In a year when record-high gas prices and a sluggish economy caused new vehicle sales in 2008, a few anomalies emerged in regards to two German automakers.



Download BMW M Cars Post Record Sales

The Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India, Honda’s representatives in India post the Hero Honda break up have decided to introduce unique and India specific motorcycles and scooters to gain market share.

Download Honda’s strategy post Hero Honda breakup

February 23rd is a very special day for the boys of Saab. A year ago on this day, the Swedish automaker was officially given a new life by Spyker, and the former will be celebrating the first anniversary of Saab’s rebirth as an independent carmaker by releasing a special edition 9-3 Convertible that it’s calling the “Independence Edition”.

Download 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

"Oh my god, is that for real? It's like a grown-up Big Wheel." "It's a Mini monster truck." The Mini Countryman elicits all sorts of responses from bystanders. So far, they're only positive, but at the same time you get the feeling no one takes the pint-sized crossover seriously. Other companies might cringe at the thought of their products being compared to toys, but Mini revels in it. A vehicle like the Countryman was never meant to be just another car; it's all fun all the time.

Download First Test: 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4

If you have to ask whether the new Aston Martin Virage is really worth roughly 30 grand more than the near identical-looking DB9, here's a tip: Don't ask Ulrich Bez. The mercurial German, who's headed Aston since 2000, has little time for those who don't appreciate the subtle nuances that define the individual models in the company's 14-car lineup, all of which, apart from the stubby Toyota iQ-based Cygnet, look remarkably similar. "Our cars look like Aston Martins," he says defiantly. "If you don't like the look, buy another car."


Download First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin Virage

We auto journalists are often accused of having unrealistic expectations for some of the cars we drive. Because we drive high-end luxury and sports cars on a regular basis, critics argue that we ask too much of everyday cars. We journalists combat this by readjusting our expectations to objectively evaluate the vehicle currently under review. That said, the Chrysler 200 Convertible is one spectacular rental car.

Download First Drive: 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible V-6

The full-size Infiniti may not be the prettiest vehicle in the fleet, but it has a lot to offer for its $72,000-plus price. Logs photographer Julia LaPalme, "Some friends of mine, upon seeing the QX, commented on how ridiculously huge and ugly it is. But the fantastic turning radius is such a pleasant surprise!
"Passengers stay comfortable in luxurious reclining leather heated and cooled captain's chairs in the second row. I will admit, for hauling people and/or stuff, the QX56 does a great job. The third row folds flat for more cargo room in the back. Even the footwells of the second row have gobs of room for bags and such when you're not hauling passengers. And the power! I can really feel the V-8's 400 horses kick in when I put the pedal down."

Download Long Term Update 2: 2011 Infiniti QX56

Dancing past slower-moving traffic on the coastal highway as if they're standing still, the Electric Red BMW 325xi leaves a wake of affronted motorists shaking their fists at its retreating form. But who wants to cruise at a leisurely Sunday pace when there's an agile car to play with and curvy roads to conquer? Besides, the 12 bags of groceries in the rear can sit this playtime out.


Download Follow-Up Test: 2006 BMW 325xi

Whether we're talking about wine, cheese, dishwasher detergent or cars, getting more for less is something of a rarity these days. But that's exactly what's happening with the 2007 Ford Expedition. Ford's largest SUV is mostly new for 2007. It offers big improvements in comfort, safety and control, yet costs significantly less than the 2006 model it replaces.

Download First Drive: 2007 Ford Expedition

Proving that evolution never stops, even among things that appear to be rather highly evolved already, is the upcoming 2011 Aptera 2e. The space-age three-wheeler may have been delayed “to align with financing realities,” but while Aptera’s suits are out shaking money from trees (and the government), the engineers and designers have been busy evolving the two-seater to make it more livable once it is finally ready for prime time.


Download 2011 Aptera 2e - Official Images

The Volkswagen Group is one of the best examples of the new mega-manufacturing machines of the automotive industry. As a family of nine automotive brands, it has the ability to fill just about every mainstream, enthusiast, and barely scratched market. There are several advantages to this combined manufacturing force. One, economy and emissions ratings for smaller efficient models like the Golf and Polo can be used to offset less-efficient models like Aventadors and R8s in corporate averages. Two, technology used to make supercars from Lamborghini and Audi lighter and faster can be used to make Volkswagens lighter and more efficient. Bringing composite and aluminum-alloy manufacturing technology from low- to larger-volume cars also spreads the cost out, bringing prices down.

Download 2016 Volkswagen Golf

Gordon Murray, chief design engineer behind the McLaren F1 and several championship-winning Formula 1 cars, has revealed his microcar. The T25 is a demonstration for a new-car construction method. He says his new method can take 25 percent out of a car's weight, whether applied to a sedan, sports car, or minivan of any given seating capacity, without compromising safety.

Download Another Gordon Murray Microcar

The achingly beautiful Alfa 4C seen at the Geneva show is to spearhead Alfa Romeo's U.S. relaunch in 2012.

Download Alfa Romeo 4C

Cuts 0-100 km/h by over four seconds
Press Release

Download Range Rover Gets New V8 Engine for 2007

A Vettel-Webber 1-2 at the Turkish Grand Prix highlighted the dominance of Red Bull in the ongoing 2011 Formula One season...

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