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Corvette ZR1 laps Nurburgring in 7:26.4

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The battle for top ranking at the Nurburgring continues. The famed German race track is not only a test site for manufacturers looking to tweak and tune their upcoming production cars, but as a mark of honour.

Audi Quattro was hot stuff in its day

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

In 1983, I didn't give a toss about cars. I was thoroughly immersed in my motorcycle phase, working at Canada's leading biker magazine, Cycle Canada, and just generally enjoying the bugs in my teeth not to mention the dirt under my fingernails. Cars of the era — Porsche Turbos, Lamborghini Countachs and, the subject of this column, the Audi Quattro — passed through my cranium without even stopping for a "by your leave."

Brit GP: moving home

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

'I wouldn't mind betting that the Donington investor is Ecclestone. He then ensures that the circuit is exactly as he wants it'

Silverstone RIP

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The British Grand Prix gets a timely announcement pre-Silverstone weekend; it's moving to Donington from 2010

Brit GP: DC steps down

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

'Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton spoke with genuine affection about their elder colleague and his 13 GP wins'

TGTV update: show 3

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

'I should be writing about the show, but I have to talk about the papers'

GMC Acadia SLT AWD

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Jumping on the crossover bandwagon with all four wheels, GMC's Acadia offers space, safety and style.

Dream Design Drive Challenge

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

MSN Autos has launched an online design challenge open to US residents that invites participants to submit a custom body paint for the Challenger. The grand prize is a 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T.

T25 Concept by Gordon Murray Design

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The T25 is a project of an innovative and lightweight city car which is being developed by Gordon Murray Design Ltd. A working prototype could be unveiled within the next year.

2008 Audi RS 4

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

This is more like it. I recently tested Audi's S4 and, though I quite liked it, it was sometimes difficult to explain its market niche. Yes, it has a V8. But, no -- because it has only the 340-horsepower version of the 4.2-litre -- it doesn't compete directly against BMW's M3. Yes, it also has an S-line badge, but, in fact, it actually is more comparable with a 335i with a sport package. A good car, yes, but difficult to pigeonhole. The RS 4 suffers no such confusion. It still has a decidedly Audi take on its intent, engineering and performance, but it's designed to go up against the mighty M3, no ifs, ands or buts.

2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Cars like the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S are the reason some people buy lottery tickets. While some folks can actually afford to write a $115,805 cheque for one of these cars, the rest of us will have to wait until we hit the big one.

2009 Ford Escape

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Automakers usually have specific route directions for journalists to follow during product launches. This week, Ford told me to go to Hell -- and it turned out the rolling, twisty, rural Michigan roads around that hamlet northwest of Ann Arbor were ideal for demonstrating the upgrades the company has made to its 2009 Escape.

2009 Subaru Forester

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Before we discuss the new 2009 Subaru Forester, can we take a moment to fondly remember the outgoing version?

Cadillac moves ahead with new models

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The planned expansion of the Cadillac CTS family is underway. From the sedan that was launched last year and crowned Motor Trend's Car of the Year will come two other body styles within the next year.

GM Canada sales in steep decline

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Rising gasoline prices ripped into General Motors Corp.' s Canadian sales last month amid fresh concern the company may steer toward insolvency if market conditions worsen.

Bike sales soar as drivers trade four wheels for two

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

There have always been a few hardy commuters willing to forgo the comfort and safety of a car in favour of a bicycle, but in the face of ballooning gas prices their numbers are growing dramatically and that has proven a boon for manufacturers and retailers.

Not So Easy Rider: Motorcycle School on a Ducati Monster

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Not So Easy Rider: Motorcycle School on a Ducati Monster

The price of filling up is getting painful, but where some see a problem, others find opportunity. If you've ever harbored a desire to learn to ride a motorcycle, for instance, now could be your chance. "With gas prices today we're getting a lot of people coming in," says Chris Kirkness, of Cliff's Cycle Revolution in Connecticut. "It's a great excuse for the spouse. 'Honey, I'm going to save so much in gas.'"

Personally, I've always been a dedicated car person. When I got my driver's permit, I threw down my ten-speed and embraced four-wheeled transportation. Although I have admired the design of various motorcycles, I never saw myself as a motorcyclist - the leather, the tattoos, the danger, none of it was for me.

But when I received an invitation to learn to ride a motorcycle, I was intrigued. Why not, I thought? How hard could it be?

Harder than you think, based on the DVD I watched beforehand. A companion piece to Christine Firehock's Kickstart Motorcycle Training Series, it's narrated by Ms. Firehock, a fourth-generation biker chick (her great grandma rode in 1913!) with big blond hair and a distinct New York accent. She's been teaching motorcycle riding for years, but I can't say she makes it sound easy. Just getting on the bike, for instance, is a multi-step process. "Common injuries would be to dislocate your knee or break you ankle," advises Christine. And that's just mounting and dismounting the bike.

Nonetheless, two days later I was in Lime Rock, Connecticut, ready to go from motorcycle virgin to easy rider - or, perhaps, to traction, followed by several months of recuperation.

The first thing you learn as a novice motorcyclist is that there's a reason biker dudes walk the way that they do - it's because they can hardly move. The leather jacket fits like a girdle, the motorcycle boots barely flex, and the stiff leather gloves come complete with pointed knuckles. I haven't even gotten on the bike and I already look completely ridiculous.

