Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Coupe

Segment
Coupe

Last week, two major auto shows took place on two different continents in the cities of Los Angeles and Tokyo. Both events were full of major debuts of production and concept cars, but only a few deserve special recognition. We picked out what we feel to be the all-star production cars based on their design, relevance and the overall unique factor. It didn't matter whether they were sports cars or SUVs; it's their impact on the industry at large that counts here.

While Ford dropped the Ranger, Chevrolet still sees potential in the midsize pickup truck segment. The all-new Colorado looks fantastic from every angle and it comes very well equipped. Whether you dig an around town pickup or a workhorse, there's a Colorado configuration for you. And the best is yet to come: Chevy is seriously considering building an off-road version complete with a six-speed manual.

The long-awaited Porsche Macan has finally arrived and, well, it looks like a smaller Cayenne. That's not a bad thing considering it costs considerably less and still offers solid performance. It does share a basic platform with the Audi Q5, but the Macan is a different beast entirely. Porsche is also quick to point out that this baby SUV also has some impressive off-road capabilities. Does anyone really want a Porsche to go off-roading with? Regardless, the Macan is sure to be a huge sales success.

Consider the GT-R Nismo to be Nissan's final farewell to Godzilla. A replacement is due in just a couple years' time. With more 591 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque coming from its more refined 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, the GT-R Nismo has reportedly lapped the Nurburgring in 7:08.679. Not a bad way to say goodbye.

Jaguar has managed to take a great-looking roadster and make it look even better. The new F-Type Coupe is without question one of the most beautiful cars around and from the pictures alone, it makes its Porsche rivals look bland. Powered by the same wonderful engine lineup as its roadster counterpart, the F-Type Coupe can be summarized in a single word: perfection.

It's an absolute shame that Mercedes-Benz will be dropping the SLS AMG GT coupe and roadster after this model year. While we'll mourn the loss, Mercedes is hoping to soften the blow (only somewhat) in launching the SLS AMG GT Final Edition. Just 350 units will be made and is distinguished by a carbon-fiber effect hood and splitter, new vent design, fixed rear wing, and unique alloy wheels. Power will still come from the soon-to-be retired 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 583 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.