By Don Hammonds
Hybrids were big at this year’s North American International Auto show in Detroit.
Whether in production or concept form, it’s clear that those interested in outstanding gasoline mileage and sensitivity to the environment will be in good shape in years to come. Let’s take a look:
2013 Toyota Prius c
Toyota smells a market out there for an inexpensive hybrid, and now it’s got one: the upcoming 2013 Toyota Prius c.

    The new Prius c will have Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology …

By Don Hammonds
One thing you can count on from Mazda: The company knows who it is and how to translate that to the cars it makes.

Case in point is the new upcoming CX-5 small crossover based on  the company’s Minagi concept that was shown at the New York International Auto Show. Somehow Mazda’s translated its legendary zoom-zoom ambiance into a product that looks unique, muscular and “on the move”  and quite unlike anything else on the road.  If the company’s …

      What was that we all said about Toyota being too conservative with design?

      Not any more.  Take a look at the new Scion rear wheel drive FR-S Concept sports coupe, which recently bowed at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to stimulate the souls of true driving enthusiasts, will be at the Scion display through May 1. The FR-S Concept will inspire a new model coming to the Scion brand next year.
Cool, huh? So the …

By Don Hammonds
We all know that Infiniti designs some way cool cars.
But there are times when the company outdoes even itself.  We think this may be one of those times.

Take a look at the Infiniti Etherea, a special concept vehicle  bowing at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. It’s designed to preview how a future Infiniti entry-level compact performance luxury sedan could look.
 Here at Automobile Journal, we think this could be a model to slot right under the G-Series, or it …

Looking for something way cool?
We at Automobile Journal have been hearing rumors that Volkswagen was about to bring back its beloved Microbus van that was a rolling icon of the days of flower chidren, hippies and Janis Joplin.
Now we have evidence, courtesy of the Geneva International Auto Show and VW, that the rumor is likely true.

VW is displayng the Bulli, a retro flavored, yet utterly contemporary van concept  that will bring back memories for a lot of babyboomers– and ptoetntially …

This year’s North American International Auto Show will be remembered as the year when small cars ruled.
Just about everybody had one new one–or more– to show, and pick up trucks and big cars were, well—–so yesterday. 
The good thing is that with few exceptions, just about everyone had something new and fresh to show–there wasn’t much duplication of efforts or look-alikes, for once, and we can all only hope that auto designers continue to keep their voices original and ground breaking …

For ages, the auto industry has been afflicted with ‘me too syndrome” when it comes to styling and design.
Just as soon as one car company launches a successful styling departure from the norm, eve4ryone rushes to copy it, and before long, we are awash in designs that look an awful lot like each other.
During the 1960s,. everybody clamored for a two door coupe with a “Thunderbird” roofline. The 1970s heralded a race to opera window heaven. The 1980s brought us …

Keeping a constant eye on future trends and their impact is a handy quality these days, given the fast-changing market, new laws and restrictions around the world, and an ever-present concern about fuel economy and efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz is certainly as good as just about anyone–and better than most when it comes to anticipating future needs.
Their latest look at the future is the F800 Style research vehicle some say gives strong hints of future design direction for Mercedes for everything from its C-Class …

Holy Hybrids!
Porsche just unveiled its 918 Spyder concept, described by the car maker as an “an ultra-efficient, low-emission, mid-engine super sports car featuring hybrid and electric drive technology.”

The sleek sportster gets about 78 miles per gallon while still having a top speed of 198 miles per hour. Moreover, the 918 Spyder concept hit the Nurburgring and did a lap in less than 7.30 minutes, a time that beats the Porsche Carrera GT.
The 918  Spyder concept is one of three Porsche models with …

And now, for something different….very different.
But we must say, refreshingly so.

Nissan, which is quickly developing a reputation for pushing the envelope—thank goodness, we say– is pushing it even further with this new small crossover that is to be priced, we understand, between the Nissan Rogue and the Nissan Murano.
It’s called the Juke, and it continues an industry-wide trend of well-equipped, beautiful small cars that can reasonably command a premium on the market. That’s fully in keeping with what consumers apparently …