The bike, by the way, is a Ducati Monster, so at least my steed looks cool even if I don't. Despite its name, the Monster is relatively light at 355 pounds (dry), but that's at least ten times heavier than the last two-wheeler I rode. Therefore, our first exercise is to straddle the motorcycle and just sort of tip it from side to side to get a feel for how far it can lean before it reaches the "pivotal point," or the point at which it's going to lay over and make some unfortunate modifications to its handsome bodywork, and some painful modifications to your own. We also walk the bike forward and back, and it's a laborious exercise.

We try out the controls, and nearly everything is the opposite of a car's. You clutch with your hand; shift with your foot; throttle with your hand; and brake with one hand and one foot. Got all that? Great, time to push the starter button and fire 'er up.

Over the course of the day, I will start the motorcycle maybe a hundred times, although I'll try to start it many more. In the process, I'll confirm - repeatedly - that: the motorcycle will not start if the key isn't turned on; the motorcycle will not start if the kill switch is in the off position; the motorcycle will not start if it's in gear unless the clutch is engaged; the motorcycle will not start if the kickstand is down.

Ah, but if all the conditions are met, the engine jumps to life with a push of that button and it's a sweet moment indeed. It sounds great; it smells great; and it gets the blood pumping. We're finally ready to get the bike moving, and it takes some finesse. If you've seen people pantomime motorcycle riding, holding their hands out in front of them on imaginary handlebars and twisting their right wrist (possibly while making WaaWaaWaaa noises) their actions reflect actual motorcycle riding about as accurately as playing air guitar mimics playing guitar. The throttle is super sensitive, so you're really making only tiny motions with your wrist. Slipping the clutch - something that's done a lot more on a bike than when driving a car - also takes practice to master, as all the action happens in the last inch or so of travel, with the lever just at your fingertips.

Naturally, this leads to a lot of stalling. Christine's advice: "If you stall, keep your head up; act like you're checking for traffic; clutch in; hit the starter. The most important thing is to look cool." If the most important thing is to look cool, I'm going to have to sign up for another whole course of study.

Actually, Christine's enthusiasm is infectious. When we finally shift up into second gear, she lets out a big whoop of excitement. Unfortunately, we spend a lot of time in first, learning to feather the throttle, slip the clutch, and drag the rear brake. As Christine says, "Going fast is easy; going fast is fun. Going slow is hard work." It is indeed, but that's also where you need real skill. We practice pause-and-go, slow-speed cone weaving, stopping on a hill, and stopping and turning. During breaks, she discusses issues such as lane positioning (she favors the center of the lane); signaling your intentions; protecting your space; among other things that are of specific concern to motorcyclists.

When we finally progress beyond walking speeds, the real seduction begins: listening to the revs climb, leaning into the turns, swerving the bike by swinging your hips. As we develop the muscle memory for the motorcycle's unique controls, it frees the mind to take in the sensations. By the end of the day, we reach third gear and maybe 30 mph, which I'd say is the adrenaline equivalent of about 80 mph in a car.

Motorcycles aren't EPA rated for fuel economy, but the Ducati people estimate that the bikes we drove should return mileage somewhere in the 40s. That may not be reason enough to trade in your four wheels for two. But saving gas isn't really why people take up motorcycling anyway. "We ride motorcycles to look cool and to have fun," says Christine. For me, at least, it was a lot more about the latter than the former. As an absolute beginner, I can't say riding a motorcycle is easy, but it's definitely cool.

Photo Gallery: Not So Easy Rider: Motorcycle School on a Ducati Monster - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

2009 BMW 7-Series

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

2009 BMW 7-Series

Ever the technology showcase, the latest 7-series shouldn't disappoint anyone with a love for electronics. Ahead of its official debut at this year's Paris show, BMW has released preliminary information and images of the revamped and restyled 7. The fifth-generation 7-series will come to the U.S. first as the V-8-powered 750i and its long-wheelbase counterpart, the 750Li. Though the model designations remain the same as before, the V-8 underhood does not. As we expected, the 750 models will get the 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that first appeared in BMW's X6. A smaller engine with a big dose of technology goes a long way, as the direct-injected turbo engine makes more power than the outgoing 750's 4.8-liter normally aspirated V-8, and more torque than the V-12 currently found in the 760Li. The 7 will continue to use a six-speed automatic transmission.

When it comes time to put the 7 in Drive, drivers will now make use of BMW's console-mounted joystick gear selector which replaces the electronic column-mounted shifter of the previous-generation car. We see also that the odd steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons (with two for upshifts on the rim's front, and two for downshifts on the rear) have gone away. Manual shifting can be accomplished once the joystick-style selector is tilted to the left.

BMW's improved iDrive controller is located next to the gear selector, and with it comes a revised interface that is more intuitive than that on the outgoing model and which we expect to be more in line with BMW's other iDrive-equipped offerings. Menus are now displayed on a larger (10.2 inches vs. 8.8 inches), higher-definition central display. GPS navigation software is now stored on a hard drive, which can also be used to store about 13 gigabytes of music (auxiliary, USB, and iPod interfaces will also be included). The 7-series will also adopt the programmable memory keys seen on other BMWs that allow for one touch access to user-defined vehicle functions. BMW also notes that the steering controls can access more functions than before.

