Every year, after strolling through the bustling floor of the Los Angeles Auto Show once, I embark on a second lap. This time, I'm on the hunt for anything I might have missed during my first pass. After a satisfying lunch, I take a third lap to get an up-close view of the cars that were surrounded by crowds earlier in the day. On Media Day, when the cars make their grand debut, the morning is always a whirlwind of activity. As the crowd thins out in the afternoon, it presents a perfect opportunity to double-check each automaker's booth and ensure that no detail goes unnoticed.

Why This Matters for Your Car Enthusiast Journey

Not only does this second lap give us plenty of time to stretch our legs and explore the show at a more leisurely pace, but it also allows us to gain a better understanding of the cars in a larger context. It's a chance to do a sanity check on our favorite vehicles from the show, search for emerging themes, and pop in and out of any vehicles that have debuted once the initial mania has subsided. This year, there was an abundance of exciting cars to discover, if you knew where to look. Many of the typical brands were either absent or had a reduced presence, but there were still plenty of thrilling cars in both production and concept forms.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept: A Beachside Dream

When I first saw the photos of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept from SEMA, I was immediately intrigued. But in person, it exceeded all my expectations. This concept essentially transforms a 4Runner SUV by cutting off the top, making it a two-door pickup that fits right in at any Southern-California surf spot. After the roof was chopped and some off-road bits were added, along with custom paint and a few surfboards, the result is a vehicle that looks both stylish and functional. Officially called the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept (or just TRD Surf for short), the customization work appears to be of high quality, and the massive tires give it excellent proportions. I fell in love with its appearance in person and sincerely hope that Toyota decides to produce a version that matches this vibe. Even if they don't, aftermarket parts companies are sure to take notice of the Surf Concept's popularity and eventually create their own derivative versions.

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf Concept showcases Toyota's ability to think outside the box and create a vehicle that combines the ruggedness of an SUV with the spirit of the beach. It's a unique addition to Toyota's lineup and a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation.

The attention to detail in the custom paint and the off-road upgrades makes this concept stand out from the crowd. It's not just a show car; it's a statement of style and adventure.

The Dodge Charger: Redefining Excellence in Person

At first glance, the redesigned Dodge Charger didn't leave a strong impression on me. It seemed plain and understated, lacking the excitement that I expected from a car with such a legendary history. However, seeing it in person for the first time completely changed my perception. The design, the apparent exterior build quality, and the deep red hue used to paint it all came together to create a truly remarkable vehicle.

In person, the Dodge Charger feels smaller than it appears in pictures, which is a difficult feat to achieve in today's era of growing car sizes. The headlights and taillights that span the width of the car look well-integrated and give it a sleek and modern look. The wheels seem perfectly sized for the car, adding to its overall aesthetic.

Driving the Dodge Charger in person is a whole new experience. The power and performance are evident, and the attention to detail in the interior makes it a pleasure to be behind the wheel. It's clear that Dodge has put a lot of thought and effort into creating a car that lives up to its reputation.

Subaru's Project Midnight: A Rallying Beast

Tucked away in the corner behind Subaru's extensive lineup of crossovers and their large forest-like booth (which is always a highlight at shows) was a menacing four-door version of the WRX. Dressed in various shades of black and exuding an air of dominance, even when standing still, this is Subaru's Project Midnight.

Based on a Subaru WRX STI, Project Midnight is powered by a rallycross engine provided by Subaru Motorsports, making it the "quickest and fastest" WRX ever. With a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that puts out an impressive 670 horsepower and 680 lb-ft of torque, this car is a force to be reckoned with. The extra power is put to good use as the car is 1,000 pounds lighter than a standard WRX.

The aerodynamic enhancements on Project Midnight, such as the big wing, massive fenders, and numerous vents and holes on the body panels, give it a menacing look that is sure to turn heads. It's not just a show car; it's already started winning races, specifically the Velocity Hill Climb. This proves that Subaru's engineering prowess extends beyond the showroom floor.

The Corvette ZR1: Unparalleled Power and Precision

It's hard not to be captivated by the new Corvette ZR1, especially with its astonishing array of specifications like 1,064 horsepower, 715 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 233 miles per hour. Even if there was just a standard ZR1 in a roped-off box at the auto show, I would have been drawn to it for a closer look. But Chevy took it a step further by bringing out a cutaway of the ZR1's new LT7 engine and a full cutaway of the car itself.

The engine cutaway allows us to get a glimpse into the inner workings of the big flat-plane crank V8, as well as the locations of the turbochargers and other fascinating components. With the full-car cutaway, we can spot all the heat exchangers, gasp at the width of the tires, and appreciate the quality of the welds that hold the car together. Standing there and examining these cutaways for about 10 minutes was a truly immersive experience.

