Every year, many people’s favorite part of the Super Bowl are the commercials. Year after year, it seems like more and more automotive-related commercials are being aired. For 2012, the Super Bowl XLVI didn’t disappoint, with a range of funny car commercials. Check them all out below:

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Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – “Cheetah”

2012 Acura NSX – “Transactions” (Jerry Seinfeld)

Chevy Silverado – “2012″ (The one Ford asked Chevy not to air)

Cars.com – “Confident You”

2012 Honda CR-V – “Matthew’s Day Off” (aka “Honda’s Ferris Bueller Commericial”)

2012 Audi S7 – “Vampire Party”

2012 Toyota Camry – “It’s Reinvented”

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – “Think Fast”

2012 Kia Optima Big Game – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Cadillac ATS – “Green Hell”

Suzuki Kizashi – “Sled” (with 50 Cent)

2013 Lexus GS – “Beast”

Fiat 500 Abarth – “Seduction”

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America”

2012 Volkswagen Beetle – “The Dog Strikes Back”

Bridgestone – “Performance Football”

2012 Toyota Camry – “Connections”

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On again, off again. Such has been the status of the Volkswagen BlueSport Concept. Last month the project was said to be on hold. Volkswagen engineering head Uli Hackenberg spoke to Autocar about this. He said the engineering work was all done, but the problem was finding sales numbers.

He said sales volumes weren’t adding up. To make the project work, the car would reportedly need to sell 50,000 units a year. It isn’t clear if this is a global figure or not. We always thought the BlueSport would work business wise due to parts sharing with one, possibly two platform mates. Those two models are the Audi R4 and a new small Porsche. The Porsche is rumored to be on ice, but today Hackenberg has clarified those comments to Evo.

An inability to reach 50,000 units was based on forecasts from Volkswagen dealers. He said “dealers are always looking backwards, not forwards….this is particularly the case when a new model is being considered as they don’t have any reference point to guide them, so they look around at the current market and give an estimate based on that.”

The problem with looking around at the current market is that Hackenberg says it is depressed at the moment due to lack of product. When the Toyota GT 86, Subaru BR-Z and next-generation Mazda MX-5 arrive he says the situation will be a different story.

In order to get the project approved, Volkswagen has asked dealers to reappraise their forecasts in hopes of getting it to the 50,000 mark. From day one we thought the BlueSport would get approved. We will say this though; if 50,000 sales is needed in just the U.S alone, we doubt the car will actually hit that. Hackenberg is confident the program will be approved, and he says if the BlueSport does get the go ahead the car will appear within the next three years.

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The Chicago Auto Show is just around the corner; the media days take place on February 8th and 9th. Volkswagen isn’t waiting until then to introduce the latest engine variant of the Beetle, the TDI model. VW has probably championed the diesel engine in the U.S more than any other company in recent times. For instance, they are heavily pushing the Passat TDI in advertising. It offers an incredible listed rating of 43 mpg highway.

These are hybrid-like numbers. Mileage figures like that may help to convince more Americans to opt for diesels. Today’s diesels are a far cry from the units of yesteryear, but you can still tell from their engine sounds though (at least we can). With the Passat TDI hitting 42 mpg highway, you’d expect that the Beetle TDI would meet or surpass that right? Not exactly.

VW has released the ratings for the Beetle TDI, and it is projected to get 39 highway, 29 city. Still great to be sure, but not as good as we’ve been expecting. These are VW’s projected numbers mind you, not official ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency. Under the hood is the same engine that powers the Jetta and Passat TDI models, a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel unit. It makes 140 horsepower and 236 (got to love diesel grunt!) pound feet of torque. Like the standard Beetle, a dual-clutch gearbox or six-speed manual are your transmission options.

The New Beetle TDI was sold between 1998 and 2006, and it made do with a 1.9-liter unit. VW says the Beetle TDI is the only clean diesel offering the compact coupe segment (which is admittedly quite small). The Beetle TDI is scheduled to go on sale this summer as a 2013 model, with pricing information announced closer to the launch date. There will be three trim levels; TDI, TDI with Sunroof and TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation. At VW as strategy of simple option packages has replaced the usual trim level designations. Hopefully for VW’s sake they are under promising with the mileage figures. Being able to hit over the 40 mpg would be a nice marketing selling point – especially with the Passat TDI faring so well in contrast.

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Volkswagen has always been known as “The People’s Car.” As in, affordable and ubiquitous. VW’s Das Auto advertising campaign has been highly effective – that slogan has permeated the public consciousness in a big way. While the company strayed from its roots in the past (VW Phaeton, anyone?) with upmarket intentions, VW has returned to its original mission. The Up! Concepts over the past few years have illustrated this. The production three-door was released a while back, but the five-door is making an appearance today.

The Up! is the smallest VW, coming in below the Polo. It aims to be the Beetle of the 21st Century, with its small size appealing to buyers in packed urban centers. The Beetle was highly successful all around the world for many years because of those reasons. For modern times, VW aims to do it by offering a supermini that isn’t like a penalty box.

We don’t know about that (it’s not exactly sumptuous in there) but it is better than a lot of alternatives. And, reviews coming in have been good. The new five-door sticks to the same formula as the three-door – retaining the same dimensions and engine options. It hasn’t been stretched to provide more legroom for rear seat passengers. Weirdly enough, the rear windows don’t roll down either. What is Up! with that?

