Category: New Model Introductions

High-Style 4-Door Aims to Show That VW’s Styling Mojo is Alive and Well
Volkswagen unveiled the Passat CC at NAIAS today, and it really is a looker. Long, low, and sleek, it aims to be a statement of cutting edge design: an artistic blending of cutting edge product design and everyday practicality. When it goes on sale later in the year, it will supplement the standard issue Passat sedan, giving the Passat lineup three unique bodystyles – sedan, wagon, and this third variant. In keeping with the car’s high-design message, VW’s product intro video showed it parked at the gorgeously minimalist Marmol Radziner modern pre-fab house near Palm Springs, a strong statement of practical yet avant-garde design.

Volkswagen refers to the car as a coupe, despite its four sedan doors. Does this all sound a bit familiar? It should, as Mercedes-Benz captivated hearts and [...]

Hyundai’s First Luxury Sedan is Packed with Impressive Specs
Hyundai unveiled the production Genesis luxury sedan that was previewed last year in concept form at the New York Auto Show. The production version has hardly changed except for the front and rear fascias; it’s a pleasant looking big sedan that definitely pays homage to some of the more aspirational luxury cars out there, albeit in a most conservative manner.

No doubt, this is one impressive Hyundai. It’s the first rear drive Hyundai in North America (if you don’t count the Canada-only Stellar from the early 80s). It’s got a tremendously sophisticated five-link independent rear suspension, one of the stiffest chassis on the market, fantastic interior accommodations and build quality, and even – lo and behold – an available 4.6L V8 that cranks out 368HP, on regular fuel! This writer, having driven several prototypes throughout [...]

Scion's Release Series cotinues with xB RS 5.0.

Mercedes SLK gets a tuck here and there for 2009.

BMW Joins the Effort to Spread the Diesel Gospel
If there’s one company out there whose powertrain reputation is beyond reproach, it’s easily BMW. Some underwhelming 4-cylinders from the 80s and 90s aside, it’s hard to point out any BMW motors that weren’t powerful, engaging, soulful, and indestructible. Except for the indestructible part, those descriptors certainly don’t describe diesel, at least in the minds of North American drivers.
In case you hadn’t heard, the Europeans are firing their first volleys in their attempted diesel revolution in the US. They’ve actually tried for years to sell Americans on diesels, touting their economy and longevity as advantages. But thanks to some really notably awful diesels from the 70s and 80s (and consumers’ long memories), the only takers have been automotive eccentrics. Today though, in the days of rising fuel prices and international instability, there is a significant increase in interest in fuel-saving technologies.

Mild Trim Package Celebrates 50 Years of Impala
Though the nameplate has certainly seen its share of ups and downs, there’s no denying that the Impala has been a core staple of the Chevrolet lineup. And behold – now there’s a 50th anniversary special edition commemorating its place in mainstream America’s driveways. Actually, if you wanted to be really picky it should be the 41st Anniversary Impala, given that the nameplate went into retirement from 1985-1994, but we’ll let Chevy have this one.
There’s really not that much to it, to be honest. It’s more of a trim package than anything else, not even incorporating the available 5.3L V8 that transforms the innocuous rental darling into the hilariously tire-smoking front-drive SS. Based on the LT trim level, you get goodies like two-tone leather seats, accent threading on the floor mats, a rear spoiler, and [...]

Tata Motors of India announced its Nano micro car - the Nano. Minimalist transportation for middle class families in India. World's cheapest new car.

Tata Motors of India announced its Nano micro car - the Nano. Minimalist transportation for middle class families in India. World's cheapest new car.

Ford Mustang Glassback: Taking the classic fastback look of the Mustang coupe and adding a glass roof brings both natural light or open-air benefits to the lineup. The glass roof stretches from the A to B pillar and really opens up the interior.

Third generation Subaru Forester evolves into a Crossover SUV... finally.