Roaring in LA: Performance cars

We've seen the BMW i8 concept at auto shows for a couple of years now. This is the latest iteration, and it is based on a lightweight, modular architecture called LifeDrive. A plug-in hybrid, the i8 Roadster features a gasoline engine and an electric motor for a total output of 354 horsepower. BMW quotes a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds and exemplary fuel economy of 78 mpg combined. BMW has announced a production i8 coupe for 2014. The roadster should follow soon thereafter.

Read:  BMW offers its first front-wheel-drive vehicle

Volvo's performance partner, Polestar, imagined this concept as a race car for the street. By increasing output of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine from 300 to 508 horsepower, Polestar engineers posted a zero-to-62-mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. They also lowered the car, widened and reinforced the chassis, and outfitted it with a Haldex all-wheel-drive system and Ohlins suspension parts. Don't look for this one to hit the dealerships any time soon.

2013 Volvo S60

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Dodge is once again dipping into its muscle-car past with a new version of the Charger Daytona. A $2,995 option on the 370-horsepower Hemi V8-powered R/T trim, the Daytona boasts an exterior with hood stripes, a rear spoiler and a black satin finish on the grille. Inside, it features bright pedals, paddle shifters and a 552-watt Beats audio system. Performance steering and suspension improve handling, and a 3.06 rear-axle ratio makes it slightly quicker than the R/T. Only 2,500 Dodge Charger Daytonas will be produced.

2013 Dodge Charger

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The SLS AMG supercar is already the most extreme expression of the AMG performance ideal, so why not turn up the heat a few degrees? The 2014 SLS AMG Black Series boosts horsepower from 583 to 622, cutting the zero-to-60 mph time by 0.2 seconds to a blazing 3.5 seconds. It also loses more than 150 pounds to improve handling. Carbon-fiber interior and exterior trim, including an adjustable rear spoiler, highlight the options list. Look for this bad boy in limited quantities at select dealers next summer.

View Pictures:  Mercedes-Benz at the LA Show

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS

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The Porsche 911 and Boxster pushed their performance envelopes with 2012 redesigns, and now the Cayman gets the same treatment for the 2014 model year. The new Cayman is bigger than the previous model, but it loses weight, adds power and improves fuel economy by as much as 15 percent. Cayman and Cayman S iterations return, with 275 and 325 horsepower from their 2.7- and 3.4-liter flat-6 engines. The 2014 Porsche Cayman will start at $52,600 when it goes on sale in April 2013.

View Pictures:  Porsche Cayman in LA

2012 Porsche Cayman

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Bentley hasn't raced since 2003, but the Continental GT3 concept unveiled in LA shows the company is serious about returning to competition. Based on the Continental GT Speed, which features a 616-horsepower V12 engine, the lightweight GT3 should certainly best the GT Speed's 205 mph top speed. For racing purposes, the GT3 adopts rear-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive. Bentley plans to develop the GT3 concept throughout the year and return to racing by the end of 2013.

2012 Bentley Continental GT

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Nissan continues to develop its GT-R sports car, increasing performance every year. While the engine gained 15 horsepower for a total of 545 for 2013, the 2014 model gets revised fuel injectors to improve throttle response at mid and high rpms. It also adds an oil-pan baffle to keep the oil from sloshing around and possibly starving the engine during performance driving. Suspension tweaks lower the center of gravity. Inside, a new Premium Interior package adds red leather upholstery and interior accents. The 2014 Nissan GT-R will go on sale in January.

View Pictures:  Nissan at the LA Show

2013 Nissan GT-R

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Jaguar made its name by building sports cars that combined beauty and performance, culminating in the iconic E-Type of the 1960s and '70s. It has taken 51 years for Jaguar to anoint a successor to that beloved sports car. The 2014 F-Type revives Jaguar's roots in three drop-dead gorgeous versions. Two V6s offer 340 and 380 horsepower, and a V8 cranks the output to 495 horsepower. All-aluminum body construction and nearly perfect front-rear weight balance promise excellent handling. Look for the F-Type to start at $69,000 when it goes on sale in the spring.

Read:  Jaguar rediscovers its groove

Jaguar has offered some ridiculously powerful sedans over the past decade, but the 2014 XFR-S promises to be the fastest, brawniest Jaguar sedan ever. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 550 ponies will launch the car from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Chassis and suspension changes improve lateral stiffness, and aerodynamic changes reduce lift. Only 100 of these $99,000 British beasts will be offered in the U.S. when the XFR-S goes on sale in early summer.

View Pictures:  Jaguar at the LA Show

2013 Jaguar XF Series

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Ford continues to Europeanize its lineup with the addition of the 2013 Fiesta ST. This sprite is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 197-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that should provide robust acceleration and highway fuel economy as high as 34 mpg. A 6-speed manual is the lone transmission. The ST also gets a lowered ride height, quicker steering and a sport-tuned suspension, as well as aggressive interior and exterior design cues. Watch for it in spring.

View Pictures:  Ford at the LA Show

2013 Ford Fiesta

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The Mercedes-Benz GL is already available in three flavors of powerful, but now Mercedes is adding a fourth. The 2013 GL63 AMG is motivated by a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that cranks out 550 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque — up 121 horses and 44 lb-ft from the GL550. Other upgrades include a sport-tuned air suspension, designer leather upholstery, unique front and rear fascias and flared fenders to enclose 21-inch wheels. The GL63 will go on sale this winter for a starting price of $116,925.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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For more information on the cars featured in this slideshow, click the links below:

-Bentley Continental GT
-Dodge Charger
-Ford Fiesta
-Jaguar XF
-Mercedes-Benz GL Series
-Mercedes-Benz SLS
-Nissan GT-R
-Porsche Cayman
-Volvo S60

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial sideasSenior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.