One engine is available – a 1.0-liter three-cylinder in two power guises: 60 and 75 horsepower. For the two added doors, VW will charge you a bit north of $600 extra. The Up! five-door starts at about $13,300 at current exchange rates. The Up! will first go on sale in Germany beginning in March. Availability will spread across the rest of Europe by summer time.

VW doesn’t have any plans to bring the Up! over to the United States as of yet. Across most of the country it probably wouldn’t sell too well, but a limited availability program could work. New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and other cities like that could be potential markets.

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When Volkswagen announced a while back that it intended to become the world’s largest automaker by 2018, it seemed like a lofty goal to many. The company wasn’t doing nearly as well back then, and the volume VW brand wasn’t aimed at the thick of the buying market. All that has changed, and rather quickly, beginning with in 2011 with the Jetta.

The United States-specific Passat is another key component of this plan. Winner of Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award, it has yet to hit its sales stride. As part of the larger world goal, U.S sales must increase to 800,000 units a year by 2018. Jetta and Passat sales are up significantly and new figures released in 2011 show that VW is well on its way to achieving its goal.

The VW Group posted year-end sales of 8.16 million units, ahead of third place Toyota at 7.9 million. Toyota has had a difficult year, hit by the Japanese tsunami and saddled with a stale lineup.

Toyota’s problems are deeper than the tsunami though. They were losing their mojo before that, with the “unintended acceleration” woes and a ton of recalls hurting their image . With a key new product in the form of the Camry for 2012, we’ll have to see how everything shakes out. There will be no excuses then. A resurgent General Motors looks to retain its top spot position for 2011.

GM lost the title briefly to Toyota a few years back. Oh, how things change! GM hasn’t released its official figures yet, but analysts are expecting the tally to come in at about 9 million units. That number is well ahead of VW, and is thanks to a rebounding U.S auto market, Chinese sales and a globalization of the Chevrolet brand. After all, one Chevy was sold every six second somewhere around the globe. To hit number one, Volkswagen projects it will need to sell 10 million units by 2018.

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A Volkswagen mid-engined roadster has been in the news for years. Its one of those stories that never dies. A lot more credence came to the idea three years ago when VW debuted the BlueSport Concept at the North American International Show.

It was remarkably ready for production. Since its introduction, we’ve heard about its possibilities for production. Three models would be based on a new mid-engined platform; the VW BlueSport, a proposed Audi R4 and a Porsche model to slot in below the Boxster. The latest news on the BlueSport is that production has been put on hold; according to Autocar the business plan isn’t working out. We’ve heard this before too.

To make it feasible, Volkswagen says the BlueSport needs to sell 50,000 units a year. Whether that is a global number or not isn’t clear. If it was globally that seems like a doable goal. Now, United States only? Not so much – 50,000 a year is definitely a stretch. We think the BlueSport would be a great addition to the VW lineup; a niche model to draw interest. Especially with VW watering down its core models to appeal to the mainstream, excitement is needed.

We aren’t buying the volume argument necessarily either. More variants on the platform means more sales and economies of scale. Audi has green lighted the R4; while Porsche is studying its own variation. Porsche would want its car to be well differentiated from its VW Group stablemates. In addition, they are worried about the possibilities of it infringing on the Boxster’s territory. It could be too close for comfort. We’re sure Porsche would rather cannablize itself than have Audi do it with the R4 though. Still, that car’s future is up in the air. Regarding the BlueSport VW says the car is engineered and ready to go, but just on hold. Somehow, we think the car will see the light of day. Just a guess though.

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Debuting the New Beetle concept at the North American International Auto Show back in 1994, Volkswagen either has a special place in its corporate heart for Detroit or realizes the automotive exhibit is the location to show up the leading American automakers. With intrigue building for what automakers had in store for the auto show, Volkswagen entered with a certain degree of stealth. Without drawing too much attention or tempting to auto press with tidbits of information, the German-badged car company presented a product important to compete with the current North American family sedan market. Only Volkswagen’s second production hybrid vehicle, the 2013 Jetta will feature an electric-assisted model.

Drawing down their price for the sixth-generation model, the Volkswagen Jetta sedan succeeded to capture a larger piece of the four-door vehicle segment in 2011. In association with value, space, equipment and safety, a modern sedan sold in the United States appears to require a hybrid variation. The 2012 Toyota Camry and Kia Optima come with hybrid options while the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco will receive the ‘mild hybrid’ equipment categorized as eAssist technology. Unveiled at the very same 2012 North American International Auto Show, the 2013 Ford Fusion elevated the bar in electric-assisted motoring providing both a common hybrid as well as the Energi plug-in hybrid. The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sedan will give the German auto company a chance to more deeply embed themselves with the American automotive culture.

Though the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is assembled within the same four-door frame as the convention Jetta, the gasoline/electric powertrain running at slow speeds will give the first defining clue to some drastic mechanical technology. Making the Jetta Hybrid coast at slower speeds will be the electric motor power coming from a 60-cell lithium-ion battery holding a total capacity of 300Ah. Gasoline propulsion will come from the smallest such engine to be made available on the new Jetta. Sold in Europe on a convention gasoline version of the Volkswagen sedan, the Jetta Hybrid will receive the award-winning 1.4 liter TSI powerplant. Together, the electric motor and turbocharged motor are handled through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Despite the high-tech hardware, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is slated to weigh around 220 pounds more than a traditional Jetta model.

