2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL63 AMG

5.5L V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 15 cty/21 hwy mpg
Navigation System
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
DVD player
MSRP from $151,500

What's New for 2012

After significant updates last year, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class carries into 2012 unchanged.

Introduction

Trivia question: What is the most expensive new Mercedes-Benz on sale this year? If you answered the gullwing SLS supercar, you'd be wrong. Starting a good $26,000 north of the flashiest Benz is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, the ultra-luxury grand touring coupe with a mind-blowing twin-turbo V12 under the hood. Maybe it won't get quite the same attention as the SLS, but the CL65 AMG and its lesser-engined comrades within the 2012 CL-Class lineup offer the sort of grand opulence that can be appreciated whether you're on a weekend back road drive, a 700-mile road trip or the daily slog to work.

2012 Audi A8 4.2 quattro Sedan

2012 Audi A8 4.2 quattro Sedan

4.2L V8 engine
Automatic transmission
Up to 18 cty/28 hwy mpg
All-wheel drive
Navigation System
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
MSRP from $78,750

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Audi A8 lineup is topped by a new 500-horsepower, 12-cylinder flagship -- the A8 6.3 L.

Introduction

Not being the most popular choice doesn't necessarily equate to not being a good choice. As proof, consider the 2012 Audi A8. With its lightweight aluminum construction, standard all-wheel drive and impeccably trimmed cabin, the A8 has plenty going for it and stands as our favorite alternative pick in the premium large luxury sedan segment. Completely redesigned last year and bolstered by this year's introduction of the A8L W12 with its 12-cylinder engine, the A8 might well become the Underdog of the class.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

6.2L V8 engine
Manual or automatic transmission
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control

MSRP from $54,095

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Chevrolet Camaro sees a number of improvements. The V6 versions get more power, the SS coupe gets a revised sport suspension, a rearview camera becomes available and all Camaros benefit from an interior with much-needed upgrades. Later in the model year, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuts, resurrecting a legendary name and providing pavement-ripping performance by way of a supercharged V8.

Introduction

The big news for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro will be burnouts -- lots and lots of burnouts. Oh, right, the new-generation Camaro has already been known for that. But this year that pastime of high school kids and muscle car buffs rips to an all-new level with the introduction of the ZL1 trim level. The new Camaro ZL1 is a fitting homage to the legendary ZL1 high-performance engine option for the 1969 Camaro that was favored among acceleration addicts and bench-racing braggarts.