Los Angeles motor show 2015 - our star cars

From Fiat's new 124 Spider to a rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini and an open-top Range Rover Evoque, the LA motor show had plenty of new metal to be excited about
The 2015 LA motor show may have primarily been a stomping ground for US manufacturers to showcase their home-grown products, but it was an Italian brand that stole the show. Fiat's 124 Spider was the headline act, and it sits alongside new metal from Land Rover, Lamborghini and Volkswagen in our list of star cars.
Here's our pick of the best new metal on display in Los Angeles.
Would I buy one? Never. Will lots of other people buy one? You bet. As well resolved as it could be, the drop-top Evoque looks ready-made for well-heeled Angelinos to drive to the boutique shops on Rodeo Drive. Like it or loathe it, it should prove a timely, useful addition to the model line-up.
Volvo Concept 26 - Jim Holder
Not so much a car as a car interior, Concept 26 gives a glimpse of how Volvo thinks car interiors will evolve in the future. Officially, its look will complement autonomous driving, but so much of it appears close to production readiness that I'd hazard we'll be seeing hints of it on next year's S90. Volvo is on fine form at the moment, and this concept underlines its seemingly unique ability to be free-thinking and bold.
Mazda CX-9 - Mark Tisshaw
Mazda is on a roll. Its Kodo design theme has helped produce a string of fine-looking vehicles and has now allowed it to strike gold on even the dowdiest of models: a seven-seat family SUV. Simply put, the CX-9 looks great. Shame we’re not getting it in Europe, although admittedly it’s a little big for our roads.
Normally I'd struggle to get excited about a car at a show that is just the two-wheel-drive version of an existing model, but when the car in question is a Lamborghini Huracán sending 571bhp through its rear wheels, then it's a little different. Purists will be disappointed there are no plans for a manual gearbox, but the fact that Lamborghini says it is “tuned to provide oversteering characteristics" should keep plenty happy.
Cadillac XT5 - Jimi Beckwith
The Cadillac XT5 will be pitched against the likes of Audi's Q5 and the BMW X3 when it goes on sale in the US next year, and brings distinctive interior and exterior style to this crowded segment. With Cadillac’s 'will they won’t they' approach to conquering the UK market, the XT5 could prove to be a welcome competitor to the class favourites - if the brand finally gets serious about selling in this country.
I love it when manufacturers listen to their fans and bring production versions of their concept cars to market. The reaction to the original Dune concept at last year’s Detroit show was astounding, and the production version looks every bit as exciting. VW can’t afford to bring outlandish vehicles to market in the midst of its current scandal, but I think the Dune will quickly find a home on the streets of LA.
Fiat 124 Spider - Doug Revolta
The Fiat 124 Spider is a pretty divisive soft-top. Some have welcomed the return of the icon while others have questioned its looks, but whatever your take on it is, it’s stolen many of the LA show's column inches. Pricing is yet to be announced, but if it is pitched above the superb Mazda MX-5 then it may struggle to make an impact, although an Abarth version could be a game-changer.
A complete indulgence it may be, but this race-fettled Cayman looks sensational - and I imagine it will be magnificent to drive on a circuit. Tantalisingly, its positioning as a ‘Clubsport’ model leaves potential room for a hotter road-focused variant to slot in between the GT4 and this car. Where do I sign?

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