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 …

By Don Hammonds
Lives there a man or woman who hasn’t dreamed of driving a BMW?
We at Automobile Journal have our favorites, too.  One of us owns 3 Series, another craves the big 7 Series. And me?  I have a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible, which you will never, ever get me to give up, short of death.
But it happens that I also love the 6 Series models too.  So you can imagine my–and our whole staff’s joy–at word that a new …

Having the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK debut at the brand’s vaunted Fashion Week extravaganza in New York shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
After all, given that SLKs always seem to be piloted by good-looking folks dressed to kill, it all seems to make sense, right? And Fashion Week, which arguably got an even higher profile in connection with “Project Runway,” one of  television’s most pleasurable guilty pleasures, is the right place to get attention.  That’s especially true  given the star studded list usually …

Hyundai can be described in one word: relentless.
And that may prove to be disheartening for all of its competitors.
Take a look at the most recent evidence: Their 2012 Veloster Coupe. 
 
It looks like nothing on the road, and it’s opening up a new marketing niche for the company:  affordable, upscale premium high mileage coupes.
Style-wise, Hyundai says, the Veloster features “Fluidic Sculpture” character lines, muscular wheel arches, bodycolor door handles and mirrors, and wraparound headlights and taillights. Veloster comes standard with 17-inch alloy …

 
By Don Hammonds
Nissan  strengthened its growing reputation for design innovation and daring at the media days presentation at the Los Angeles International Auto Shgow.
   With models ranging from an unsual world’s first all wheel drive cabriolet, to to a sedan concept that is almost sure to influence future design at the brands, Nissan had some of the most unusual and interesting products displayed for the media.
First among the products likely to get a lot of attention in days to come is …

     By Don Hammonds
 As we write this, Pittsburgh. our beloved hometown, is enjoying balmy, sunny temperatures in the 70s–in November!
       That fact prompted us to think of a lovely picture that cross our desk as we glanced out our office window: the unveiling of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible at the recent media days event at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

 Long, low and lovely, we could only imagine how cool it would be to  pilot it  on a warm …