Our local auto show in LA always promises some great reveals and a glimpse of cars to come. And in these uncertain times it was wonderful to see driving fun is still offered in the showroom.
We wanted to discuss two new or significant options in most every category. So lets start with the most fun:

SPORTS CARS:

NISSAN 370z – The world debut of the new Zcar – using Nissan’s fantastic 3.7 liter V6. It’s smaller, lighter, and more powerful. That’s a great sentence.

Todd: I want to love this car. I own a 300zx and I keep waiting for a new Z car to come out and be as revolutionary and lust-inducing as the ’90-’96 version.

Sadly, this ain’t it. The styling is evolutionary, not revolutionary. It’s the 350 with influence from the 260z and the Nissan’s new arrowhead light obsession. While I like some of the details by themselves: like the lights, the shark tooth front facia, and the light up Z logos on the quarter panels, put all together and it starts to feel gimmicky. I fear this design will not age well, and in some colors the car looks fat-assed.

The interior, however, is a revelation. This is the nice material, well-designed cockpit which the 350z should have had. A great place to sit, and it has all the nav and electronic options of the modern interior while still feeling focused on driving. That’s an amazing feat.

Paul: I liked the 350 a lot, so I had high hopes riding on the next generation. At first glance, I wouldn’t call the 370 ugly, but I think this is a case of trying too hard—as if it was left in the oven too long, like a deflated soufflé.

I don’t understand the overly aggressive headlight and taillight treatment—I’m sure the sketches were very nice, but my poor eyes tired of looking at the real thing after only 10 minutes. Extremely fiddly and fussy surface treatment, with details that don’t mesh well—they look pasted on.

Fortunately, if you’re sitting in the driver’s seat, you won’t have to worry about all that. The only concern will be which fun, gadgety feature to experience next. The interior excites me, like it wants to get me drunk and tease me about how much fun this car is to drive. The materials feel good, and the controls are extremely driver-oriented. It’s almost like a wanna-be Ferrari cockpit, which is a very good thing.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Not a debut, but not in your showroom just yet either. Though it’s odd to us that it bears the same name as Hyundai’s new Lexus-chasing sedan, this one is no less surprising.

Todd: I’ve sat in this car a few times now and I continue to be impressed every time I see it. It’s essentially a bargain sports car – which typically meant something awful and front wheel drive like the Mitsubishi Eclipse. But here’s a car trying to be the Infiniti G coupe for less money.

There’s plenty to like here, with rear wheel drive, two plus two seating, and a couple of engine choices. The styling is pleasing without taking any risks. The only place “Hyundai” begins to show is the quality of some interior plastics, but it’s better than the interior of the 350z, the Mazda Rx8, or the Mustang! The designers must have had desktop wallpaper of the G35 coupe, cause the influence is obvious in the center stack.

But if the worst thing I can say is this car reminds me of something more expensive – I think that actually becomes an endorsement. Can’t wait to drive it.

Paul: I’ve felt for years that Hyundai, like a teenager, has been searching for its own sense of self. The Genesis Coupe indicates not only has that discovery process happened, but there’s been an awakening that could spawn its own self-help program. Welcome to adulthood, Hyundai.

The styling is delicate and refined. The front of the Genesis Coupe looks aggressive without appearing pinched or harsh. The inverting character lines running the length of the shoulder are treated with a new-found sensitivity, and the careful shape of the windows indicate a possible corporate standard. The rear of the car looks solid and resolved, and will cause many people to double-take.

Not only is the Coupe rear-wheel drive, but it has an available 3.8L V6. The interior is thoughtful, logical and smartly laid out. I noticed some cheaper-feeling materials, but overall, there’s a lot of room, and combined with the best car warranty you can buy, what’s there not to like?

That wraps up our two sports cars of note from the 2009 LA Auto Show.  Look for other market segment discussions here.