Not to be outdone by the central display, the 7's new instruments make use of what BMW calls Black Panel technology. We gather that this is similar to the instrument layout in the Mercedes-Benz S-class, though the 7-series has four permanent chrome rings bounding its virtual instruments.

On the dynamic side of things, the 750s receive a new suspension, as well as the normal raft of 7-series technologies like roll stabilization, stability control, and traction control. New for 2009 is BMW's Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering and is included with the Sport package. The new Driving Dynamics Control selector is located on the center console and allows drivers to select between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes. Each setting has its own characteristics for suspension damping, throttle response, transmission shift points, power-steering assist level, and Dynamic Stability Control mode.

The safety technology ante has been upped with active cruise control that can now bring the car to a complete standstill, allowing it to be used in stop-and-go traffic. Other safety features include a lane departure warning, blind spot detection, a head-up display, automatic high beams, night vision (now with pedestrian detection), as well as side view and backup cameras. Side view cameras are mounted at the front corners and show the images in the control display when traveling at low speeds.

Always searching for the most advanced solution to a problem, BMW has solved a dilemma caused by the abundance of technology in the 7-series by including an electronic owner's manual accessible via, you guessed, the iDrive interface. The included digital information includes animations and slide shows to explain vehicle functions, which could be much easier to understand than traditional printed pages. BMW's Integrated Owner's Manual is also vehicle-specific and therefore tailored to the exact options of the 7-series it is housed within. For quick reference, specific subjects can also be stored on the programmable memory keys, provided you can figure out how to store them.

Photo Gallery: 2009 BMW 7-Series - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

2010 Dodge Ram

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

2010 Dodge Ram

We've seen the innovative features and levels of refinement Dodge is bringing to the 2009 Ram 1500, but company executives have said little about the brand's other pickup offerings - until now. During our recent drive of the new 2009 Ram 1500, we sat down with a number of engineers and planners and gleaned some surprising insight into what Dodge has in store for the heavy-duty Rams and the ailing Dakota.

Heavy Duty

While factories tool up for the 2009 Ram 1500, Chrysler engineers are already toiling away on the next series of heavy-duty - or 2500 and 3500 - Ram models. We're told that for the first time, the larger trucks will sport a unique front fascia, but we're happy to hear that the large Rams will make use of the same interior as the 2009 Ram 1500.

Historically, Dodge received a lot of complaints about its truck interiors, and that's an issue Ralph Gilles, vice president of Jeep, truck, and advanced interior design, took to heart. The new interior is exponentially nicer than that of the outgoing Ram, and it is the first product of Chrysler's new interior design effort.

Expect to see the output from signature Cummins diesel engines remain about even with today's engine (350 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque), or even drop slightly in order to improve fuel economy. Scott Kunselman, vice president of truck product development, believes fuel economy is more important to truck buyers than the ability to pull the largest possible trailer up huge hills at 85 mph. Beefing up the transmission, chassis, and other related components to handle much more power would add weight and cost to the truck and only a handful of buyers would ever make use of it. Most of these heavy-duty trucks are used in fleets, and fleet managers are more interested in reducing fuel cost than seeing outrageous power levels.

Dodge will likely stick with the Ram HD's current absorber NOx catalyst system, for future 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks instead of the urea treatment most diesel passenger cars use to meet EPA regulations. However, Dodge will use urea for its class 4 and 5 cab and chassis Rams because the emissions certification process is different for the larger trucks. Storing enough urea to last between oil changes is one problem for trucks with factory-installed beds, plus the urea can freeze and thus be rendered useless in northern climates. If the price of the catalyst system - which uses plenty of exotic materials - continues to rise, Dodge may have to re-evaluate this approach.

Though the Ram 1500's multi-link coil suspension makes a lot of sense for light-duty trucks, it doesn't in the heavy-duty segment. Virtually all three-quarter and one-ton trucks use a main leaf spring pack and a set of helper leaves to handle overload situations. There isn't any way to add helper springs to coil springs. Dodge's current strategy gears the 2500/3500 trucks for maximum towing and hauling, so the traditional leaf springs will remain on these models.

Though Ford has received lots of press surrounding the introduction of a consumer-oriented F-450, Dodge has no plans to play in that space. The market is simply too small for consumer pickups above the one-ton range. Dodge will continue to play in the class 4 and 5 truck segment, an area where it performs well, but these trucks will strictly be cab-chassis vehicles for commercial users.

Dakota

The Dodge Dakota is clearly in trouble. A revised truck debuted at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, but sales have slowed down significantly in recent months. For the first five months of 2008, Dodge sold 14,936 Dakotas, compared with 24,343 during the same period in 2007. The Dakota is even being outsold by the Honda Ridgeline - a unibody sport utility pickup criticized by traditional truck buyers as not being a "real truck."

Rumors of a future unibody Dakota swirled just as the curtain dropped at the current truck's 2007 Chicago auto show reveal. Those rumors have escalated to a virtual confirmation of the fact that the next Dakota won't be built as a body-on-frame pickup. Jim Press, vice chairman and president of Chrysler LLC, has gone on the record stating he thinks the demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient trucks will continue to rise as fuel costs soar.

Just a year before the new Dakota was introduced, Dodge showed off the Rampage concept, clearly aimed at the Ridgeline, but packing the ubiquitous Hemi V-8 engine. Designers, engineers, and product planners are all talking about Rampage now. Kunselman wouldn't say much about the Dakota - but he did tell us that the "Dakota is one we're in the process of re-evaluating."

