It seems like there were more car ads during Super Bowl XLVI than commercials for any other products. Both foreign and domestic auto makers shelled out millions for the 2012 Big Game. In fact, according to Kantar Media, a record $77.5M was spent on spots this year.

Hyundai had the most, was it four or five separate ads? But did they have the most entertaining? Let us know what you think, and watch our list below.

10. Cadillac ATS Goes To Green Hell

Honestly, knowing an “All-American-Made” luxury vehicle went to Germany for testing seems a bit… Un-American. But this ad, featuring the new ATS sports sedan, really caught our attention. Great shots of the test car flying over asphalt are stunning, as is the name ‘Green Hell.’

9. BMW 2-Series’s Heated Steering Wheel

You’ve all been there, trying in desperation to stay warm on a February night while the car heats up. Luckily, if you can actually afford to own a BMW, the updated 3-Series will heat its steering wheel immediately. We await mass recalls from owners who report second degree burns on their palms.

8. Kia Optima – Tommy Lee Sells Out

Some feel owning a Kia is just like a dream. Others would say Optima is more like a nightmare. Sure, Kia is shedding its negative persona but still has a way to go. Optima hybrid is one of the most fuel efficient cars on the road today, so that should help. Motley Crue shows up in this ad, guess they need the money.

7. Fiat 500′s Sexually Explicit & Awkward Ad

Fiat’s spot for the Abarth 500 is smart, witty, sexy, slightly inappropriate for a game children are probably watching, and proves the stereotype that some people want to have sex with cars. We dig it. Too bad Fiat sales are down immensely, and the car has received terrible safety ratings.

6. Toyota Camry – Reinvention

This was one of two Camry commercials from Super Bowl 46, but without a doubt a personal favorite. Who wouldn’t mind being pulled over more if the officer gave massages? Or would love having a time-traveling baby who didn’t poop? The all new Camry from Toyota is pretty snazzy too.

5. Chrysler – Clint Eastwood’s Long Detroit Rant

“It’s halftime in America” according to Clint ‘Dirty Harry’ Eastwood. Some found this ad breathtaking and thought provoking. Others found it long and depressing. But we guarantee it’ll be one of the top most discussed Super Bowl commercials this year.

4. Audi Quattro – The White Whale

How can you not love a Moby Dick reference? Audi does Quattro the honor of comparing it to the classic White Whale, with Ahab as a grouchy tow truck driver, always a step behind from this German sedan.

3. Chevrolet Apocalypse Survivors

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and as long as we have a Chevy pickup, we’ll be fine. The spot is great dig at Ford, and perfect use of shocking post-destruction imagery with a really chill soundtrack. Oh, and there’s Twinkies!

2. Jerry Seinfeld Wants An Acura NSX

Jerry Seinfel has to bribe his way into the first Acura NSX, and brings along Soup Nazi and an alien. But will Jay Leno get away with last minute trickery?

1. Volkswagen’s Empire Strikes Back

Volkswagen knows how to produce an attention grabbing Super Bowl commercial. Last year’s Star Wars ad was a smash hit. This year, it’s an Empire Strikes Back take on the newly redesigned Beetle (but you have to wait for it).

Honorable Mention: Honda’s Day Off With Matthew Broderick

Ferris Bueller, err… I mean, Mathew Broderick teases his classic ‘Day Off’ film in this Super Bowl ad for the 2012 Honda CR-V. We didn’t put this in the Top 10, because frankly it stands out as the best for execution, and worst for ruining a favorite coming of age comedy for everyone.

Auto critics have chosen their Cars for 2011, along with models they believe will be great buys in 2012. Now, it’s Automopedia’s turn.

2011 was an interesting and inspiring year for the automotive industry. Jobs are coming back to The Motor City, profits are rising in America for the first time since 2008, and companies merged, died, killed old models, and welcomed new. We look back at 2011′s best, followed by a few picks for this coming year.

