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![2012 Kia Rio]()
2012 Kia Rio The current Kia Rio subcompact is very much from the cheap and (kind of) cheerful school of economy car design. The 2012 Rio did not attend that school. From it’s sleek euro-inspired exterior to a cabin with the same look and feel as Kia’s Optima sedan and best-in-class power from its new 1.6-liter four cylinder motor, this sub-$13G five or four-door will be in the running for Valedictorian when it goes on sale this summer. For extra credit it has a fuel economy rating of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway thanks in part to a stop/start system that shuts off the engine when the car isn’t moving and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Click here to watch our 2011 New York Auto Show special report.![2012 Fiat 500C]()
Fiat 500C Fiat has only just returned to the United States with its 500 coupe, but the new cabriolet is here just in time for summer. With a starting price of $19,500, the not-quite-a-convertible will be the least-expensive drop-top you can buy when it hits showrooms in May, and its unique design means you don’t give up any of the microcar’s precious interior space to add a little sunshine to your dolce vita. Click here to watch our 2011 New York Auto Show special report.![VW Bulli]()
VW Bulli Concept For those who think the Beetle just isn't cute enough, the Bulli is on the way...maybe. A concept car that hearkens back to the flower-power VW Microbus, the little electric crossover has a front bench seat that can fold down along with the second row to create a bed. With an iPod dock in the dashboard, it's nicer than some NY studio apartments. Click here to watch our 2011 New York Auto Show special report.![2012 Subaru Impreza]()
![2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8]()
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Most Jeeps are meant for off-roading and so is this one, if you consider a race track off road. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by the biggest HEMI V8 yet, a 6.4-liter monster that pumps 465 hp through an all-wheel-drive system programmed to put it to the pavement. A retuned suspension and big Brembo brakes capable of handling the SUV's limited 155 mph top speed round out the package. Of course, if its capability you want, even this Grand Cherokee can tow 5,000 pounds, but you'll likely be hauling something else with it. Click here for a look at the Grand Cherokee SRT8 with Jeep CEO Mike Manley.![Scion FR-S Concept]()
Scion FR-S Concept The latest car from Toyota's youth-oriented division is 'Friggin Really Sweet!' according to Scion Vice President Jack Hollis. The Front-engined Rear-drive Sports car is a thinly veiled concept of a coupe that's set to hit showrooms in 2012. Developed in a partnership with Subaru, the FR-S will be powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four-cylinder motor and cost under $30G.![2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO]()
2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO Everyone knew Chevrolet was bringing its new Malibu to New York, but nobody knew about this. Chevy doesn't call it a hybrid, but the Malibu ECO uses a small electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack combined with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, low rolling resistant tires and active shutters in the grille that can close to streamline the car when cooling isn't needed to deliver 38 mpg highway, making it the most fuel efficient Malibu ever. Click here for a look at the Malibu with GM President Mark Reuss.![2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid]()
2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid and Turbo S Lying at opposite ends of the spectrum are the latest versions of the Porsche Panamera. A new $95G hybrid model offers 380 hp for performance with battery-power for efficiency (official MPG numbers are TBD) while the $173G Turbo S ups the ante to 550 hp and a tarmac-torturing 590 lb-feet of maximum torque that's good for a 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds, making it the quickest family car in the world. Click here for a look at Porsche's "first" hybrid with Porsche CEO Detlev Von Platen.![2012 Nissan Versa]()
2012 Nissan Versa The Versa was once the least-expensive car in America, and the new one looks set to reclaim that title when it hits the road this summer. But unlike the old stripper, for just $10,999 the new Versa comes standard with air conditioning and a CD/Stereo. Opt for the CVT automatic transmission and you also get a combined fuel efficiency rating of 33 mpg, making this an economy car in more ways than one.![2012 Hyundai Accent]()
2012 Hyundai Accent The Accent is the car that stole the cheapest car title from the Versa, but its giving it back voluntarily as the entry-level subcompact moves upmarket with a stylish new look - in four and five-door form - and a 40 mpg fuel efficiency rating for a starting price of $12,445.![2012 Honda Civic]()
2012 Honda Civic Even if it doesn't look it - and it doesn't - the new Honda Civic actually is. The automaker playing it safe on the styling front while completely re-engineering its top selling compact. Variety is the spice here, with entry-level, 41 mpg highway high-efficiency, 44 mpg combined hybrid, 201 hp sport and even a natural gas versions to choose from at a starting price of about $16G.![Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class]()
Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class Proof that compact economy cars don't have to be dull comes in the form of the Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class, a possible sneak peek at the next generation of the automaker's smallest car. Not currently sold in the U.S., the front-wheel-drive A-Class matches up against the likes of the Audi A3 and could come here as gas prices continue to rise. Mercedes says the car's flowing design was drawn from wind and waves, but it's power comes from a 210 hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine.![2013 Chevrolet Malibu]()
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Bigger isn't always better. The new Chevy Malibu is slightly smaller than the one it replaces, but gets a fresh new look that combines a bold front end, wedge profile and tail lights inspired by the Camaro. Under the hood is a new 190 hp four-cylinder engine, and there is no six-cylinder option, but with six-speed transmissions and high-tech direct fuel injection, it promises to deliver more than enough power and fuel economy for your midsize sedan needs.![2012 Volkswagen Beetle]()
2012 Volkswagen Beetle First it was the People's Car, then it was a chick car, now VW's little bug looks like its gotten a little angry. Lower, longer and wider than the outgoing New Beetle, the newest Beetle is an all-new car that is aimed to please everyone. With a selection of five-cylinder, turbo and a turbodiesel engine that's good for 40 miles per gallon, it seems to have all the angles covered even if its rounded body still doesn't have any.![Nissan Leaf Nismo RC]()
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC It won't go far, but it will sure get there quickly. Designed by Nissan's in house performance arm, Nismo, the Leaf Nismo RC (Racing Competition, not Remote Control) is a purpose-built, carbon fiber racing car concept inspired by the company's new all-electric commuter. Using the same motor and battery from the production car - now installed behind the front seats and driving the rear wheels - the lightweight 2-door can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.85 seconds and hit a blistering top speed of 93 miles per hour. Driven in anger on the track, Nissan says it can run for approximately 20 minutes, and it is seriously considering starting a racing series designed around the car. It may be the perfect motorsport for racing fans with short attention spans. Click here for a look at the Leaf Nismo RC with Nissan VP of Sales and Marketing Brian Carolin.![Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept]()
Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept Toyota's luxury brand may be going through a rough patch right now, but the LF-Gh Hybrid Concept is a look at the company's aggressive future. Expect to see its Predator-like face on the next generation GS sedan as the hybrid powertrain hidden behind it remains a Lexus trademark.![BMW ActiveE]()
BMW ActiveE BMW's first electric car will cost $499 per month with $2,250 down on a 24 month lease when it hits showrooms this fall. Based on the automaker's 1-Series coupe, the two-door, four-seater will be available in a limited number of markets - including Los Angeles, New York and Boston - where its 100 miles per charge range fits the typical commute. In keeping with the company's Ultimate Driving Machine tradition, the ActiveE is one of the few upcoming electric cars with rear-wheel-drive for sportier handling. In contrast to the tradition, top speed is limited to 90 mph, but it should be pretty quick getting there.![2013 Ford Taurus SHO]()
2013 Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO Ford's full-size sedan gets a modest redesign with a new hexagonal "Superman" grille (yea, we know, his crest only has five sides, but someone forgot to tell Ford,) deeplly-sculpted hood and a refreshed interior featuring more soft-touch materials and automaker's latest MyFord Touch infotainment system. The base six-cylinder engine gets a power boost to 290 hp while the 365 hp twin-turbocharged engine in the high-performance SHO model is joined by a fuel efficient four-cylinder turbo that promises a class-leading 31 mpg. Click here for a look at the Taurus with Ford VP of Global Product Development Derrik Kuzak.![Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG]()
2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Now this is what a little bit of evil looks like. The all-new MB C-Class coupe stuff full of 6.2-liters of V8 pumping out 451 hp, or 481 with an optional performance package. It's 7-speed automatic transmission can knock off shifts in 100 miliseconds and help accelerate it from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds on to a limited top speed of 174 mph.![Saab Phoenix]()
Saab Phoenix Concept Your college professor is going to have to trade the corduroy blazer for some new threads if the Phoenix is any indication. With its winglets and scissors doors, the silvery compact supposedly foretells the future design direction for the Swedish automaker.![2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave]()
2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave Named after the rugged Mojave Trail running through Nevada and California, this limited edition Wrangler - only about 3,000 will be made - features a body-color roof and fenders, Jeep's most aggresive off-road wheel and tire combination and a unique lizard logo both on the hood and embossed into special saddle leather upholstery. The $29,945 model will be available in June.![BMW Z4 sDrive 28i]()
2012 BMW Z4 sDrive 28i The car isn't new, but the engine in it is big news, even if it is on the small side. The Z4 SDrive 28i will be the first U.S.-market BMW powered by a 4-cylinder engine in years when it goes on sale this fall. No need to worry, however, as the turbocharged motor produces a healthy 240 hp and should deliver highway fuel economy in the mid-30 mpg range.2011 New York International Auto Show
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- 2011 New York International Auto Show
