Yesterday the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show kicked off with the first of two press-only days. Same as last year, I headed downtown to take a look at the latest batch of new models and concept cars.

While the mainstream media is busy touting of all the green and electric vehicles at the show, I found there was also plenty for the old fashioned gearheads to enjoy as well.

Once I got into the Convention Center, one of my first stops was at the Jaguar booth, where the whole lineup was on display in matching dark green body color.

The real draw at the Jag booth though, was the C-X75 concept, which originally debuted in Paris.

The concept is powered by a 780hp combination of gas turbines and electric motors, making for an ultra-green supercar. It may be an exercise in future car possibilities, but you can see a lot of the classic Jaguar XJ220 in the design.

Nissan was showing the new refreshed 2012 GT-R in their booth. No massive changes to the design, but some substantial improvements – such as a 40hp increase over the current model.

Nissan was also showing the all new Quest Minivan. Lots of JDM influence here, as it shares its main platform with the Nissan Elgrand.

SMS Supercars showing their breathed-on version of the Challenger in the Concourse Hall. In my eye, this is the perfect wheel and stance combo for the Challenger.

Mazda debuted the North American version of the 2012 Mazda5 in LA. Seeing as my wife drives one of these, I took a particular interest in the new version. Overall dimensions and shape are the same, while the styling and interior gets some big changes.

I wasn’t a big fan of the gaping Mazda grin when I first saw it, but I’m starting to come around a bit. Maybe not a huge fan, but I can tolerate it.

Mazda also debuted the Shinari concept in LA, and like most concepts it should hint at future design language for production vehicles.

Bonneville Kizashi in the Suzuki booth. Cool!

Another new car I was excited to check out was the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon.

Europe and Japan have had this car for a while, where its known as the Accord Tourer. Always nice to see another wagon make its way to US shores though.

Looks like it made it over here pretty much unchanged, save for the Acura corporate face.

Scion had one of the hippest displays as usual, featuring stock models and tuned versions we saw at SEMA.

The US-spec version of the iQ was also on hand here.

Long wheelbase Audi A8L – it doesn’t get much more executive than this.

There was a cool display chronicling the history of the LA Auto Show, where I found this awesome photo from the late ’60s. Those are brand new Honda 600’s with Pontiac GTO’s in the background.

Dodge has heavily reworked the Charger sedan for 2011, with styling much more in line with the classic ’68-’70 models.

The new rear end design is a nice homage to the ’69. Mopar fans should approve of the redesign.

That will do it for part one. I’ll be back soon with more from the LA Auto Show.

-Mike Garrett