Why is this traffic cone monster the main photo for our blog post? No reason.

Best of 2011:

5. Fiat 500
Love it or hate it, Fiat is here (again) to stay. American audiences were excited to see a return of the tiny Fiat 500. Those same audiences were not very surprised that Fiat is not selling well. After an expensive commercial broadcast campaign starring Jenny from the Block, sales tanked in various markets (with the exclusion of NYC and Los Angeles). According to NHTSA crash test results, Fiat 500 scored a three-star rating, which is a very poor one. Many wonder if 500 will last in The USA.

4. Honda Insight
Insight is Honda’s response to Toyota’s Prius. With a body pretty much identical to Prius (and Volt, frankly) Insight was canned for cheap materials and large blind spots when it first arrived on dealer lots. What do you expect for a base price under $19,000? In 2011, these critical errors were answered. Insight was constructed better, with smaller rear blockage and a little more of a unique front end. We see good things for the Honda Hybrid going forward.

3. Ford Ranger
Ranger was Ford’s crowing achievement in small pickup trucks. Around for decades, the auto maker decided to discontinue the vehicle (for only North America) due to slow sales, as well as rising love for the larger, but still fuel efficient F-150. Personally, Automopedia loved all variants of the utilitarian friendly Ranger, and we are sad to see it go.

2. Porsche Panamera
The first “mainstream” Porsche vehicle ever. Bringing German luxury and performance to the everyday All-American family. Four-door Panamera received top honors again during 2011, and paves the way for what Porsche execs call an “economically friendly” line of vehicles, including Cayenne and Cajun. Porsche once the car of fantasy, one day soon it could be your commuting reality.

1. Chevrolet Volt
Boy, people can’t seem to stop talking about Chevy Volt EV. But it’s not all good news. Obama and his administration continually praise the hybrid electric sedan for green tech and miles per gallon. Then again, his administration is a major shareholder in General Motors, thanks to the bail out. So of COURSE they want to talk highly of it, and pray that these electric fires / burning down of owners’ homes is something that will not continue. Volt is #1 on our list not only for being a marvel of American automotive engineering, but for causing the most news reports, and joke slogans featuring “lightening” and “fire” throughout 2011.

Who Will be Tops in 2012:

5. Dodge Durango
It was an initial redesign made by the new Fiat-owned Chrysler & Dodge. Featuring a revised cross-hair grill, Durango hopes to bring SUVs back into popularity. That may not be so difficult: Dodge gave base Durango models a competitive starting price, as well as superb MPG ratings (23 highway!), a slew of standard luxury items, their Pentastar engine (producing 290 HP and traveling 550 miles per tank), and towing caps of 6200 lbs on V6, 7400 lbs in V8.

4. Acura NSX
At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Acura surprised everyone in attendance with a revival of their 90′s classic NSX. This Next-Gen version will be a sleek model, powered by mid-engine mounted hybrid V6. We really hope Acura goes ahead with plans to start production soon.

3. Cadillac ATS
This model will hopefully drop onto dealer lots in late 2012 (for the 213 model year). The GM brand is cashing it all in on smaller, sportier vehicles like ATS. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder is rated at 200 HP, with a turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder hitting 270. This should bring in a younger audience, depending on cost, of course.

2. Toyota Prius Family
Prius C is one of several vehicles Toyota will introduce in 2012 and 2013. Already out there is Prius V, basically a minivan trim of the popular and long running hybrid. Prius C is a more compact version, similar to Honda’s Fit (which has a hybrid overseas, but not in America). Base price for C is also under $19,000. Good, very good in fact, for a car with projected EPA fuel economy of 53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway.

1. Ford Fusion Hybrid / Plug-In
Another model for 2013, Fusion will be out later this year. It was the doll of NAIAS displays, attracting positive feedback from fans and press alike. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will power base trims, making 179 HP and 26 city, 37 highway MPG. Fusion Hybrid receives a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, with electric motor and new lithium-ion battery pack. Expected to grab 47 city and 44 highway, Fusion is destined to have buyers stopping at Ford lots.

