Coolest Cars at the 2014 LA Auto Show

The LA Auto Show comes around every year in late November, showcasing hundreds of debut releases, concepts and vintage vehicles to hordes of automobile lovers. Students at mechanic colleges and old time collectors alike were present at this huge week-long event, where you could find fuel cell technology, Gran Turismo Visions and new takes on century-old models. Be ready, because we’re about to talk about some seriously cool cars!

2016 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle

This new Toyota model (featured above) not only looks cool, but introduces us to some pretty inventive green technology. Hydrogen fuel cells work much like battery powered motors, but store hydrogen instead of energy into a tank, which can be automatically refilled. Test drivers of this vehicle have noted its “regular” feel and total silence from the engine. Unlike an electric vehicle, the Mirai only takes a few minutes to charge between 300 mile stretches of driving.

Bentley Grand Convertible

A graduate of auto sales college would have no problem selling one of these beauties to a true classic car lover. This model is certainly “grand” and is not shy of its presence at 5.5 meters in length. Although this car is only a concept, most believe that the Bentley Grand Convertible is set for the production line very shortly. This beast of a vehicle has 530 horsepower and twin turbo V8 engines. The colour is a new “Sequin Blue” shade, guaranteed to get heads turning.

Chevy Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo

This Chevrolet concept looks like something out of a futuristic film, with its spindly body and sleek design. The concept’s main purpose is as a sports car, and it takes its name from Chevrolet’s 1960s racing partner Chaparral. If this car were to actually be driven, it would have 900 horsepower and a top speed of 240m/hr. For now, the vehicle is only driveable on the video game Gran Turismo 6, and it will likely be that way for a while, although automotive service technicians can still dream!

Toyota FV2

The FV2—short for Fun Vehicle 2, is a truly futuristic concept. The first noticeable thing about the vehicle is the TRON-like LED displays on its wheels and chassis. Toyota designed the vehicle to use emotional and verbal cues to drive and operate controls. Instead of using a steering wheel, drivers lean towards whichever direction they want to turn. Like a giant mood ring, the LED display changes to reflect the driver’s emotional state. The car, if ever released, would be the first which is able to be driven sitting down, or standing up like a Segway.

To see these awesome concept cars – and more – check out this video coverage of the LA Auto Show.