For speeds up to 37 miles per hour, the Volkswagen Jetta launches on electric only power for a distance up to 1.3 miles. Automatically configured for the all-electric travel, a driver can decouple the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid’s gasoline engine for additional zero emission power up to 44 miles per hour by pressing the E-mode button on the vehicle’s dash panel. Capable of 0 to 60 miles per hour acceleration runs in under 9 seconds, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is also engineered to save fuel at highway speeds. For speeds up to 84 miles per hour, the Jetta Hybrid will detect when the accelerator pedal has been disengaged. Once detected, the TSI engine will be disconnected via the decoupling clutch allowing the sedan to truly coast.

Volkswagen has admitted the final fuel economy numbers for the Jetta Hybrid will need to be verified by the EPA. Estimates from the auto manufacturer places the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid fuel miles at 45 miles per gallon through combined city and highway driving.

The occupants inside of the Jetta Hybrid will comfortably accept the same level of comfort and features in this sedan as they would in the gasoline or Jetta TDI model. Along with the planning to generating, storing and releasing the electrical energy, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid incorporates safety built into their advanced powertrain. The climate-controlled lithium-ion battery pack operates on systems that are designed to disconnect the electrical storage in non-use or in case of an accident. Automakers are quickly learning the need to develop safety technology inclined with the needs of electric vehicles.

If awaiting the arrival of the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid in the United States and Canada, the first cars will be delivered to customers by November of 2012. Interesting enough, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid appears only planned for the North American market for the immediate future. With no considerations for the European markets such as the United Kingdom, Volkswagen will continue to rely on that region’s preference to diesel engines the net near identical fuel mileage.

Information and photo source: Volkswagen Group

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Realizing that a large chunk of the world population is ill prepared to afford a high-end luxury car, the niche sector of the automobile industry catering to wealthy, elite clientele continues to roll strong. Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, Audi and Lotus have or are planning to expand their line-ups reacting to a marketplace that still demanding premium vehicles. Surprising or not, many luxury car companies have enjoyed sales success despite turbulent global economics. With end of year sales results being released for 2011, Volkswagen-owned British brand Bentley Motors published a sizable improvement in the super luxury car business.

In the twelve months of 2011, Bentley Motors sold 7,003 cars to customers across the world. In only the month of December, Bentley recorded 1,069 cars were sold becoming the luxury brand’s most successful month since 2007. In comparison, there were more Chevrolet Traverse crossover vehicles produced during the month of November than the entire year for Bentley. However, when the price tag of a new Bentley Flying Spur and Continental GT is roughly seven times higher than a Traverse, its is reasonable to consider the 7,000-plus sales tally for 2011 as a successful run. Calculated as a 37 percent growth over the 2010 calendar year, the Crowe, England builder of exclusive automobiles enters the New Year basking in some big gains in key markets. In 2011, Bentley saw 1,839 products sold in the emerging economic hotspot. Only four years prior, China sales accounted for only 338 vehicles for the Volkswagen-owned Bentley division. Though Chinese customers have rapidly become a major supporter of the Winged ’B’ badge, the United States remains the most important single market for Bentley sales accounting for 2,021 vehicles sold during the 2011 year.

A company that existed in the shadow of Rolls-Royce from 1931 until Volkswagen’s purchase in 1998, Bentley underwent the first major brand identification in over 65 years. Established in 1919 as a premium performance car company, the Bentley automobiles created after the Volkswagen ownership solidified was a 21st century reinvention of the once-idolized brand. Reconnecting with sports car racing roots at Le Mans, Bentley Speed 8 prototype’s overall victory at the 24-Hour race in 2003 gave the British luxury car brand a chance to shake the once-stale image. In the 2003 year, sales for the Bentley Motors amounted to a mere 1,017 cars. In a matter of 7 years, the sales for Bentley sales peaked to over 10,000 units for what was a record year in 2007.

Through 2011, the Bentley division consisted of the flagship Mulsanne, as well as the Continental series of two-door and four-door vehicles. Amounting to 2,404 (34 percent of the brand-wide sales in 2011), the reengineered Bentley Continental GT coupe was a big winner for the super luxury division. For 2012, the Continental edition has increased influence with the addition of the GTC convertible and a more ‘affordable’ V-8 powered Continental GT coupe.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors commented on the past year production numbers proudly saying, “It has been a tremendously good year for Bentley. The dramatic sales growth reflects a global strength to the Brand and a recognition of the quality, craftsmanship and engineering excellence of our cars.”

Information and photo source: Bentley Motors

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Enduring the ride that was the 2011 year for better or worse, we have now arrived in the new year of 2012. For the auto industry, 2011 has taken some auto companies on differing paths. For companies like Ford Motor Company, Hyundai and General Motors, their year ends with a series of successes leading to certain profitability at the end of 2011. Other automakers have gone into 2011 expecting a new beginning only to face what could be an ending. Swedish’s car company Saab could have a short-lived life beyond General Motors unless a solid financial rescuer comes to its aid. As automakers think shortly back to the 2011 year, seeking for top spot in the 2012 automobile market, some vehicles reflect clear winners for attracting the interests of rightfully demanding consumers.

While not necessarily dominating sales charts, the following new vehicles captured the mood of 2011 in automotive design and innovations:

Hyundai Veloster

Infusing their line-up with character, Hyundai first sought to attract an upscale clientele. Sculpting a reinvented brand perception with the Veracruz, Genesis and Equus, Hyundai’s focus on product development has worked from the top down. As the Hyundai Accent received a much-overdue redesign for the 2012 model year, observers noted the absence of the three-door hatchback version. Planning something sportier and unique, the Veloster came to life at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show projecting some deep personality from Hyundai.