The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, another popular draw from 2012 NAIAS, is aimed at getting over 100 MPGe.

Source: Edmunds | Chryslerpedia | Fordpedia

There were many impressive concepts unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, these are Automopedia’s 5 favorites:

1. 2013 Dodge Dart – Resurrection

Based off Fiat’s Compact US Wide body (CUS-wide), the 2013 Dodge Dart took many of us by surprise. Instead of dropping teasers months before Detroit’s annual show, Chrysler Group kept their rebirth of the Dart nameplate pretty secret until about one month before NAIAS. Its sleek design borrows from the soon-deceased Avenger (up front) and Charger (rear end). The auto maker believes its appeal will range “…from millennials, young professionals likely buying their first car, to empty-nesters, those with active lifestyles who appreciate good value but don’t want to sacrifice quality and amenities in their choice of vehicle.”

Dart receives three separate four-cylinder engines: A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 160-horsepower, a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo, and 2.4-liter 184-horsepower. Chrysler adds that Dart “offers a special blend of style, performance and innovation.”

2. The SMART For-Us

Smart For-Us wants you to rethink the pickup truck, by shrinking it… A LOT. Comedian Jon Lovitz introduced Smart’s pickup concept at the press conference. Maybe we’re not supposed to take it seriously.

This electric SMARTCAR comes standard with a 55-kilowatt magnetoelectric motor. For-Us has the potential to hit 80 mph, while hailing practically nothing in its three foot tailgate.

3. Acura NSX – The Return

A second surprise appearance at 2012 NAIAS is Acura’s NSX Concept, another call back to the 1980′s and early 1990′s sports car. Available in both rear wheel drive and all wheel drive, NSX (which the Japanese auto maker hopes to premier by late 2014, as a 2015 model) will be powered by hybrid gas-electric motors.

The mid-engine V6 and new SH-AWD system, “uses the gasoline engine to power the rear wheels and provide juice for the two electric motors mounted up front.”

4. Ford Focus Energi – Possibly The World’s Greenest Ride

Ford calls it the “world’s most efficient mid-size sedan” – given its size and performance, Focus Energi could very well be the perfect introduction to EV vehicles becoming everyday drives, and not someone’s novelty car.

2013 Ford Focus Energi plug-in hybrid comes with an EPA mileage of over 100 MPGe (equivalent). Energi uses a 2.0-liter Atksinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, the same as Fusion Electric Concept.

5. 2013 MINCOLN MKZ – The Auto Maker’s Savior?

“This is what the future of Lincoln looks like,” according to brand design director Max Wolff. MKZ concept gives us a hint as to what the production 2013 MKZ sedan will look like. Ranging in prices starting at the mid-$30,000′s – LINCOLN (who insist on spelling it annoyingly in all caps) hope to appeal to young drivers, while shedding their design link to parent company Ford.

Honestly, we don’t see how this vehicle will save LINCOLN. Prove us wrong fellas.

Images: Jalopnik | Motor Authority

It seems that putting on a large scale auto show, featuring hundreds of concept cars and thousands of people in attendance, can be sort of dangerous.

During the 2012 North American International Auto Show, anything can happen. We expect to see the latest, most outrageous concepts from auto makers both foreign and domestic. Sometimes, the content gets a little too hot.

Case in point, just the other day LINCOLN (yes, they insist it be spelled all CAPS) showcased their MKZ Concept for 2013. A new direction for the company, as stated in the release. Unfortunately, as the vehicle sat on display, it started to smoke. Yes, LINCOLN’s hot new model caught fire.

No explanation was given for this smokey event, while reps for the company stood in front of the driver’s side door – hoping no one would notice.

