The key issue facing the hybrid automotive segment in North America is that hybrids can either be affordable or luxurious but with the 2012 Lexus CT200h, a new car buyer who wants the efficiency of a modern hybrid and true luxury amenities can have just that without a massive shock to the savings account – with a price starting under $30,000.

Since I first laid eyes on the Fisker Karma at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, I have been enamored with the high performance electric luxury sedan with extended range capabilities and earlier this week, I was among the first journalists to drive the production ready Fisker Karma on US soil – a drive that met every expectation that I have had for the sleek new sedan over the past 4 years.

When the Dodge Charger was reintroduced as a full sized four door sedan for the 2006 model year, some Mopar faithful grumbled about the addition of the “extra doors” but as the new Charger powers through its second generation with a sleek new exterior design – the only people who could question whether the 2012 Charger SRT8 car is deserving of the Charger name are those who haven’t been behind the wheel.

The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V sedan is shining proof that American carmakers have no problems making luxury, high-performance four-door cruisers that compete on level footing with foreign OEMs and beat them by thousands of dollars in price.

Until this year, my admiration for the New Beetle had to kept largely silent because no self-respecting automotive journalist could like this chick car. All that has changed with the 2012 VW Beetle because men can like it, too.

The compact and fuel efficient 2012 Fiesta is light on your pocketbook, and light on the environment. It is part of Ford's Power of Choice tour which came to San Francisco yesterday.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 packs a supercharged V8 engine first offered in the Cadillac V-Series models along with a high tech suspension system that has made its rounds in General Motors’ Corvette ZR1 and Z06 supercars. These are two features of many that help make the 2012 Camaro ZL1 one of the most amazing performance cars of all time but is the new super Camaro one of the best muscle cars of all time - or is it the best muscle car there will ever be?

The Porsche name is well known for being among the most well respected performance/luxury brands in the world and while the 2012 Boxster S is Stuttgart’s "entry model" – this car is a beautiful example of what Porsche can offer to those who are looking for a European sports car sans the six figure budget.

The Japanese car maker has achieved its objective with the 2012 Toyota Prius, but it had to give up something to reach its goal.

The Toyota Venza made a good impression on us when we first checked it out back in 2009. It was a nice size and shape, with oversized wheels and a roomy interior, but at that time we didn’t get to drive it very far. Recently we had the opportunity to take the 2011 Toyota Venza on an extended road trip, finding it even more likable than we at first imagined.

Since it was announced that the Chevrolet Volt would be making it to production, I have eagerly awaited my chance to review the first electric vehicle from an American automaker. Having spent a week cruising the streets of Detroit in the Volt, I was amazed both at the incredible fuel economy levels but also the fact that this electric vehicle can very easily serve as a long-distance daily driver.

We recently had a chance to spend a few hours cruising around Southwestern Michigan in the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, the innovative new hatchback that offers a sporty feel and easy access to the rear seats with the “extra” passenger’s side door.

The previous generation Infiniti M56 was always a likable luxury performance sedan. It had a sense of oomph to it while providing a luxurious, comfortable ride. The one thing it lacked was a real sense of design but not so with the 2012 Infiniti M56. Gone is the bland exterior that was not in keeping with the rest of Infiniti's sharp looks.

While the Hemi powered Challenger R/T and SRT8 392 might get the lion’s share of attention, the new 3.6L Pentastar V6 adds some much needed power to the entry level 2011 Dodge Challenger and the Rallye package allows it to look a great deal like the more powerful counterparts packing V8 engines.