If the Ram 1500 moved to coil springs at all four corners, a unibody structure isn't that blasphemous for a smaller truck. Once the Ram proves the new suspension is just as capable as the outgoing 1500, Dodge buyers will likely be more accepting of new and different solutions to the modern pickup.

Crossover vehicles with unibody construction are starting to replace many body-on-frame SUVs, so it makes sense for the smaller trucks to adopt this same strategy.

One of the main challenges with a unibody Dakota is making sure it would handle the stress that pickup owners regularly dish out. Potential buyers are interested in increased fuel economy, but switching to unibody construction will not dramatically change fuel economy by itself. If the research shows most owners aren't using Dakota to the 95th percentile of its abilities, the duty cycle of the truck isn't as much of a concern and other measures can be taken to reduce weight and improve fuel economy as well.

A New Firecracker?

Dodge is also considering a truck that would slot in below Dakota's replacement. The M80 name came up just as often as Rampage did during our conversations with Dodge officials this week. M80 is a concept truck that debuted at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The truck was conceived to slide in under the Dakota in terms of size and price, but looked like a miniature revival of the legendary Power Wagon.

Those looks would have to change if the M80, or some variation on its theme, makes it to production. Gilles thinks the unibody trucks would need to look different from the body-on-frame Rams. Gilles says buyers know the trucks have vastly different uses, and it would be insulting to the buyers to lump all trucks together with a common look. With a different look, and an emphasis on efficiency, for the new Dakota and small truck, there is suddenly an opening for a third new truck in the Chrysler family.

Jeep's Wrangler-based JT concept could be the next body-on-frame product to come to a Jeep dealer. Some people will continue to need the capability of a body-on-frame truck, and Jeep is the perfect brand for such a vehicle. Many Jeep owners wish for a small truck with excellent off-road capability, and have been drooling over the JT since it appeared at the 2007 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Such a vehicle could also bring back credibility to the brand, something many purists find lacking after the introduction of the car-based Compass and Patriot.

Back to the 1500

While the development teams at Chrysler have their hands full, there are still plans to improve the new Ram 1500 in the immediate future. The first upgrade we'll see is the integrated trailer brake controller that Dodge is sorely lacking. Both Ford and GM have factory installed units available, and each works flawlessly. Expect to see Dodge's version offered within a few months of the truck's launch this fall.

Improving fuel economy is a major focus for the Ram team. Dodge has already announced plans for a two-mode hybrid truck and a light-duty diesel. Expect to see the hybrid as a 2010 model, with the Cummins-powered 1500 appearing shortly thereafter as a 2010 or 2011 model.

It makes most sense for the Cummins to be tuned for fuel economy, not outright power. We weren't able to get much in the way of fuel economy figures, but when we suggested a minimum of 22 mpg, Kunselman told us, "I think we'll blow away 22 mpg."

Hopefully such a truck could return 25 mpg, or better, on the highway and cost substantially less than a diesel heavy-duty truck.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Dodge Ram - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

Over the top?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

New Overfinches get gun boxes, crystal drinking sets, and tweaked motors

Dario on the dole?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

TG's inaugural Real Racing Driver Dario Franchitti loses his NASCAR ride after his team struggled to find a main sponsor

TGTV episode 3

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

An exclusive preview of this Sunday's cracking show - don't miss it

Coulthard retires

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

F1's oldest driver to walk away from the category, but not the sport

Its all about Pri

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

World Touring Car Championship guru Andy Priaulx to demo BMW Sauber Formula One car at Brands Hatch

GM bankruptcy described as unlikely

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Times are certainly tough for GM, which saw its stock fall to a 54-year low. But while one analyst said bankruptcy is a possibility, others said that outcome is unlikely.

GM may bring new mini car to U.S.

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

General Motors is considering a new Chevrolet mini car for the United States as it reworks its product lineup to cope with a dramatic shift from trucks to cars linked to high gas prices.

Analysts: U.S. carmakers facing cash crunch

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Analysts at JPMorgan painted a bleak picture for Detroit’s automakers Thursday, suggesting GM might need to raise $10 billion and Ford might have to sell Volvo.

Honda grows while U.S. auto industry falters

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

While its major competitors reported double-digit sales declines and burgeoning truck and sport utility vehicle inventories, Honda had a modest 1 percent sales increase.

Commuters pull over, flock to buses, carpools

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

As gas prices continue to soar to new heights, drivers are parking their cars and turning to mass transit and carpools. While the move eases pressure on wallets, the Well-Mannered Traveler warns commuters need to remember their manners.

Fiat Topolino Concept

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The Fiat Topolino Concept is a reinterpretation of the Fiat 500 A Topolino classic model, produced from 1936 to 1955 in more than 500,000 units. It was designed by Paolo Martin for Ruoteclassiche Italian magazine.

Kia Forte: first images

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Kia has unveiled some preview images of the Forte sedan, which will replace the Spectra model in the US and Canadian market. The design is based on the 2008 Koup Concept.

GM Daewoo Winstorm Maxx

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

GM Daewoo has launched the Winstorm Maxx, a rebadged variant of the Opel Antara for the South Korean market. The premium 5-seater SUV is powered by a 2.0 liter diesel unit.