This isn’t the first fire at a Detroit Auto Show. During 2010′s event, an electrical fire inexplicably began above Audi’s E-Tron (electric car, irony?) Concept booth. The area was evacuated of both people and automobiles.

In 2009, another almost-fatal incident occurred at the Cobo Center in Detroit. Chrysler’s Pentastar logo, perched high above the auto maker’s then-new line of 200C Concepts, fell from the sky, almost hitting a passerby.

Again, no one was injured, and much like this year’s smoking MKZ, automotive press officials had themselves a good laugh.

Welcome to the Best of Automopedia 2011! It was a year for protesting, and great losses in the design and automotive world. We said goodbye to auto makers, to vehicle franchises, and car fanatics.

It was also the year of incredible triumph – green cars are now the norm, and well priced automobiles are not only affordable, they’re made WELL.

Technology advanced to a point where 2011 might be remembered as the first year of the driverless vehicle. Take a trip down blog post memory lane, as we round up the best, oddest, and strangest stories of 2011.

Tech 2011:

Google’s Self-Driving Toyota Prius

Google spent 2011 working on their version of Knight Rider’s KITT. But instead of a gas-guzzling ’82 Trans Am, G+ used a Toyota Prius. Aside from a few glitches, including the self-driving Prius crashing into a utility truck, all seemed to go well.

In fact, the Google self-driving vehicle has received an official patent from the federal government. Next step – making driverless cars legal in the state of Nevada!

The New Gas Mileage Window Stickers

If you dropped in onto a car lot in 2011, you might have noticed something different slapped on vehicle windows. The EPA is attempting to update new car window sticker info – which gives you MPG ratings up front.

Close Calls of 2011:

Semi (Almost) Takes Out Driver

This is the perfect marketing pitch for having in-dash cameras installed on all vehicles.

The Bad Habits of Drivers and Cyclists

3-Way Street from ronconcocacola on Vimeo.

This year was rough on cyclists – as biking becomes increasingly popular on both coasts, the City of new York attempted to pass harder restrictions on those riding two-wheels. But not everyone on a bike is perfect, the same goes for drivers who do not wish to share the road.

2011 Nostalgia:

Electric DeLorean DMC-12 Coming 2013

DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) announced plans to re-release the 1982 DMC-12 as an all-electric 2013 model – Priced at $90,000 – 100,000 a piece.

Centuries Old Ship Found Under WTC

A 30-foot wooden hulled vessel was discovered about 20 to 30 feet below the World Trade Center site earlier this year. This is the first large-scale archaeological find along the Manhattan waterfront since 1982.

Vintage 1920’s Subway Train Runs Under NYC

To celebrate the second season of TV’s Boardwalk Empire (which was AWESOME), HBO contracted a vintage 1920′s subway train to “run on Saturdays and Sundays…from 12 to 6 pm, stopping at the 96th, 72nd, and Times Square-42nd st stations.”

Indie Rock and Auto Ads

In today’s world of Internet Piracy, alt and indie rock groups have to “sell out” to survive. In doing so, many great musicians have lent their music to the background of car commercials.

Who and What We Lost in 2011:

Creator of Hot Wheels Dies at 95

Hot Wheels creator Elliot Handler passed away in 2011, at the age of 95. He is half of the team that founded Mattel in 1945, along with wife Ruth and Mattel co-founder Harold Matson. The multi-billion dollar company employs more than 30,000 people.

Mercury is Gone, with Ford Ranger and Saab

Technically, this happened in 2010 (when Ford officially announced the end of their Mercury line-up). However, 2011 models were the final round for this American car company. Sure, they were mostly rebranded Fords, but they were luxurious, and during previous decades, made some of the most iconic sedans and muscle cars on the roads. So long, sweet Mercury, we are poorer for losing you.

2011 also saw the end of Ford Ranger, which will continue to sell overseas, but not in the big-truck-loving land of North America. And just this past month, Saab finally stated their assets will be liquidated.

