The 2014 LA motor show kicks off this week in California. It’s a show that has continued to grow over the last few years thanks to a series of high profile car launches, as carmakers attempt to attract the attention of buyers in this lucrative market.

This trend of growth looks set to continue for 2014, as numerous leading car manufacturers have given prominence to the event by choosing to debut their future models. Here’s our pick of the most exciting cars due to be unveiled.

Audi R8 Competition

First up is the Audi R8 Competition, with the brands original supercar set for imminent replacement, Audi has decided to send the current generation out with a bang with this special edition.

A limited run of only 60 R8 Competition cars will be made, all of which will be sold in the US. The race-inspired road car has been given an additional 20bhp over the standard R8 V10, as well as carbon ceramic brakes and a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. It’s capable of cracking 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds and will reach a top speed of 199mph.

Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

Cadillac’s latest contender to performance coupe crown – currently held by the BMW M4 – certainly looks the part, sporting a design dripping with typically unsubtle Yankee aggression. However, engine specifications have yet to be released though its expected to be powered by an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 found in the current CTS Vsport and XTS Vsport models. Power is expected to be around the 425bhp mark, which would match its German rivals. Rumours are circulating of a more potent 'Plus' version, which could eventually make an appearance.

Fisker Rocket

After what can only be described as a disastrous run of luck with his previous hybrid concept car, the Karma, designer Henrik Fisker is back with a new car for the LA show.

Fisker has released a sketch of his latest design called the ‘Fisker Rocket’, which looks to have been given the muscle car treatment. This sole teaser image appears to show a low-slung fastback styled car, though few other details have been disclosed. Rumours suggest however, that the new car will be based on the new Ford Mustang and have a carbon fibre body.

Jaguar F-Type AWD

Just last week Jaguar confirmed that an AWD version of its new F-type would be put into production after announcing its partnership with the Bloodhound SSC land speed record team. The car will reach 60mph in 3.9 just seconds in top-end R Coup? form and the model recently took part in a high-speed communications test with the Bloodhound team in South Africa.

Jaguar says that “the addition of all-wheel-drive is one of a number of performance enhancements to the award-winning Jaguar F-Type range which will grow from six to 14 derivatives in 2015”.

Lexus LF-C2

It was never clear if the LF-C2 would ever be put into production after it was initially unveiled as a concept car at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012. However Lexus has now confirmed that the car will reach showrooms. Vice President of Lexus Europe, Alain Uyttenhoven, said it would be a far more accessible model than the limited-production (and eye-wateringly expensive) LFA and will rival the likes of the Mercedes S-Class Coupe and Maserati Gran Turismo.

The body is made entirely of carbon fibre and although details of its power plant have yet to be confirmed, the fact the concept car was a hybrid vehicle that produced 500bhp, is a big indicator as to what will lie under the bonnet of a production version.