The polished sheet metal is loaded on the trailers, the booths bear only scraps of promo materials, and the girls have all gone home to try to forget the awkward flirting they had to endure from endless stream automotive journalists. The 2014 LA Auto Show->ke211 may be over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a moment to look back and remember some of the standout cars that made their appearance at one of the biggest automotive events in the world.

We have a few of the best, a few of the worst, and even a few surprises along the way. The best show great promise, representing vehicles we can’t wait to get our hands on. The worst left a sour taste in our mouth as we scratched our heads wondering why. Then there’s something unexpected, followed by a car we were hoping to see that never surfaced. Heed this warning: feelings could get hurt. But remember: it’s just our opinion.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2014 Los Angeles Auto Show - Best In Show

TopSpeed1

Cadillac’s->ke18 M3->ke2366 fighter looks mean and ready for action. First things first: the engine is a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter V-6 that spins 455 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual, or the same eight-speed auto that can also be found on the Corvette Z06. That means the ATS-V can run from 0-to-60 in just under four seconds and push to a top speed of 185 mph. Then we have the suspension, tuned via GM’s->ke1024 Magnetic Ride Control for instant adjustment whether it’s the daily grind commute or a timed lap of the Nürburgring->ke999. Inside, there’s a blend of luxury and sporting intent, such as with the Alcantara-trimmed Recaro seats that present prominent lateral bolsters. The infotainment features 4G connectivity and a haptic feedback control system. It’s fast, it’s pretty, and it’s a soothing place to have a sit. For the price, it’ll be hard to beat. Plus, that blue just looks so good.

Mercedes-Maybach S600

Here it is folks, the rebirth of Maybach->ke52, and it is a glorious thing indeed. Once you stretch out in one of the leather-trimmed, massage seats, a quarter million bucks suddenly seems quite reasonable. The S600 adds about eight inches to the standard S-Class'->ke359 wheelbase, providing more legroom than some apartments I’ve lived in. There are individual entertainment screens, champagne flutes, retractable tables, and a mini fridge. Under the hood sits 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbo, V-12 engine, which should be “adequate” for slinging this heavyweight around the road, yielding estimated 0-to-60 times of 4.5 seconds. This vehicle exudes luxury in every stitch and seam, and sets a new standard for high-class living.

Ford Mustang GT350

When it comes to classic throwbacks, it’s hard to top the GT350. It’s a name that stretches back to 1965, the golden era of muscle cars, when cubic inches ruled the street and track. That tradition is alive once again with the sixth-generation Mustang->ke428. After enough teaser videos to drive more than a few TopSpeed staffers batty, the big reveal is finally here, and the result is well worth the wait.

The Mustang’s body has been reshaped to smooth the air running along its flanks, and the result is a pony car that looks positively hostile. The 19-inch wheels sit under four-wheel independent suspension incorporating MagneRide magnetic dampers that adjust themselves to road conditions on the fly. It’s a handling package that should make the GT350 one of the best handling Mustangs ever. And while we were denied a peek under the hood, expect the most powerful naturally aspirated engine that the blue oval has ever produced: a 5.2-liter V-8 pumping out over 500 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, good enough for an estimated run to 60 mph in under four seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. It looks like Dodge->ke28 and Chevy->ke199 have something to think about.

2014 Los Angeles Auto Show - Worst In Show

Porsche Panamera Exclusive Series

I should preface this with the fact that I’ve never been a huge fan of the Panamera->ke1840. No, I’m not some Porsche->ke1 fanboy who thinks that Stuttgart should make the 911->ke282 and only the 911. I guess I just don’t understand the appeal of a six-figure wagon. Yes, it’s fast, but for the money, what’s wrong with getting a proper sports car for fun and a used Subaru->ke86 for hauling duties?

Clearly, my opinion doesn’t matter all that much, because the Panamera has sold well enough to justify a limited edition “Exclusive” series with just 100 units slotted for production. Joy. Updates include a two-tone paint job, as well as unique brown leather for the interior. The price for the Panamera Exclusive? $263,900. Uh... yeah.

Fiat 500X

Believe us when we say that we know crossovers->ke288 are popular right now. It’s a segment that's more bloated than a pregnant whale on fondue night. The last thing the world needs is another example of a vehicle that supposedly can do it all, but ends up sucking at everything.

Fiat->ke30, it seems, would disagree. The Italian automaker is turning its small, fun, two-door, the 500, into yet another compact SUV. It’s too big to park in tight spaces, too small in the interior, underpowered, under equipped, overpriced, and generally underwhelming. But that hardly matters, as it’s undoubtedly cute enough to sell in droves. Coming soon to a yoga class near you!

2014 Los Angeles Auto Show - Surprise Of The Show

Ford Mustang "Rocket" by Henrik Fisker and Falpin Auto Sports

When Henrik Fisker->ke1074 teased us with the announcement that he and Galpin Auto Sports were teaming up to bring the “Ultimate American Muscle Car” to the LA Auto Show, we were intrigued. Fisker’s designs are internationally recognized and praised, and with a shop like Galpin there to support him, we couldn’t help but eagerly wait to see what this vision would materialize into.

Well, the curtain is now lifted, and under it is a Ford->ke31. But not just any Ford: this machine has been altered with carbon fiber rendered by the deft touch of Fisker to create a curvaceous design that is aggressive and modern, yet maintains some of those muscle car cues you’d expect from a super ‘Stang.

Inside is red leather upholstery adorning the seats, center console, and center stack, plus plenty of carbon fiber in the dash and doors. The wheels are 21-inches wide, which is enormous, but necessary when housing the positively behemoth 15-inch Brembo brakes. The suspension is upgraded with adjustable shocks that help tune for max grip from the Pirelli tires.

As you’d expect, there’s also plenty of power lurking under that restyled hood. While details are fuzzy, we do know that a Whipple blower is strapped to the GT’s 5.0-liter, Coyote V-8 to up output to 725 horses.

Unfortunately, all this goodness comes with an ultimate price as well, with just over $100,000 required for buy in (plus the stock Mustang). Not cheap, but that's the price you pay for something this extreme.

2014 Los Angeles Auto Show - Wish It Was There

Domestic Hybrid Hypercar

Prior to the show, Chevrolet announced it would unveil a new concept race car to the world. That concept turned out to be the Chaparral 2X VGT, a stunning piece to look at, but something that’s ultimately more form than function. The car doesn’t actually move; it’s just a rolling sculpture only available to pilot in Gran Turismo 6->ke3689.

Personally, we were hoping that this might be the lead up to a domestic hybrid hypercar that would give the good ‘ole USA an entry against the likes of the Porsche 918->ke3629, McLaren P1->ke4608, and LaFerrari->ke4626, because, you know, ‘Merica. Now, you might think that the world doesn’t need another million-dollar hypercar. You might think that it’s silly to keep testing the limits of what is theoretically possible with modern internal-combustion vehicles, and that we should concentrate on more realistic, accessible vehicles. If you think like that, feel free to exit this article and return to comparing fuel mileage figures for minivans. You’ll be missed.