The Shameful of 2011:

Chrysler Factory Employees Drinking, Drugging, Working

If you worked for the American auto industry wouldn’t you want to be drunk every day?

Random New Car Fires

Dodge wanted some free promotion of their new Durango – and they got it…hmm, this might not have been what they wanted. Several Chevrolet Volt spontaneous fires were also reported in 2011 – causing GM to rename their hybrid “Chevy Fire.”

Worst Hybrids on the Market

From all at Automopedia – Have a Safe & Happy Holiday! Drive (or bike) carefully, and See you in 2012!

Living in Brooklyn is a dream for some. To others, it’s just the city of their existence. North Brooklyn gets a bad rep these days, laying claim to Williamsburg and Greenpoint – so called “Hipster Heaven.”

But many have inhabited this area of “BK” for generations, and it shows when you stumble upon their automobiles. The people of New York City are the proudest you will ever meet, that goes double for outer borough residents. They hold tight to civic pride, love of community, and to memories – including their classic automobiles.

Take a walk (or fixed gear bike ride) around North Brooklyn, and you’ll see many old school vehicles park on gritty (or not so much) NY streets.

A slightly-dropped Chevy Nova in Greenpoint.

This rusty roadster probably hasn’t moved from its spot off Meeker Ave in decades.

Always parked in the same spot at a school bus depot is this classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

NY-proud Ford Mustang hangs out off the BQE.

In Williamsburg, someone has a very well maintained Ford Fairlane…

…and in Greenpoint, another Fairlane!

Can’t go wrong with a deep purple Plymouth. You can bet there will be more shots of this ride coming to blog posts!

‘Tis the season to annoy fellow commuters with car decorations, fa-lalalala-lala-la-la. There’s more than one way to spread holiday cheer – whether you’re into commercialized Christmas, a faithful Chanukah celebration, or you just like slapping colorful lights on your automobiles.

Some of these decorations are right up there with the obnoxious factor of Truck Balls. But who are we to judge? It’s the time of year that brings us together, hopefully not in a rear end collision after too much spiked eggnog.

Check out a few holiday vehicle decorations – feel free to reply with photos of your own.

Car Antlers & Rudolph Nose

The new classic in holiday vehicle decoration. You can slap reindeer antlers atop a VW Bug or Ram 1500. They  clip on similarly to car sports/country/nationality flags. Add a red clown nose and transform your hooptie into Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Grille Wreaths

Typically seen on larger vehicles and semi/dump trucks around New York City, this yule-tradition is an easy and inexpensive way to ‘spruce’ up (tree puns!) your vehicle for the holiday season. All one needs is some string, pine tree clippings, and a hot glue gun. Aside from that last item, you can pick everything else off the ground outside.

Roof Menorahs

The tradition of car roof mounted Menorahs, in celebration Chanukah, has grown to encompass at least one die-hard spiritual driver in every major city. CrownHeights.com showcases a gallery full of Brooklyn-based Menorah-mobiles.

Car Christmas Lights

This may suck up that car battery juice a bit too quickly – but if someone really wants to make a splash during their late December road trip, we suggest adding Christmas tree lights around the vehicle. Many car supply stores offer packages that include lights, suction cups for attachment, and separate battery pack.

Music – Michael Buble, Nat King Cole

The holidays are not complete without a soundtrack. Some of us wish to remain purists – playing classic Nat King Cole “White Christmas” or seasonal tunes from Old Blue Eyes. If you’re looking for a modern take on these oldies, check out Michael Buble’s Christmas album, if you are not already insanely sick of hearing it throughout major retail stores everywhere.

Happy Holidays from Automopedia!

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are super hip these days. You don’t always have to leave the driver’s seat to purchase a perfect Cup o’ Joe. Maybe it’s part of the American experience – having deliciously brewed coffee, or a top-notch espresso, delivered via Drive Thru window.

Even if you travel for a living, there is probably a superb drive-up cafe just a few minutes from your current location.

