Top 10 Cars in 2012

• Toyota NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

If you're a fan of the Prius, take note, because the Toyota NS4 Concept is a look at the direction the company will be taking with the next generation of its popular hybrid. The plug-in's distinctive styling cuts a much bolder stroke than the jellybean shaped car, and shows the Toyota will be aggressively protecting its current position as the market leader.

• Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai has been devouring market share lately, introducing one massive hit after another—and the Elantra won North American Car of the Year here in Detroit. The Veloster debuted to muted enthusiasm as the meager engine intended as a fuel miser couldn't deliver what the car's dramatic looks promised. But with the addition of a twin scroll turbocharger, power is up to 201 hp and and 194 lb-ft of torque. The Veloster Turbo will have enough moxie to play with the best hot hatchbacks on the market.

• 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS builds on the surprisingly competent chassis, transmission, and engine of the base car, and adds a bit of polish. Tweaks to the front and side fascia give it a sportier appearance and improved suspension bits mean it'll handle even better. GM also addressed the one area lacking in the regular Sonic: the interior materials. A premium interior and infotainment package should help to put the Sonic RS right near the top of any list of cars that give you the most bang for your buck.

• Chevrolet Code 130R Concept

The Chevrolet Code 130R Concept is one we can support: This fun rear wheel drive machine is priced around $20,000. The awkwardly named Code 130R borrows heavily from the BMW 1 Series M stylistically, but would do it at half the price.

Rumors are already swirling that this concept is an early indication of what to expect from the next-generation Camaro, though considering the concept packs a GM's excellent turbocharged 1.4-liter I4, we doubt the new Camaro will be equipped quite like this.

• Lexus LF-Lc 2+2 Hybrid Sports Coupe Concept

Lexus has been toying with a new styling direction for a while, and its officials say we should expect to see more of this. The Lexus LF-Lc is a hybrid grand touring car cast in proportions very similar to the company's LF supercar. Bold, sweeping, organic shapes and a pinched trapezoidal grille already seen on the GS define this new design style

• Acura NSX Concept

The Acura NSX went out of production in 2005, but after many aborted attempts to revive the NSX, Honda Motors is declaring with this concept that the car will be making a dramatic return. Some time in 2015 the next NSX will debut and it may have a powertrain much like this concept—A mid-mounted hybrid V-6 driving the rear wheel, with a pair of powerful electric motors driving the front wheels for through-the=road all-wheel drive. Additionally, those front motors will be able to over- or under-drive the wheels, meaning an electric torque vectoring control. Very cool.

• Ford Fusion

The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion isn't just a big story for the United States. This car is also new for much of the rest of the world; it's just called the Mondeo.

Just an inch and a half longer than the outgoing model, the new Fusion comes loaded with style and technology inside and out. The full suite of Ford tech is available along with a raft of powertrains: gasoline, hybrid, and all-electric. The new Fusion takes aim right at the heart of segment leaders Camry and Accord.

• Chrysler 700C

Chrysler's 700c Concept was the surprise of the Detroit Auto Show and demonstrates a significant shift in how the company thinks about its highly lucrative minivans. Heavily sculpted and oozing style, the 700C is richly detailed and likely a sneak peek at Chrysler re-writing the rules that say minivans have to be boring—and likely aiming to reassert its dominance in the segment.

• 2013 Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS is the first compact Caddy since the Cimarron, but it is no also-ran. Like recently-unveiled full-size XTS, the ATS wears and evolution of the Art and Science design theme which has been so successful for the brand. Caddy hopes to go head-to-head with the perennial favorite BMW 3-Series and will do so with several engine choices, including a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four cylinder, a turbo 2.0-liter, and a 315 hp direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6. Most interesting is the confirmation of a diesel option some time in the future, a fact that will dramatically improve the sales in Europe.

The interior feels appropriately rich. Uplevel models will feature Cadillac’s new CUE infotainment system that promises a slick interface with a capacitive touch screen and feedback. But the most important aspect of the ATS is what it feels like to drive. Cadillac engineers spoke about steering feedback and shock control (the optional FE3 suspension uses the same adjustable MR shocks as the Corvette). But the bullseye Cadillac is aiming for, the 3 Series, is a fantastically satisfying car. The bar, therefore, is extraordinarily high, and we won’t know if Cadillac cleared it until we drive the ATS later this spring.