2012

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.

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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 transferred to the rear wheels via the 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, where the new Active M Differential ensures an

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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 vehicles in 19 vehicle categories and to the Overall Top 10 vehicles across all categories. Here’s the top-10 list and

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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.

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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 of the buyers of a Ferrari from he Neiman Marcus catalog was also given a Ferrari Winter Driving Experience in

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Subaru Impreza, 2012: spacious, all-wheel drive, good value

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is getting a lot attention especilly among shoppers seeking value and all-wheel drive. The newly designed model, in fact, is the lowest priced all-wheel drive car in the United States. The new Subaru has a spacious interior, and an MSRP price range from $17,495 – $22,595. Here are a few examples of what's being said about the 2012 Subaru Impreza: "The base Impreza 2.0i with a five-speed goes for $18,245, making it one of the nicest all-wheel-drive cars for under 20 grand, as well as one of the only all-wheel-drive cars for under 20 grand." —- Automobile Magazine. "The Impreza delivers a well-rounded package that's roomy, pleasant to drive, and very practical. For shoppers adventuresome enough

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Subaru tops best 2012 all-wheel drive cars

Inclement weather isn't often good for cars or vehicle occupants. Which is one main reason all-wheel drive cars – Hyundai to Subaru, Ford to Mazda — are increasingly popular. As the winter season approaches, Kiplinger.com has compiled a list of 10-top recommended all-wheel drive cars that offer "a shoveful of value" as well as vehicles that rank well in resale value, fuel economy and safety. Subaru, the only manufacturer whose entire lineup has all-wheel drive, has two cars on the all-wheel drive list including the top choice, the 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium hatchback. Here's what Kiplinger's wrote in part about the Imprezza: "The Impreza is one of the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicles on the market. Redesigned for 2012 to

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Toyota Corolla, 2012: More features, improved electronics

The Toyota Corolla, the largest-selling car in history, has received upgrades in several 2012 models, including more features in the base L model and a new standard audio system for the LE and S grades. A year after a "refrshed design," the Corolla L gains color-keyed power side mirrors as well as power windows with driver’s auto-down, power door locks and remote keyless entry. The Corolla LE adds standard 16-inch wheels and steering wheel audio controls. The sporty S model adds a double-stitch accent to its seats. The 2012 Toyota LE and S offer a new standard audio system. The head unit combines an AM/FM/CD player (including MP3/WMA playback) A USB port enables iPo connectivity, while an auxiliary input jack

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Honda Civic, 2012: It’s a natural gas and it’s nationwide

The 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas (formerly the Civic GX), the only dedicated natural gas-powered passenger vehicle manufactured and sold in the U.S., debuted Oct. 18, marking the first time in the vehicle’s 14-year history it’s been available at dealerships throughout the country. Until its current model, the Honda Civic natural gas model was available only in California, New York, Utah and Oklahoma. To support growing consumer interest in alternative-fuel vehicles, American Honda expanded its U.S. distribution to 200 dealers in 35 states. As an alternative-fuel vehicle with extremely low smog-forming emissions, the Civic Natural Gas currently qualifies for a state-issued decal allowing single-occupant access to High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) “carpool” lanes in California and several other states. The Civic Natural

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Bugatti plans plug-in electric Galibier for 2012

The rumor has been around for a while, but Bugatti has confirmed it will soon a offer a plug-in hybrid. Wolfgang Durheimer, the Bugatti CEO said the luxury automaker will debut, likely in 2012, a 1.4 million super car based on the 16 C Galibier concept that debuted in 2009. The four-seat sports sedan will feature 16-cyclinder engine, with the plug-in hybrid option possessing a 25-mile radius in electric-only driving. Durheimer didn't report if Bugatti hybrid engine will be downsized, but he commmented Bugatti hopes to sell around 1,500 units during car's yet-to-be determined tenure. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.

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Toyota Camry SE, 2012: New look, more car (video review)

During a recent Toyota media launch at the Sonoma Mission Inn in Northern California, videographer Bruce Aldrich and I drove, among a caravan of other journalists, to Infineon Raceway for a full day of comparison driving — 2011 Toyota Camry models versus 2012 Toyota Camry models. With the 2012 models of the best-selling Camry, Toyota has resigned the sedan throughout the four-trim line-up. The improvements are immediately noticeable. Despite its popularity, Toyota has obviously prepared as other top-selling sedans, particularly the Hyundai Sonota, are making serious efforts to grab larger shares of the mid-size sedan marketplace. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since

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Scion iQ, 2012: Brainy microcar with a lot of room to roam

Three years to the month after it made its debut in Japan, the Scion iQ arrived in the United States in October 2011 as the country's second "city car." And, of course, it's the immediate rival of the Smart ForTwo, the now nearly teenage microcar. Like its rival, the Scion iQ mini-car is innovative, controversial and immediately attracts attention with its petite presence. Like the Smart ForTwo, the Scion iQ also has an odd name. Toyota, the Scion parent company, explains the "i" means "individuality," "innovation," and "intelligence." And the "Q" stands for "quality." The Weekly Driver Test Drive During my test drive, several people stared at the car while it was parked in front of our house. One guy

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Honda CR-V, 2012: New edition images leaked on Japan site

Like several other manufacturers, Honda was planning to debut the new edition e of its most successful vehicles, the CR-V sport utility vehicle, at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Instead, the 2012 edition was unveiled accidentally or accidentally on purse in automaker's Japanese-language website. Images of the 2012 CR-V crossover are not-too-different from the photos of concept of the car unveiled in September. If the images are correct, the new CR-V features a more prominent grille and more pointed windows and more steeply angled rear lines. The CR-V will also reportedly features a new platform with more interior space but a slightly lighter vehicle. The CR-V will include a new 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder with 201 horsepower. The 2012 edition

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Hybrid market expands in 2012, Toyota Prius v to BMW

Citing impressive statistics, the Auto Channel on MSN.com has a comprehensive listing of 2012 hybrids, from the industry standard Toyota Prius to its new sibling, the Prius v, as well as debuting high-end offerings from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. MSN.com states as many as 50 hybrids could be on the market by 2015 and that ghe overall hybrid market share has nearly doubled in 2011 to about two percent. Here, for example. is what MSN.com said about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Prius v: Hyundai Sonata: "This impressive hybrid entry is fast gaining converts, and it's not hard to see why: The Sonata is a fully equipped, smartly designed midsized fuel sipper, comparable to but cheaper than hybrid versions

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