Cobra Venom V8 Roadster

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Created by Jamie Martin, the Cobra Venom V8 Roadster is a design study for a modern reinterpretation of the 1960's AC-Shelby Cobra, powered by a supercharged 4.6 liter engine.

GM Design Intern Program - Week 2

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

This week the students chose their emerging markets and then created a profile of an imaginary person from that market. The next step will be to design a vehicle based on the needs of that person.

Car painting on Sketchbook Pro

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

In this video David Bentley shows the creation process of a car digital painting in Autodesk Sketchbook Pro.

GM bankruptcy an option; U.S. auto sales hit 15-yr low

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

General Motors Corp will need to raise about $15 billion in cash to shore up liquidity and bankruptcy is “not impossible” if the U.S. auto market continues to slump, Merrill Lynch said Wednesday.

Toyota lowers price of Prius amid strong demand

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Toyota's Prius hybird is selling well in Canada and now the cars will be almost $2,000 cheaper.

No relief at pumps over next five years: IEA

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

World oil supply will rise more slowly than expected by 2013, leaving little spare capacity on the market despite weaker demand growth, the International Energy Agency said on Tuesday.

What Canada can learn from Frances car cult

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

This past weekend, the first wave of French families left on holidays many will wish to forget.

July 2008 Table of Contents

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

July 2008 Table of Contents

Here are the stories from the July 2008 issue of Automobile Magazine. Some stories do not appear online until after the magazine has gone on sale at the newsstand. Go pick up the latest issue to read the entire magazine.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Let me just say right off the bat that I love the new SLK350. Let me also say that I was not a huge fan of previous SLKs, and I downright didn't like the four-cylinder models. At this point I should also admit that my friends made fun of me while I was driving the SLK. But just a little.

See, now that Mercedes has made numerous changes to the SLK's mechanical bits and interior quality, its biggest problem is its image. My friend Sarah said the SLK looked like a car for lawyers' wives. My friend Scott, her boyfriend, said it made me look like the lawyer's boyfriend. Ouch.

Potential image issues aside, I put 200 miles on the SLK350 in a few days, and wound up not tiring of it. Which is more than I can say about some other cute little convertibles I've driven in the last few weeks (Mazda's MX-5 and Mini's Cooper S convertible, to name just two). And the best parts of the SLK were things that I never expected: the engine and the steering.

First of all, Mercedes has installed its Direct-Steer System on the SLK. The idea behind this system is that the steering ratio should be relatively slow on-center to reduce dartiness, but should quicken as you turn the wheel further. Rather than going the BMW Active Steering route, which uses a computer to control the constantly varying steering ratio, Mercedes chose the right route: the Porsche way. In place of complex actuators, pumps, and computers, the Mercedes system requires no additional parts - the rack is designed to change to a quicker ratio after a certain amount of lock.

Unlike in the BMW models with Active Steering, where you're always second-guessing what the result of your steering input will be, you don't even notice the Mercedes system. You just notice that the SLK has fantastic on-center steering feel, tracks dead straight ahead even at triple-digit speeds, and then turns in progressively and quickly when the road twists. The system gives the SLK a feel of sportiness that it's been missing since day one.

That second big fix is the engine. Turn the key, and the SLK350's 3.5-liter V-6 will surprise you with its throaty exhaust note. Stomp on the gas, and you'll be positively shocked. This is one of the best-sounding V-6 engines on sale today, if not the best. The new engine revs to 7200 rpm, and the seven-speed automatic bangs off quick shifts through closely spaced gears. I kept slowing down so I could floor it and hear the music again and again.

The new engine isn't just all bark and no bite: horsepower has been increased by 32 compared to last year's 3.5-liter. Producing an even 300 hp at 6500 rpm and 265 lb-ft at 4900, the SLK is seriously quick. Mercedes claims that it'll hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which is only four tenths slower than the V-8-powered SLK55 AMG. The V-6's newfound thrust comes courtesy of a higher compression ratio (11.7:1), a new intake manifold, and modifications to the valvetrain. To sweeten the deal, the 350 actually gets better fuel economy than last year's engine.

If there is one fault with the SLK350, it's that it's not available with a manual transmission. The base SLK300 is, though it's considerably slower (228 hp, 221 lb-ft, 0-to-60 mph in 5.1 seconds), only revs to 6500 rpm, and doesn't sound nearly as good.

The rest of the driving experience in the SLK is just as pleasant as its exhaust note: the suspension is taut but gives a surprisingly smooth ride at highway speeds. Handling is fairly neutral, and grip is prodigious. Brake feel is excellent, and cross-drilled rotors stay quiet all the time. The chassis is remarkably solid and free of scuttle shake. The transmission is only occasionally slow to react to sudden throttle inputs, and I was disappointed that the non-AMG SLK models lack a full manual mode.

The interior is finished with materials that are a quantum leap from the first SLK's, and a medium-sized suitcase can fit in the trunk even with the top lowered. A simple mesh wind blocker stretches across the roll hoops, and combined with heated seats, a powerful heater, and the delectable Airscarf (which blows warm air on your neck), makes top-down Interstate-speed cruising comfortable even when it's cold. In fact, even at speeds up to 120 mph, airflow is remarkably well controlled in the cabin with the top down.

Mercedes' new, enhanced stereo system sounds fantastic, and the iPod integration works well. Unfortunately, the small screen on the dashboard appears to have the same resolution as a 1980s monochrome computer monitor. Thankfully, it can be switched off completely.