Powered by a spunky 138-horsepower from a 1.6 liter Gamma powerplant, the Hyundai Veloster delivers pep along with excellent fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Drivers could choose from an innovative 6-speed dual-clutch transmission or the more pleasuring 6-speed manual gearbox. Standard equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch LG touch screen stereo system with Pandora and Bluetooth connectivity meant the 2012 Hyundai Veloster had the ingredients to be an instant hot item at a $17,300 starting price. Officially launched in October, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster accumulated 7,096 in sales by the end of November.

For sale during only the final quarter of 2011, the Veloster has already received the attention of a young crowd looking for what hidden talent rests in the radical three-door vehicle. At the 2011 SEMA Show, several examples for modded out PM Lifestyle/UTI Veloster elevated Hyundai to a flashier world stage. A turbocharged production version of the three-door Hyundai Veloster in the near future should only allow the car to continue its quest to become a recognized pocket rocket from 2012 and beyond.

Lamborghini Aventador

Replacing the Murcielago, Italian sports car builder Lamborghini is pressured to improve upon 48 years of delivering dream rides. A supercar moved by 700-horsepower, the Aventador is the bull’s newest progression in Lamborghini’s heritage.

Built around a full carbon fiber monocoque, aluminum combines with the exterior construction of the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 ’s structure for an ultra-lightweight supercar. A driver and passenger step into the Aventador though the upward opening scissor doors that have become a Lamborghini staple. Rated to weigh just over 3,472 pounds, the all-new Lamborghini Aventador is in excess of 400 pounds lighter than the outgoing Murcielago. Mid-mounted in the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 is a 6.5 liter V-12 engine. Handling the 700 horsepower in a strategic manner is accomplished through an all-wheel drive system supplied by Haldex. Seven gears are arranged through a unique ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) transmission insuring quick, responsive movements through shifts. With 0 to 62-mile per hour acceleration runs occurring in a prompt 2.9 seconds, the Aventador LP-700-4 inspired launches into the roads of 2012.

Chevrolet Cruze

Accustomed to selling their compact sedans as bargain haulers, Chevrolet had devoted questionable dedication to the Cavalier and even the Cobalt. When the Chevrolet Cruze was launched in North America in late 2010, the sophisticated world sedan demonstrated we could expect greater things from the top General Motors brand in the smaller vehicle class.

Stylish without being overwhelming, the compact Cruze was welcomed by as many as 215,057 customers for the current year as of November 2011 (making it Chevrolet’s best-selling car and second only to the Silverado pickup in overall bowtie products sold in the year). A good reason for the positive reception of the Chevrolet Cruze rests in the fact the car does not represent the usually expected ‘corner-cutting’ in the development process. Ten airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with anti-lock braking and detail to noise reduction standard on all Cruze models recognizes the motorist deserves better from 2011 model year vehicles. Powered by the Ecotec family of engines, a 1.8 liter and turbocharged 1.4 liter provides an amply power range for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Propelled by one of two high efficiency power plants, the Cruze features robust power at a low cost of operations. For optimal fuel economy, the Cruze Eco version can go up to 42 miles per gallon when linked to the six-speed manual transmission.

As the Chevrolet Volt attracted all the press and Chevrolet’s Centennial was passionately celebrated with commemorative editions of the Camaro and Corvette, the Chevrolet Cruze sales success played an immediate role insuring their will be many more parties in honour of the brand.

Volkswagen Jetta

While the Chevrolet Cruze was accomplishing the act of bringing refinement to entry-level vehicles through minor overall price increases, the Volkswagen Jetta entered 2011 attempting to re-establish itself as an affordable small sedan. Extremely popular in North America from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, the German car brand scared off some buyers when the Jetta steered into premium car pricing. Wanting increased sale volumes, Volkswagen redesign of the 6th generation Jetta sedan heavily involved making the a better value to North American car buyers.

Larger than the more expensive predecessor model, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta took a more back-to-basics approach in engineering. Gone is the high-end materials and suspension system in favour of lower-cost, easier to produce components as the 2011 model year Jetta arrived for a retail price starting under $16,000. Designed to win over young families, the 2011 Jetta incorporated standard comfort and safety features including a 60/40 split rear seat as well as up to six airbags. The new Jetta is recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. Powered by the 2-liter and 2.5 liter gasoline engines, the 140-horsepower turbocharged clean diesel powerplant of the 2011 Jetta TDI delivers up to 42 miles per gallon fuel economy.

A vehicle created to boost Volkswagen‘s United States sales, the all-new Jetta sedan was a mission accomplished in the first 11 months of 2011 netting sales almost 59 percent higher than the 2010 pattern.

Audi A7 Sportback

Audi has tempted more luxury car buyers than ever with a flourishing line-up of technologically advanced upscale vehicles in 2011. The Audi A7 Sportback was introduced to the marketplace this year as the perfect conveyance of the brand’s drive for modern luxury and performance. Though the five-door represents a late arrival to an automotive category of unconventional sport coupes wearing more than two doors (i.e. Mercedes CLS-Class and Porsche Panamera), the Audi A7 Sportback blend of the new A6 sedan architecture into a radiant-looking creation. Composing of a combination of steel and aluminum, the 2012 model year A7 Sportback was launched in April to brisk sales that totalled to over 5,000 vehicles by the end of November. North American customers receive the supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 powerplant routed to the quattro drivetrain through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Seating for four passengers provides an individualized performance luxury feel. The Audi A7 Sportback’s MMI system with an available 15-speaker supplied by Bang & Olufsen and Audi connect solutions are some highlights in store for all occupants.

With the best yet to come from the unique coupe, the high-performance Audi S7 Sportback is due for the 2013 model year.

Information source: Audi AG, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., General Motors, Hyundai Motor America, VW Group

Photo source: Audi AG, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Chris Nagy

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With a new year dawning in just a few more days, the choice of a new car could be a pending resolution. Presented with a wide variety of vehicle brands, model and types in 2011, the 2012 calendar guarantees customers will have even more to choose from at dealership lots. Impressive fuel economy, pint-sized performance and efficiently planned cargo space are some motivating factors behind the upcoming production vehicle offerings.

Thanks to the somewhat confusing nature of model year classifications by auto companies, some of the automobiles expected within the upcoming 12 months are actually labelled as 2013 cars. The following list of released or soon-to-be released products is some key vehicle prospects for 2012.

2013 Ford Escape

Despite the fact many automotive journalists would have deemed the current Ford Escape as a dated, truck-like compact utility vehicle, customers clambered for the versatile product ringing in 228,719 in sales up to November of 2011. Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, the all-new 2013 Ford Escape adapts more car-like design attributes with a curvier, aerodynamic outer structure. Powering what will be front and all-wheel drive versions will be a 2.5 liter inline-four cylinder or one of two optional EcoBoost engines. The 2-liter turbocharged and direct-injected EcoBoost boasts a horsepower total close to the predeceasing Escape. Ford Motor Company has chosen not to engineer a hybrid version of the 2013 Escape insisting the 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine provides high fuel efficiency without the expense of electric motors and batteries. Besides the engines, the 2013 Ford Escape will employ several other innovations including improved MyFord Touch and hands-free power tailgate.

Mitsubishi i

The Mitsubishi i have been sold in Japan as a gasoline-powered or electric model for several years; North American customers will only receive the electric powertrain model of the subcompact car. Mitsubishi’s first electric vehicle to be sold in the United States, the 66-horsepower i subcompact car has been a temptress for the past several years on the auto show circuit in North America to green fans. Measuring only 144.8 inches in length, the small stature if the 2012 Mitsubishi i balances comfort, safety and weight. In a marketplace that is becoming inundated with the electric or electric-assisted powertrains, the Mitsubishi i have one quality that could lure a few adopters to this zero emission driving craze. Mitsubishi is pricing the electric-powered i under $30,000 before a set $7,500 federal tax credit.

Ferrari FF

Classic elements merge with modern technology and expertise to craft the Ferrari FF. The V-12 powerplant configuration is a familiar Ferrari trait on the FF. Producing 651 horsepower, the 6.3 liter, 12-cylinder engine features the efficiency of direct injection based on Ferrari’s new HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions) philosophy. The Ferrari FF is powered by the Italian automaker’s first production bound all-wheel drive system called 4RM. Styled by Ferrari’s long-time design collaborator Pininfarina, the FF supercar employs elegant exterior touches despite adapting to an unusual ‘shooting brake’ shape. A 2+2 sports car bringing plenty of refreshing nuances to the Ferrari division, the all-new FF most astonishing feature is presented at a spot uncommon for exotic cars. Providing a more than adequate 15.9 cubic feet of cargo room with four passengers, this Ferrari features fold-down rear seats that opens up the interior cargo dimensions to 28.3 cubic feet. Capable of up to 208 miles per hour, the Ferrari FF’s combination of usable ergonomics will become an eye-catching spectacle in the supercar market for 2012.

Scion iQ

Sold in Japan and Europe under the Toyota badge, the iQ existed in production since 2008 as an ultra-fuel efficient microcar. Arriving in North America under the youthful Scion badge, the Japanese-branded Smart Fortwo challenger will find favour as a convenient city car. Starting at just above $15,000, buyers will find a high amount of refinement inside of the “3+1” cabin shielding occupants with 11 airbags for safety. The Scion iQ comes standard equipped with a 1.3 liter four-cylinder engine generating 94 horsepower. Linked to a continuously variable transmission, Scion iQ fuel economy in the high 30s range is realistic. A mere 120.1 inches in total length, navigating the iQ would be a breeze even when entering tight parallel parking spots.

Volkswagen Golf R

One of the ultimate factory-prepped sport compacts currently sold in Europe, the Volkswagen Golf R has been a high performance terror. In 2012, the North American market has secured for limited release of the all-wheel drive Golf R. The Volkswagen Golf R combines the Haldex® all-wheel drive system and a six-speed manual transmission along with sportier handling to provide a sensational road manner. Powered by a 256 horsepower, turbocharged 2-liter engine, the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R takes under six seconds to launch to 60 miles per hour from a standstill. Presented in three and five door versions, visual cues identifying the Golf R from its lower powered counterpart is the unique rear diffuser, front grille as well as brake calipers painted in gloss black.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The modern pony car wars will enter into a new phase this spring as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 targets the Ford Shelby GT500 in 2012. Featuring a 580-horsepower, supercharged 6.2 liter V-8 engine, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1′s recently-released track specifications confirm this pony car will be an accomplishment for American-badged performance. 0 to 60-mile per hour acceleration for the 2012 Camaro ZL1 is rated at 3.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 184 miles per hour. Securing the efficient transfer of horsepower to the pavement, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes with standard Performance Traction Management System allowing a driver to tailor handling attributes to street or track. Magnetic Ride Control included with the Performance Traction Control System insures the Goodyear tires mounted on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels will be spinning in the name of quality performance. Coming only in the form of the Camaro coupe for its 2012 introduction, a convertible version of the ZL1 package is promised for 2013 customers. Also for the 2013 model year, the Ford Shelby GT500 is expected to up its game against the Camaro ZL1. With 650 horsepower attached to the upcoming GT500, 2012 will remain the domain for the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Information source: Ford Motor Company, Ferrari, General Motors, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Toyota Motor Corporation, VW Group

Photo source: Chris Nagy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, VW Group

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So far, Volkswagen’s big expansion plans have primarily concentrated on repositioning its core models. The Jetta and Passat are the first models developed under the new philosophy, redesigned with bigger, cheaper and more mainstream approaches.

