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
Undeniably, the 2012 North American International Auto Show will go down as one of the most significant shows in years, with important introductions of family sedans and compact cars, more economical hybrids and other alternative vehicles, and a healthy smattering of mouth-watering sports cars and concepts for added spice.
       All of this is occuring against a backdrop of strong sales increases for most brands and a resurgent domestic auto industry, lower interest rates, many more interesting, better-built …

By John Heilig
Model: 2011 Dodge Charger R/T AWD
Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8
Horsepower/Torque: 370 hp @ 5,250 rpm/395 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 120.2 in.
Length x Width x Height: 199.9 x 75.0 x 58.4 in.
Tires: P235/55R19
Cargo: 15.4 cu. ft.
Economy: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway/17.3 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 19.1 gal.
Curb Weight: 4,450 lbs.
Sticker: $39,095 (includes $825 destination charge and $5,950 in options)
Five reasons to buy this car:
1. Great power
2.  Retro styling
3. Best navigation screen
4. Good handling
5. Surprisingly practical for a hot rod
The …

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 …

Jaguar’s emphasis for 2012 is on refining and enhancing what is already a pretty sensational lineup of automobiles.
But be warned: Jaguar, like the jungle cat for which it is naned,  is still on the move.  And soon enough—very soon– you will see some unveilings of some dramatic new products coming from one of the industry’s most storied brands. Stay tuned!
2012 Jaguar XJ
One of the world’s most beautiful and exotic sedans, the 2012 Jaguar XJ has already turned plenty of heads …

 
For Lexus this year, it’s all about the new 2013 GS luxury sport sedan.

The sleek model, though labeled a 2013 entrant, will actually be launched early in 2012, thus its inclusion in our buyers guide series of articles for this year.
 Since its inception, the GS has always been the ride of choice from the full-sized sedan models available from Lexus. It’s speedier, better handling and more of an enthusiast drive than some of the other large sedans from the brand, …

 
By Don Hammonds
Dodge, one of America’s most storied automotive brands, built quite successfully on its torrid high performance image in 2011, thanks to greatly improved models, more clearly delineated image, and looks that were all its own.
And sales soared.
For 2012, Dodge is wisely building on all the things that distinguish it from all other brands–a colorful heritage, styling cues that are strongly associated with the brand, strong performance with even greater fuel economy, and introducing niche versions of its popular …

By Don Hammonds
So where on earth do you even begin with Buick these days?
Buick is on fire with strong sales, growing word of mouth, and looks and performance to back up the buzz.  It should thus come as no surprise that Buick is knocking off competitors right and left, and with new models and excitement this year, Buick’s got those competitors squarely in its gunsight.
The biggest news, particularly in light of all the rises in gasoline prices, is the compact luxury …

 
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 …