘more than’ 500 horses according to Ford, but it’s packaged with a host of road course goodies like an aluminum front end, huge 15-inch-plus brakes with six-piston calipers at the front, a magnetically-adjustable suspension, and a unique aero kit.  A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered with the new Mustang.

  The GT350 gets a new engine, new brakes, revised body work, and a trick suspension compared to the standard version of the Mustang.

  Look for the Mustang GT350 to hit dealers sometime next year.

  There’s no price yet on the 2016 Ford Mustang GT350.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

The 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS squeezes more power out of the 3.8-liter flat-six engine found at the rear of the Carrera S, adding 30 ponies without touching torque.  This brings the Carrera GTS’ total output to 430 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of twist, and a seven-speed manual or a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automated manual serve as the transmission options for the car.  Coupe and convertible editions of the GTS are available, and one can also specify all-wheel drive at ordering time.

  The Carrera GTS provides more power, bundles together options like Sport Chrono, sport exhaust, and adaptive suspension, and grafts on a wider rear track and a wide-stance look to go with it

The 2015 Porsche Carrera GTS should be available early next year.

You’ll pay $115,195 for a base Carrera GTS coupe.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: Cadillac ATS-V.R

The Cadillac ATS-V.R is the race-only edition of the ATS-V coupe.  As such, it goes to extremes in providing the level of performance expected by racing teams at the GT3 level.  Power comes from a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 that pushes out 600 horses and 520 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed sequential manual gearbox sends all of that grunt to the coupe’s rear wheels.  The ATS-V.R’s lightweight body work has also been given a dramatic aero treatment in order to provide maximum downforce at high speeds.

  The Cadillac ATS-V.R replaces last year’s CTS-V racing coupe on the world stage.

  It’ll be ready for the start of the Pirelli World Challenge season, but only sold to racing teams – and most likely, only to Cadillac’s in-house effort.

  Pricing isn’t available for the ATS-V.R.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2016 Jaguar F-Type AWD & Manual

There are a couple of exciting changes being made to the 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE. The F-Type R AWD coupe significantly expands the two-door’s range into cold-weather markets with the introduction of an all-wheel drive system. At the outset, only the 550 horsepower, 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 R edition of the Jaguar F-Type coupe will receive the all-wheel drive treatment, but we see that eventually expanding to include V-6 F-Type models. V-6 cars are getting their own special treatment for 2016 in the form of a six-speed manual transmission that will be offered alongside the eight-speed autobox already available with the F-Type coupe and convertible.

 All-wheel drive has been added for 2016 model year Jaguar F-Type R coupes, while V-6-equipped F-Types gain the option of a six-speed manual transmission.

 Early 2015.

 Pricing has yet to be announced for the all-wheel drive Jaguar F-Type R coupe or the manual tranny model.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63

The newly minted Mercedes-AMG performance division has been hard at work on projects like the AMG GT S, but somehow still had time to massage the all-new 2015 C-class into the Mercedes-AMG C63. The four-door sedan made its official entrance at this fall’s Paris Motor Show, and Mercedes-Benz has chosen Los Angeles as its debutante ball in North America. The Mercedes-AMG C63 arrives just months after the introduction of the 2015 C-class sedan, and no coupe version of either version has been announced yet.

Nearly everything, except for the C63’s mission: to compete with the BMW M3 and Audi RS4 for the compact luxury performance sedan crown. Mercedes-AMG stuffed the 4.0-liter, 469-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 from the GT sports coupe under the C63’s hood, replacing a larger and thirstier V-8. (An even more powerful C63 S will make 503 horsepower, just like the GT S.) AMG Dynamic Select, which controls everything from the suspension firmness to the engine note and response, makes its debut in the C63. The rear-wheel-drive sports sedan features beautiful enhancements to the interior in the form of contrasting red stitching on the steering wheel.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 will go on sale in early spring 2015.

Pricing has not yet been announced.

Unveiled in Los Angeles: Ultimate American Muscle Car Concept

Henrik Fisker, the driving force behind the eponymous all-electric exotic, has teamed up with long-time Ford tuning partners Galpin Auto Sports in an unexpected effort to create—and sell—the Ultimate American Muscle Car. In fact, production is expected to begin next month.

The “Rocket,” as it’s officially known, began life as a 2015 Ford Mustang, but Fisker has reworked the entire body with plenty of carbon fiber and a distinctive visual homage to the 1968 Shelby GT500, complete with an extensive array of scoops and vents. Then, in terms of performance highlights, there’s a supercharged, 750-hp V8 beneath the hood, complemented by a driver-adjustable suspension and Pirelli P-Zero tires, with 15-inch Brembo Grand Turismo brakes on board as well.

Early next year.

Unknown at this time, but less than similarly performing supercars.

Photo by Megan Green

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C is a mid-engine compact sports car that marks the return of the Italian automaker to the American marketplace.  The 4C features a carbon fiber tub, manual steering, a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and a 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.  The Alfa Romeo also leverages exotic styling, complete with a picture-window view of its motor under a glass panel at the rear of the vehicle. 

The Alfa Romeo 4C is all-new for 2015.

  You can order yours now.

  The 4C starts at an MSRP of $55,195 including destination, or $69,695 for the low-production Launch Edition

2016 Audi TTS Coupe

If the all-new 2016 Audi TT isn’t quite powerful enough for your daily commute, consider the TTS: a turbocharged variant designed to raise the performance quotient for the stylish TT. Available as a two-door coupe only, the TTS will continue the tradition of Audis that are hot inside and out.

The TTS receives the same cosmetic and chassis updates that the TT coupe and roadster receive, but it’s also packing a punch: A turbocharged, 292-hp 2.0-liter will sit in the engine bay of the TTS. That’s nearly 60 horsepower more than the standard TT, and we can expect it to be routed smoothly to all four wheels through quattro all-wheel drive.

Expect the TTS to join the TT lineup mid-way through 2015 as a 2016 model.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

2016 Audi TT Coupe

For the 2016 model year, Audi is updating the TT, its art deco-inspired coupe and convertible grand tourers. We’ve always liked the TT for the way it looks, whether driving or parked, and for its tightly honed driving dynamics.

Always a style icon, the 2016 TT is expected to also be a driver’s car, like the rest of the members of the Audi lineup. A 2.0-liter, 220-hp four-cylinder engine will replace the current TT’s motor. Expect a completely redesigned interior experience, too, featuring a futuristic-looking air conditioning system and next-generation in-car connectivitiy. The 2016 TT is an entirely new model.

Expect the TT lineup to hit the U.S. by the second quarter of 2015.

Pricing has yet to be announced.