Auto shows are mostly meant to move metal directly into customers’ driveways. But that doesn’t mean every cool car on the convention center floor is intended for the street. Automakers also love to bring some of their most exciting models—even if those vehicles only see the light of day while lapping a race course at full throttle. What’s better for a gearhead than getting up close and personal with rare racers that are typically locked up in the paddock?
Let’s take a quick look at the five coolest race cars on display at the 2016 LA Auto Show, which runs through Nov. 27.
Mazda RT24-P
This prototype (also shown at the top of this post) represents the next step in Mazda’s IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship program. It was designed with input from the team at Multimatic, the Canadian concern with a long list of wins at major motorsports events. The RT24-P name refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car rides on a Riley Mk 30 chassis, and although final details have yet to be confirmed, a 1.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s good for roughly 600 horsepower is likely to motivate the racer.
Pink Beetle GRC Car
Global RallyCross is one of the most exciting spectator motorsports on the planet—and cars like the Pink Beetle GRC Car from Volkswagen are a big part of the reason why. This short-wheelbase all-wheel drive missile produces between 550 and 600 horsepower. It can rocket to 60 miles per hour from a standing start faster than an F1 car. The turbocharged Pink Beetle sports a 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor, and is shifted via a sequential six-speed gearbox.
Mercedes-AMG GT3
More than just a pretty face, the Mercedes-AMG GT mixes it up with the best that the world has to offer on the GT circuit. A dominant force in sports car racing, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 features outrageous aero as well as a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine carried over from the past street car—which has now moved to a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Delivering roughly 550 horsepower, the GT3 is well-equipped to repeat as champion of the Pirelli World Challenge series.
Jaguar Formula E Racer
The Formula E all-electric racing series has attracted a lot of attention from automakers with deep roots in traditional motorsports. Those same carmakers want to test the best in high-performance electric powertrains, which many observers believe will become mainstream automotive technology. This Formula E open-wheel racer from British marque Jaguar is completely battery-powered. While there are specifications for power and weight that must be met by Formula E teams, they have more leeway in the current third season to experiment with racing strategy, including new computer controls and the opportunity to reclaim more energy from braking. Jaguar joins Audi as newcomers to the series, which races on courses across the globe.
Porsche 911 RSR
This race car might wear the familiar shape of the Porsche 911 street car, but underneath the skin there’s one very important difference: the engine has been moved from the rear to the middle of the chassis. This doesn’t just represent a significant departure from Porsche’s traditional 911 design and dynamics, but it dramatically improves the balance and handling potential of the RSR, which will compete in GT racing (including at Le Mans). The six-speed sequential transmission takes the place of where the engine used to be in past 911 racing and street efforts (sitting behind the rear axle) and the new setup also helps the diffuser generate more downforce due to improved airflow.
