The 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show stood out as a playground for innovation, celebrating the world’s coolest cars with jaw-dropping designs and trailblazing technology. This year, visitors were treated to a stunning variety—from futuristic electrics to retro classics, track-focused racers to quirky urban runabouts. Let’s explore the coolest cars that captured everyone’s attention and are pushing the automotive world ahead.
What Defines the Coolest Cars Today?
Cool cars have always represented more than speed or style. They’re about bold ideas, surprising features, and standout personalities on the road. The coolest cars of 2025 combine impressive powertrains, innovative engineering, and a touch of that “it factor” that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re drawn to innovation, heritage, or adventure, these cars redefine what it means to drive something truly special.
Chevrolet CX Concept: A New Vision of Performance
The Chevrolet CX Concept heads the parade of coolest cars this year with its sleek, aggressive design and technological marvels. It ditches conventional doors for a fighter-jet canopy, giving a taste of tomorrow’s performance vehicles. Inside, plans for four electric motors promise over 2,000 horsepower—a leap toward electrified supercars.
Technology is at the heart of the CX, with ground-effect fans underneath that glue the car to the road for superior handling and stability. These innovative touches make the CX Concept more than just a showpiece—it’s a signal of Chevrolet’s future direction.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X: Supercar, Redefined
The Corvette ZR1X is a bold statement in the best cars category, blending classic American muscle with advanced hybrid technology. With an all-wheel-drive system and a twin-turbo V8 working alongside electric motors, it launches with an incredible 1,250 horsepower. Corvette’s move to hybrid power ignites new possibilities for speed and control.
This car isn’t just about acceleration. Enhanced traction and race-inspired styling attract enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, proving that cool cars can evolve while holding onto their spirit.
Hyundai Crater Concept: Where Electric Meets Adventure
Hyundai’s Crater Concept finds fans among explorers. Designed for severe off-road duty, its chunky styling and integrated roll cage set a strong, purposeful tone. The cabin eschews traditional screens, opting instead for a full-width head-up display that seamlessly blends technology with utility.
Short overhangs boost off-road clearance, making the Crater not just an idea but a hint at Hyundai’s future rugged XRT sub-brand. For innovators and nature lovers, this concept earns its place among the coolest cars on any list.
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Kia Telluride 2027: Reinvented Family Utility
The new Kia Telluride combines practicality with advanced technology and a fresh, stylish design. This three-row SUV is larger than before, featuring upgraded amenities and the introduction of a hybrid variant. Families, commuters, and adventure seekers will appreciate the spacious cabin, innovative performance options, and a reputation built on reliability.
Telluride’s proven success as an annual automotive award-winner only reinforces its place among the best cars for modern life.
Subaru WRX Project Midnight: The Racer’s Dream
Racing enthusiasts had their eyes glued on the Subaru WRX Project Midnight. Built with lightweight carbon fiber and packing 670 horsepower, it’s engineered for quick reflexes and track dominance. Compared to previous rallycross favorites, this WRX sets new standards in speed, weight reduction, and pure racing fun.
Driving legends put Project Midnight to the test at premier motorsport events, showing that cool cars aren’t just for show—they’re built to perform.
Larry Chen’s Camera Supra: When Creativity Drives Performance
Some of the most impressive cars are born from imagination. Larry Chen’s Toyota Supra combines sports car thrills with professional camera rigs designed for action photography. Its enhanced power lets it keep up with drift athletes, while advanced rigging ensures every moment is captured in cinematic style.
This Supra is as much a media tool as a performance vehicle—a testament to what passionate owners can achieve.
McLaren MP4/11: Racing History Remembered
Racing history comes alive with the McLaren MP4/11, known for its striking Marlboro paint scheme and iconic driver lineup. While not the most winning car, its name remains revered among motorsport fans. Heritage and nostalgia make it one of the coolest cars for both collectors and speed enthusiasts.
Williams FW16: Icons Never Fade
The Williams FW16 carries a deep emotional connection for fans of Formula 1. Driven by legends like Ayrton Senna, its Rothmans livery is instantly recognizable. Although marked by tragedy, its engineering, performance, and historical impact have solidified its legacy as one of the most remarkable cars for years to come.
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Fiat Topolino: The City’s Fun Companion
Not all cool cars need to be powerful. The Fiat Topolino excels in city settings with its playful charm and compact design. Designed for energy efficiency and easy parking, it’s an ideal pick for urban commuters. While it lacks traditional doors and boasts a modest top speed, its unique personality and European flair make it impossible to ignore.
Volkswagen Type 2 Bus “Azul”: The Classic Comeback
One of the most touching stories at the LA Auto Show came from the “Azul” Volkswagen Bus. Escaping wildfires and then undergoing extensive restoration, Azul went from a local legend to an auto show icon. Its classic two-tone style and resilience make it a symbol of hope—and a rare reminder of the coolness found in preservation and heritage.
Coolest Cars and Their Standout Features
| Car Model | Power/Type | Specialty/Unique Feature | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet CX Concept | Elec., 2,000+ hp | Fighter canopy, aero fans | Futurists |
| Corvette ZR1X | Hybrid, 1,250 hp | AWD, supercar agility | Speed lovers |
| Hyundai Crater Concept | EV Concept | Rugged offroad, full-head HUD | Explorers |
| Kia Telluride 2027 | SUV, Hybrid | Comfort, tech, hybrid option | Families |
| Subaru WRX Midnight | 670 hp, race | Carbon fiber, track focus | Racers |
| Larry Chen’s Supra | Custom Build | Pro camera rig, drift-ready | Creators |
| McLaren MP4/11 | F1, classic | Legendary livery, racing story | Fans/Hobbyists |
| Williams FW16 | F1, iconic | Senna’s legacy, memorable livery | Historians |
| Fiat Topolino | City EV | Tiny size, quirky style | Urban drivers |
| VW Bus “Azul” | Restored classic | Fire survivor, retro charm | Nostalgia fans |
Innovative Tech in the Coolest Cars
| Car Name | Technology Feature | How It Enhances the Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet CX Concept | Downforce fans, electric | Improved handling and eco-friendly speed |
| Corvette ZR1X | Twin-turbo hybrid motor | Massive power boost, efficient acceleration |
| Hyundai Crater Concept | Head-up display, rugged | Safety and adventure paired seamlessly |
| Larry Chen’s Supra | Performance rig, cameras | Tools for creators, high-action recording |
| Subaru WRX Midnight | Carbon body, light chassis | Track agility, high speed |
Final Thoughts: The Evolving World of Cool Cars
As the auto industry evolves, the definition of the coolest cars expands with it. In 2025, automakers and innovators combined electrification, racing heritage, personal creativity, and resilience. These ten best cars are the highlights that keep enthusiasts and casual drivers alike anticipating what comes next.
Whether you’re seeking groundbreaking technology, nostalgic classics, or wild and creative custom builds, the coolest cars continue to shape the future of driving. This year’s LA Auto Show proves that ambition and imagination have never looked so good on four wheels.
