2012 Ford C-Max

A few days after the Paris Motor Show, we had the chance to sample the Grand C-Max, Ford's latest Euro-spec MPV destined for North American soil. Other markets around the world are ripe with these mini-minivans, but here in the States, our only C-segment MPV option is the very likable Mazda5. The long-wheelbase C-Max will drop its "Grand" nomenclature when it arrives here in North America, and the public will get its first taste of the new Ford at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Ford calls the C-Max's seating configuration a "five-plus-two," meaning that the interior is best suited for five passengers, and that the two rear seats are best used for small occupants. What's more, Ford offers a unique storage solution for the middle seat in the second row, allowing it to fold down and is stow underneath the bottom cushion of the rear passenger-side chair, creating a set of two captain's seats in the process (check out a video here). The rest of the C-Max interior is very much akin to what we've seen in the 2012 Focus, and we're quite impressed with the high-quality craftsmanship that FoMoCo is putting into its latest crop of cabins.

2012 Ford C-MaxPerhaps the most interesting feature of the 2012 C-Max is its hands-free liftgate. Much like a passive entry system for the driver's door, whoever has the C-Max's key fob on their person can simply wave their leg under the rear bumper, triggering two sensors that will open the liftgate. It's pretty slick, and Ford tells us that this technology will me making its way to the vast majority of the company's hatchback products.

The base powertrain in the C-Max is Ford's 2.5-liter inline-four also found in the Fusion. In its MPV home, this mill produces 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. The upmarket engine is an all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, rated at 180 hp and 173 lb-ft of twist, also mated to a six-speed 'box. The C-Max is only available with front-wheel drive, and 17-inch wheels are fitted to all three trim levels – S, SE and SEL.

We're eager to get our mitts on the U.S.-spec C-Max, and we're crossing our fingers that American car buyers will be more receptive to smaller MPVs than in the past. Check out the 2012 C-Max for yourself in the gallery below, and follow the jump for the full suite of details.

2012 Audi RS 7 coming with a twin-turbo V8 and 600 hp

There’s nothing about the 2011 Audi A7 that would surprise you with its 300-bhp supercharged V-6 engine, Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. However, Audi’s future sport-themed RS 7 is a different matter entirely. Set to debut in the U.S. in 2011, the RS 7 will ride lower to ground and will have a sports suspension. The A7’s lines will become more attractive with its larger air intakes in the front fascia and with the use of 19–20-in. wheels.

It’s also believed that it will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that delivers nearly 600 bhp. With this much power, rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz are expected to feel threatened.

To handle the power, the RS 7 has an adaptive suspension and torque vectoring differential as well as the Quattro all-wheel-drive hardware. But with regards to other aspects, the RS 7 will have the form of the standard A7 Sportback. The luxurious 5-door can seat four adults, and it has the good looks of a coupe and the practicality of a station wagon due to its power rear hatch.

NAHC Picks Chevrolet Camaro as 2010's Collectible Car of the Future

From all the new cars and trucks launched in America this year, the vehicle to turn most heads in 2035 will most likely be the Chevrolet Camaro. Or at least that is the prediction of the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC), which decided that GM's muscle car is the 2010's "Collectible Car of the Future".

Charles K. Hyde, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees, said: "This selection is unique among all the 'Vehicle of the Year' awards, because it is selected by 'car buffs' who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year's new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2035."

The members of the organization selected the Camaro from a total of 13 all-new vehicles launched in 2010.

Tom Peters, Camaro chief designer commented: "Our mission with the 21st century Chevy Camaro was to draw on the passion and heritage, expressing it in a new and modern car with design, technology and quality to carry the legacy forward. It's simple; the new Camaro puts smiles on the faces of car enthusiasts of all ages."

Last year's vote went to the Ford Flex making it the first crossover to win since the creation of the awards in 1995. Over the years, NAHC has picked a variety of vehicles including the Chrysler Sebring Convertible as 1996's "Collectible Car of the Future". No, seriously; from all the vehicles launched that year, NAHC's members found that Chrysler's rent-a-cabriolet would rate the highest among future collectors in 2020. What can you say... Below is the full list of NHAC's previous winners.