I wonder if some of the SLK's target customers (those lawyers' wives) will tire of the 350's exhaust note, but I certainly wouldn't. In fact, other than my friends' accusations that I was that lawyer's wife, I wouldn't tire of the SLK at all. Hats off to Mercedes for turning the SLK into a real sports car. If it were available with a manual transmission, it would even give the Porsche Boxster a run for its money, and that's high praise indeed.

Photo Gallery: 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK350 - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

Bertone B.A.T. 11 Makes North American Debut at 2008 Meadow Brook Concours dElegance

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Bertone B.A.T. 11 Makes North American Debut at 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance

Unless you were one of the elite few who managed to ascertain where in Geneva the car was being displayed, there's a good chance you've not seen the Bertone B.A.T. 11 concept in person. Lucky for you, there's now a chance to see it in person - and without leaving the continental U.S.

The B.A.T. 11 is scheduled to make its North American debut on August 3 at the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance in Rochester, Michigan. The timing is perhaps ironic, as last year's show hosted a reunion of the original B.A.T. (Berlina Aerodynamica Technica) cars from the 1950's. The cars, including B.A.T 5 in 1953, B.A.T. 7 in 1954, and B.A.T. 9 in 1955, were crafted by Bertone atop the Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint chassis in an attempt to merge show-car styling with studies in aerodynamics.

B.A.T. 9 somehow made its way to the U.S. in the early 1960s, when a then-sixteen-year-old Gary Kaberle scraped together enough money to purchase the car from a local Dodge dealer. Kaberle sold the car 23 years later to finance medical treatment of his late wife, but commissioned Bertone in 2006 to create the B.A.T. 11 in her memory.

Although little more than a non-functioning model, B.A.T. 11 theoretically continues the Alfa lineage by utilizing running gear sourced from the slinky Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The car's styling, penned by Bertone designer David Wilkie, strongly recalls the bodywork of B.A.T. 7 but still retains a futuristic look.

For more information on attending the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance and seeing B.A.T. 11 in person, visit http://www.meadowbrookconcours.org/.

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited is Limited to Japan

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

2009 Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited is Limited to Japan

GM may have a host of activities planned in the U.S. to celebrate its centennial, but we like how the company is marking the milestone in Japan: with the special-edition 2009 Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited.

Essentially nothing more than a trim package, the S-Limited adds a few unique touches for the Japanese market, including split five-spoke alloy wheels clad in an aluminum gray finish, a rear decklid spoiler evocative of that on the ZR1, and chromed mesh inserts for the front grille, rear exhaust port, and side vents. Color choices for the S-Limited are, appropriately enough, limited; customers can choose either an arctic white or black exterior. Arctic white cars come with a white-on-black two-tone interior, while the black cars sport interior highlights in sienna.

Also limited are the S-Limited's production figures. Only 30 examples are slated for assembly - 15 in each color combination. Buyers interested in purchasing an S-Limited will have to plunk down ¥7,980,000 ($75,240). Considering basic Corvettes sticker at ¥7,130,000 ($67,226) in Japan, style and exclusivity apparently don't come cheap.

Photo Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited is Limited to Japan

RoC chasing Lewis?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The Race of Champions is back at Wembley for 2008. Will Hamilton go head-to-head with Schumacher?

Exclusive outtakes

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Things don't always go to plan at TG - and we have the clips to prove it

Meet the R8-TT

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

German tuner's not-so-mellow-yellow Audi TT has a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds - the same as the R8

The R8-TT

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Not-so-mellow-yellow 362bhp Audi TT has R8 performance...

Hybrids gone crazy!?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

All is not what it seems; this is a cutting-edge equine trainer. Really

Fast and the spurious

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

'This isn't Shakespeare,' says lead in the new Fast and Furious movie

Squeezing gas for the very last mile

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Record gas prices are drawing new attention to the competitive tribe of drivers dedicated to squeezing every last mile out of a tank of fuel, and that hasn’t necessarily been a good thing.

GM’s stock falls to lowest level since 1954

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

GM will need to raise about $15 billion in cash to shore up liquidity and bankruptcy is “not impossible” if the U.S. auto market continues to slump, Merrill Lynch said on Wednesday.

GM bests Toyota in a dismal sales month

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

General Motors Corp. outsells Toyota Motor Corp. in June to retain its traditional U.S. sales lead, even though GM says its sales dropped 18.2 percent for the month.

Automakers call mileage standards aggressive

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

A lobbying group for 10 major automakers said Tuesday the government is underestimating the cost of increasing fuel economy standards and wants those standards to go into effect too quickly.

Patriotic? Here’s how to buy American

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Car buyers interested in giving the domestic automakers and by extension, the American economy, a lift can do so with their next vehicle purchase.

Tatra 903 Concept

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Czech magazine AutoDesign&Styling has asked designer Mike Jelinek to create his vision of the Tatra of the future. The result is the 903 Concept, a fuel cell luxury sportscar with innovative aerodynamic solutions.

Th!nk Ox

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

The Th!nk Ox is a 5-seater electric crossover vehicle based on a platform suitable for different body styles. The 60 kw powertrain is coupled with Li-ion batteries which allow for a 200 km range and a top speed of 130 km/h.

GM Global Design Intern Program

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Six teams spend the summer designing a vehicle for an emerging market for the year 2020. Each week, the teams have a certain goal or milestone to achieve each and at the end of the program, they show their designs to GM executives.

