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
It’s that time for Mercedes-Benz’s storied SL —–the unveiling of an all-new generation to tempt and delight lovers of fine cars everywhere.
It will make its debut at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

And when we say all-new, that’s just what we mean.  For the first time in its history, the SL will have an all-aluminum body, a sensible move given concerns in the industry about stringent new fuel mileage regulations and getting the …

Ready to go off-roading fast — -real fast?
You might want to take a look at the upcoming  Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG sport utility vehicle, which made its debut recently at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

We’re talking  a whopping 518 horsepower, with 516 lb-ft of torque coming from  a direct-injection, biturbo V8 that produces 518 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque.  By the way, if that gives you heart palpitations, Mercedes also will have the  V8-powered ML550 (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft.) available in …

 
By Don Hammonds, executive editor
This model year promises to be a blockbuster one, with so many new models coming out that you’ll need a scorecard to keep up with it all.
Yet, amid the dozens of new models, and hundreds of continuing ones, there are still some diamonds that we believe will shine far above the others before the model year’s out. 
We selected our picks based on their impact on the automotive market, their uniqueness, in some cases, their transformations from …

 
By John Heilig
 
SPECIFICATIONS
 
Model: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 302 hp @ 6,500 rpm/273 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with paddles
Wheelbase: 95.7 in.
Length/Width/Height: 162.8 x 71.5 x 50.8 in.
Tires: P225/40R18 (F)/P245/35R18 (R)
Cargo volume: 10.1/6/4 cu. ft. (roof closed/open)
Fuel economy: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/21.1 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
Curb weight: 3,397 lbs.
Sticker: $67,175 (includes $875 destination charge, $11,500 in options)
 
Five reasons to buy this car
1. It’s a sports car
2. Easy conversion from coupe to convertible
3. Excellent handling
4. Very good …

By Don Hammonds
Mini’s making “maxi” news as usual for 2012.
First of course, is the debut of the cool new  Mini Coupe, a brutish looking two door with an unusual roofline and seating for two.

 One of the first things you’ll notice is that it has a rear spoiler on the back that goes into action  automatically at 50 miles per hour. And like all other Minis this year, it has the availability of a feature aimed at Mini Connected buyers who will be able …

 
By Don Hammonds
“What’s up”  at Mercedes for 2012?
Plenty.
Try an all-new SLK.  How about an all new M-Class?  How about some new AMG iron, too?  And all of that is just for starters.
2012 SLK
Let’s talk about the all-new SLK. It’s tougher, even better handling, and at least to the eyes of those of us at Automobile Journal, it’s even better looking, if that’s possible. And it’s also got some interesting new technology, too.
There’s also some new iron under the hood– a …

   By Don Hammonds
Ford’s been transforming itself for the last few years, and 2012 will bring a continuation of that trend for the blue oval band.
    Of course, the big news is the all-new Focus and the powerful 2012  Mustang Boss 302.
    2012 Ford Focus
 The 2012 Ford Focus  comes in an almost bewildering number of models, variations and colors– all the more to blanket the market.

On sale now, the Focus comes in  S, SE, SEL and Titanium trim series levels. 
“Focus  ” is packed with …

 
It’s 2012, or so says the automotive industry calendar—-and that means new cars and trucks.
Automobile Journal today begins a periodic series of articles highlighting changes and new models among each of the companies we cover, starting with Nissan. Stay tuned for other pieces as information becomes available.
Executive Editor Don Hammonds
Nissan’s making big changes for 2012 at both ends of the market spectum.

At the more affordable end, Nissan’s unveiled the 2012 Versa (see article by Automobile Journal staffer John Heilig further …

By John Heilig
Model: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible
Engine: 6.2-liter V8
Horsepower/Torque: 436 hp @ 5,900 rpm/428 lb.-ft.@4,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 105.7 in.
Length/Width/Height: 175.6 x 75.9 x 48.7 in.
Tires: P275/35ZR18 (F)/P325/30ZR19(R)
Cargo volume: 7.5/11 cu. ft. (top down/up)
Fuel economy: 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway/15.0 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.0 gal.
Curb weight: 3,289 lbs.
Sticker: $74,235 (includes $950 destination charge, $14,685 in options ($9,700 for 4LT Premium Equipment Group)
 
Five reasons to buy this car
1. Excellent performance
2. Best looking Vette ever
3. Docile when it needs to …