BMW I8 ConceptFeatured in the recent Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol with Tom Cruz, this car is worthy of movie-star status. In addition to bright detailing on the side and incredible styling, the vehicle looks like it was plucked out of the future. Gull wing doorsFeatured in the recent Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol with Tom Cruz, this car is worthy of movie-star status. In addition to bright detailing on the side and incredible styling, the vehicle looks like it was plucked out of the future. Gull wing doors that extend up overhead instead of outward give it a spaceship feel. The plug-in hybrid is part of BMW’s effort to provide sustainabile mobility transportation. But, as evidenced with this eye candy, drivers won’t need to sacrifice performance or style to make that happen.Rebecca Cook/Reuters2013 Buick EncoreThis vehicle is worthy of profiling, simply because it’s one of the few larger ones among the mix – though hardly as large as the SUVs of the past. Built on a small crossover platform, it’s sporty with a nice, rounded design, yet stays true to Buick’s luxThis vehicle is worthy of profiling, simply because it’s one of the few larger ones among the mix – though hardly as large as the SUVs of the past. Built on a small crossover platform, it’s sporty with a nice, rounded design, yet stays true to Buick’s luxury heritage with a dramatic waterfall grille and chrome accents. Buick has been struggling to reinvent itself from its stodgy image and the latest Encore satisfies that goal. It seats five comfortably, yet provides ample storage capability. Rear seats and the front passenger seat fold flat, providing versatility for carrying loads. And, unlike many of the hot new car offerings, it sits up high, providing greater visibility.Mike Cassese/ReutersPorsche 911 CarreraThis has all the elements of a hot sports car, with a rugged appearance and luxurious interior styling. Porsche has high hopes for the vehicle, with the goal of making it the most successful premium sports car in the world. Though with a starting price atThis has all the elements of a hot sports car, with a rugged appearance and luxurious interior styling. Porsche has high hopes for the vehicle, with the goal of making it the most successful premium sports car in the world. Though with a starting price at roughly $70,000, it’s clearly aimed at more affluent buyers.Ralph Orlowski/ReutersThe Prius CThe latest in Toyota’s family of hybrids, the “C” stands for city. Though many hybrid vehicles were unveiled at the show, Toyota boasts that this one will get the best city gas mileage of any car: 53 miles per gallon. Toyota has managed to shave off moreThe latest in Toyota’s family of hybrids, the “C” stands for city. Though many hybrid vehicles were unveiled at the show, Toyota boasts that this one will get the best city gas mileage of any car: 53 miles per gallon. Toyota has managed to shave off more weight in this sporty looking five-passenger vehicle, so it exceeds the fuel economy numbers of its original Prius. The best part? Priced at $19,000, it’s one of the lowest-priced Prius vehicles, intended to appeal to younger buyers on a budget who often find hybrids out of reach.Mike Cassese/ReutersScion iQIntroduced as the smallest four-seater on the market, the Scion iQ has an ingenious design. It features a recessed dashboard that allows two passengers in the back, yet maintains the car’s whimsical compact space and feel. No six foot passenger will feelIntroduced as the smallest four-seater on the market, the Scion iQ has an ingenious design. It features a recessed dashboard that allows two passengers in the back, yet maintains the car’s whimsical compact space and feel. No six foot passenger will feel comfortable in the back seat, but if you have children (or just petite friends), this is ideal. It has all the features you would find on an upscale car, including Sirius XM radio and audio with Bluetooth hands-free navigation, yet retails for only $15,995.ScionHyundai Veloster TurboAimed solidly at Gen X, Hyundai’s latest offering has a 1.6 liter, turbocharged-gasoline direct injection engine that supplies plenty of torque and power, yet still gets 38 miles per gallon on the highway. There are metallic, oval-shaped door handles setAimed solidly at Gen X, Hyundai’s latest offering has a 1.6 liter, turbocharged-gasoline direct injection engine that supplies plenty of torque and power, yet still gets 38 miles per gallon on the highway. There are metallic, oval-shaped door handles set against a dazzling matte finish paint, and a peek-a-boo, triangular rear window for a unique visual appeal. Inside, there's plenty to keep young drivers entertained, including connectivity to satellite radio, and even video games (which only can be played when the car is in park, for obvious safety reasons).Rebecca Cook/ReutersMercedes-Benz SLLuxury doesn’t get much classier than this. This slick roadster has a rounded exterior and sleek, angular styling. A long hood sets the passenger compartment back, lending a look of elegance. Ventilation grilles with chromed fins define the trademark MercLuxury doesn’t get much classier than this. This slick roadster has a rounded exterior and sleek, angular styling. A long hood sets the passenger compartment back, lending a look of elegance. Ventilation grilles with chromed fins define the trademark Mercedes, though its bold design is nothing like the company’s traditional luxury vehicles. The car is made entirely from aluminum, which significantly reduces weight, while the addition of high-strength steel doesn’t compromise safety. It has the pep of a sports car, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Retailing for $105,000, it won’t be within everyone’s budget, but for those who can afford it, this car clearly makes a statement.Rebecca Cook/ReutersMINI RoadsterMini adapts its clever, youthful approach to a convertible two-seater. It has some qualities of fine European styling, like rounded corners and pronounced headlights, but maintains Mini’s high waistline and has a manually operated soft-top roof that can qMini adapts its clever, youthful approach to a convertible two-seater. It has some qualities of fine European styling, like rounded corners and pronounced headlights, but maintains Mini’s high waistline and has a manually operated soft-top roof that can quickly open and close. Cleverly designed storage space is located behind the driver and passenger seats. And the car is environmentally friendly to boot, getting 37 miles per gallon on the highway. The base price is $25,050.Mike Cassese/Reuters