The Corvette ZR1 is a testament to Chevy's engineering excellence and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance. It's a car that combines raw power with precision handling, making it a joy to drive on both the track and the open road.

The Fiat Topolino: A Tiny but Adorable Runabout

While super-powered supercars are undoubtedly exciting, there's a special place in my heart for plucky little runabouts. The Fiat Topolino, with its Italian charm and small size, fits the bill perfectly. Based on the Citroën Ami, a small electric vehicle classified as a quadricycle in Europe, the Topolino offers tiny, affordable in-town transportation.

The Fiat Topolino has a small 5.4 kWh battery that provides up to 46 miles of range and a top speed of 28 miles per hour. It may not be suitable for highway driving, but it's more than enough for zipping around gated communities or beachside parking lots. Although it's unclear whether there will be enough demand to bring the Fiat to the US, if it does make it here, I'll be one of the first in line for a test drive.

The Fiat Topolino's unique design and compact size make it a standout in the automotive world. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can bring the most joy.

The Kia EV9 GT: Performance Meets Family

The new, pumped-up version of Kia's three-row EV made its debut at the LA Auto Show this year, promising big performance from a family hauler. The Kia EV9 GT, like its smaller EV6 sibling, offers more power and performance than the standard model, along with some unique styling.

Although the EV9 GT won't arrive until 2026, it will have 501 horsepower (up from 379 horsepower in the standard model) and a zero to 60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds. It will also come with a standard NACS charging port, making it convenient for long journeys. The interior features "bright accents" that add a touch of luxury, such as the contrasting piping and stitching on the seats.

While the standard Kia EV9 comes in either six- or seven-passenger configurations, the GT will only have a six-passenger configuration with second-row captain's seats. With Alcantara inserts and GT logos in the headrests, these seats are undoubtedly the best in the EV9 lineup. It's clear that Kia has focused on delivering a high-performance version of their family SUV without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

The Acura ADX: A Premium Entry-Level Luxury SUV

The new Acura ADX was a crowd favorite at the LA Auto Show. Every time I walked by, there was a small crowd gathered, with onlookers praising its styling, paint, and premium feel. Based on the same platform as the current Acura Integra, the ADX is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Although Acura hasn't released power figures yet, it's expected to have around the same amount of power as the standard Integra, which is 200 horses. Like the Integra, the ADX is expected to be sporty, engaging to drive, and reasonably priced for an entry-level luxury vehicle. It offers more cargo space than the Integra and the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive, making it appealing to a wider audience.

On the inside and outside, the Acura ADX feels premium and well-built. The styling is more impressive in person than in photos, and the options list is full of appeal, including a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. It's a car that combines luxury and practicality in a perfect package.

The All-Black Volkswagen ID. Buzz: A Sleek Executive Companion

Volkswagen's booth at the auto show this year included ride-along opportunities in the new ID. Buzz, and I took advantage of them to get a taste of the interior and the ride. The ID. Buzz was quiet, spritely, and generally comfortable during my short ride. I highly recommend taking a ride if you get the chance.

All of the test vehicles inside the show had a two-tone color scheme, with a bright color on the lower half and a white upper half surrounding the windows. While this pays tribute to the old VW Bus, it's not my favorite. However, the all-black model I saw outside the show caught my eye. This color choice makes the ID. Buzz look sleeker and more like a Mercedes Sprinter, making it ideal for transporting executives to important meetings in comfort.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a versatile vehicle that combines style and practicality. The all-black model takes it to a whole new level, exuding a sense of sophistication and elegance.

Roof Racks: The Adventure Accessory

If the LA Auto Show had a theme this year, it would likely be roof racks or adventurously-outfitted vehicles. Almost every automaker had a version of their cars equipped with a roof rack and some sort of accessory. SUVs, trucks, and even sedans from various brands were on display, showcasing their adventure-ready capabilities.

Kayaks, mountain bikes, rooftop tents, and extra storage boxes were some of the most common items seen on these adventure-upfitted vehicles. An entire section of the Auto Show is dedicated to Overlanding vehicles, called the OVRland Outpost, which makes perfect sense. Knobby tires and lift kits were everywhere, adding to the overall sense of adventure.

For now, I'm embracing this trend as a car enthusiast who loves getting outdoors and combining the two. However, it's possible that we'll all experience adventure-car burnout at some point in the near future. But for now, let's enjoy the thrill of these adventure-ready vehicles.