Tesla Looks to California for Electric Sedan Production

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Tesla Looks to California for Electric Sedan Production

With their headquarters and heritage already established in Silicon Valley, executives from electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors today told California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 'they'd be back' to build future products in-state.

The announcement comes after speculation regarding the location of Tesla's next assembly facility. While the company's current product, the Lotus-based Roadster, is partially built in Hethel, England, Tesla had indicated it hoped to build its next offering, the so-called "Whitestar" sedan, in the United States.

Company executives had looked at a number of locations for the plant, and were seemingly set to break ground in New Mexico. That decision didn't jive well with Schwarzenegger, a Tesla enthusiast (and future owner) himself.

"I myself bought one of the first Tesla cars," he said at a press conference this afternoon. "For me to see this company build these cars in New Mexico drove me absolutely insane."

Schwarzenegger worked with state treasurer Bill Lockyer to draft new financial incentives - reportedly totaling in excess of $1 million - that would lure Tesla to California.

Perhaps most pivotal is a program passed by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, which exempts companies building zero-emission vehicles from paying sales and use taxes on manufacturing equipment. Further aid could come if Tesla locates in one of the state's eight Enterprise Zones - areas promoted by the government for business development.

Tesla executives haven't yet announced precisely where in California they're seeking to locate the facility, but Lockyer indicated that the factory would bring approximately 400 white-collar jobs to the state. Tesla chairman Elon Musk did let slip that the plant could accommodate a product other than the Whitestar. Musk wouldn't comment extensively on its details, other than to say it is an EV priced at under $30,000, and set to launch "within four years."

Photo Gallery: Tesla Looks to California for Electric Sedan Production - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

Birth of an LS9

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Birth of an LS9

GM's Performance Build Center is tucked away in an industrial park in Wixom, Michigan. Opened in 2005, this building has since been the birthplace of every Corvette Z06's LS7 V-8, as well as the supercharged LC3 Northstars that power Cadillac's STS-V and XLR-V. Impressive powerplants to be sure, but they're old news - and they're not what brought me here.

The PBC is also the place where each LS9 engine will go from a bare, run-of-the-mill(ing machine) 6.2-liter block to a 638-hp, supercharged engine befitting a Corvette wrapper priced north of the $100k mark. I'm here to see how the ZR1's heart is built.

A full LS9 build takes about four and a half hours and the engines will be produced at a rate of 45 per week. Each of the 25 skilled engine builders follows an engine from start to finish, affixing their name to the finished product. All engines are then cold-tested on a dyno (gasoline and OSHA rules don't mix, apparently) and then LS9s are sent to a third-party supplier for a twenty-minute hot test.

We were given a tour of the line (one of three in the facility) that has just started building production LS9s. After witnessing the completion of the engine that will go into the first customer ZR1 - the car that sold at Barrett-Jackson for $1 million - I met Bruce Blomfield who let me follow along and lend a hand (read: slow down the process) as he built another LS9.

It was an exciting and educational afternoon, to say the least. We took video of the build and condensed it into about six and a half minutes. The YouTube version is embedded below and you can also see a larger, higher-quality version here on our site.

Photo Gallery: Birth of an LS9 - Latest News, Reviews, and Features - Automobile Magazine

2010 Chevrolet Volt Prototype Spied

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

2010 Chevrolet Volt Prototype Spied

Chevrolet's Volt plug-in hybrid won't be arriving in showrooms for at least another two years, but a careful eye may spot one of the many development mules testing its hybrid powertrain on public roads.

Our spies did just that, snapping some pictures of the Malibu-bodied test vehicle as GM engineers took it for a spin outside of the automaker's proving grounds. Although the vehicle's body is radically different from the slippery shape the production car will wear, we're told the mechanicals beneath the skin are all Volt-specific and stem not from the Malibu, but from the next-generation Delta small-car platform.

That means we're expecting a small-displacement gasoline motor (possibly a three- or four-cylinder) underhood, partnered with electric drive motors. We'd also expect the car to sport some form of a lithium-ion battery pack, as both Continental and A123 Systems - GM's partners in developing the Volt's batteries - have reportedly delivered prototype packs to GM engineers.

Those batteries are reportedly a large headache in pushing the Volt into production. GM hopes to begin mass production of the car in 2010, but development delays threaten to push that date back by nearly two years. When Volts do arrive in showrooms, the added costs of the lithium-ion batteries may push its price tag to $40,000 - nearly $10,000 more than GM originally suggested.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Volt Prototype Spied - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

Duc-ing Hell

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Stoner romps to MotoGP victory, Rossi falls. Championship wide open

Super sonic Lambo

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Tuned Superleggera has remote-operated exhaust volume control. Honest

Missed it?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

If you saw Sunday's show, tell us your thoughts. If you didn't, well, watch it

When enough isnt enough

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

'There is no such thing as a too-powerful sports car,' says Ferrari F430 Scuderia-tuner Novitec Rosso. Right...

Its dark materials

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Brabus sprinkles a much-needed bit of magic over the latest Merc SL

When it comes to cars, kids want luxury

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

If you’re of the view that today’s up-and-coming “Generation Y” workers tend to have a serious sense of self-entitlement, recent auto sales figures support your position.

