Studs and Duds of the L.A. Auto Show

Studs and Duds of the L.A. Auto Show

Every auto show has its ups and downs. Winners and losers. Best and worst. We call them Studs and Duds, and every year it's our solemn duty to point out the best, and worst, of the annual auto shows.

Our list of Studs usually writes itself, and the 2008 L.A. Auto Show is no exception. Shoo-ins include the Honda Insight Concept for its ability to bring a low-cost hybrid to market, the Nissan 370Z for properly updating an already iconic car, and the Lamborghini Gallardo SP 560-4 Spyder and Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 65 Black Series for turning gasoline into pure, unadulterated joy.

On the other hand, there are a few clinkers. Like the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid concept...sorry, BMW, but making your big, heavy, odd-looking crossover a hybrid isn't going to win us over. Then there's the Honda FC Sport Concept, a fuel-cell sports car of the future. We like the idea, and like about 80 percent of the looks too...except for the weird projection on the back that looks, well, let's just say it's eye-catching in all the wrong ways.

Stud: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Stud: 2010 Ford Mustang

Stud: Honda Insight Concept

Stud: 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder

Dud: Honda FC Sport Concept

Stud: 2009 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 65 Black Series

Dud: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

Dud: 2010 Ford Mustang

Dud: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

• Check out all the Studs and Duds at the 2008 L.A. Auto Show
• See all of our 2008 L.A. Auto Show Coverage