By John Stewart
The Los Angeles Auto Show has developed a reputation as a “green” show that strongly focuses on alternative fuels and novel forms of propulsion. This may have been the case in prior years, but the 2014 L.A. Auto Show had more to offer enthusiasts than recent years, as a burst of “track-ready” performance cars and creative variants on existing platforms came to light. That made it more like the SEMA Show—an optimistic environment in which OEM exhibitors launched fun-to-drive new models and showed off interesting concept cars that may very well enter production. Among them were several vehicles that could be of special relevance to SEMA members.
 The new Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is equipped with a 5.2L V8 engine that will crank out more than 500hp and more than 400 lb.-ft. of torque. It rides on 19-in. aluminum-alloy wheels. Performance upgrades include MagneRide dampers, aggressive brakes and finely tuned aerodynamics. |  The Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept features a new hybrid powerplant that pairs a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine to an electric motor making a combined 550hp. | |
 Coming to dealerships in 2015, the Scion iM hatchback concept rests atop 19-in. forged alloy wheels, and features geometric grille inserts, deep air intakes and fog lights. |  The rugged Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 concept rides on 18-in. aluminum wheels and is 4 in. wider than the Colorado Z71. The pickup is powered by a 2.8L Duramax diesel producing 181 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. | |
 The Lexus LF-C2 2+2 roadster concept features small vents in the side sills, which direct air to the rear brakes and out the fin-like rear diffusers. The rear end is highlighted by L-shaped taillight bulbs and an exhaust system with chrome-covered quad exhaust tips. |