We took a tour of the best coffee shops with drive-thru access in five regions of the USA. After several jittery debates, Automopedia chose its Top 5:

East Coast / North East – THE PIGGERY

Location: 423 Franklin St. in Ithaca, NY

Previously known as “Buzz,” these coffee shop owners added a deli to an award winning breakfast joint, followed by its name to symbolize the fantastic “farm to table” bacon. FYI: Deli hours begin later than Piggery’s drive-thru cafe. However, there is no better locale in the North East to grab a hot cup of freshly brewed (local NY) coffee, along with bacon, egg & cheese on a bun.

Southern US – Poplar Perk’n

Location: 4610 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, TN

Offering up coffee, smoothies, and other blended drinks every day of the week, Popular Perk’n is Tennessee’s answer to the drive-up cafe. This quaint shop is a favorite of college students and working class heroes alike. Popular’s owner Jimmy Whidden might even expand to include on-site baked goods.

Mid West – Mudslingers Drive Thru Coffee

Mudslingers began as an idea based out of Minnesota (its official HQ) and has grown into franchise opportunities across the nation. Soon enough, there might be a Mudslingers drive-thru in your home town. Coffee is not the only option at ‘Slingers – there’s a wide array of pastries and bagels, soups, frozen/mixed drinks, and the knowledge that your order will be ready in moments. Skip the fast food line; Mudslingers is your healthier, non-corporate option.

South West – Raw Bean Coffee House & Drive Thru

Location: 611 SW Temple in Salt Lake City, UT

Raw Bean is known as one of SLC’s prime coffee locations. A full-service stop, their dining area gives customers free wifi and freshly brewed goodness in every cup. Raw’s drive-thru option brings those on the go a quick detour for “spot-on” iced coffee. We’ve also been informed that patrons should take advantage of free biscotti.

Pacific North West – Cowgirls Espresso

Yes, that woman is in a bikini, holding a large caffeinated drink. Try to remain calm and carry on. Cowgirls combines sex and steaming coffee in a business strategy sweeping down the Western US. Their Seattle location includes “Bikini Wednesdays” – which is the only time baristas wear even less than their normal work attire.

Welcome back to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show. As week two comes to a close, and we microwave Thanksgiving left overs, auto makers who graced the floors of LAAS are headed home. But we leave LA with a bang, Parkour style!

According to Wikipedia: Parkour (sometimes abbreviated PK) is a method of movement focused on moving around obstacles with speed and efficiency. Originally developed in France, the main purpose of the discipline is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping.

It’s also a favorite hobby of Dwight, Andy, and Michael:

Smart 341 Parkour Concept

Sadly, Smart Parkour has nothing to do with the French martial art. It’s a concept designed by “Annie” – an investigative reporter who entered her idea for “Hollywood’s Hottest New Movie Car” and won top prize at LAAS.

Smart Parkour features several design elements that allow occupants to shoot photos from all angles, including the small car’s domed top, along with its ‘suction cap-enabled’ climbing ability.

“With the 341 Parkour, Smart hit the nail on the head: the design combines innovation and functionality with an exciting film plot,” according to judges.

This is Lincoln’s “New” Design: 2013 Lincoln MKS

Lincoln has continually stated they are going ‘all new’ for 2013, including a complete remake of their models. Well, sorry to say, the 2013 MKS looks pretty similar to previous models. Maybe this “new and improved” design will pop up in 2014.

Lincoln hopes to transform itself into a “great American luxury brand” – much like it was before it became the symbol of livery cab use. The auto maker is spending $1 billion on development of seven new / refreshed models, the first of which should appear at January’s 2012 Detroit Auto Show in the form of a MKZ concept.

Back to MKS, which contains a 3.7-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. There will also be a 3.5-liter EcoBoost version available, with 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. We’re curious to see of that big ol’ grille remains in 2014.

