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

It seems that automakers learned their lessons and turned their attention from large SUVs to smaller crossovers.

Download 2014 Jaguar Crossover

Lincoln is offering the 2010 Navigator with safety and technology upgrades, but also with new standard equipment. The Navigator will be available in standard and L version, both offered in either 4x2 or 4x4 trim. Prices will range from $54,400 to $59,465.

Download 2010 Lincoln Navigator

We’ve heard plenty of rumors that Mitsubishi might be pulling out of the United States’ car market and it’s not hard to see why such a rumor is circulating.

Download 2012 Mitsubishi U.S Spec i-MiEV

Hyundai's Genesis sedan is much improved for 2012, yet its position in the market won't change one bit. The Genesis will continue to give engineers and product planners at Mercedes-Benz and Lexus fits, thanks to the sedan's upgraded V-6 engine, revised suspension tuning, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission -- not to mention the 429-horsepower R-Spec model.

Download First Look: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

The last time we heard from Mcchip dkr, they were working on a speedier version of the Volkswagen Golf R. Not a bad gig, but they’ve come a long way since then, baby.

Download 2008 Porsche 997 GT2 by McChip

The latest Mercedes AMG model to get the new 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 replacing the naturally-aspirated 6.3 liter V8 is the all new E63 AMG. With the new unit, the power output is increased from 386 kW (525 hp) to 410 kW (557 hp), and offers an impressive reduction in fuel consumption. The E 63 AMG consumes 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (Estate 10.0 litres) according to NEDC combined, in other words 22 percent less than its predecessor with the AMG 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine. As part of the “AMG Performance 2015″ model strategy, the high-performance vehicle now benefits from the new 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine. An important contribution is also made here by the newly developed electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system, which only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered. Additional assistance systems now raise occupant safety to a whole new level.

Download Mercedes E63 AMG to Receive New AMG 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo Engine

The very first spy photos of the all new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series have finally hit the web.

Taking cues from its fellow Black Series models, the C63 AMG Black Series Coupe has wider wheel arches and looks a little lower to the ground than the series C63 AMG Coupe. While the spies were able to look under the hood, it was inconclusive as to what specific engine is under the hood.

Previous reports showed the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo, currently seen in the S63 AMG with the AMG Performance Package, which is tuned to produce 571 PS (420 kW / 563 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque under the hood. As a Black Series engine, it is speculated to produce in excess of 600 PS.

As more info and photos come in, we will keep you posted. Our thanks to Andrus and GMotors for the news.

Download Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series Spy Photos

There are Audi fanatics who consider the quattro all-wheel-drive system a product of divine inspiration. On the scale of man's most important inventions they rank it right up there with movable type and the microchip. Cars without quattro are drivable; cars with quattro handle as if they're being guided by a higher power.

Download Follow-Up Test: 2006 Audi A3 3.2 quattro S line

The new Mercedes-Benz Viano Avantgarde Edition 125 embodies three terms like no other large-capacity vehicle, dynamism, comfort and sportiness. It combines an unmistakeable exterior style with select equipment and appointments as well as a dynamic drive system, making it the top model in its class. The Edition 125 Viano Avantgarde represents the perfect blend of MPV, saloon and sports car.

Download Mercedes-Benz Viano Avantgarde Edition 125 Overview

Comparing the performance of an Acura MDX to that of a BMW X5 3.0i or a Porsche Cayenne V6 might seem ludicrous — and it would have been until now. That changes with the introduction of the all-new 2007 Acura MDX.

Download First Drive: 2007 Acura MDX

This year's launch of the 2011 Kia Optima is the biggest in the company's history. The all-new sedan has the most ambitious package of styling, quality and features the company has ever offered and it's expecting big things.

Download 2011 Kia Optima Turbo First Drive

The new dynamic driving simulator from Mercedes-Benz is the most powerful in the entire car industry. Going into operation at the end of 2010, it offers a 360 degree screen, fast electric power system and a nearly 40 foot-long rail for transverse or longitudinal movements. According to Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management

Download Mercedes-Benz Driving Simulator Helps Fine Tune 2012 B-Class

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg finished in 9th and 12th positions

Download F1 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix Race Results

I've been covering cars for well over a decade, and never have I seen what I'm witnessing now: myriad new vehicles that are actually lighter and smaller (or at least no bigger) than the ones they've replaced. For as long as I can remember, next-gen cars have always been heavier and larger than their predecessors.

Download Take and Give

Lotus has dropped the idea of using modified Toyota engines in its next generation of sports cars. Instead it is rushing out an all-new engine family. It will be a lightweight, high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8 making 550 horsepower-plus. Later, a 90-degree V-6 and possibly inline-four modular derivatives will join the family for the replacements for the Evora (called Elan) and Elise.


Download Lotus Already Revising its 'Firm Plan'