AUTOMOBILE Magazine Announces 2012 All-Stars

ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AUTOMOBILE Magazine, America’s leading automotive lifestyle publication, today announced the winners of its 2012 AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star awards, which is open to all vehicles on sale in the United States, however only 10 ultimately receive the honor.

“The Focus embarrasses the competition when it comes to driving dynamics”

The winners of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2012 All-Stars were an exceptionally diverse field, with American, European and Asian automakers all represented. The types of vehicles chosen were equally as eclectic, with minivans, passenger cars, sports cars, and sport-utility vehicles all garnering awards.

“While the lineup of this year’s All-Stars covers nearly every vehicle segment, each one shares one major characteristic,” said Jean Jennings, President and Editor-in-Chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine. “Regardless of the purpose or cost, every All-Star is fun to drive.”

The 10 winners of the 2012 AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star awards are:

Audi TT RS

Powerful, refined, and emotive - the Audi TT RS is much more than its subtle, stylish exterior suggests. The Audi’s roaring turbocharged five-cylinder, unrelenting all-wheel-drive grip, and sharp, accurate steering create an exhilarating driving experience. “It’s a perfect tool for driving perfectionists, worthy of a choice parking spot in the dream garage,” declares Jennings.

BMW 3-series

First appearing in 2006, the current-generation BMW 3-Series was an instant favorite of AUTOMOBILE Magazine, winning Automobile of the Year in its debut year. As AUTOMOBILE Magazine contributing writer Preston Lerner says, all 18 models of the BMW 3-Series, which include coupes, sedans, convertibles and station wagons, share two common characteristics that have ensured its return to the list of All-Stars: “They’re rewarding to drive and they’re happy to be driven hard.”

Dodge Charger

As the second generation of this revived American nameplate, the new Dodge Charger is a standout among all other sedans on the market. The Charger is one of the most versatile platforms on the market, available with a 292-horsepower V-6, a 370-horsepower V-8, a 470-horsepower V-8, an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, and both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive configurations. “We need to take a step back and celebrate the fact that Dodge still makes a car like this. Because nobody else does,” said Ezra Dyer, contributing writer for AUTOMOBILE Magazine.

Ferrari 458 Italia & Spider

From the moment AUTOMOBILE Magazine staff first drove the Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider, they unanimously agreed there was no car more deserving of a 2012 All-Star title. The all-new Ferrari offers a balance of brutish performance, handling and refinement. “Without question, the Ferrari 458 Italia is the best car I have ever driven,” declares Associate Editor Eric Tingwall.

Ford Focus

Redesigned for 2012, the all-new Ford Focus exceeded all of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s expectations. “The Focus embarrasses the competition when it comes to driving dynamics,” said AUTOMOBILE Magazine Deputy Editor Joe DeMatio. With its communicative steering, supple ride and precise handling, the Focus offers performance on par with much more expensive vehicles, and is a standout in the newly competitive small-car category.

Ford Mustang Boss 302

The new Ford Mustang Boss 302 proudly carries on the legendary Boss 302 name, with its powerful 444-horsepower V-8, massive Brembo disc brakes, and track-tuned suspension. “The new Boss 302 is the best Mustang ever,” said Preston Lerner, AUTOMOBILE Magazine contributing writer. Not only does the Mustang beat its pony car rivals, the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger, the Boss 302 also outperforms competing cars of more than twice the price.

Honda Odyssey

The addition of perennial winner Honda Odyssey to the list of All-Stars for 2012 came as no surprise. A longtime favorite of AUTOMOBILE Magazine, the Odyssey also holds the title of “best family road trip vehicle” in the magazine’s Four Seasons test fleet. Unlike other minivans, the Honda Odyssey is equally pleasing to both drivers and passengers alike. The EPA-rated 28-mpg, 248-horsepower V-6 and six-speed transmission make the Odyssey a delight to drive. Passengers will be happy in the Honda’s spacious cabin, which features an entertainment system outfitted with a split-screen capable 16.2-inch entertainment screen.

Porsche Boxster & Cayman

2012 marks the current-generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman’s sixth appearance in AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s pantheon of All-Stars. Since this version’s introduction in 2005, the Boxster and Cayman have offered drivers the experience of a $200k supercar at a fraction of the price. The combination of Porsche’s scintillating mid-engine flat-six, slick-shifting transmission, and precision handling make for one of the most “engaging and rewarding” cars manufactured today.

Range Rover Evoque

Just introduced, the Evoque is the newest addition to the Range Rover lineup. Sleek, sporty and agile, the Range Rover Evoque is a daring departure from the automaker’s traditional lineup. The Evoque outshines its competitors in nearly every aspect. From its aggressive styling, to its luxurious interior and powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Evoque makes other luxury compact SUVs “look like yesterday’s gruel,” declared contributing writer and columnist Jamie Kitman.

Volkswagen Golf TDI & GTI

The Volkswagen Golf has long been a favorite among AUTOMOBILE Magazine staff, collecting two Automobile of the Year awards and four All-Star awards within the last six years. Heralded as “German enthusiasts’ cars that just happen to be compact and efficient,” the TDI and GTI’s All-Star title came as no surprise. Packaged with powerful and efficient powertrains, high-quality interiors, and sport suspension tuning, the Volkswagen Golf TDI and GTI are rare compacts that are both “engaging and uncommonly refined.”

About AUTOMOBILE Magazine

AUTOMOBILE Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is America's leading automotive lifestyle publication and reaches 4.6 million readers monthly; through its print, online and digital components the brand counts an audience of over 6 million. Automobile Magazine, which presents annual All-Star and Automobile of the Year awards, is written for the sophisticated enthusiast and profiles high-end vehicles with compelling editorial and photographic content. For more than 25 years, AUTOMOBILE Magazine has set the standard for automotive journalism, maintaining its devotion to auto adventure and an editorial approach that emphasizes "No boring cars!"

About Source Interlink Media

Source Interlink Media is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 70 publications, 90 websites, 400 branded products, 65+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division's strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.

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