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2012 Toyota Camry: Quieter, more upscale and easier on gasoline

How best to describe the redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry? Here are the basics: The 2012 Camry has more horsepower yet gets better fuel economy; a repackaged interior is quieter, covered in expensive-looking materials and has more room for passengers, and it's all wrapped in restyled sheetmetal that won't make an enthusiast's heart flutter but won't offend the average car buyer, either. The new Camry--the brand's flagship that has been the top-selling car in the United States for the past nine years--is also a prime opportunity for Toyota to prove to car buyers that it has put the controversy over claims of unintended acceleration and recalls behind it.

Toyota targets conventional engine in defense of green image

In the race to boost fuel economy, overhauling the internal combustion engine is all the rage. Ford, Hyundai and Mazda are among those focusing on direct injection, turbochargers and improved transmissions as they reinvent their powertrain lineups. So with its emphasis on hybrids, Toyota Motor Corp.

Honda Vezel crossover arrives at the Tokyo motor show

For the record, Vezel rhymes with "bezel," and it's the name of Honda's long suspected Fit-based crossover. Honda showed off the new Vezel hybrid model at the Tokyo motor show, though the production model set to launch in Japan in December will also be available with a straight-gasoline 1.5-liter direct-injected engine also. Other details are still slim, but the company did claim a "Sport Hybrid i-DCD" powertrain will get a stronger engine and most likely a dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor.