Another form of the chemical, monomethyl hydrazine, fueled the shuttle's maneuvering systems while it was in space, said Randy Azera, a former NASA engineer and consultant to CNN.

CNN: Four compounds from shuttle can harm on contact

Recipients on the upscale end of the price spectrum are the Audi A7, Chrysler 300 and Hyundai Azera sedans and the Infiniti JX35 and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SUVs.

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Other notorious flops on the top 10 list include the sedate Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan, the virtually forgotten Acura RL luxury sedan and Lincoln MKT crossover luxury SUV, the otherwise amenable BMW 1 Series and a few longstanding models that were just plain getting long in the tooth, including the Hyundai Azera, Lexus GS and Toyota Yaris.

FORBES: Biggest New-Car Sales Flops For 2011