The Mercedes CLS coupe is my favorite in the German manufacturer’s lengthy lineup of luxury vehicles; it’s just a special automobile, even if I continue to disagree with their classification of a four-door automobile as a coupe.

But, the 2012 CLS represents the first major redesign of this beautiful car since it came on the market in 2004, and Mercedes literature claims that it “established an entirely new market segment — the four-door coupe, which combines the emotional appeal and dynamic design of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan.” I guess I’ll have to accept that, even though just about any dictionary defines a coupe as a two-door vehicle.

For 2012, the CLS line consists of three models — all powered by new biturbo directinjection V-8 engines and, for the first time, offer 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. Pricing starts at $71,300 for the CLS550, $73,800 for the CLS550 4MATIC and $94,900 for the high performance CLS63 AMG. Add another $875 for delivery charges.

The distinctive body lines of the CLS have been accentuated by its new design. Overall, the new CLS is about 1.2 inches longer and wider, and it fits right between the S-Classbased CL and the E-Class two-door, forming a family of Mercedes “coupes” that makes efficient use of existing chassis and powertrain layouts, while preserving their individual identities.

With its new 4.6-liter direct-injection twinturbo V-8, the new CLS550 gets 26 percent better fuel mileage (17/26 mpg), while still producing 402 hp and 443 pounds-feet of torque. The CLS550 is equipped with new electrically assisted power steering, AIRMATIC air suspension and a revised sevenspeed automatic transmission.

The 5.5-liter version of the new directinjection V-8 engine in the 2012 CLS63 AMG is rated at 518 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque. An optional AMG Performance Package hikes the output to 550 hp and 590 pounds-feet of torque. Even with its highperformance, the CLS63 AMG is 26 percent more fuel efficient (16/hwy), thanks in part to an innovative ECO stop-start system.

Whenever the AMG model stops in “D” or “N” with the brake pedal depressed in “Controlled Efficiency” transmission mode, the engine is automatically turned off to save fuel. As soon as the driver releases the brake, the engine computer decides which piston is in the best position for first ignition, and the direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the engine almost instantly.

The CLS63 AMG features a seven-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) sport transmission with an innovative startup clutch that replaces the conventional torque converter. Providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic, the MCT transmission offers impressive versatility and faster shift times.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.

Since its launch in 2008, the Hyundai Genesis sedan has captured honors from just about every automotive association in the country — including the Miami-based Southern Automotive Media Association — and it continues to draw rave reviews with the 2012 model.

Hyundai engineers keep improving the beautifully styled car, this year adding new direct injection technology to the standard Lambda V-6 engine, a new eight-speed automatic transmission and enhanced chassis tuning. They have even added a new power option, a 5.0-liter direct injection Tau V-8 engine available on the 5.0 R-Spec model.

The new Tau V-8 is the most powerful Hyundai engine ever, producing 429 hp at 6,400 rpm and 376 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm, and the cylinder bore was increased for a total displacement of 5.0 liters. At the same time, direct injection technology has been added to dramatically increase power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Compression ratio has been increased from 10.4 to 11.5:1 for greater efficiency and output.

The Tau also has a revised bedplate for improved block rigidity and less noise, as well as camshaft carriers and a roller timing chain to improve valvetrain stability. This new V-8 still offers all of the premium engine technology from the 4.6-liter V-8, including Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variable induction system, and low-friction diamond- like coatings (DLC) on piston skirts, rings and tappets.

Even with these power increases, fuel economy is 16/25 mpg, almost matching the 4.6- liter engine (17/26 mpg).

The Tau 5.0-liter V-8 is mated to a new eight-speed transmission. This new Hyundaideveloped transmission adds two more ratios for better acceleration, shifting smoothness and efficiency over the old six-speed gearbox. All eight-speed transmissions include SHIFTRONIC manual shift capability and this new eight-speed transmission is the first offered by a non-luxury branded manufacturer.

Hyundai engineers have made further refinements to the 3.8 and 4.6 model suspension damping calibrations. These precise adjustments minimize the compromises between handling precision and ride comfort. In addition, body roll control for the 3.8 model is enhanced with a larger rear stabilizer bar, while diameter increasing from 17 mm to 18 mm.

Braking also is improved with rotor size on the 3.8 model increasing from 12.6 inches to 13 inches and the addition of higher performance four-piston brake calipers, and the 4.6 model front brake rotors increasing from 13 inches to 13.6 inches for better fade resistance.

There is little change to the exterior; the grille has been enhanced and the headlights have been redesigned with the addition of LED accents and daytime running lights, while the taillights have been redesigned and new dual asymmetrical exhaust tips are more cleanly integrated with the new bumper fascia.

Pricing on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis ranges from $34,200 to $46,500.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is quite a nice little subcompact. It’s built on the new General Motors global platform and comes in the form of a sedan or a hatchback.

Both models of the new Sonic look good, with sleek styling and an urban design aimed at appealing to upscale younger American consumers. Our test car was the sedan, but I got a look at the five-door hatchback at the recent South Florida International Auto Show and I found it equally appealing, if not more so.

Both versions of the Sonic have distinctive design elements, including sharp creases, exposed headlights and other design cues that seem like they belong on a motorcycle (and that’s what they were derived from). Other nice features include excellent fit and finish and standard forged alloy wheels.

Three trim levels are offered — LS, LT and LTZ — and standard equipment includes cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats, trip computer, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, 60/40 split folding rear seat, OnStar, a four-speaker AM/FM stereo system with auxiliary jack, a roof spoiler, front floor mats, remote keyless entry, power door locks and 15-inch forged alloy wheels. Hatchbacks come standard with rear washer and wiper.

Under the hood, Sonic offers an option of two four-cylinder 138 hp engines — a 1.8 liter naturally aspirated powerplant or a peppy little 1.4 liter turbocharged engine. The standard engine can be mated to either a six-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, while the turbo is offered only with a six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic transmission option is planned for late 2012 models).

On the highway, the new Sonic yields a quiet ride and handles quite nicely. I wouldn’t call it sporty, but it does have a stiff body and pretty good power for a subcompact. Chevy literature notes that Corvette engineers assisted in tuning the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, which probably accounts for the responsive handling characteristics.

As for safety, the Sonic has antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and panic brake assist; electronic stability control and traction control, a hill-hold feature, 10 airbags (including seat-mounted thorax side-impact, head curtain and knee airbags); a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 60/40 folding rear seats.

Base price on the Sonic is under $15,000, but even with adding all the available options, such as a sunroof, heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, you’ll still drive the car home for less than $20,000. Not a bad deal. And the car is made in America.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.