the best cars

Designed to capture the attention of the younger buyer, this model seems poised to succeed in that regard. The Beetle Dune is the kind of car anyone would want to take to the beach. It has a slightly rounder frame, making it just a bit sportier than the traditional Beetle. The front grille is dramatic. This is slightly longer than a typical Beetle and two inches higher off the ground, adding a youthful look. The new hood has a raised center section with air vents, which VW describes as having a honeycomb appearance, all of which make for a spirited, fun appearance.

The upstart automaker is making a bold and effective statement with this eye-popping butterscotch bundle. The small, rear-real drive car is aptly named, as it resembles a giant bumble bee in a good way. The impressive design could help Kia stand out in the sports car segment, if it can get this type of car into production. The four-cylinder engine gets 315 horsepower. It has a bold grill and giant headlights, along with a sharp glass rear windshield that takes up most of the exterior.

Porsche lives up to its status-symbol reputation with this sleek offering that includes a removable panel roof. The result is a half-open top that avoids full-blown windswept hair a marvel of modern engineering. A sloping back windshield makes up most of the rear of the car. With a classy, testosterone-fueled look, this hot offering gets a top speed of 175 miles per hour. Priced at $101,000 MSRP, this appeals to a niche audience, but its definitely a head-turner.

This small crossover, with clean lines and a contemporary look, is a welcome departure from Volvos rather staid styling. There are more round shapes and a cut-out rear windshield in an interesting shape, with plenty of glass. One hopes Volvo draws on some of these design concepts to refresh its model line.

This seductive car, painted in candy-apple red, is bound to catch the publics attention. This concept may help Infiniti increase its current 58 percent share of the luxury market. Its lower and wider than a Q 50, with a taller hood. A large grille contributes to a more aggressive design and creates a sleek profile, which could pose some competition to BMW.

Hyundais flagship vehicle was in desperate need of a refresh since its introduction in 2009 and the new model, displayed in sparkling silver, didnt disappoint. The styling is elegant and more muted than its predecessor. Its reminiscent of a sleek, European luxury car, with stark angular headlights and a pronounced hexagon-shaped grille made of semi-gloss chrome all of which are intended to appeal to the North American market. A tiny peek-a-boo triangular window behind the larger passenger window is a nice touch. Hyundai is vying to make this affordable luxury, with a starting MSRP of $40,000.

The automakers amber-colored concept, rumored to be the next Maximua, could bring the shot of creativity that the sedan needs. Its slee,k with aV motionstyling that makes the front of the car one smooth pane, resulting in an appealing look. Front headlights come together to form an X-shape, with dramatic effect. Nissan called the designemotional,and thats a fitting description.

This racing car gets 450 horsepower in a V8 engine and has a far more dramatic look then previous conservative Lexus models. The front hood is slightly elevated, raising the vehicle, resulting in a nice side profile. There are dramatic, angular sloping lines. The triangular shaped headlights hone in on the Lexus badge in the middle of the zig-zag shaped grille. This is a vehicle up for competing in what has become a segment loaded with prize products.

BMW has been known for its eye-catching, futuristic designs: think the i8 concept used in the Mission Impossible movie. So to see this car, a mere extension of the 3 Series, was a downer. The company proclaims that it is easily differentiated from the 3 Series, but thats hard to decipher in looking at the car, which has a very basic design.

Though Honda buyers often flock to the company for its consistently high quality ratings over innovative looks, Honda saw huge success with its cute Honda Fit design. Thats why its surprising that this vehicle, a small crossover considered to be the larger evolution of the Fit, is so lackluster in its design. This is Hondas attempt to grow its presence in the small SUV segment, but that will be tough, given the fierce competition, where stand-out design is pivotal.