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Chevrolet Camaro, 2012: Iconic sports car gets top NHTSA safety honor

The Chevrolet Camaro built its enduring legacy on performance. Now with the debut of 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe, the iconic vehicle has another major attribute — safety leader. The new Camaro is the first vehicle to receive the highest possible five-star score in every individual safety rating segment of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program since the federal testing procedures were revised for 2011.

Honda CR-V, 2012: Refined, quieter, more technology

The Honda CR-V, the country's best-seling Sport Utility Vehicle and redesigned for 2012, is debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show and has a more refined appearance and is reportedly quieter than previous editions. The new CR-V features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower, 163 pound feet of torque and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Azera, 2012: Bigger engine, best-of-class mpg

The 2012 Hyundai Azera, which features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine, six-speed transmission, best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon and a wide range of advanced safety equipment, is making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV top mpg on EPA 2012 list, Nissan Leaf 2nd

As expected, the much-touted 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV has the highest gas mileage of any vehicle available in the United States, according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new Mitsubishi gets a combined 112 mpg, with the combined mileage weighted via 55 percent city and 45 percent highway mileage calculation. The Mitsubishi attained a 126 mpg average in city driving and 99 mpg on the highway.

BMW M5, 2012: Powerful, quick and on its way (video)

By Derek Mau The fifth generation BMW M5 will soon reach the United States. But until the new 190 mph machine with 0-60 mph speed in 4.4 seconds arrives, a video of the powerful beast will have to suffice. The 2012 BMW M5 features a newly developed direct injection 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package – consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. At full tilt the 2012 M5 pumps out 560 hp at 6,000 — 7,000 rpm with maximum torque of 502 lb.-ft. from 1,500 rpm. Power is

2012 Volkswagen Passat named best car by Motor Trend

Resigned for 2012, the Volkswagen Passat has been named Motor Trend Car of the Year based on its combined pedigree of value, safety, efficiency and design. It joins the 1985 Volkswagen GTI as the second of only two Volkswagens to receive the award.

Ford Escape, 2013: Sleek re-design, new engine options

The 2013 Ford Escape, the first complete redesign of the iconic Sport Utility Vehicle, has debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show featuring a sleeker design, two new engine options and a host of outrageously titlet exterior colors, Ginger Ale to Frosted Glass Metallic.

Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ get 2012 best resale value honors

The Jeep Wrangler‘s for 2012 has a more powerful and more fuel-efficient V6 engine and its gets the top spot in the overall top-10 best used car value designation from Kelley Blue Book based on its 68.0 percent resale value after three years and 55.0 percent resale value after five years. The resale designations signify automakers achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value over the first five years of new-vehicle ownership. The awards are presented annually just prior to the L.A. Auto Show, which begins Thursday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The awards are presented to top

Bikini-clad models pose for 10th motor sports calendar

The 2012 UmbrellaGirls USA calendar, the 10th anniversary edition of the yearly tradition that showcases beautiful models around the United States from cycling and motor sports events, has been published. The 13-month, glossy calendar features more than two dozen photos of bikini-clad models from UmbrellaGirls USA, a ntional boutique modeling agency with more than 250 models from throughout the country who also appear at conventions and trade shows.

Los Angeles Auto Show: More tech, power for 2013 Lexus

The 2013 Lexus GS 350, GS 450h and GS 350 F SPORT models, featuring new technology, design and power upgrades, will make their first North American auto show appearance Nov. 18-27 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and 306 horsepower, the 2013 GS 350 has 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters, offers four driving modes: Normal, ECO, SPORT S, and SPORT S+.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2012: Sporty and roomy 'Little Giant'

Volkswagen continues to add driving excitement to its models. The new Jetta GLI provides this practical, roomy sedan with additional driving kicks. Far more Americans have welcomed the larger Jetta since it was redone for 2011 to give it greater U.S. appeal. The GLI version arrives for 2012 to make it sportier.

General Motors investigated for Saturn shifting woes

Seven crashes involving automatic shift levers on used Saturn Aura model have prompted federal safety regulators to investigate General Motors cars with the inquirty possibly also including the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. The investigation began with complaints in the Saturn Aura (2007-2008) affecting about 89,000 vehicles. The Chevrolet Malibu (2004-2008) and Pontiac G6 (2005-2008) have similar shifting systems. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shift lever to the transmission can deteriorate, exposing the cables to the elements. Cables can corrode and weaken, and the shift lever position may

Toyota Camry 2012, gas & hybrid, arrives at U.S. dealers

Toyota has continued its massive marketing campaign for the 2012 Camry Hybrid, announcing the revised version of the increasingly popular sedan is now available at dealerships nationwide. The 2012 Camry Hybrid features an updated version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that helps propel the Hybrid LE model to EPA mpg rating of 43 city/39 highway and a class-leading 41 mpg combined.

Dodge Charger, 2011: Modern, revatilized, still menacing

By Mary Ellen Ash Pros: Sleek, sexy exterior Uconnect infotainment system Good driver visibility Revamped suspension and drivetrain Better than expected fuel economy Cons: Heavy Sluggish acceleration Outdated 5-speed automatic transmission The original Dodge Charger was a two-door muscle car that debuted in the 1960s and hits its peak popularity in the early 1970s. While the Charger’s appeal faded into the early eighties, the latest models have been revitalized and modernized for more diverse consumer tastes while still retaining aggressive styling from the Charger’s old glory days. The transformation has updated the 2011 Charger into a modern-day sedan while keeping

Tokyo Auto Show: Suzuki debuting wild concepts, ecocar

With a motto of "small cars for the big future," Suzuki will have unique presence at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, including its share of the auto industry's always interesting concept cars. Suzuki says it cars for today, the near future, and the more distant future will be highlighted by fuel economy, user-friendliness, innovation and brisk performance. The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show is scheduled Dec. 2-11 at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. Th Suzuki presence will include: the Regina, Q-Concept, Swift EV-Hybrid and Swift Sport. According to Suzuki: Regina is a next-generation global compact car with excellent fuel efficiency and

Ten 2012 Ferrari FFs sell in 50 minutes . . . that's fast

It wasn't the fastest sellout in automotive history, but Ferrari's popularity is still acutely intact after 10 Ferrari FF models recently sold in 50 minutes. The caveat: the 2012 editions were part of the annual Fantasy Gift category in the Neiman Marcus holiday catalog. Despite a $395,000 price tag (about $100,000 more than the cost of the same car at a delearship), the allotment of Ferraris as catalog gifts were purchased quickly because there's more to the story. Since only 10 specialty Ferraris were made, each car's exterior is painted "Grigio Caldo" and will bear a numbered interior plaque. Each