Tesla

As native Angelenos, we’d like to debunk a few common myths about us. Not all of us have people who will call your people. We don’t all eat anything that has “soy,” “acai” and/or “free range” in front of its name. And a few of us actually know that “like” isn’t really a preposition.

One story about us that is true, though, is our culture revolves around the automobile. So it’s no surprise that the Los Angeles Auto Show has become one of the biggest new-car parties on the international calendar, with manufacturers from this continent and others premiering their newest wares. Many reflect the rapidly accelerating trend toward environmentally-responsible motoring, while others shower you in the delightful decadences of luxury and speed (sometimes both at once). Here are the ten newbies that got our attention.

We all know a true sports car has only 2 doors. Coupes go faster, stop quicker, corner better and generally look better (unless Mansory has gotten to it). But people usually have more than one friend. I'm sure Hannibal Lecter could find a couple of people to take out on a Friday night. Whether they all got home safely is another story. So whether you have friends, a family, or lots of stuff, a 2 door sports car won't cut it.

A sedan is the next logical step, but that doesn't mean you have to drive around in a Lithium-infused, 8 ton 4 door that's more likely to be confused with a Tempur-Pedic mattress than a sports car. The battle of sports sedans has been growing each year, with car-makers giving us more choices, better looks, beter handling and of course, better engines. Selection is great, but it can also be overwhelming. Shopping for paper towels now requires 4 pre-emptive Advil, so shopping for a sports sedan should come with an emergency vial of Vicodin. To help you out, I've made a list of the Top 5 Sports Sedans Under $100,000. Make the jump to see the list...

Expensive cars and expensive watches have been paired together as often, and for as long, as ice cream and chocolate syrup. Every year various watch manufacturers come out with special editions aimed at the performance driver. Usually they sport multiple chrono dials, exotic light-weight materials, and a price that is proportional to the car by which they're inspired.

The 2010 TAG Heauer Tesla Roadster is the same idea, flipped. Tesla and TAG Heuer joined forces to design a limited edition roadster, which they showed off at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Tesla's chief designer Franz von Holzhausen worked closely with the Swiss watch designers to develop a look that was true to both companies.

I don't put much faith in the mainstream media anymore. Not because I believe the government is listening to my brain-waves and controlling CNN from an underground base in a Nevada desert, but because I've found they leave out a lot of important information. It's not that the news doesn't talk about cars, they do. Hybrid technology stops by monthly, and Toyota's recall was all over the TV for days. These are important, but so is the progress Tesla is making (leaps and bounds).

Here, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk sits down with actor/comedian/talk show host Kevin Pollak for an hour-long interview on Kevin Pollak's Chat Show. No script, no censors, no filters. Just Mr. Musk talking about his passion and determination to design a car that is both loved by consumers and benefits mankind. It sounds cheesy, but he is the real deal. Here Elon explains the future of Tesla, including: Rental cars, rental battery packs, electricity infrastructure and expansion, and how a $25k Taurus is more expensive to own than a $50k Tesla.