Escape makeover debut; Passat Car of the Year

(The Associated Press)

Escape makeover debuts at LA show
Ford unveiled its redesigned Escape at the on-going Los Angeles Auto Show, transforming it from a five-passenger SUV into a sloping crossover with just a hint of minivan. The old Escape is the fifth-best-selling vehicle in the U.S., but hasn't been updated much since its debut in 2000. The updated Escape (shown) will be less boxy and have better fuel efficiency.

Ford also announced that the 2013 Shelby GT500 Mustang will have a 650-horsepower V-8 engine -- the most powerful production V-8 engine in the world, with a top speed of more than 200 mph.

--Los Angeles Times

(Volkswagen)

Passat named Motor Trend Car of the Year
Motor Trend magazine has named the Volkswagen Passat as 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie says the Passat's "chassis, steering, ride and handling all are tastiest within this segment." The midsize sedan with a starting price of about $20,000 is built at VW's plant in Chattanooga. The award was presented at the on-going Los Angeles Auto Show.

--The Associated Press