Chevrolet, Topless: 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible

At long last, Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible makes an appearance, and will soon drop into your local Chevrolet dealer. 2013′s Camaro ZL1 houses a powerplant making 580 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter LSA engine. Better put on a hat while blowing down sunny California freeways.

GM flip-flopped for over a year on whether or not to produce a convertible variant. Seems as if they gave in to fan requests, but will these loyal followers show up to dealerships?

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

Finally, there’s a new luxury coupe/convertible in town. Based off the popular Jaguar XKR, the supercharged 2012 XKR-S Convertible was live at 2011 LAAS.

XKR-S Convertible is more ‘dramatically styled’ than many other Jag models. With a 550 horsepower, 502 pound-feet of torque engine, XKR-S hits the 60 mph mark in an amazing 4.2 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest convertibles ever available from this car maker.

That’s all from LAAS 2011! Check back for more Auto Show updates @ Automopedia!

Source: Motor Authority

Welcome to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

As week one gets underway for the public (automotive press has mostly come and gone) there are a few models we can’t wait to show you. Some are production versions of concepts long teased online (we’re looking at you Subaru!) – while other vehicles rolling across the floors of LAAS were created simply for fun, and to gain that all important auto show “WOW” factor.

What better way to spend those pre-Thanksgiving days walking around a car show – Here’s a look at some of the more interesting LAAS 2011 reveals.

A Real Life Mario Kart

You can’t run an auto-related event in Southern California without West Coast Customs dropping by. The crew famous for Pimp My Ride, and making Xzibit a star, marked the release of Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo Wii by creating fully functional, real life models of Mario character karts.

Mario & Luigi’s vehicles from the game were present, and can be driven on both ground and water (if you follow the video game’s premise that is).

Ford at 2011 LAAS – 2013 Mustang GT500 & Escape

Ford made huge reveals at this year’s LAAS. First up, it’s the much anticipated 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 from Shelby. What’s so special about another GT variant? This model can reportedly hit 200 miles per hour, while remaining perfectly street legal. In our opinion, it’s also one of Shelby’s sexiest enhancements to date.

On the other end of the spectrum is 2013′s Ford Escape. Originally the auto maker’s prized crossover, this vehicle is now being geared towards soccer mom’s as the latest in lady-driver tech. We don’t understand this new gender-biased marketing strategy – especially since this gas or hybrid powered truck registers 237-hp from its 2.0-liter engine. Who says women have to drive wimpy cars, anyway?

2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year – Volkswagen Passat

Next up, it’s time for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award. The honor was bestowed to a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The VW was singled out for its affordability, as well as popularity. Passat had its best month (October 2011) as far as sales since 2005. With the successful release of a redesigned Jetta also taking place this Fall, seems like 2012 will be a great year for VW sedans.

American Luxury – Cadillac XTS

Cadillac is doing battle with foreign luxury auto makers. If they stick to models like the upcoming XTS sedan, they’ll have no problem kicking BMW in the bum. Headed to dealers in 2013, XTS reminds us of President Obama’s pumped-up Cadillac limo. The large trunk on this full-sized vehicle harkens back to Caddy’s of yesterday – the kind Robert De Niro hid bodies in.

Subaru’s Sports Car – The BRZ

Subaru has been teasing us with dark images of the BRZ sports car for months. Finally, at 2011 LAAS, we get to see a production-ready variant. Subaru’s horizontally-opposed “boxer” engine will power BRZ, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a low center of gravity. Apparently, the more officially official Subaru BRZ will debut Nov. 30th at Tokyo’s International Auto Show. So, what exactly is the model we’re looking at above??

Land Rover DC100

We almost forgot: Land Rover still exists, and is making new cars. The long awaited Land Rover DC100 Sport is rumored to be the company’s replacement for Defender. However, other rumors suggest Land Rover Defender will stay with the foreign nameplate until 2015 – 2017. Guess only time, and sales figures, will tell.

Sources / Photos – MA | Jalopnik