The change is paying off; VW sales are up significantly. The goal to is to sell 800,000 cars in the U.S by 2018. VW has never been a big competitor in the SUV market; the Touareg is aimed at the higher-end of the segment and the compact Tiguan didn’t go on sale until 2008. Word is that VW is readying a new three-row Tiguan, and the next-generation Touareg will undergo the same crash program as the Jetta and the Passat. With the Cross Coupe Concept VW is previewing a future design language for SUVs at the Tokyo Auto Show.

It’s referred to a Coupe, but it is really a crossover with a little more rakish roofline. The design up front features VW’s new, three bar grill that has been spreading across the lineup. In this application though it has a different twist; two chrome grille lines curve upward into the headlights at each corner, making for a unique styling trait. Given that there are only three bars in VW’s grille design, there is a gap below the hood that looks kind of odd. The horizontal lines help to emphasize width. Overall the Cross Coupe looks good but there is quite a few awkward angles.

In the interior there is a whole lot to like, and we hope the Cross Coupe is a harbinger of things to come. The materials and colors used are top notch, and appear very premium. Its almost if VW has remembered how to make nice, top-notch interiors again. The latest lot (Jetta, Passat we’re looking at you) of cars has failed to impress in that regard.

The power train is has, of course, an element of electricity like most concepts nowadays. The extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain offers 25 miles on battery power, and two electric motors are at each axle to provide an all-wheel drive system. The lithium ion battery pack has been packaged into the center of the vehicle where the transmission tunnel usually is. A turbocharged four-cylinder helps recharge the system when the battery is depleted. Together. the output is 262 horsepower and it scoots the Cross Coupe to 60 mph in seven seconds. It will be interesting to see if this front end design goes into production. If it does, it will help set SUVs apart from the rest of the lineup. They’ve been pretty much following the same path.

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Most talk about the dealerships in the automotive industry recently has been about reduction – especially at General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. GM and Chrysler have shed underperforming stores via bankruptcy, and Ford has worked to consolidate. Volkswagen, which is following its big U.S expansion plans, is thinking differently.

VW aims to sell 800,000 cars in the U.S by 2018 as part of its plans to be the world’s largest automaker. For 2010, VW sold 256,830 cars, and VW plans to sell 300,000 by year’s end. That is thanks to the new Jetta and Passat, both of which are aimed at the thick of the auto market in their respective segments. The Jetta has accounted for a huge part of VW’s brand sales; 150,046 Jettas through October.

Next year the Passat, which was recently named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year 2012, is being counted on to greatly increase share in the mid-size segment. The previous-generation Passat, which was priced significantly higher than its competition, didn’t light up the sales charts.

Jonathan Browning, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen North America, spoke with Automotive News and says more dealers are needed in the future: “By 2014/15 we will have to add dealers across the U.S. to achieve our long-term objectives.” VW currently has 600 dealers in its network. Next year, Browning says VW sales should see double digit rises. The primary driver of that increase should be the new Passat, as well as the redesigned Beetle.

Perhaps most interesting is that Browning says that VW in the U.S would achieve its first profit in 2011 since 2003. They haven’t been making money all these years, despite high prices? That is news to us and it certainly helps to explain the company’s shift in strategy. Other models in the works for VW in the U.S include a three-row crossover, a high-volume and high-profit segment. All in all, VW’s looking to be a much bigger player than it is has ever been. We just hope VW will put effort into making class-leading products, rather than just designing them to meet sales targets.

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Known as a love bug, not a fighter, the original Volkswagen Beetle was never pitched as an all-out performance vehicle. Though the highly produced German people’s car gripped many owners with the Beetle’s unique abilities, the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine never clicked as a go-to sports vehicle. Even the 1997 introduction of the new Beetle did not immediately step out of their normal commuter car footprint until 2001. Developing the 221-horsepower Beetle RSI, the limited edition Volkswagen stunned the marketplace unaccustomed to seeing such a modded version of the vehicle. Ten years later, Volkswagen has proceeded to pay an indirect homage to the Beetle RSI with a performance-tailored show car. Debuting at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Volkswagen Beetle R joins the extensive list of cars on display at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

As the redesigned 21st century Volkswagen Beetle for 2012 attempts to shake off some of its cuteness, customizing the special Beetle R Concept required the German automaker’s engineers to realize the vehicle’s potential as a street performer. Dressed primarily in Serious Gray paint, the Beetle R Concept adapts the stylized factory sport compact nature Volkswagen inserted into the Golf R road car as well as the only-for-Europe Scirocco R sports car. Widened by 1.2 inches for an improved stance, aerodynamics pieces incorporated on the Beetle R Concept includes chrome front splitter as well as a rear featuring a deck spoiler and diffuser.