Chrysler to close Missouri plant indefinitely

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Chrysler LLC said Monday it will close one Missouri plant indefinitely this fall and cut production at another due to slumping demand for trucks and other large vehicles.

Plunging pickup sales prompted change

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

High gasoline prices and the economic downturn are changing the market for pickups and SUVs far faster than anyone anticipated.

Nine in 10 expect gas costs to squeeze them

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Nine in 10 are expecting the ballooning costs to squeeze them financially over the next half-year, an Associated Press poll released Monday says.

IFR Automotive Aspid preview

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

At the next London Motor Show automotive engineering company IFR Automotive will unveil the Aspid, a two-seater roadster with a lightweight aluminium-carbon fiber structure and a total mass of 700 kg which will be produced in limited series from 2009.

From Alias Studio to Showcase

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

A tutorial that shows how to create simple animations such as rotations in Showcase starting from a 3D model imported from Alias Studio.

Top 10: Mileage Tips From Hypermilers

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Saving money at the pumps matters to drivers across the nation - these tips will help you keep the clicks up and the bills in your wallet.

Kia opens Design Center America

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Kia has inaugurated its Corporate Hedquartes and the Kia Design Center America (KDCA) which are part of the U.S. Corporate Campus, a facility located in Irvine, California, which required a capital investment of $130-million.

Toyota prices may rise; Mitsubishi cuts production

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Toyota Motor Corp. said it may need to raise prices of cars in Japan to offset the surging cost of raw materials, a move that could further dent demand in an industry that is getting hit from all sides.

Toyota announces new pricing, more standard features for 09 Tacoma

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Toyota Canada has announced new pricing and new standard features for the 2009 Tacoma, available now.

Supercharged Direct-Injection V-6 Destined for Next Audi S4

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Supercharged Direct-Injection V-6 Destined for Next Audi S4

Although Audi's still secretive about its plans for the next-generation S4, it has revealed what is rumored to lurk underhood: a 3.0-liter supercharged direct-injection V-6.

Audi's named the motor the 3.0 TFSI, although unlike previous motors with the TFSI nomenclature, the V-6 makes use of a supercharger in lieu of a turbocharger. That blower is nestled between the banks of the 90-degree V-6, allowing Audi to squeeze the 3.0 TFSI into tighter packages.

The supercharger, coupled with direct fuel injection, allows the smaller V-6 to produce respectable numbers. Preliminary specifications for the 3.0 TFSI have the supercharged six turning 290 hp at 5000 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque from 2500 to 4850 rpm.

Sure, that horsepower figure is down 54 ponies from the current S4's 4.2-liter V8, but the real magic lies in the torque figures. The 3.0 TFSI produces eight lb-ft of torque more than the V-8, and does so at 2500 rpm - 1000 rpm lower than the V8.

Audi also tells us to expect an average combined fuel economy of 25.5 mpg from the engine, which is an impressive 10 mpg better than today's S4.

Expect to see official details surrounding the 3.0 TFSI's installation in the S4 as soon as October, when the new S4 may be unveiled at the Paris motor show.

Photo Gallery: Supercharged Direct-Injection V-6 Destined for Next Audi S4 - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

It might not be love at first sight, but once behind the wheel of the Eclipse you'll fall hard for this coupe's performance abilities.

Jaguar Land Rover opens Virtual Reality Center

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Jaguar Land Rover has announced the opening of its new Virtual Reality Centre at the Design and Engineering Centre in Gaydon - Warwickshire, UK. Among the highlights is the advanced Computer Aided Virtual Environment (CAVE) facility.

Pininfarina Hyperion preview

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

Pininfarina has announced that it will unveil a special one-off called Hyperion during Pebble Beach Concours, on August 2008. The car, commissioned by a private collector, is based on the Rolls Royce Drophead Coupé and inspired by pre war cars.

HDR Environments in AliasStudio

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

This AliasStudio tutorial explains how to apply an HDR environment to a model, manipulate the environment with tone-mapping sliders and embed HDR environments inside a file.

Ferrari California: roof opening

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

A short video that shows the opening-closing mechanism of the Ferrari California, that transforms it from a spider into a coupé in just 15 seconds.

Hybrid taxis creating big savings

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

A pilot project on hybrid taxis in Alberta has concluded the vehicles -- including larger SUVs -- pay for themselves in fuel savings within 14 to 18 months.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Laps Nurburgring in 7:26

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Laps Nurburgring in 7:26

After hearing of the scorching lap time set by the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V at the Nurburgring, we were anxiously waiting to see what the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 could throw down.

We wait no longer: the 638-hp ZR1 makes its way around the 17.6-mile course in a scant 7 minutes and 26.4 seconds.

The Corvette development team has been in Germany over the past few weeks, but engineer Jim Mero piloted the ZR1 to the new time early this morning. Mero's car was reportedly bone-stock, equipped only with radio and safety equipment required to run the 'Ring. Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter noted the car even ran on pump fuel, which - given the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 underhood - was likely high-octane.

That 7:26 time shatters the time set by a likely ZR1 competitor, Nissan's GT-R, which lapped the 'Ring earlier this year in 7 minutes 29 seconds.

Although Juechter downplays the importance of Nurburgring times, we're betting Nissan's folks are working dilligently to best the ZR1's time with an upcoming GT-R V-spec.

Photo Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Laps Nurburgring in 7:26 - Latest News, Features, and Reviews - Automobile Magazine