There were some wild concept cars here at the L.A. Auto Show, but it’s the production cars that have the most impact on everyday car buyers. The models we saw are on sale now or will be next year, and some of them are extremely important to their makers’ bottom line. Mike Hanley and David Thomas took some time to dissect the winners and losers — plus a few cars they couldn’t agree on — in this photo blog. Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
DT - Winner: Pure sensuality in this British roadster. Though it’s more exotic than the Audi R8, I still prefer the German car. I wouldn’t turn down a ride in this, though; it turns heads standing still.
MH - Winner: You really have to see this car in person to appreciate its perfect proportions and sleek profile, so if you live near L.A., stop on by the convention center; I give it the nod for best in show.
Saturn VueDT - Winner: Definitely the big winner of the production cars. Compact SUVs are a hot segment, and this is the best of the new wave of GM products I’ve seen. The interior actually holds up to glowing press shots.
MH - Winner: With an attractive exterior, premium interior and wide range of powertrains (including a hybrid system), the 2008 Vue is well-positioned to challenge segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Nissan Altima CoupeDT - Winner: This one was a surprise and is a looker. Without driving the thing, it already looks head and shoulders above the Toyota Camry Solara and the Honda Accord and Pontiac G6 coupes.
MH - Winner: Nissan definitely did a good job differentiating this model from the sedan, and the interior looks pretty nice, too. This is the car for those who love the lines of the Infiniti G35 coupe but can’t stomach its $30,000-plus price tag.
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