With the additional body width, the Volkswagen Beetle R Concept utilizes the extra space on the front fascia that now wears a three-slotted air intake. Accented in Black High Gloss colouring, two of the Beetle R openings supplies brake cooling while the center air intake draws additional air into the turbocharged engine for better breathing. Openings on the left and right corners of the hood of the Volkswagen Beetle R are also added to cool the powerplant under higher strain conditions. Besides the front air openings, there is venting located behind the rear tires well’s bodywork of the Volkswagen Beetle R designed to improve vehicle aerodynamics.

Besides the exterior enhancements made to support aerodynamics and performance, the Volkswagen Beetle R 20-inch wheels is a sport touch that truly jazzes up the vehicle’s outer presentation. Crafted in the same Talladega design used on the Golf R and Scirocco R, the concept car’s 20-inch set of aluminum alloys is more sizable than the production Volkswagen R vehicles. These massive wheels only slightly hide the R-specific black-painted brake calipers.

Inside of the Beetle R Concept‘s black and gray nubuck cabin, front passengers are greeted by two-tone Nappa leather sport seats sculpted in a pattern resembling endurance competition cars. A third colour called Space Blue is assembled as piping as well as the accent tone for the ‘R’ badging on the headrests. The Volkswagen Beetle R Concept interior maintains all the modern, high-class controls for interior comfort but also fashions itself to a sportier purpose in subtle regards. A sports car-like instrument display on the Beetle R centers the tachometer for easy viewing by the driver. Brushed aluminum pedals, a decorated shifter handle and special floormats completes the interior dress-ups of note on the Volkswagen Beetle R Concept.

Presenting the styling aspects, Volkswagen has not elaborated on the exact engine performance specifications other than stating the Beetle R produces more horsepower than the Turbo Beetle. Suspension enhancements and key performance numbers are also left to the imagination for this Volkswagen Concept car (at least for the meantime).

Very close to production quality, Volkswagen has not confirmed the car or, most importantly, if any Beetle R models are coming to the United States. Engineering-wise, production of the Beetle R is very feasible based on the fact the new Volkswagen Beetle shares a platform with the current Golf. If the Los Angeles Auto Show crowd judges the concept edition of the Volkswagen Beetle R favourably, a production greenlight could come very soon.

Information and photo source: Volkswagen AG

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Ford Start Concept

Designed by Ford’s California-based design offices this Ka-sized city car is powered by a 1.0-litre 1.0 litre turbocharged and direct-injected engine. The ‘EcoBoost’ engine offers the same performance as 1.6 litre engine, but produces less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

Arcimoto Green Concept Car

The Arcimoto Green Concept car takes its inspiration from the bicycle. Designed with two wheels at the front and just one at the back, the car is extremely light and as such uses much less battery power than other battery cars giving it a longer range of up to 160 miles per charge.

Phoenix Roadster

Made from bamboo and rattan roadster the Phoenix Roadster is the world’s first biodegradable car. Created by product designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Albrecht Birkner the Phoenix’s biodegradable skin is designed to last at least 5 years, the average length of time most people keep a car.

VW Bulli

The Bulli is an all-electric concept inspired by the Classic VW Camper. This zero-emissions vehicle has a driving range of around 184 miles and a 0 to 60 time of 11 seconds. With rear seats that fold flat to make a bed, all you need is then is your sleeping bag and a surfboard.

Peugeot SXC

The SXC (Shanghai Cross Concept) is a hybrid crossover powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine at the front and an 95bhp electric motor at the rear giving a combined 48.7mpg and emitting 143g/km of CO2. Whilst not the most impressive figures, do bare in mind this thing is bigger than a BMW X5.

Neora

The Neora Concept, from Taiwanese electric car maker Luxgen, is powered a 241 hp motor and is capable of travelling 400 km when fully charged. The Neora has a top speed of 250 km/h and features unique LED lights and an infotainment system from smartphone manufacturer HTC.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is the electric car maker’s second car. Tesla refer to the concept car as a ‘beta car’ meaning is almost ready car for production. The Model S supports DC fast charging, giving the car an extra 300 miles of range with just a 1 hour charge.

KTM E3W

The KTM E3W is an electric two-seater three-wheeled concept car powered by a 15kW electric motor with a range of up to 60 miles. To keep weight to a minimum the car has a plastic body and to make getting in and out easier the E3W has super cool scissor doors.

VELV

The VELV concept from PSA Peugeot Citroen is a 100% electric car with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of 68 mph. Capable of 62 miles when fully charged the VELV has aerodynamic styling, gull-wing windows and a peculiarly narrow backend.

Hyundai Blue2

The hydrogen-powered Blue2 hybrid from Hyundai produces an impressive 90 kW of power and is capable of 82 mpg. The car also feature automatic opening doors opening system, cameras instead of mirrors and even LED screens instead of number plates.

Opel One Euro

The One Euro concept from Opel is so called because of its ability to travel 100 kilometres for just one euro. This clever little car is a tandem two-seater, meaning that the passenger sits behind the driver, and has a range of just over 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph.

MUTE

The MUTE is a prototype lightweight electric vehicle from Munich’s University of Technology. The car features a 15kW engine powered by a 10kW Lithium Ion battery and a 4kW Zinc-Air range extender; where zinc reacts with air producing a chemical reaction that results in electricity.

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16, is a super sexy concept from Jaguar. The hybrid coupe features a kinetic energy recovery system like that found in Formula 1 cars, where energy expended during breaking is stored for later use. One press of the C-X16′s push-to-pass button and the car will get a boost of power without using any extra fuel or emitting any harmful gases.

Audi Urban Concept

The Audi Urban Concept is another tandem car, with space for a single passenger behind the driver. Powered by two electric motors, with a combined 20bhp, the Urban Concept weighs less than half an average car and can be charged from a domestic socket in just one hour.

