IN THIS FEATURE Los Angeles Auto Show Audi/GMC Honda/Hyundai Kia/Maybach Mitsubishi/Mercedes-Benz Scion/Smart

Kia Sidewinder
(Marc Mainville, Hyundai Kia America Design Center)

A two-seat "lean, mean, drifting machine", powered by a compressed natural gas (CNG) turbine unit, which in turn feeds electricity to high-torque in-wheel electric motors.

Los Angeles hosted the first officially-sanctioned drifting event in the US, taking the street-racing craze into the wider public eye.

Maybach Tourer

Maybach California Gourment Tourer
(Andre Frey, Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America)

Sit back, relax and pig out: let the GPS guidance and automated systems take over and make good use of the espresso machine, microwave, wine rack and kitchen facilities, with fold-out tables and panoramic windows to enjoy the view. Chef not supplied, however.