VW NILS EV

The Volkswagen NILS EV is a single seater featuring in-wheel motors powered by a lithium ion battery. This tiny, lightweight concept is made from aluminium and polycarbonate, weighs just 1014 pounds and has a top speed of 81 miles per hour.

This green car concepts post was brought to you by the team at carrentals.co.uk, a car hire comparison site from within the UK.

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In the 1950s, most auto company has defined safety features in a more simplistic way. Instead of engineering handling the safety aspects of a vehicle, carmakers tragically left the progression of safety to automotive stylist. Over decades, safety has evolved from being a laughing matter to a realistic intent for saving lives of motorists and passengers. Anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability and better vehicle construction have been effective in reducing deadly accidents to a series of whiplash compensation claims.

With all the great innovations created to protect vehicle occupants and pedestrians, sometimes the quest for safe driving has taken a wrong turn. The following are four leading examples of automotive safety equipment set on a collision course for failure.

Chrysler’s Electronic Voice Alert

In an age where computer technology delighted a first generation of youngsters with Pac Man, one auto company’s idea for modern safety involved treating experienced motorists like a teenager driving their family’s car for the first time with an obsessive parent. Evolving loosely from the early 1980s Speak & Spell education toy, Electronic Voice Alert provided audio messages in addition to the vehicle information center (aka. dashboard warning lights).

Introduced on the upscale K-car models including 1983 Chrysler LeBaron and Dodge 600, the Electronic Voice Alert system was initially admired for its ability to promote safe driving as computer voice warnings were given to buckle seat belts or insure doors were closed. Incorporated in higher scale vehicle in the Chrysler line-up, the Electronic Voice Alert quickly earned a reputation for diminishing the driving experience with the repeated voice warnings. The constant instruction from the Electronic Voice Alert ended up being more of a nuisance than an advantage leading to the discontinuation of the feature after the 1988 model year.

Cadillac Night Vision

Applying military-inspired technology into automobiles is far from a new phenomenon. Finding a widespread citizen use for advances in night vision equipment, the beginning of the 21st century was to witness the vision of objects more clearly in minimum light conditions.

A highlight feature added to the 2000 Cadillac DeVille, General Motors installed the Night Vision system into the full-sized luxury car trying to infuse life to a rather dreary Cadillac division after the 1990s. Operating through a camera mounted behind the grille of the Cadillac sedan, the Night Vision view broadcasted onto the DeVille’s windshield. Allowing views at night to be highlighted in a monochromatic black and white display, the system demonstrated effectiveness on the Cadillac DeVille but failed to win over buyers. The fact the Cadillac DeVille’s Night Vision system was a most expensive $2,000 option did not entice Cadillac luxury seekers forcing the brand to drop the advanced safety unit after the 2004 model year.

Not working for Cadillac, the notion of car-based night vision systems is not an extinct piece of automotive safety technology. Still restricted to luxury vehicles, version of night vision are currently found on the Lexus LS sedan as well as certain Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Rear-Engined Cars

Accepted largely as a design feature created in the interests of practicality or performance, rear-engined vehicles were briefly promoted by auto makers in the late 1940s and 1950s as a safety feature. The safety theory of a rear-mounted powerplant car was to put the dangers of engine fires behind the passenger compartment. If an engine fire would occur at speed, the flames and fumes would not rush into the cabin. In During the post World War 2 era, several high-profile American auto brands sought to master the rear engine configuration.

The 1948 Tucker Torpedo was one rear-mounted powerplant car built around a vehicle that would be seen ahead of its time for multiple safety features. In a lesser-known concept, Kaiser-Fraser Motors featured a rear-engined sedan they believed would be the future of American motoring. Clearly, that future was not realized. At least in a safety aspect, rear-mounted powerplant would not prove itself as a safer alternative to conventional front engined automobiles. The highly publicized campaign against the Chevrolet Corvair pointing at the rear-engined compact’s alleged handling issue did not help.

Automatic Seat Belts

In 1972, Volkswagen engineers began to experiment with a technology that would automatically apply the vehicle safety belt too many drivers continued to avoid. For American driver up to 1979, it seemed that the only way to improve driver seat belt usage was to strap the safety device to their wrist. Mandatory on new vehicles sold in the United States since 1968, a 1983 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration authored by B.M. Phillips found that only 11 percent of drivers were using safety belts. While those numbers of seat belt usage was troubling, the automatic seat belt was a safety solution that did more harm than good.

When the automatic seat belt reached production, the only effective way the system would work was to allow only the shoulder belt to be applied to the driver requiring the driver to still buckle a lap restraint. With only part of the safety restraint engaged, the driver improper usage of the automatic seat belt system compromised protection in an accident. There was also an issue automatic seat belts were rigged on the venerable doorframe rather than a sturdier roof B-pillar.

During the late 1980s, the United States Department of Transportation buoyed the cause of automatic seat belts by allowing automakers to install the devices in new vehicle as an alternative to more expensive driver-side airbags. Naturally, penny-pinching auto company executives during this era attempted to adapt the automatic seat belt hastily in production vehicles. Volkswagen and Jaguar products as well as the Honda Accord were examples employing the automatic seat belt technology during its brief popularity. As time progressed, the automatic seat belt was considered a safety gimmick gone bad and was abolished from new cars as of the mid-1990s in favour of airbags.

Information source: General Motors, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, United States Department of Transportation
Photo source: Chrysler Group, General Motors, Honda, Volkswagen

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